These days, there’s something almost edgy and dangerous about a prim, ladylike bag (and vice versa). It’s all about attitude, especially the attitude of the girl behind the bag, and no one seems to know this right now like Salvatore Ferragamo. After a long drought, they recently won me over with their gorgeous crocodile Viola tote, and now they’ve managed to stand by their classic roots – like horse bit-inspired hardware – while presenting something quite modern and covetable.
The color palette of the small Sofia tote just oozes summer. Crisp white set off by royal ocean and pale sky blues brings to mind languid vacation days spent on the coast of Sardinia or strolling the craggy hills of Capri. Maybe I’m just getting carried away, daydreaming of a beachy Italian escape!
But this bag does get it right, from the polished front flap to the slouched gussets to the at-attention top handle to the shoulder-strap option. Extra points for the zippered compartment on the back of the bag. I’ll also hand it to the snob who works this with bronzed skin, a dark plum lip, and a killer pair of cat-eye sunnies. Salvatore Ferragamo small Sofia on Luisa via Roma for $2,255.
Pair with: If the beach isn’t on your horizon, pay homage to the retro headscarf without actually wearing a scarf. Etro’s abstracted paisley-print pencil skirt mismatches in a way that’s so right. On NET-A-PORTER for $980.
