Bettering Your Baggage

Photo credit @jacquemus

Ladies have baggage that comes in all shapes and sizes. No, literally. I am talking about handbags.

Most women I know tend to prefer medium to large bags that allow them to be ready for anything, anytime. They carry water bottles, chargers, clutch-sized wallets, makeup, tablets, hair brushes, and even mini styling tools. The world could seriously end, and they would still have all the things. But with Covid, most women have become less inclined to take these items out and about or what was once ‘necessary’ has been replaced by sanitizing essentials. In many ways, Covid has forced us to streamline, downsize, and simplify our lives because we are no longer primarily spending time outside of our home during the day. It has forced us to, quite literally, minimize what we carry. In fact, fashion media has recently reported a boom in the production of mini and micro bags since last March. But this isn't the first time that world events have influenced the fashion industry. (Did you know that in WWII, handbags were manufactured with a compartment to carry a gas mask?!)

Personally, I have always been a small purse gal. I find large totes and hobo bags to be frustrating and burdensome to wear outside of the workplace. I like the freedom of carrying the basics and, even more so, being able to find them quickly. When Covid hit, I no longer wanted to expose my personal belongings in public unless it was necessary. Although I was able to stick with my normal rotation of smaller bags, most ladies may not own a small purse or hesitate to downsize to one. So, how can transitioning to a smaller handbag seem a bit more approachable?

Here are a few tips and tricks to think about if you are open to making the switch:

Essentials "Rule" - One rule will make a huge difference in what you carry: stick to the essentials. For me, that means a phone, mask, chapstick, a card holder (no large wallet for me), and keys. If a purse can't fit my phone, it doesn't make it into my closet. After you rule out the non-essentials you’ve been carrying around, it will be easy to see how much space you don’t need after all.

Organization - If there are a lot of items floating freely around your bag, gravitate toward smaller bags that offer big organizing potential. Buy a petite handbag with interiors that offer functionality in terms of pockets, card slots, separator compartments, etc. If you already have a small or medium sized bag that you love but offers little organizational options, you can purchase a felt organizer insert that is typically tailored to fit inside a specific bag shape. Overall, these organizational features will help you sort through what is worth toting around in your purse and what isn't.

Combo Bags - Go for smaller bags that offer options in the way you can carry and use them. Think wallets on a chain, clutches with removable shoulder straps, and top handle bags that can be worn crossbody with a strap. Sometimes we feel guilty about buying a handbag that can't accommodate all of our daily needs (and let's be honest, no real leather bag is cheap). But if you buy a smaller bag that offers versatility in the ways it can be worn, then you are more likely to use it for a variety of occasions. And you get more bang for your buck. Who doesn’t love that?

Ditch the Stereotypes - If you are a mom, you should carry a tote. Only women over 50 carry top handle bags. Only women under 20 carry wallets on a chain. Come on. There are no rules about what type of purse you can wear but one - wear a handbag that will make you happy. No matter what age you are, even with Covid, just have fun and keep it light.

As for iconic small bags and trendy minis that are front and center to date, I could go on forever - the YSL Le 61 camera bag, the Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag, the Loewe Puzzle Craft bag, the Bottega Padded Cassette bag, the Chanel wallet on a chain, the Fendi baguette bag, and so many more. And who could forget the latest micro bags from Jacquemus, Gucci, and Balenciaga that made an appearance this past year? With so many options, why not give these petite options a try? It may actually be the best time to live a little more carefree.

Instead of going with the usual name brand suspects, I decided to mix it up with some options below. Check out the following pictures for some inspiration. And don’t worry, I didn’t throw any micros at you!

Oh, the revival of the Fendi baguette bag. So many new colors and styles have reinvented this classic shape for the brand. Compare this version to the traditional Fendi logo, below.

Mini bags in fun shapes and textures from Khaite (brown, top), Bottega Veneta (yellow, bottom), and Staud (cream). Image and bags from @netaporter

A more modern take on their saddle bag, this Dior mini packs a big statement in a wallet on a chain style.

If you are are searching for fun and AFFORDABLE mini bags, look no further! Maje has some great handbag styles at even better price points. The best part is that their bags come in so many colors in each style. They also serve up some high fashion impact that can elevate even your workout clothes.

Ok, I lied. I had to squeeze one micro bag in for fun. Why not try it on for size. Seriously, though…for size. Jacquemus has led the way with the micro bag trend. Believe it or not, these bad boys go for around $500 as the “it” bags of the moment. Impulse buy? Sure. Investment piece? No.

Calling all vintage lovers! Who can forget the multi colored LV pouchette designed by Marc Jacobs? And the Fendi baguette makes another appearance in baby pink cloth. These bags are common on the vintage market, but their prices have skyrocketed due to the popularity of small bags.

More mini bags at great prices by Maje.

Jacquemus doesn’t just make micro bags. Their bags have been worn by Kendall Jenner and so many more celebrities this year alone. If you like streamlined and structured styles, this brand is for you.

One of the most iconic small bags - Lady Dior.

Head to toe YSL. Need I say more?

More iconic small bags that you have likely seen all over Instagram, TV, and magazines. These wallet on a chain bags from Chanel, LV, and YSL make a big statement in a compact yet organized shape.

Talk about versatility. This clutch bag from Jill Sander is the coolest addition to your closet. Wear it as a top handle or carry it under your arm as a clutch. This one can do double duty running errands or going out for drinks.

The classic Fendi baguette bag.

And finally, mini bags that will make your outfit pop with bright colors. Pink satin bag from Dries Van Noten, orange bag from Wandler, and blue lizard-effect bag from Little Liffner (I love this brand and they have great small bag options at decent prices!).