Author: Gabrielle Nielsen
If it's true that you are what you eat, than is it true that you are what you carry? Handbags were simply just something that helped woman all over the world carry their daily necessities, but these days, it's become so much more. "It is an absolute indicator of who they are and what their style is", says Rachel Zoe, one of the world’s most noteworthy stylists. The global luxury handbag and accessories market is about a $24 billion dollar business says Lew Frankfort, Coach CEO. Handbags have become a staple in many women's wardrobe and the certain style of a handbag shows a lot about the character of a woman. Bloomberg BusinessWeek has decided to reveal what bag makes what woman with help from a panel of style experts including, Rachel Zoe, Kate Schelter (New York stylist and brand consultant), Amy Fine Collins (International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame honoree), and brilliant handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff.
I have worked for the luxury handbag company Coach for two years and have been able to see firsthand the customers that purchase bags. Working in the handbag industry really opened my eyes to how a handbag can make a certain woman feel. When she spends hours in the store trying to find that right handbag for her, it can be frustrating to me as the seller and of course to her, as the buyer. However, when she finally finds the perfect one, the happiness is indescribable. She’s so happy to know she’s carrying a bag that screams everything about her and her style and she also knows she deserves it. These are just a few of the styles I thought were the most interesting:
"The Eternal Prepster"
This is a woman who is conservative and classic. She also has a secret fetish
for carrying a "status symbol". The woman carrying this bag is "practical and
loves a bag where she can carry all her essentials at once." This woman is a hard-worker but also loves traditional fashion. Their suggestion: Longchamp's classic Le Pliage canvas bag $135. It's perfect for carrying all of her essentials and the vibrant red color is sure to make a statement.
This is a woman who is conservative and classic. She also has a secret fetish
for carrying a "status symbol". The woman carrying this bag is "practical and
loves a bag where she can carry all her essentials at once." This woman is a hard-worker but also loves traditional fashion. Their suggestion: Longchamp's classic Le Pliage canvas bag $135. It's perfect for carrying all of her essentials and the vibrant red color is sure to make a statement.
My suggestion: Tory Burch ‘Tory-Small’ Nylon Tote ($175.00, found at Nordstrom). Classic and simple, yet a perfect shape and it incorporates the Tory Burch logo that adds that “status symbol” effect.
"The Upwardly Mobile Do-Gooder"
This woman is passionate about the environment and doing better for society.
This woman is also typically a part of the younger generation. A great bag for her is
a burlap bag designed by FEED, which is a philanthropic organization whose main goal is to curb global hunger ($60). An even bigger upside to this bag: 1 bag provides one child in Africa with school lunch for a year. This is perfect for the modern day hippy.
This woman is passionate about the environment and doing better for society.
This woman is also typically a part of the younger generation. A great bag for her is
a burlap bag designed by FEED, which is a philanthropic organization whose main goal is to curb global hunger ($60). An even bigger upside to this bag: 1 bag provides one child in Africa with school lunch for a year. This is perfect for the modern day hippy.
My suggestion: I agree! This is a perfect bag for an environmentally conscious gal who also likes a good deal! Also, how can you possibly pass up the fact that 1 bag equals a school lunch for a year for a child in Africa.
"The Lady who Luxes"
We have all seen this woman and all secretly want to be her. She's feminine and
fashionable, with an expensive taste. "This woman is a label freak", says Amy
Fine Collins. She's always dressed to impress but her secret weapon: her Louis
Vuitton bag ($1,030). This bag is sure to turn a few heads in her sexy, stylish way. "You'll never find her outside her house without the "it" heels", Rebecca Minkoff comments.
We have all seen this woman and all secretly want to be her. She's feminine and
fashionable, with an expensive taste. "This woman is a label freak", says Amy
Fine Collins. She's always dressed to impress but her secret weapon: her Louis
Vuitton bag ($1,030). This bag is sure to turn a few heads in her sexy, stylish way. "You'll never find her outside her house without the "it" heels", Rebecca Minkoff comments.
My suggestion: Madison Leather Sophia Satchel ($358, found at Coach). This bag is glamorous and fashionable yet the Coach brand is also a love of that “label freak”. Extra points: Just as expensive looking yet less than half the price of a Louis Vuitton!
"The multitasker"
This young, modern "Renaissance Woman", not only has a 9 to 5 job but she also
has a lot of other tasks on her plate from day to day. She's looking for convenience withoutgiving up style. Her best handbag look: Marc Jacobs cross-body bag ($595).
This bag lets her carry everything she needs for her busy day, yet is youthful
looking with all of the oversized zipper and buckle detailing. This tote "is to allow her to
be hands-free", adds Minkoff. She can get things done while being a fashionista.
This young, modern "Renaissance Woman", not only has a 9 to 5 job but she also
has a lot of other tasks on her plate from day to day. She's looking for convenience withoutgiving up style. Her best handbag look: Marc Jacobs cross-body bag ($595).
This bag lets her carry everything she needs for her busy day, yet is youthful
looking with all of the oversized zipper and buckle detailing. This tote "is to allow her to
be hands-free", adds Minkoff. She can get things done while being a fashionista.
My suggestion: Deena & Ozzy Zip-Front Moto Satchel ($68, found at Urban Outfitters). This bag is perfect for a hands free lifestyle. It has handles of course, but can quickly become a cross-body bag in the blink of an eye. It also has a very vintage look to it and the color will go with any outfit imaginable!
"The Party Girl"
Who doesn't like a good party girl? Dressed to impress and carrying only the sleekest bag, Rebecca Minkoff's clutch ($295) is what every serious party girl needs. It has a removable strap that can turn this small over-the-shoulder bag into a clutch. Kate Schelter says this owner "still young enough to go out at night after work." Happy hour anyone?
Who doesn't like a good party girl? Dressed to impress and carrying only the sleekest bag, Rebecca Minkoff's clutch ($295) is what every serious party girl needs. It has a removable strap that can turn this small over-the-shoulder bag into a clutch. Kate Schelter says this owner "still young enough to go out at night after work." Happy hour anyone?
My suggestion: Tory Burch Vintage Lux-T Embossed Metallic Leather Fold-Over Wallet Clutch ($250 on sale for $175, found at Bloomingdale’s). The metallic purple color is sure to make the right “party girl “statement. It also can be carried as a clutch or an over-the-shoulder thanks to a small chain link strap. Love, love, LOVE this bag! Plus, it’s on sale!
"The Early Adopter"
This bag is for the girl who doesn't care if she's even carrying anything in her bag, she carries it because it's about to be a big trend. She does her research to see what's going to be hot and then buys, buys, buys. She's a little ahead of her time but not too far out there. Suggestion: Alexander Wang bag ($825). Collins states, "You make it work because you love it." He also adds, "People think she's on the cutting edge."
My suggestion: Rampage Faux Leather Should Bag ($98, found at Nordstrom). This bag has immaculate detailing which gives the bag a real edge. It’s very trendy yet not too risky. It’s perfect for any occasion and perfect for the “early adopter”.
"The Hoarder"
Everything but the kitchen sink? That's what this girl throws into her bag every day. She carries a lot and her life is a little chaotic. An unstructured Cynthia Vincent bag is the right bag for her because it’s virtually bottomless. Zoe says it's for women who are "rolling with their entire life." Go big or go home is what I say!
Everything but the kitchen sink? That's what this girl throws into her bag every day. She carries a lot and her life is a little chaotic. An unstructured Cynthia Vincent bag is the right bag for her because it’s virtually bottomless. Zoe says it's for women who are "rolling with their entire life." Go big or go home is what I say!
My suggestion: Hinge Perforated Leather Hobo ($168, found at Nordstrom). This bag is a bottomless pit. Anything and everything you can imagine will fit into this over-the-shoulder bag. It also has a very fashion forward look to it with the perforated leather. A definite must for the girl who needs everything with her!
Finally, you can your own make a statement while also on a budget. So whether you're the party girl who just needs her lip gloss and i.d. or you're the hoarder who needs just about everything before she walks out of the door, always remember your handbag screams a lot more about you before you even open your mouth.
For More Information:
Images By:
- Chinchilla. "Coach- Madison Leather Sophia Satchel." Absinthrill. 24 Nov. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://absinthrill.blogspot.com/2010/11/coach-madison-leather-large-sophia.html>.
- http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rampage-faux-leather-shoulder-bag/3152615?origin=category&resultback=0
- http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hinge-perforated-leather-hobo/3127482?origin=category&resultback=0
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