Today I am joining my friend Kim from Northern California Style for our monthly Signature Style Series. This month we are talking bags, totes, or whatever you like to call them. We covered this topic three yers ago and it is time for an update. It’s hard to go wrong with a great bag. For those of us over 50 and beyond they need to be stylish as well as functional. Regardless of what our husbands claim (tee hee) one handbag will not serve every purpose. Let’s talk about four must have handbags every savvy women over 50 needs.
Before we get into the bag styles, if you are a bag switcher you need a good purse organizer that you can switch in and out of your bags. Forbes has a good list here. I think everyone’s favorite is LED lighted Littbag that made Oprah’s favorites you can buy here.
Just for fun. When you are dressing in all one color, or void of pattern, an artistic statement bag can add much needed pizazz to your outfit.
It is no mystery I am a big fan of Artemis Design Company. I love their shoes and their bags. Yes they are an investment. This baby duffel bag can be carried by the handles or with the cross-body strap.
This great Columbian Wayu bag is a favorite of mine and of many of yours. Love the wide strap. It is a cross body but it also makes a statement with it’s unique handwoven columbian design. I think it would also be great with the knitwear separates I shared in this post 12 stylish ways to rock knitwear here. If you if you are wearing a cross body bag like this you might want to keep your accessories to a minimum. Adding a necklace or scarf would be too busy.
Left to Right-Mark and Graham really has some great bags at good pricepoints. I love the leopard tote. Laura Shepherd on Etsy carries these fabulous suzani inspired bags (they are pricey). Another etsy find, this calf hair tote is a fun find. I own one of the simple kilim totes from another Etsy seller. They are only $22, and are big enough for a wallet, sunglasses, water bottle and more! The Anthro sherpa bag is reasonable and fun. The croc tote from Dooney has always been a favorite and their bags are made so well. I love the Mark and Graham camo bag. I seem to have a thing for camo currently. The Columbian Waguu bag is a reader favorite (and mine) and very reasonable. I own the Artemis duffel and love it.
Oh boy, if I could only take one bag on a long trip what would I take? One that is semi-safe from theft and comfortable to carry. For ideas, you might enjoy reading Travel and Leisure 12 Cute Crossbody bags for Travelers. Travel Fashion Girl’s Five Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags
Travelon is the leader in anti-theft travel bags. I had a version of the baggalini that I had for years. I finally pitched it in the move, so I am on the hunt for a new one. A couple of these have the advantage of being carried as a backpack or a crossbody. The Tumi and Cole Haan are a bit more stylish, so it boils down to how important the anti-theft option is.
I have to confess I am smitten with the cross body trend (hopefully it is not a trend I hate that word) In my opinion it needs to be big enough to carry a small wallet, makeup essentials, glasses, and keys. I personally prefer a wide strap as well. If you find a bag you love you can always add a wider strap. You can find many cross body staps on Etsy here.
I am a big fan of the MJ Wallace Quilted Crossbody bags. Here I am wearing the Crosby Sling in Magnet. It has a nice wide strap which I appreciate, it comes in multiple colors and it is not too bank breaking.
I scored this MZ Wallace quilted cross body on eBay last summer. I would not pay full price for a fun color like this, but I carried it a lot through the spring and summer. I found one for you on the Real Real here.
Another favorite of mine is the Athleta Excursion Cross body waist bag. It can be worn on the waist (I never do) or as a cross body. It is super lightweight so I can wear it when I am going on long walks. It is big enough for a water bottle keys and a small wallet. When I am walking it would be a water bottle, credit card, a few bills and sunscreen. I carry this more than any other bag I own. It is simple and practical. It is great for travel because it folds completely flat.
I found this Rag and Bone Enfield Leopard bag on eBay last year. I don’t think it had ever been carried. I found several for you on eBay and Poshmark. If you like this bag jump on it because it is discontinued.
I have become a huge crossbody fan. I love having my arms free and not having to constantly hoist my shoulder bag back up on my shoulder. The rag and bone leopard can be found on eBay here, and Poshmark here. The Rag and Bone Belize has my heart. I am loving the Mark and Graham messenger. It comes in black as well. The two Dooney cross bodies are timeless. I love my quilted MJ Wallace bags. They are comortable, and I love the texture. Everlanes version is a nice size and a classic style. I love the chocolate brown bag from Banana, and you know I love my Athleta excursion bag.
That you can carry everything including the kitchen sink and your laptop.
I tend to favor the larger totes because I can put everything but the kitchen sink in them. I have a couple this size. When I was still shopping for clients, I could tote my laptop, fabric samples, bottled water, etc. Now that I am blogging full time I need a smaller one that will fit my laptop and other essentials. I do like these bigger ones for Farmers Market and other shopping excursions so I don’t need another bag. I am particularly drawn to those that have texture, a woven leather, or croc-embossed.
I love this work bag from FEED ( if you purchase from them you will help provide meals to school children in need). It is my new go to bag. It is just big enough for my laptop, sunglasses, wallet and a few other essentials. I am coveting this Belize bucket bag from Rag and Bone, but the price tag keeps me from pulling the trigger. I know it is practical (love the combination of black and tan) and classic.
From left to right-Vivaia makes a great tote that is made from recycled materials that is under $65. This Dragon Diffusion tote is on my wishlist (I keep watching eBay & Poshmark). The Rag and Bone Belize bag is also on my wishlist (a little pricey as well). I love the FEED work tote. I have (they generously gifted me) the smaller size and carry it all the time. The larger one would be great for travel. It has three compartments (something difficult to find these days). The slouchy tote from Antho has a relaxed appeal. The Montauk travel tote from J Crew is on sale. My travel bag has seen a lot of love. I am tempted by this one! Love the crossbody strap. The Everlane is another tote that can be carried as a crossbody as well. The Sak comes in multiple colorways and the J Crew tote is on sale.
I know this post has a lot of information in it. Many have requested an updated handbag post. Thank you for reading FOUR HANDBAGS SAVVY WOMEN OVER 50 NEED IN THEIR CLOSET. You might also enjoy my post from a couple years ago In search of the perfect cross body bag.
FYI Dooney and Bourke is having a big sale going on right now if you love their bags.
J Crew is offering 40% off many of their bags if you are a cardholder
Now pop over and visit Kim. She always keeps me abreast of current fashion trends.
A handbag is so much more than just a place to put your phone and your keys. They are my absolute favorite accessory, as they can bring so much personality and texture to an outfit. A fabulous handbag is also an easy way to make a fashion statement. I’ve been researching the spring and summer 2023 handbag trends and looking at what colors, patterns, shapes, and textures are on the market and the runways so that I can share with you what handbags you should add to your closets this year.
You’re going to see a lot of the following silhouettes and materials when it comes to spring and summer 2023 handbag trends:
If you prefer to invest in your handbags to have for seasons to come, I’ve included a few below that I think are worth the splurge. For me, a quality neutral-colored bag is one of the best purchases you can make, like this one or this one. While the price point is higher, your cost per use may end up being lower over time, and it may hold up better.
When it comes to trendy handbags, I much prefer to buy something at an affordable price point. I can still achieve the same look without the designer label or emblem. For example, this bold and trendy purse is under $23!
The bags I’m talking about today are perfect for day-to-day bags. If you need a handbag for an upcoming beach trip, I recently spoke about the best vacation purses and totes. You can read that post here.
I mentioned above what styles of bags I’ve been seeing, but below, I am breaking the on-trend purses down by color. We are seeing many different color trends, from bold, saturated tones to classic neutrals and everything in between. It’s a good year to have a purse obsession because so many great ones are available. Keep reading to see some of my favorites and click on the photo to go to the retailer!
You all know I love bright colors, so this is one trend I was happy to see. A bold and saturated handbag like this green crossbody or deep pink crochet bag will look stunning next to a more neutral outfit. This beautiful orange shoulder bag will make a statement beside a black dress or white denim pants.
If you love color but would prefer to buy a handbag or purse that doesn’t overpower your outfit, you should try a pastel. We all know that pastels and spring are a match made in heaven, but in 2023 you can carry one of these beautiful soft hues like this pale blue crossbody or this soothing lavender tote all year. I especially love this floral print clutch bag and this floral tote bag.
If I am going to splurge on a handbag, I typically select to invest in a neutral color that I can use over and over for years to come. White, cream, and beige bags are a smart choice as they can coordinate with everything in your closet. This Tory Burch crossbody is a classic piece that I can see myself using all year long. I also love their bucket bag. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on a new neutral purse, this top-handle bag is a great choice.
Straw and raffia handbags have been very popular for several years, and I’m happy that they are still trending for 2023. I have several rattan bags in my closet, and I can be seen carrying them quite often in the spring and summer. Do you prefer a rattan handbag paired with tan like this wicker bag or with black accents like this crossbody saddle bag? I’m pretty fond of both styles! I especially like straw bags in unique shapes like this Ainsley shoulder bag and this round crossbody.
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4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
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