Dear Bag Snob,
First of all, I love your website…it is perfection, and your taste is impeccable. I, too, am a fashion snob, but one with limited means. (sob) I have decided to make a new purchase and have been saving my money to buy one handbag. My price range is between $500 and $800, unless you think that I should save my money and wait until I can afford the right kind of bag.
Bag criteria:
– Go from day to night, go with almost everything
– Medium sized (I want to fit things in it, but look chic, not like a peasant carting their entire life around town).
– Undeniably stylish (I am only 22, so it needs to be young. I have a classic style that’s also hip and modern. I want to be able to wear the bag with dressier oufits but it has to be able to go with jeans and white converse too)
– Not be over next season (like the Balenciaga bags… I saw that coming miles away, but still loved those bags).
– Unsnubbable (I don’t want anyone to be able to look down on my bag….and I mean anyone.)
Colors I am considering are white (but will it be over after spring/summer?), pale gold/metallic bronze (I love metallics when used as an accent in the right way, and don’t care if this trend is over) and dark brown/black (but not fun for summer, and does brown go with black/black with brown?)
Thank you, your expert opinion would be extremely appreciated!
Sincerely,
Eliza
Dear Eliza,
Your search is something we all want – the one perfect bag! Unfortunately that doesn’t exist but that’s the beauty, how boring would it be if we only had ONE bag? But we will attempt to come up with a few options for you. Your budget is a range many of our readers have asked us about but these days, top designers are pricing most of their bags over $1000. Marc Jacobs have some that are a few dollars under $1000. And you don’t want to be out-snubbed? Well, unless you have a diamond croc Birkin, there will always be someone out there who is a bigger snob than you. What you want is to be fabulous and that we can help you with! First off, say no to your white converse! Bags are the biggest fabulous makers and shoes are a close second. We hope it’s just youthful foolishness and you’ll grow out of that (and soon!!). You did hit a biggie with metallics so you are forgiven. The trend is most certainly not over. The light, subtle tones Prada, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors are doing are really beautiful and is perfect for going from day to night. White is fabulous but of course is seasonal. If this really is your only bag, I would stick to light neutrals.
The Marc Jacobs Julia tote is definitely a basic. It will endure many trends and although it is a respectable bag, you won’t be turning heads. $995 at Net-A-Porter.
I love this gold Napa Drawstring tote from Prada. The color is so beautiful in person. This is definitely glitzy enough to make your friends jealous. The $1560 at Neiman Marcus.
This is not my first choice but again, the subtle tone of the metallic makes this bag so beautiful. The shopper style tote is clunky for evening but as an overall bag, it is very functional. $1195 at Neiman Marcus.
This Marc Jacobs Military Metallic Tote is super cute for a young girl. I love the shape and color, this is near perfect as an all around bag. The tote style is great for night because it won’t take over your shoulder if you are wearing something delicate or a strapless. (Just so you know, I am considering getting this bag.) The best part is, it right within your budget, $895 at eLuxury
Based on your age and your budget, this is the bag I like most for you. This Miu Miu is young and hip yet classic enough to make it through many seasons. It is a good everyday size and comes in brown, tan and white (I love the white the most). The lock feature is a variation on the padlock – it is a little storage pouch, super cute! It’s just over $1000, available at Barneys New York (not available through their website).
We hope that helps and please let us know what you end up getting.
Your fabulous stylist,
The Bag Snob