How To Collect Handbags

Anyone who knows me knows that I have quite the obsession with handbags, and if you didn’t know, well now you do :) I don't discriminate on size, color, shape, or type… I like them all. I have an addiction, and I admit it. I just figure that it’s one of the few things that regardless of your size and shape a good handbag is always a perfect fit. Below is a picture of my armoire where I keep my handbags. I store them in their dust-bags, and if I don't have a dust-bag, then I try to keep them in the shopping bag from where they were purchased. This assures that your bag will last a lifetime.

People will argue that a handbag should match what you are wearing. I agree to a point with this statement. I do think that there are certain handbags for certain occasions, and that based on what you are wearing, more specifically your shoes, your handbag should coordinate. I will, however, admit that I am guilty of having worn a brown leather handbag when wearing black shoes… In my defense this has only happened when I don’t have time to swap out my things from one bag to the other. But, I do think that over matching a handbag to an outfit can look tacky.

Now onto the statement pieces I think everyone should have. First and foremost everyone needs a good high quality black leather handbag. I would prioritize this before the LBD (Little Black Dress). Why, you ask?? Because a black purse goes with almost everything most of the time; Jeans, t-shirts, leggings, workout gear… Especially if it’s a nicely structured black bag. It’s the go-to when you don’t know what bag to wear, just throw it on and go (please also throw on some clothes though…**cringing**) I have several black everyday bags that I rotate. After I purchased my first black bag I started to select ones in different styles with various hardware color and now I will coordinate my black bag with my jewelry (I know this may be over-kill for some of you, but I am known to be a little "cra-cra") So for those reading this that are in the market for their first black bag, try to get one with the hardware that matches the color of jewelry you wear most often. This will be a good starting point.

The second priority is a high-end designer clutch. This could be a pop of color, or just the traditional black clutch. I have several clutches that I will alternate wearing when I have a formal/semi-formal event based on my attire. I will tell you from experience that having a simple red clutch, in particular, is a great one to have in your collection. It just adds a touch of pizzazz to a LBD or even if you're dressing a bit more casual. A good clutch will be a staple in your handbag collection and in your wardrobe.

Third is a brown handbag. Why brown?? Because black and brown are the most worn colors in shoes (at least they are for me, and most people) You can always wear brown if you’re looking for a more “natural” or “boho” look. It’s a more earthy color. So having a nice brown bag, much like the black bag, are important for your wardrobe. It’s also a great color to wear for Fall, and some will argue that a brown bag is a more “casual” alternative to a black bag.

Speaking of Fall, I would recommend to then purchase bags based on seasons… yes the four seasons. I purchased a white leather floral bag for Spring, a woven straw and white leather bag for Summer, a Brown and/or deep jewel-tone color bag for Fall, and I just wear my black bags for Winter, or a navy bag is also a great Winter staple. I feel that these are just my go-to’s when I can’t decide what to wear, but am really feeling the season of the moment and want to look/feel trendy. It also changes up the look from the go-to black or brown bag.

Lastly, I would tell you to buy the bag you just can’t live without… For me this is usually an expensive purchase. It’s that bag that you want and just gotta have. I find myself purchasing bags in this category more so than any of the others. Maybe because I already have bags in the other categories. Like when you walk into a store and see a bag and you gravitate towards it… This is THAT bag… The bag you just HAVE to have. Don’t let it get away!

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