Winter Accessories: It’s In The Bag
Winter is a great time to give your wardrobe a mini detox.
Look at what is old and seen better days, what actually fits and sourcing out your warmest pieces to get you through the season.
Beyond bringing jackets, blazers and capes (yes, capes) front of centre, don’t overlook your bag collection.
I know – you love your bag! It’s the perfect size, you’ve had it “forever” and parting with it is going against your if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mantra.
I get it, I too have my favourites.
However sometimes we can be so comfortable with our handbags, that we don’t really take the time to look at them.
For example, is yours looking a little dated? Perhaps it’s a bit faded, scratched or does the lining require the magic of a seamstress?
If you answered yes, then perhaps a new handbag could be just the thing you need!
Now before you upgrade, I already know that many of you will want to buy the exact same bag, or one just like it, right?
Not quite. Sometimes change is good. So in this case, lets get a little adventurous and explore changing the shape, colour or even size of your bag.
Now buying a new bag can be a minefield, especially if you are time poor. Almost every fashion store now holds an accessory section and material options are plentiful.
Coming off the back of our Accessory A Day In May Style Challenge, I’ve done the hard work for you in the hunt for the “IT” bag.
Okay… shopping isn’t that hard (for everyone) but it is a timely exercise! I hope you enjoy this visual bag-shop around Chadstone and it helps you perhaps find your perfect arm candy. As always, various styles and budgets have been catered for.
So let’s begin with our everyday accessory:
The Handbag
This has got to be one of the hardest working accessories. We fill our handbags to the brim, move them from shoulder to shoulder, to shopping trolley, plonk them on the front seat of the car and they keep our essentials safe day in and day out.
I have nothing but respect for the handbag!
However, before you reach for a safe black leather, two-strap handbag classic, here are three tips to help you in your shop:
- Quality is key. You use a handbag daily so if it can, buy something that will take you through a few seasons and is made from a hardwearing material.
- Colour – neutral is a sensible choice unless all you wear is black and neutral tones. If you’re seeking the “wow’ factor – colour or print will be your friend.
- Keep the bag size in proportion to your body. (Yes, it does matter).
The Tote
In my wardrobe, a tote has always been my version of a soft, light briefcase. It’s usually carried in addition to my handbag to hold paperwork and extra shoes for blog photos.
This year however, the tote bag is giving the handbag a run for its’ money. Even I have fallen prey to the trend, trading in my handbag and solely using a tote bag for the day.
So why now?
Well, I got myself a gorgeous grey flannel tote from Witchery a few days prior to Mother’s Day and I have to say that I am loving the easy, light, large convenience of it all. I have found myself choosing it over my handbag almost daily.
Now it could be a novelty thing at the moment but the easy access to all my belongings in one place is very appealing 🙂
So are there any style rules before we swing a tote on our arms?
No, not really. It is an accessory so the only thing to consider is its’ weight (don’t overfill them), size and look and making sure it reasonably matches your day to day outfits.
Just today while I was in traffic, I observed a lady in her 60’s carrying a pink plastic tote with ballerinas on it. She was impeccably dressed and it did look a little out of place. No judgement here, just an observation that I saw the bag before I saw the woman.
The Clutch
Who loves a clutch?
Forget what you know about clutches, they now make them bigger than your compact mirror and not every one is clad in sequins.
The clutch has moved from the little bag we wear or carry to match our shoes at the wedding, to a bit of an everyday bag.
Years ago, a clutch was always required to match our shoes. No longer!
These days if the clutch is a leopard print and our shoes are red – rock it!
Now clutches can be so much easier to carry than a handbag mainly because most of us go out with a lipstick, credit card, comb, phone and tissues. That’s pretty much it and clutches are made to house them all in their small space.
Traditionally, you would carry a clutch in your hand but if it has a thin shoulder strap, it can add a bit more of a punch to an outfit, rather than carrying your everyday handbag that has everything but the kitchen sink in it.
Many envelope clutches are quite large (big enough to fit an iPad for example) and can fit a little more than the essentials in it. There’s also the rise of the see-through clutch if you’re happy to put your items on display.
When it comes to shopping, I will always encourage a “quality” purchase for longevity’s sake however when it comes to the clutch, you can get away with it.
If you are buying a clutch as a once off to blend with an outfit, opt for something seasonal in a fabric or faux leather. If you’re looking for a clutch as a go-to piece in your wardrobe, look for something a little more classic and perhaps in leather.
So now it’s over to you. Which bag lady are you?
Are you a clutch-a-holic, a tote enthusiast or a devotee to the handbag?
Let me know your carryall stories and I’d also be keen to know:
- What goes in your handbag?
- Do you change your handbag regularly to match your outfit?
- Your favourite/go-to bag?
Lis says
Have just bought a new winter tone hobo and am also loving the bucket bags this season. Have had tote’s for the last couple of years so was ready for something different and less structured. Too many gorgeous bags out there!
Cindy Newstead says
Lis……..that’s the issue, soooooo much choice but we do get attached to a couple. I love the sound of your Hobo……enjoy!! 🙂 xo
Adrienne says
Hi Cindy!! I gotta say, I’m a handbag girl!! Though I like mine big enough to carry purse, note pad, pen, keys, various items belonging to the little people in my life, business cards, colour pallet, really the list does go on. I reckon a clutch is a little intimidating for me, what would i pick??!! Not an easy transfer, LOL. But i do have a few old fav. totes to go to, plus i swap and change between my old faithful in olive green to my wam bam in hand painted leather (to match my hand painted purse of course!!) Definitely love leather. Go for quality AND style. but i must admit my bags do take on a Mary Poppins quality at times, so the regular clean out and swap a roony helps keep things on track. 🙂
Adrienne
Cindy Newstead says
Ha ha……cute Adrienne! I also have a couple of old faithfuls that I love! I don’t buy a bag easily…….I have to love it and I hate to say……need it as I don’t like having things sitting there not being used!I have only just started using a Tote……..loving that extra spot to throw a few things. 🙂 xo
Helen says
Was getting lopsided with my tote, so spreading the load with this backpack:
http://www.crumpler.com/au/backpacks
Cindy Newstead says
Ha…..Helen sounds like you are carrying too much 🙂 xo