(This wonderful post was kindly written by Erika of Cafe Fashionista. Thanks Erika!)
Darlings, there was a point in time when I believed that a girl needed one handbag in her possession and one handbag only. A sassy piece which worked with any and all ensembles believed to be fabulous enough to accouter her fantastic form. I’ll admit it; I was devastatingly wrong. The right handbag can make or break one’s look du jour. You would not allow an oversized tote to tagalong with you on a girls’ night out complete with partying like a rock star; nor would you bring a clutch along for the ride as you navigate a new travel destination. Hence the reason why there should be five particular styles spotting your handbag collection; a handful of versatility that will make even complete strangers green with envy – now you’ve got them!
1. Satchel
Satchels are to the world of handbags what diamonds are to the world of jewelry – a girls best friend. There is no handbag which emits as sophisticated a vibe from an individual as a satchel. The aesthetic of such a design keeps one looking polished, even if decked out in head to toe denim; whilst allowing them to keep things understated and playful at the very same time. A bag with too large of a handle drop has a tendency to slouch which can make one look sloppy; pieces which proffer a double-handle with a drop of about 6-inches are your best bet, as they allow for enough room for one to wiggle their elbow, without looking awkward.
2. Cross Body
Dolls, you may be navigating newfound sights at Walt Disney World Resort, or perhaps you’re pounding the pavement on Park Avenue, popping in and out of an abundance of stylish shops displaying decadent wares that you want desperately to add to your burgeoning wardrobe. It is times like these when forgoing the standard satchel or tote and replacing such a formation with a cross body piece is par for the course. Cross body bags are an optimal way for freeing up ones hands, yet still allow you to keep your most prized possessions nearby; an ideal mix for a day of shopping with the girls! I recommend weatherbeaten, worn-in styles in brown shades like Alexander Wang’s Brenda Zip Bag. Such a look is the true epitome of luxury tinged with bohemian influences, and instantly contributes a hint of personality to your current look.
3. Clutch
I’m going to let you in on a little secret kitty cats…in terms of a successful girls’ night out, the true crème de la crème of the evening is not the cute boys you may find yourself mingling with over Cosmos, nor is it the shimmering top decorating your upper half which sparkles in the same fashion as a fine wine; rather it is the petite clutch clasped tightly between your magnificently manicured fingertips. You may be a lover of all things oversized, but darlings please do not allow a large bag to overpower your presence in the wrong situation. Go big wherever you’d like, but for evenings out on the town the clutch will forever be your BFF. Find one that allows enough room for the essentials – cash, credit card, cell phone, keys, and a smattering of cosmetics that will see you through the evening – and stop there. Remember, you are out for a night of fun, not packing for an emergency evacuation!
4. Oversized Tote
Many feel that the oversized tote is an unnecessary addition to one’s array of accessories; an extra bonus that may or may not see the light of day once purchased. So is not the case. The oversized tote is a true essential in the world of handbags, especially for the working girl. I see far too many lovelies carrying multiple bags to work – a handbag in addition to flimsy totes holding the rest of their daily office essentials. Why on earth should one weigh themselves down with a mix of bags when a single oversized tote can do the tantalizing trick and work as a handbag in addition to extending enough room to hold the rest of your necessities? Tory Burch and Foley + Corinna are the oversized go-tos for the girl on the go. Their posh aesthetic and spacious interiors give new meaning to the phrase “big and beautiful.”
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Of course, you may be one of the lucky ladies out there who has managed to snag a singular style which works in a multitude of ways; a piece which easily transforms from shoulder to satchel, cross body to tote. If this is the case, please share the secrets of your sassy discovery, then go out and buy something new. After all, a girl can never have too many handbags to choose from!
Fashionably yours!
Over sized totes are my favourite. There are sooo many things to carry, like cellphone, pen, makeup, book, and other stuff for school and work. A large Tote keeps me organized and I won’t have the weird fealing when I leave the house that I left somthing behind.
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Hey Alice,
I completely agree with you. I LOVE my large bags. In fact my friends call them my black holes. I often end up finding something that i’ve been looking for all over, hidden in my bag!
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Yea I no I use mine all the time!
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I agree! The tote can be used in so many ways. I love to use mine as overnight bags and one is designated as my Get Cute Quick bag, which is always packed and ready to go for whatever spontaneous adventures pop up.
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I love satchels and cross body. Specially cross body. Very useful in my daily life.
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Hey Fatima,
I’ve never really carried (or owned) a satchel. but a cross body did find its way into my life during my college days.
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I’m a fan of clutches! I recently started carrying on everywhere to hold my cell, lip gloss and keys.
I find that a tote is sometimes way too big on me.. it would be half the size of me already! =P
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But Amy, that’s the whole point of the oversized bag/tote.. that you carry your world around in it :D
yeah but as Erika says, on a night out, i can’t do without my clutch!
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LOL! Could carry myself in one of those things :D
Good post Erica~
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Love the post btw Erika..
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I definitly agree that I need them. I’m so totally into bagssss :)
I loved best the Clutch is’s so elegant :)
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This looks fabulous, Meream! Thank you so much for allowing me to Guest Post here at All Women Stalk; I had a blast!! :)
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We bow to you; you are a wonderful writer ;-)
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Hey Erika,
We (the AWS team and readers alike) have loved your post!! hope to see a few more collaborations between you and Meream.
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What a great post! Love all these! Oversized totes are my absolute fave. I’m only little but I need to carry my life in my bag!
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Ditto Ela.. I end up having bags that look like they could carry me too :P
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Oh yes – I have them all – and a girl definitely needs more than one, I think!
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Great advice! I always struggle when it comes to buying bags. I never know which ones to get. This is very helpful.
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Awe, love Cafe Fashionista! I agree with her picks, but always find myself with an oversize tote and a clutch for the evening!
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Hey Jolie,
I do the same.. I end up carrying my clutch in my oversized tote, but I leave my tote in the car and carry just my clutch into the party. That way, i have the best of both the worlds.. i look more presentable AND i have my world just outside in my car :D
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I Live for Satchels.
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Hmm….I don’t have any of these bags :). I hate clutches….I don’t find them useful…at least for my style and I also don’t like big bags :). My best friend has like 20 bags, all of them big, but when she needs to find something inside her bag it lasts a couple of minutes until she finds it :)
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hmm Tavia,
seems like you’re not really much into bags – and to be perfectly honest, I’d have to say that you’re the first girl i’ve come across as unique as you :D
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I agree with Sheila, you are a rarity, Tavia :)
Big bags are pretty but they are not good for my tiny frame. Haha
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I’m currently on the look out for the perfect crossbody bag. The one I’m using now has a chain strap that snags everything! So obnoxious.
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Hmm this should be a warning for me to stay away from chain straps. You have just saved me. I have been looking for a chain strap body bag and now I will consider something with less snag-gy straps :D
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Don’t get me wrong girls, but these bags are really not my style. I think I should make a post on my blog with pictures of my favorite bags :) I will send you the link so you can tell me your opinion. :)
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Hey Tavia,
we get it, not everyone has the same opinion on everything. And hey the idea with a post on your blog about the bags is great! Can’t wait for it.
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I luv this post!!
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Hey Jasna,
Glad that you did like this post so much. Hope to see you around more often honey.
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Great post!!! I agree with it all!!!
I need to go bag shopping…:)
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hehehe Aury,
yeah I think so do I. haven’t bought a bag in a long time now..!! Btw i like your blog. Looks like fun!
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Haha I admit that this post made me want to buy bags. I ended up buying one despite my self-imposed shopping ban :-/
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