after writing a post about wallet searching a couple weeks ago, i got to thinking about my ideal handbag. i tend to go for pieces that are uncomplicated, simple in design, high quality, and practical. the only problem is that they don’t tend to come cheap! my solution to this problem is still the one that i recommend the most: vintage! my absolute favorite purses are vintage coach because they are made with super thick, high quality leather. i mean, they’ve already lasted this long… and they pop up in thrift shops all of the time for really affordable prices. i have a solid collection that i’ve been building up over the past several years, and while many of them are starting to look a little worse for the wear, i discovered that they can easily be refurbished with a bit of leather dye, as demonstrated by little ocean annie.
so while i know i’ll continue buying my favorite vintage purses, i can’t help but notice that there are some pretty awesome handbags with the same promise as my old standbys. they clock in at a bit of a higher price, but they’re not going to set you back nearly as much as your typical “it bags.” so after a lot of searching, i’ve whittled it down to my top 4 picks (in no particular order) for simple, practical, and high quality handbags:
clare vivier messenger tote: the most notable aspect of this bag, besides it’s clean and simple design, is that it is made of reclaimed leather! it’s the next best thing to thrifting a handbag, only without all of the tireless hunting. when this style is available in brown, i think i just might have to make an investment!
cambridge satchel: made of a thick and sturdy leather, you know that this baby will take at least a year of wear and tear before the leather begins to soften. then once you’ve broken it in, you know it will last for years more to come.
foley + corrina mid city tote: i have always been drawn to this twofer tote! i like that you can carry it with the shoulder strap as a purse, but that it unfolds to become a larger tote with handles if you decide to fill it up with a few goodies on a shopping expedition.
radley london grosvenor: their spring lookbook caught my eye when it featured these lovely bags being worn by equally lovely ladies riding around on pashley bikes. once i was drawn in, i recognized that this satchel style purse is actually quite nice! all of the pockets and compartments are certainly convenient for storing all sorts of little accoutrements.
