Play the Field and Find a New Love
Ok, Valentine’s is the perfect day to let loose and have fun. If you have a significant other, great! If not, get out and celebrate Galentine’s with your girls! Or treat yourself to something new and special. However you decide to celebrate, have fun and enjoy yourself.
Everyone has a go-to bag that feels like an old friend. . .it’s comfortable, reliable, and perfect for every occasion. But let’s take a look at some different qualities that will have you falling head over heels with your new bag. You’ve got a personal style, and your handbags are a perfect extension of that. They can also be a way for you to cut loose and express yourself in different ways.
Whether it’s a unique shape, a splash of color, flowers in all shapes and sizes or a customized masterpiece, your handbag says a lot about you. And a vintage bag says you value quality, uniqueness and sustainability. Your bag is one of the first things people notice about your outfit, so let it make a statement. Be bold and confident and have fun with that bag. Afterall, that’s what the designers were doing when they dreamed up their clutches, crossbodies, totes and hobos. Now, they’re just waiting for someone to come along and love them as much as they do.
Embrace a New Shape
I recently came across the cutest heart-shaped vintage Louis Vuitton crossbody and fell in love. I surprised myself because that’s not my normal style, but why not have fun with your accessories?!! And now, I’m seeing heart-shaped and valentine-inspired bags everywhere! Well, maybe not everywhere, but Gucci, Chanel, Chloe, and Celine have all shared the love. And these bags are seriously cute!
Designers are known for pushing the envelope and these uniquely shaped bags scream individuality. You’re not like everyone else and your accessories shouldn’t be either. Embrace your passionate side with bags that scream confidence, fashion, and fun! Sure, you can only fit the essentials. . .your phone, cards, lipstick, keys. . .but isn’t that the point of a night out? You’re liberated from everything you’ve got going on during the day. You don’t have to worry about responding to emails or keeping track of files. And it’s a night off from making sure the kiddos have toys, snacks, a change of clothes. Your little bag is all about YOU! I mean, who doesn’t want to get out and just let loose?! And a break from the daily grind is always welcome. So, take time picking out the perfect outfit, but don’t stop there.
Accessorizing with a fun bag is the perfect way to express yourself. And these uniquely shaped vintage handbags are a great way to own a little piece of fashion history.
Add a Splash of Color and Texture
If you’re not feeling the shaped bag love, then look for a vintage bag with a pop of color and maybe even some texture. Be bold and unapologetic about your handbag! Whether it’s the size, shape, color or texture, have fun and rock that bag. We’re seeing a lot of fun colors in handbag design. You don’t have to stick to classic neutrals like black, brown and camel. While those will always be iconic, shades of green, rust, blues and bright reds are a great way to put a fresh twist on an everyday accessory.
Your handbag is probably the hardest-working and most-used item in your closet. If you’re anything like me, you use the same bag for several weeks or even months before changing it out. So, it can be a little daunting to choose a colorful bag that you’ll probably be using every day for weeks. I get it, but this is where designer bags can really get fun. There are so many gorgeous colored bags that can be used as neutrals. I honestly believe that you can find a beautiful, colored bag that will go with everything.
One of the coolest ways to elevate your colorful bag is by checking out that suede option. Suede bags seriously ooze sophistication and charm, and create rich, deep colors that only get better with use and time. YSL, Prada and Chloe have the most gorgeous suede bags. And it’s a great way to bring in new texture to your handbag collection.
Flowers Aren’t Just for Valentine’s Day
Florals are making a comeback, so dig into your grandma’s collection! Before she passed my husband’s grandmother gave each of my three girls one of her little brocade clutches. It was a little time capsule and a glimpse into Gigi’s life as each one of my daughters found hidden treasures inside their clutch. An Altoid, a pack of tissues, a pen, a to-do list. . .nothing earth shattering, but little reminders of how much my girls loved their great grandmother.
And now ten years after receiving these treasures, my girls are realizing that floral handbags are having their day. . .again! While you may not use a floral handbag every day, they are a fun way to add flair to any occasion. Whether the entire bag is floral, or a mix of floral brocade and suede or a silk floral scarf tied around the handle, it’s such a unique way to express your personal style.
Gucci and Prada have long embraced the floral trend, and you can find some seriously cute vintage bags in a variety of styles. You can elevate any outfit with one of these floral inspirations.
Hand-painted Customization
I’m going to be honest, I used to see painted designs on designer bags and roll my eyes. I just didn’t get it. Why mark up a beautiful designer bag. And then I took a trip to Singapore, and I changed my mind. While my husband was in meetings, I wandered into the Louis Vuitton Island Maison to see if they had anything different from the bags, clothing, accessories and perfumes we have in the States. Watching the artists, and believe me, that’s what they are, paint the most intricate designs on handbags, luggage and belts was fascinating. They took a beautiful piece of fashion and turned it into something completely unique.
I didn’t buy one and I seriously regret it. So, now I’m always on the lookout for a vintage designer bag that has been hand painted. What a great way to elevate your accessories and make them iconic. Think about it, no one else will ever have that bag. . .it truly is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Celebrate Your Love
It’s such a rush finding the perfect vintage bag. And while it can be a bit of a financial commitment, trust me, it’s worth it. We’ve all seen a bag that we can’t stop thinking about, so take the plunge and get that bag. You won’t regret it! Who knows, it may lead to a lifelong obsession with vintage bags. There’s so much to love about something that only gets better with time!