Look of the Week:The Handbag Edit
I’ve been on the hunt for a new handbag this fall. Unlike some women, I buy very few and keep them for years. I consider myself a collector and still carry handbags that are older than my children! Because I wear so much black, I thought a black bag would feel boring so I focused on color.
Wearing- sweater | jeans | beltĀ similarĀ |Ā handbag | shoes
Red is popping up everywhere this fall and I’ve been enticed by its siren call. It’s a happy color that sends a message of power, fun, vibrancy, and visibility. Who doesn’t love that?
Lots of bags crossed my path but I waited until I found one I could not resist. I’m a firm believer in buying only what you love. Mediocre will work for wardrobe basics but not something I carry and look at several times a day.
I took it out for a test run this weekend. Errands and shopping for an upcoming brand trip to NY were the order of the day. Lightweight cardigan to cover my upper arms, check. Ballet flats for comfort, check. Trend jeans for fun,Ā check. Leopard belt for sass,Ā check. Favorite necklace because I love it, check.
The color is Claret which is quieter than “screaming red” and slides into my wardrobe perfectly. It’s the antithesis of those slouchy hobo bags that are so popular this fall.
I’ve never been a fan of having my bag flop. I love its crisp shape and cutout handles. It has a removable crossbody strap for hands-free use that I’m having my cobbler shorten so it hits at my hip, rather than my thigh.
Expect to see my new handbag a lot, because I’m totally smitten with it. It’s cosmopolitan and modern shape has the structure I like in a handbag, without looking stuffy.
SHOP RED HANDBAGS
Do you collect handbags?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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You refer to the color as claret. Nordstrom’s calls it cranberry. I checked with Elizabeth and James and the correct color name is cranberry.
I purchased my bag at Net-a-Porter and mine is Claret. Net-a-Porter frequently gets exclusive colors from some designers and I assume that’s what this is, however, I have not seen the Nordstrom version in person to compare. Here’s the link to mine http://shopstyle.it/l/j9V5 where they label it Claret.
Its a great bag and I love the colour!
I have very few bags…most of mine are found at consignment and thrift shops!
I don’t think we need many bags. Just a few special ones that we love.
My new purse for all is that same color. I scored a beautiful Jessica Simpson handbag at TJMaxx for $50. Excellent quality, holds all my stuff and it’s just the right color to add some interest but not overpower me. Never thought of having the strap shortened. Great idea. They are almost always too long!
Cobblers can do amazing alterations. Isn’t it a fabulous color??
There have been purses that I didn’t purchase because the strap length left it much too low on my petite frame. What a brilliant idea to have it shortened. Thank you. Or maybe not, I’d almost given up buying more purses. LOL.
We petite ladies need to alter many things! It’s an easy fix too. Be sure you use a good cobbler so it won’t show.
I have been known to collect. However, I am down to my favs as I’m limited in space. I still have my first nice handbag given to me my by parents. It’s a 1973 brown Coach bag probably purchased at Neiman Marcus where my mom shopped. I don’t carry it but it is in pristine condition. I love handbags!! The one you purchased is so cute and the color is wonderful!!!
Lucky you!! I remember when Coach made outstanding leather bags.
I have been dreaming of a red handbag the past few weeks! It would be a perfect way to add a pop of colour to my otherwise neutral wardrobe and a trendy one at that. I love the idea of “claret” rather than “screaming red”.
We’re on the same page again, Elaine!! It’s a great shade of red.
Love, love, everything in your photos! Outfit, bag, approach to wardrobe! I made the mistake of buying a “flop over bag” this fall and it is pretty but it irritates me. I never buy black bags and my favourite basic accent colour is purple!
Thank you Janet!! Purple is such an amazing color. I only have one Purple accessory and I love it. Yay you!!
LOVE the bag….color, shape, weave, texture. Am envious! I always get a kick out of it when you refer to “cobbler”, I am from the same era shall I say. Have fun in NYC.
Judy.
Lol! I hate to call him a shoe repair man because he’s so talented. I love everything about it too!!
That’s a real beauty! I’ve also been searching for the perfect “me” bag this fall and have yet to find it. The slouchy hobos aren’t for me, either. We’re off to Italy later this month, and I’m hoping to find the perfect souvenir. Maybe I’ll get lucky. š
You’ll have a hard time choosing in Italy Laurel. I’ve never seen more beautiful bags than there.
You’ll have a hard time choosing Laurel! Italy has the finest leather goods. Have fun.
Lovely bag, Jennifer! Persnickety is my word of the day…perfect!
Have a great day Cheryl!
I love your bag…..but too expensive….if you come across a similar style that is less expensive, let us know!!
Will do! That’s why I buy so few bags. I want a good one I’ll still be using in 20 years.
I love red anything, so I’m happy that it trending this year. That means a better selection of everything from home decor to purses.
I love your new purse. It’s very different. I have one in that exact colour but it is more suited to my work days than my casual lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder to look for a suitable one while the selection is good.
It’s a very wearable red. I’m loving it and yes, now’s the time Joanna:)
I love the color of your bag. Several years ago I bought a red bag. Unfortunately it was a “screaming red” and after a couple of carries it collected dust. I finally sent it to a charity shop. I’m thinking I need a new red bag, I thought that last year and saw one, thought about it for two weeks and never went back for it. I’m sorry I didn’t because the color was more like the one you bought. I’m sure the right bag will find me this year. I think handbags are a very personal thing. What works for one won’t work for the other. I’m very particular about my bags and I’ve got a closet full so I’ve been particular for a long time.
I agree Atonia. Bags are so personal. This is a great red that goes with so many things. I am very persnickety about my bags which is one reason I buy so few.
DO you mean DO I KEEP THEM and NEVER TOSS THEM AWAY?!!!!
YES!!!!!!CHances are I will not use the older ones again but its HARD to get rid of for me!
I do not have that many………..but the ones I do have special meaning and memories……..
Like living in FLORENCE I got a GREAT STAMPED bag from a small tiny shop downtown.The maker was FURLA.I had never heard of them and Liked that……………..they became a SENSATION after I made my PURCHASE!!!
I have a hard time getting rid of older bags too. They are like great friends and have shared so much life with me. I love Furla! Italy is home for some of the finest leather handbags.