For those who have read some of my recent Purseonals posts, you know how much I value functionality and practicality in a bag. If it’s beautiful to look at but impossible to use, I’m usually one to pass.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule – some handbags are truly works of art, begging to be displayed and rarely used. But for the most part, one of the biggest factors I seek out before spending any amount of money on a handbag – be it a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand – is how functional it will be for my everyday life.
Spoiler alert: A bag is only as functional as its straps. (And, well, its zipper – but today we’re focusing on straps!) Lucky for me and my fellow strap-loving PurseBloggers, there has been a resurgence in double-handle and double-strap handbags.
What I mean by that is any handbag which features a sturdy top handle as well as an accompanying shoulder or crossbody strap, resulting in multiple ways to wear.
From Balenciaga and Chloé to the Row and Mansur Gavriel, these picks are as stylish as they are functional. Dress them up or down, and hold them with your hand, at the crook of your arm, or over your shoulder. Think about it: You’re practically getting two bags for the price of one when there are double straps involved. Which one is your favorite?
Akris Aicon Medium Double Handle Tote Bag ($2,190)
Balenciaga Sharp Medium AJ Quilted Top Handle Bag ($1,950)
Prada Double Bucket Bag ($2,250)
The Row XL Double Circle Leather Hobo Bag ($2,690)
Boyy Double Top Handle Leather Bag ($1,195)
Gucci GG Marmont Mini Torchon Top-Handle Bag ($2,190)
Givenchy Mystic Mini Croc-Embossed Bag ($2,690)
Coach Parker Top Handle 32 ($225)
Salvatore Ferragamo Margot Medium Leather Shoulder Bag ($1,750)
Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Small Crocodile-Embossed Satchel Bag – Silver Hardware ($3,150)
Mansur Gavriel Drawstring Vegetable-Tanned Sun Tote Bag ($895)
I love Akris bags! I wish I had the guts and the cash to carry them!
Why would you need guts to do it? 🙂 at least the one pictured in this article doesnt look too crazy at all? Maybe their other bags are? 🙂
You’re right. The money is definitely more of a consideration!
Well that reason for hesitation I completely understand! 🙂 (I am “de hu”, I just was not logged in when I wrote my last reply!)
I agree with you. I love this bag, but the price point always stops me from purchasing. Even on “sale” it’s costly.
The three missing for me on this list are the Chanel Deauville (medium with the top handle), the Loewe Puzzle Bag (medium with the D-ring), and the Senreve Maestra.
YES to the Loewe Puzzle Bag. I track my bag usage, and since I bought my Puzzle Bag pre-loved in July (it’s the tan color in the same medium with d-ring size you have), I have used it for over 115 days. I used to rotate bags weekly. Now I have to almost force myself to use anything else. (Gucci Soho Disco is a close 2nd for when I need a smaller crossbody!)
And for me, the Celine belt bag, I am never growing tired of it 😀
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1. I REALLY want that Gucci bag. It’s cool and goes perfectly with my style.
2. Most of my bags have both a shoulder strap and a top handle.
3. I REALLY want that Gucci bag.
We have an Airbus boutique where I live. Those bags are very cool, and I adore their clothes. My sister who has an MFH degree saw the artistic inspiration immediately in the clothing. It’s an interesting design house.
What is an “airbus boutique”?
LOL! Autocorrect. It should be Akris boutique.
Chanel 19?
Coach bag is pretty.
I am glad that this convertible strap trend is catching on in the Western world. I just wish some of the bags’ cross-body straps were designed more in proportion with the main body of the bag. If it is a small satchel or a camera-sized bag, a thin, narrow strap works, but not in the case of larger totes. A narrow strap as seen in the YSL Sac de Jour would just dig into your shoulder if the bag is carrying something of weight. For the strap for those larger bags to be comfortable, they would have to be about 1.5 inches wide.
My favorites (in ascending price) are the Coach Cassie, the Mulberry Amberley, the Celine Trapeze, and the Hermes Kelly.