9 Things

Get ready for the return of “Mad Men” with ladylike handbags

Yesterday morning I woke up and said to myself, “Self, what the Internet needs is yet another fashion article about Mad Men, because there aren’t enough of those already.” We’ve never done a roundup of bags inspired by the Mad Men era, though, and now seems like the perfect time to do it. Not only does the show’s long-awaited (a year-and-a-half in the making!) fifth season premiere on Sunday night with a two-hour, all-drinking, all-smoking extravaganza on AMC, but for the first time, I’ll be recapping a show that doesn’t give me the opportunity to make fun of someone’s terrible weave.

That’s right, Mad Men recaps! Check back here every Monday to discuss the show, make completely wild speculations about what will happen next and pine for Don Draper. In the meantime, let’s get in the 1960s spirit with a few handbags that take notes from the style of the era – classic, diminutive top-handles ruled because ladies were supposed to look always unencumbered. If you have a rye Manhattan while you shop, I won’t tell anyone.


As usual, I like to start with my favorite. With this mint green color and the rigid frame construction, I could easily see Betty Draper (Francis?) carrying the Prada Ostrich Pyramid Tote to a spring garden party with Francine. In fact, January Jones seems to be a big fan of the Prada Frame line herself! Buy through Neiman Marcus for $6690.


If neutrals are your thing, this dove grey Rochas Scalloped Leather Handbag captures both the femininity and structure that typified design in midcentury America. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1585.


During the Mad Men era, women of a certain social class were expected to not only have a full roster of day bags, but also a plenty of clutch options for evening events. The 20s detailing on the Jason Wu Constance Leather Clutch would have been fashionably vintage in the 60s, and the hard lines of the clutch are indicative of evening bags of that time. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1475.


Small, ladylike bags tend to be more expensive because they’re made for older customers, but the reasonably sized Marc by Marc Jacobs Bob’s Memphis Satchel has a slightly retro feel at a more reasonable price point. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $530.


Between the Peekaboo and the Fendi Silvana Top Handle, Fendi has made a pattern of referencing midcentury style in its accessories. I think that the Silvana looks best when carried by hand, which is something that women rarely do today but was very common in the 50s and 60s. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $2300.


When women carried shoulder bags in the 60s, they were usually slim and simple, like the Michael Kors Grumeti Ayers Shoulder Bag. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1295.


Another perfect example that sleek, ladylike style doesn’t have to cost a fortune – the burnt orange color of the Rachel Zoe Mini Jane Satchel is especially appealing. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $375.


Miu Miu’s Spring 2012 handbags are all about celebrating the small, slim, top-handled handbags that marked midcentury style, so leaving out the Miu Miu Wool Felt Tote would be a serious oversight. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1350.


Raf Simon’s tenure at Jil Sander has been all about taking traditional shapes and cuts and adding a minimalist technicolor twist, and that’s exactly what the Jil Sander Patent Leather Clutch is – a traditional bag with an edgy feel. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $750.

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