If you had asked me a couple of years ago what my biggest handbag gripe was, I would have unequivocally answered: not using my bags enough!
I moved from one tiny closet in NYC to another—3 times!—before I moved to an apartment with enough space to properly store my bags. Having enough shelving to store all of my bags standing up in their dust bags, coupled with hanging a rack with multiple hooks in my entryway, has made such a difference when it comes to using my bags more.
I can easily see (and access) what I own, which has not only allowed me to constantly change my rotation but also resulted in a surprising side effect. I’ve realized how at peace I am with my current collection.
A Favorite on Repeat
One of my most-used bags so far this year remains to be my Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 in Pistachio. I knew when I got this bag that I would love it. I had wanted it for over a year before finally pulling the trigger on it, and I’m happy I waited and got it in green instead of black. The color is virtually seasonless and meshes well with most of my wardrobe. It’s surprisingly versatile, and I’ve worn it with everything from dresses and heels to denim, sneakers, and even athleisure à la Hailey Beiber. Though the YSL logo is not everyone’s cup of tea, my clothing lacks a lot of branding, and I like the touch of elevation it adds to any outfit.
An Oldie But Goodie
Another bag I’ve been using like crazy since the spring is the oldest bag in my closet. You guessed it, my 20-year-old vintage Dior Saddle Pochette. I pulled this bag back into my rotation earlier in the season for a night out, and it’s been getting a lot of use since then. I’ve mainly been wearing more low-key outfits like tanks and jeans or button-ups and trousers, and this mini bag easily adds a nice trend appeal to the looks I’m currently favoring.
A New Addition
Lastly, the newest addition to my rotation, one that I’ve yet to reveal here, is my new JW Anderson Bumper 15 bag in blue/purple. I’ve had my eye on this bag for a while now, and seeing it styled and worn by Dua Lipa definitely made me lust after it even more. Even still, I knew that I really did not need another bag, and quite honestly, the only reason I ended up purchasing it was because I got it for a steal (Italist still has some in stock if you’re interested).
My love for the unique shape and JW Anderson’s, if you know, you know, appeal is what first attracted me to the bag, but the purple being available at such a discount was a no-brainer. It’s my favorite color and a shade I wear often enough, especially in the summer, to use frequently. Surprisingly, I don’t own another designer bag in this color. I’m impressed with the bag’s size and construction. I was also pleasantly surprised to find it lined in leather when it arrived—a nice touch for a contemporary bag.
Serious question: Are you wearing a swimsuit coverup, nightie, or dress?
Can I downvote this sexist comment?
Ignore the haters Kaitlin. You look stunning either way in the outfit!
You look fantastic in that dress. I’ve been running around using a light thin strap black leather crossbody with a cinch top from jcrew. It’s cute and fits just what I need to do errands and doesn’t get in the way. For evening dinner I may switch to my classic and forever fav chain strap Mulberry Lily in oak. The Neverfull may take a car trip or 2. For the most part my designer bags get a break until fall. I need something in a fun shade like your YSL beauty to carry me thru summer.
Thank you so much! Yes – a hue like my YSL is the perfect bit of a color that matches with a lot and also transitions well from season to season. Anything you’re eyeing?
I’ve recently bought the Coach Tabby and love it! Now, I get the Coach community hype around it. I find that it takes me from day-to-evening. It’s a great everyday bag. I’ve also been loving my Lululemon Everyday (?) belt bag in the color lip gloss. I haven’t touched my luxury designer bags in months, and I don’t miss it.
This summer I have one absolute go-to bag: LV Graceful MM Damier Azur. Right size, right vibe. The best about it is that the canvas offers the perfect mix of slouchiness and structure (it stands up sitting in car, and flexible enough on body).
I have that bumper bag in off-white with a black strap. I seriously considered the blue/pink color way you have but ultimately felt I would wear the off-white more. It’s a great quality bag at that price point, especially if you can score one on sale. My 3 – Loewe Basket bag, Staud Bean crossbody, and a random Zara little honeycomb-shaped wicker thing I got several years ago.
I totally agree with you on the quality of the Bumper Bag – I’m really happy I got it! Loewe Basket is also the perfect summer carryall!
For spring and summer, I’ve been choosing my fun colored bags. I have a vintage LV Thompson Street Vernis in yellow and a chanel denim flap I purchased this year in constant rotation. I’ve also been loving my uniqlo sling bag as my go-to errands bag!