… structured handbags.
For years I limited myself to bags that straddled the line between formal and casual, seeking styles that would work equally well during the day or evening. And that meant most bags were eliminated from the running immediately. Now that I’ve expanded my collection a bit, I find that I’m drawn to the extremes: I love super rugged, beat-up, utilitarian looking bags and am equally drawn to structured, ladylike, retro-influenced bags that add a sense of formality to my outfits.
Here are a few that have caught my eye of late:
HOBO International June
This top-flap bag combines ladylike and trendy with that snazzy colorblocking design. This is a fairly small bag at 9″ x 8″ x 3″, but large enough for the essentials. I’m so smitten with the faux tortoiseshell o-rings! (Also check out the Lady
Art on Crafts Olive Green Bag – $160
Just about everything in the Art on Crafts Etsy shop makes me drool, but this specific style of bag has been on my wishlist for ages. It’s got all the structure and style of a lady bag, but is large enough to sling over your shoulder. I’m a fan of bags that can accomodate a novel or bottle of water in a pinch, ya know?
Kate Spade New Bond Street Florence – $448
Kate Spade is always a splurge (unless you stalk her wares on eBay like I do), but she really knows how to do structured and sleek. I’ve seen this bag in person, and the leather is the loveliest off-white with gorgeously bright, almost neon coral trim. Swoon. (And then wait for the sales.)
MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton East/West Satchel – $252.99
Kors has done this bag for several seasons in a row now, and someday I’ll find a past-season version at Marshalls and nab it. Most of the bags that strike me as structured are top-handle models, but the Hamilton has the added bonus of a shoulder strap. Gorgeous and versatile. (Of course, the one I really want is the jumbo model. So I can crawl inside to nap.)
Urban Expressions Bone Satchel
This vegan option incorporates some very on-trend satchel styling with a more refined and less rugged overall appearance. I absolutely adore that flap closure. Sleek, chic, and easy to open when your phone starts buzzing and ringing away.
Are you a fan of structured, ladylike, retro-influenced bags? Do they suit your style? Or are you on the lookout for a different type of bag for yourself?
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, and yes! I love these structured bags, not only for their style but because all my belongings are accessible and not in a heap at my hip. The HOBO June looks really fresh and pretty – it reminds me of the Big Buddha Cate, which I am stalking right now : >
I have a thing for the structured bag……I just love the finishing edge they give to an outfit…plus they are very easy to keep organized. Hard to choose one of the many lovely ones posted that I love best!
Ooo I’m drooling over the Kate Spade bag, but love the price, look and vegan-ness of the Urban Expression purse. What good options, Sally!
Generally I do a mushy bag of some sort (tote or hobo) because I like less-structured bags, but like you I’ve been veering toward something with a little more right-angle — as long as they are big enough for water and a book
Yes, I like this genre of bags. And Hester van Eeghen makes my current favorites.
I am more of an unstructured squishy leather over the shoulder purse type of lady, but I really like that green art on crafts bag. Pretty!
Structure – yes please! I can’t find anything in the bottom of a slouchy, shapeless hobo bag, though I may like the hobo look.
A couple other requirements in a structured handbag: a small, narrow footprint (I don’t want to try and squeeze a giant box onto a crowded rush hour bus with me) and also – as you mentioned, Sal – something that fits over my shoulder. I need to be able to do things with my hands other than carry my bag, and also – I feel much safer when my bag isn’t swinging around freely. It’s much more difficult to snatch a purse when it’s tucked under a person’s arm.
Love the structured look, especially the Mocael Kors. You’ve shown a great range. Do have one sloppyish bag though, a coach satchel that is convertible. Guess these days it’s so full of snacks, wipes and spare clothes that it looks more structured than it is!
This has nothing to do with bags, Sal, but you’ve mentioned tucking a novel into your bag several times now, and someday when you’re doing a not-so-much-style weekend post, maybe you could do one on what you read! (I have a book blog, so I am always curious about what people are reading at the moment.)
Another structured bag fan here. Adore them and I love many of the Kate Spade offerings lately. I have always been drawn to vintage handbags (50s, 60s) because of their shapes and classy, timeless structure. I have a few hobo type bags but I definitely prefer the structured ones.
Oh I LOVE that green bag! I am always drawn to slouchy hobos, but I think structured bags better fit my workday style
Yes, yes structured bags are great, wonderful, easy-to-find-contents-within… let’s get on to why I commented though.
SAL. THAT DRESS. SERIOUSLY. You look absolutely lovely in that dress! Beautiful! And w the tights, boots, necklace, and bag… super cute.
That’s all I wanted to say.
Thank you, Ruth, you sweetie!
I ONLY buy and use structured bags. I hate how disorganised and cluttered the interior of bags gets when they are slouchy. I also ONLY buy bags large enough to go over my shoulder (apart from evening bags) because I like my hands to be free. And most of my bags are large enough for a small water bottle and my iPad. I almost always carry both around with me- I rely a lot on public transport and it is important to me to be entertained (and sometimes productive!) on those long train journeys.
And don’t forget the Cambridge Satchel! Got a red one for Valentine’s Day (though not ON Valentine’s Day–they take a while to arrive from England)–and it makes me feel like a scholarly Zooey Deschanel.
Sal, your outfit is fabulous! I love the colors and lines! Even the way your hair is straightened… The whole look is fantastic.
Dooney & Bourke as well as Maxx New York have some beautiful satchel bags. Some also come with a long strap in case you want to turn the bag into a cross-body style or if you want to knot that long strap to carry like a shoulder bag. The nice thing is that the long strap is usually detachable so that if you want to drape the satchel’s curved handles over your arm, you can do that instead to make your look very elegant/lady-like. Or one could just carry the satchel with the her hands clutching the handles – a little more country-club chic than a clutch or wristlet (which are other styles held by the hand). . So, the satchel ends up very versative with your being able to wear it 4 or more ways.
I have a couple of satchel bags. I am more of a hobo, shopper, or tote style girl.
Interesting structured bags with feet are are all that interest me. Your grey one is great.
Earrings of length and substance would better frame your lovely face and neck with this outfit-show the necklace off another day.