My closet is riddled with bags I've accrued from years of kowtowing to the trends. Everytime I spotted a new satchel hanging from the arm of a celeb, I immediatley scoured the stores and the sites in search of the item – or at least a good fake. Well a lot of good that did me. I used each bag maybe once, and the money put towards them is enough to have purchased a much needed vacation. But all is not lost. There are a few handbags in my collection that I return to time and time again – enough so that they have earned a place in my book as new fashion classics.
The colors black and white are symbolic of all things nostalgic and proper – Capote's Ball, Hephurn films, the game of Chess – so it's only natural that a structured black and white satchel would gain status as a classic. The YSL Downtown Tote ($1495) gets top billing, while the L.A.M.B. Loz Feliz Westwood Bag ($475) comes in a close second followed by the Kenneth Cole Handle It Satchel ($252).
The popularity of the black patent shopper has skyrocketed in the past few seasons. The shine dresses up every look, from daywear to evening, and brings added glamour to otherwise casual attire. The Alexander McQueen Patent Hobo ($1995) is the ultimate patent dream, but at almost two thousand dollars, it will remain a fantasy to many. The budget-conscious fashionista might opt for the Kooba Patent Bag ($598) or Two-Pocket Tote (was $57, now $45.60).
Made popular by the oh-so laid back LA celebs and their 'stress free' West coast lifestyles, the slouchy hobo bag emerged onto the scene and quickly became a must-have for anyone in need of a roomy, moveable bag. The Gucci Leather Hobo ($1645) is the ultimate price to pay for such a casual bag, but we also love the Vanessa Bruno Hobo (was $886, now $443) with its ruffle detail, or the simple Huntington Hobo (was $160, now $128).
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