When it comes to this season’s ‘It’ bags, although each has its own unique and trendy aspects, one thing all these bags seem to have in common, is a classic element that will allow their wearers to continue to use and love them even has this season passes. Which is key when it comes to making a designer bag investment! Who wants a bag that “expires” after one season, anyway?
We’ve been seeing readditions of past classics alongside some fresh new designs. The playing of colours and textures has been a huge recurring theme for this season’s trending bags as well as an aspect of versatility!
Here are the designer ‘It’ bags you should be keeping an eye out for this season!
Balenciaga Small Le Cagole Shoulder Bag
Reminiscent of Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag thanks to its moto-inspired details, is the Le Cagole Shoulder Bag! It gives a touch of Y2K nostalgia with its detachable heart-shaped mirror charm. We can’t seem to scroll Instagram without this bag popping up, and we can’t get enough! If you want to get a bit of a deal, Toronto’s VSP Consignment currently has one available.
YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag
The absolute anti-micro bag is the YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag. There’s no way you wouldn’t be able to fit everything you need within a day, in this bag. It’s literally huge. As if its size didn’t make enough of a statement, the logo is to scale, making it pretty much impossible to ignore.
Prada Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag
What’s better than one bag? Two bags! You get two-in-one with Prada’s Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag. You can wear the duo together or separately – technically making for a total of three bags! Its versatility along with its unique triangle shape and pattern, mimicking the Prada logo, makes for a perfect mix of trendy and classic.
Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag
Gucci has brought its iconic Jackie 1961 Bag back in a contemporary way with seemingly endless style choices! You can bet pretty much any bag in the Jackie collection has reached ‘It’ bag status. The best part about this bag is the fact that it’s been around since 1961. This not only means you can trust that it won’t ever go out of style – making it a great investment piece. But also, since it has been around for so long, you can find versions of the Gucci Jackie all over the vintage and secondhand markets.
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag
Coach has been coming out with a ton of amazing, stylish pieces lately! Its Pillow Tabby is amongst its most popular bags of the moment, as it’s been trending for a while now. The original is definitely classic enough to take you through all seasons, however, if you’re looking for a bag stylized for the colder seasons, Coach has come out with a super chic shearling version!
Bottega Veneta Jodie
There’s just something about the Jodie bag by Bottega Veneta. This designer bag is made with Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave and has a half-moon silhouette, which seems to be the bag shape of the season! Although this is considered to be a trending ‘It’ bag, it is absolutely a classic! It comes in various colour and size options, all equally fab.
Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Shoulder Bag
Again, the half-moon silhouette making an appearance! Yet in a more structured, feminine twist this time with Miu Miu’s Wander collection. This bag is a perfect example of mixing a classic silhouette with a unique and fun texture – in turn creating another iconic ‘It’ bag. This bag has been making more and more of an appearance and we can’t wait to see all the ways it gets styled this season!
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A handbag is an awesome accessory to elevate any look with ease. Although it’s great to have a versatile and classic go-to bag that you can keep for years, having some trendy pieces to mix into your wardrobe is always fun and refreshing. So, if you’re looking for a seasonal refresh we’ve got you covered. Check out the chicest styles from our favourite brands that make perfect additions to your closet.
Here are the top trendy handbags that you need this season.
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From Chanel to Gucci to YSL, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fashion lover who isn’t obsessed with designer bags. And while these well-made bags can be a great investment in the long run, they can still take quite a toll on your bank account when you’re on a budget. Which is why we’re super excited about the “affordable luxury” category that has been emerging these past few years, nicely filling the gap between Forever 21 and Fendi. Read on for 9 luxury handbag brands that are actually affordable below!
1. MANSUR GAVRIEL
Mansur Gavriel was one of the first handbag brands to introduce the “affordable luxury” concept when they launched their cult-favourite bucket bag in 2013. Who wouldn’t want to carry this delicious piece of arm-candy around on the daily?
Buy It: Mansur Gavriel Mini Saffiano Leather Bucket Bag, $685, at Holt Renfrew
Click Here to Shop More Mansur Gavriel at Holt Renfrew
2. OAD NEW YORK
The design philosophy behind OAD New York’s handbags is simple: super-functional bags that are chic in their simplicity. Perfect for the working gal!
Buy It: OAD New York Prism Convertible Satchel, $676.50, at Nordstrom
Click Here to Shop More OAD New York at Nordstrom
3. LOEFFLER RANDALL
Loeffler Randall specializes in shoes and handbags that are fun and trendy, yet have an understated elegance to them. Like this amazing silver pom-pom bag that we need to get our hands on asap.
Buy It: Loeffler Randall Lock Fox Fur Trimmed Leather Shoulder Bag, $483, at Saks Fifth Avenue
Click Here to Shop More Loeffler Randall at Saks Fifth Avenue
4. STRATHBERRY
Made famous by Meghan Markle, Scottish brand Strathberry has been making huge waves in the mid-range designer handbag market. If you’re on the hunt for a new work bag with a twist, this structured tote is the perfect pick.
Buy It: Strathberry Midi Tote, $960, at Saks Fifth Avenue
Click Here to Shop More Strathberry at Saks Fifth Avenue
5. CULT GAIA
If you’re a human with an Instagram account, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Cult Gaia’s iconic bamboo bags pop on your feed. Not only do we love the look, but the price tag isn’t too bad either!
Buy It: Cult Gaia Small Ark Bamboo Handbag, $215.93, at Nordstrom
Click Here to Shop More Cult Gaia at Nordstrom
6. DANSE LENTE
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Introducing our new Mini Johnny? Now available at danselente.com #prefall18
Danse Lente (which means “slow dance” in French) is a London-based label that creates bags with sleek, clean lines inspired by modern architecture. Like this hexagonal bucket bag, which is très chic.
Buy It: Danse Lente Mini Johnny Leather Hexagonal Bucket Bag, $495, at Holt Renfrew
Click Here to Shop More Danse Lente at Holt Renfrew
7. WANDLER
Specializing geometric-shaped bags, Wandler has become an Instagram favourite due to it’s colourful and eye-catching designs. And although $895 for a bag isn’t cheap per se, it is for one of this quality.
Buy It: Wandler Hortensia Mini Leather Colourblock Crossbody Bag, $895, at Holt Renfrew
Click Here to Shop More Wandler at Holt Renfrew
8. YUZEFI
Yuzefi is a British brand that offers boxy-shaped bags with sleek, modern hardware. The most popular piece among the fashion set? The Delila bag, which we’re obsessed with in this colour blocked green and white version.
Buy It: Yuzefi Delila Ring Colourblock Leather Crossbody Bag, $785, at Holt Renfrew
Click Here to Shop More Yuzefi at Holt Renfrew
9. SIMON MILLER
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With their bucket bags that come dressed up with a chic circular handle, Simon Miller is the ultimate cool girl brand. Get ready to add a new addition to your holiday wish list…
Buy It: Simon Miller Bonsai 20 Pebbled Leather Bucket Bag, $806.34, at Nordstrom
Click Here to Shop More Simon Miller at Nordstrom
Which of these affordable luxury handbag brands would you buy? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @strathberry
The decision to splurge on a new designer purse can really break the bank. A viable alternative to buying ‘new’ is to save money by purchasing a used luxury handbag. While buying a pre-owned purse is not always an option for the latest designer styles, a ton of vintage and iconic luxury handbags can easily be purchased used at a discount.
We recently discovered the incredible selection of pre-loved luxury handbags at LXR & Co. tucked inside select Hudson’s Bay locations across Canada. We spoke with LXR & Co. to find out the perks of buying a used luxury handbag and what to look for before handing over your cash. Keep reading for what to consider when buying a used luxury handbag.
Confirm the Seller’s Return Policy and Authentication Practices
When buying a used luxury handbag, be sure to ask about the seller’s return policy (ask to see this in writing,) as well as their authentication process for determining if a handbag is real. Given the nature of buying used goods, it’s likely that all sales will be final. Knowing this, ensure that your pre-owned bag is 100% authentic so that you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
Research the Handbag as Though You’re Buying it Brand New
The primary reason for buying a used luxury handbag (versus a new bag,) is to save a bit of money. At LXR & Co., you’ll find pre-loved vintage bags and accessories reduced from 10% to 50% off the item’s original price. Pricing is based on the style and condition of the item. Before setting your expectations about how much money you’ll save on a used luxury handbag, consider the cost of buying the bag brand new, its popularity and availability based on your location — these will all factor into how much money you can save by buying used.
Be Realistic in Terms of the Bag’s Condition
When buying a used luxury handbag, ‘you get what you pay for’ has never been truer. The better the condition of the used handbag, the closer its price will be to the handbag’s full retail price. If you’re looking for a deep discount on a pre-owned bag, expect to find more noticeable scratches and marks on the bag from the previous owner. Whatever flaws are easily repairable will likely have been made by the seller in advance of the resale, therefore you can assume that any visible imperfections are permanent.
Play it Safe and Try Before You Buy
While you can find a ton of used luxury handbags for sale online, you can save on the cost of shipping and duties charged by most sellers by buying your bag in person. We love the convenience of touching and testing out the bags for sale at various LXR & Co. shops in nine Hudson’s Bay locations across Canada. Purchasing a used bag in person gives you a better understanding of the bag’s true condition, which can often be masked by poor quality photos.
Will you consider purchasing a used luxury handbag based on our tips? Leave a comment below.
All images by Cristina Avila
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