Occasional Handbags | Handbag Blog

18 Jul

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The Canvas Tote: A Quiet Classic

We've long held the belief that in the veritable sea of handbag options that exist today, there is no one bad as consistently underrated as the simple canvas beach tote. This longtime staple of summer is sturdy, comes in a variety of designs, and in its largest permutation can easily double as a laundry basket or storage hamper. With the beach season well underway, we thought it was time to share our favorite stylish and serviceable canvas beach bag options that over the years have come to enjoy iconic status. The LL Bean Canvas Boat and Tote This canvas LL Bean tote is perhaps the...

The Bad Idea Files: Questionable Handbag Choices from Around the World

03 Apr

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The Bad Idea Files: Questionable Handbag Choices from Around the World

As some great fashionista once said, “there’s no accounting for taste.” While we here at our blog firmly believe in finding your own unique voice when it comes to expression through fashion, there are certain things that are just...beyond. Here, we take a look at two of our favorite (or perhaps we should say least favorite) questionable handbags. Head Hand Bag (2008) by Yael Mer If you can say anything about this creation by Israeli artist Mer, it's that this handbag is quite literally a head turner. We're not sure if it's the plain burlap sack, the drawstring closure, or just the face itself, but this...

27 Jan

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A Look at Chanel's Wild Side

When you hear the iconic Chanel brand mentioned, your thoughts tend to turn to time-enduring classic pieces like quilted leather chain-strap shoulder bags, cropped wool bouclÃ© jackets, and multiple strands of pearls. However, Chanel also harbors a wilder, more irreverant side to its brand that might leave you more than a little bit surprised. Whimsical “theme bags burst onto the scene about a decade ago, and while they have dwindled in number, have not altogether gone away. Every handbag fan worth their salt knows about Judith Leiber's covetable miniaudiere confections, or can recognize a Fendi Monster Bag from afar, but who knew that all along, Chanel has been quietly...

True Prep: Chanel Launches Rainbow-Hued Boy Bag!

31 Jul

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True Prep: Chanel Launches Rainbow-Hued Boy Bag!

If you are a sucker for the classic Ivy League-inspired sartorial influence of American Prep, this is the post for you. Summertime always is the perfect time to trot-out the seersucker, Madras plaid, pastel and candy-hued shades in every imaginable color of the rainbow. After all, at any other time of the year, a pair of pink and green plaid trousers or a bright coral lobster-printed skirt might seem absurd, but for some reason the temperatures rise and it becomes exactly what we need. At long last, even those of us who may not boast the confidence to sport a pair of Nantucket red trousers with a mint green...

2 Perfectly Glittering Bag Choices To Ring-In The New Year

20 Feb

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2 Perfectly Glittering Bag Choices To Ring-In The New Year

At this time of the year, I always go a bit soft in the head with all of the decorations and whatnot, and find myself gravitating towards all things that glitter; sequinned clothing, large, statement jewellery, and makeup that glitters like a disco ball are some of my defaults. However, one of the most fun ways to really bring the glitter is to just carry it with you. There is simply no better way to do that than with a festive evening bag. Here are two that will not only put you in the festive mood, but will look great for years to come. The Alexander McQueen Knuckle...

Two Festive Handbags That Will Still Look Good The Rest of the Year

18 Dec

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Two Festive Handbags That Will Still Look Good The Rest of the Year

It's that time of year; there's a layer of tinsel over everything at the office, everything has moved-on from being pumpkin-spiced to cinnamon and eggnog, and kitschy sweaters are festooned with tacky holiday imagery. There's no escaping it. However, for some of us, emblazoning yourself in bright, flashy holiday icons may not be your thing. But that's not to say that you can't partake in a little sartorial celebrating without looking like an over-decorated Christmas tree. Here, we show you two delightfully festive metallic handbags that are on the market right now, and will continue to look good the rest of the year. The Paco Rabanne Circle Shoulder...

Two Fashionable Pet Carrier Handbags for People Who Hate Pet Carrier Handbags

07 Aug

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Two Fashionable Pet Carrier Handbags for People Who Hate Pet Carrier Handbags

If you're the type who dislikes the never-ending trend of carrying your small dog around like an accessory, you're in good company. Many of us are of the mindset that a dog is a dog, no matter what the size, and carrying it around with you all day not only prevents it from being a dog, it also just seems very...Marie Antoinette. However, even those of us who fall into the diehard pet carrier-avoider camp will at some point probably find ourselves having to transport one of our furry friends from hither to yon, whether it be canine, feline, or otherwise. We've scoured the net in search of a...

Charlotte Olympia Clutches: Bags with Personality

26 Sep

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Charlotte Olympia Clutches: Bags with Personality

Those who follow fashion will know the brand Charlotte Olympia, although most often when the brand is discussed it is in the context of footwear. Charlotte Olympia Dellal launched her eponymous shoe line in 2008, and has seen her brand grow steadily ever since. The brand has now branched-out into handbags, jewellery, and small accessories, and has been met at every turn with resounding success. Most recently, there have been a few standout pieces, and all of them have been occasional bags. Here we take a quick look at three of Charlotte Olympia's most unique occasional bag designs. The Timepiece (sold out) Worn by Diane Kruger...

Top Picks from the Current Dior Collection

02 Jul

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Top Picks from the Current Dior Collection

If you're in the market for an occasional handbag for a special event, there is one storied design house whose name is virtually synonymous with high-octane glamour; that of the house of Dior. This season, Dior is offering some incredibly sleek and elegant occasional bags that will definitely stand the test of time. Here are two of our top picks from the new season collection, and some tips on how to style them. 1. The Long “Diorissimo” Zebra-Print Calfskin Envelope A simple and elegant envelope clutch design, the Diorissimo clutch in zebra-print calfskin leather is a perfect accent piece that is just as useful for an elegant evening out...

Classic: A Brief History of the Miniaudiere

13 Feb

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Classic: A Brief History of the Miniaudiere

When it comes to occasional handbags, the miniaudiere is about as classic as they come. Their small, jewellery-like appearance is meant to be both practical and covetable; a combination that is a sure bet among the fashion set. The miniaudiere got its start at the hands of the legendary jewelry, watch, and perfume company Van Cleef & Arpels. Although Van Cleef & Arpels was actually founded in 1896, the miniaudiere didn’t actually come into the picture until 1934. It is said that the design of the miniaudiere was originally inspired by a woman called Florence Gould, the wife of a popular Philanthropist of the times. Gould was spotted by...