#FashionFiles: In the Bag
With such a wide variety of sizes and colors, you can see why they’re so popular.
According to Jennifer Sattler—personal stylist, blogger, and local resident—every outfit needs a great handbag. Keep reading for her ultimate designer handbag directory, including why she loves luxury labels, things to consider before investing in one, and the must-buy brands. Click here to shop the looks!
BEFORE YOU BUY A DESIGNER BAG: THE 4 L’S
We all know to evaluate diamonds based on the four C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here are a few things to consider before you buy an expensive handbag. I’m calling them the four L’s.
1. LONGEVITY. Does this style have staying power?
2. LOOK. Is the print or color one that goes with most of your clothes?
3. LIFESTYLE. Size matters. Is this shape one that suits most of your activities?
4. LOVE. Do you love it? If all the above but this applies it’s still should be a no-fly!
CURATE YOUR DESIGNER HANDBAG COLLECTION
As a personal stylist, these are the brands I’ve been collecting and suggesting to clients for years.
YSL
Saint Laurent makes several styles that make them great go-to’s. With such a wide variety of sizes and colors, you can see why they’re so popular.
With such a wide variety of sizes and colors, you can see why Saint Laurent bags are so popular. Pictured: YSL Loulou Matelasse Small Shoulder Bag
There is a bag for everyone. Pay close attention to the size before you buy. The online photo can be deceiving. My personal favorite is their small shoulder bag. You can wear it crossbody, too!
Online shopping secret: To get a better feel for how the scale and size will look on you, take a piece of plain printer paper (8.5″ x 11″), note the actual dimensions, then look in the mirror, and hold the paper as a reference.
>>>YSL LOU MATELASSE CAMERA BAG
Their Lou Matelasse camera bag is one of the few designer bags you can get for under $1,500. I love the size of it, too—not too small so it fits all the essentials. To give you an idea of the size and scale, I’m 5’4″ and a size 2. It’s also a great choice because it works just as well with a casual outfit as it does with a dressy one.
Buy direct from the designer when you can.
Online shopping secret: Buy direct from the designer when you can. You won’t beat the selection and packaging. This time of year, stores like Saks Fifth Avenue offer nice promotions.
>>>KATE REVERSIBLE SHOULDER BAG
You’ve got to love a two for one. Saint Laurent’s Kate shoulder bag is a beauty. This color combination is hard to find now; milky camel leather is on one side and rich suede on the other.
Saint Laurent’s Kate shoulder bag is a beauty.
CHLOE
If you’re a fan of Chanel then you probably like Chloe, too. Karl Lagerfeld was appointed head designer for Chloe in 1966 before he turned into his own superstar.
>>>TESS
The two straps make it super versatile. I love that it features the Chloe “O” signature in its design too. Need a little more room than my mini Tess offers? Try the small Tess instead.
I love that the Mini Tess features the Chloe “O” signature in its design
>>>MARCIE SATCHEL
This is my most recommended Chloe bag. The style is great for someone whose esthetic is a little more earthy and rural. The small is the best size and is hard to come by.
Chloe makes the best brown on the market. It’s a beautiful cognac that pairs nicely with any color, especially black. The cashmere grey is another stunning color choice. The soft grey leather with brass hardware reads as silver with gold or mixed metallic, so you can wear it with a ton too!
SEE BY CHLOE
See by Chloe is one of, if not my favorite, bridge brands. These styles and sizes all look a lot like Chloe and have my stylist’s vote of approval.
Online shopping secret: Sometimes a bridge designer can pass as the real one if you can find the same design detail on both. For example, Chloe’s signature “O” ring can be found on Chloe and See by Chloe bags.
GUCCI
Gucci has been a go-to for my clients and me forever. Their styles and fabrications are so diverse yet stand the test of time.
Look for a classic combination of Gucci's most defining codes—the GG motif and web stripe
Look for a classic combination of the brand's most defining codes—the GG motif and Web stripe—and you’re guaranteed a good wardrobe investment.
DIOR
The Dior oblique embroidery pattern in blue is my current crush. I love the black-blue mash-up. Unexpectedly versatile.
The Dior oblique embroidery pattern in blue is my current crush. Pictured: Dior Crossbody Bag.
CHANEL
I saved the best for last. Chanel is the one piece any woman would run back in for if her house were on fire. If you know then you know. If not, start researching one now. It’s a big wardrobe investment and probably the one you’ll love the most. I do.
Chanel is the one piece any woman would run back in for if her house were on fire.
Jennifer Sattler, personal stylist and blogger at Closet Choreography, lives locally and uses 20+ years professional styling experience to enthusiastically share what to buy and how to put it together. Her expertise and high low styling approach make it fun and easy to #getdressed. Follow her on Instagram @closetchoreography.
By Jennifer Sattler
Photos by Jennifer Sattler