Trifecta: Handbags, Part Two

How awesome was Adrien's post about handbags this week? Ugh, so awesome. It made me want to run out and get me some ladylike, structured handbags but then I realized something. My life is, ah, not so ladylike. I work full time, but in a casual creative environment. I am 35 and I've literally never had a job where I couldn't wear jeans. And in my off time (notice I don't say free time)? I'm a mom to a small kid, with another on the way. So I thought I would share my more casual version of Adrien's go-to handbag wardrobe, in case there are more of you who do not have ladylike lives.

One thing Adrien and I have in common is this:

Buy the best quality you can afford.

I don't do cheap bags and fake leather. It disappoints me and doesn't hold up as long and even cheap Target bags can run you upwards of $40. If you buy 4 cheap bags a year guess what? You could have picked up a beautiful leather bag (seriously y'all, look at that fun, gorgeous bag) that will age nicely and become a statement piece in your wardrobe. It's the hard truth. I only buy one bag a year, and usually I buy it secondhand so I get the most for my money.

Another one of Adrien's points is: Don't be boring. And I agree, but...I've taken kind of a turn for the neutral with my bag purchases in the past couple of years. I used to have a blue bag, a pink bag, an emerald green stunner (dang, now I want that one), but my current most favorite bags are navy, a muted gold, and a worn natural leather. They are all crafted from gorgeous, touchable leather and have interesting shapes and details, but they aren't very colorful. That said, let's talk about what my bag wardrobe would be:

• slouchy leather messenger bag
• structured leather flap satchel
• metallic leather bag
• mini bag that doubles as a clutch
• large printed canvas tote

Running around as much as I do, I require that all of my bags have a long strap that can be worn across the body. I have to be able to grab a growing toddler, so free hands are key. My two favorite, and most used bags, are the Marc Jacobs "Mag Bag":

And my Su-Shi Old Skool Mini in Honey:

I also just got (and will blog about later this week!) a Clare Vivier messenger bag in navy. It's gloriously soft and slouchy and holds a lot without looking huge. It's pretty dreamy, but more on that later.

How about you? Do you gravitate towards more ladylike bags or are you more casual? Also, pssssst: it's Adrien's birthday today! Wish her a happy one by telling us your dream handbag in the comments.