John Baldessari’s Nose/Silhouette: Green, 2020 Screenprint
Last month, my friend Laura hosted a Dalí-themed dinner party at Main Projects, the gallery she owns with one-half of the Icy Gays duo, Eric Thomas Suwall. Between courses, an artist asked what kind of art I like, and I wasn’t sure whether he meant the art I like to see in museums, or put on walls, the art I like to experience, or simply like to think about. Whatever he meant, it didn’t matter because it was a question I have no interest answering—which I was polite about, of course. Defining art by style, medium, subject, school, technique, color or artist has always felt like a list-buiding exercise rather than providing another person with a greater understanding of who you are, which think is generally the purpose of any such question. I appreciate art that evokes an emotional response. It doesn’t need to be a fuzzy or inspiring feeling; art that makes me uncomfortable is often more compelling. With that, I’ll try to articulate how John Baldessari‘s Nose/Silhouette: Green, 2010, makes me feel and why I love it.
My eyes like following the irregularities in the circumference of the green blob encompassing the nose—a facial feature that, unlike eyes or smiles, no human in the history of the world has ever held responsible for being the cause of love at first sight. And yet that is what Baldessari forces us to see when we aren’t doing laps around a face we’re trying to imagine. Baldessari died on January 2, 2020, and I can’t help but wonder how the generation-defining pandemic that unfolded three months after he passed would have shaped later works, had he lived through it. Baldessari’s legacy is multilayered, but the part I return to the most is that his art pushed thinking about how the meaning of an image shifts depending on the context. The world didn’t see noses for nearly year after Baldessari died (give or take, depending on your politics), which may have made some of us realize how much a nose can tell you about a person.
Siblings Elsa, Mathieu, and Antoine Mothay — the grandchildren of the founder of French ready-to-wear brand Saint James — launched Polène out of Paris in 2016 with ambitions to “capture the essence of a true leather goods house,” Antoine explains, “which we identified as creativity.” (Antoine is now the CEO and the sole family member still involved in the brand, and is directly responsible for operations, finance, creative direction, and production.) The passed-down sartorial know-how is evident: Polène began with the Numéro Un, and now has thirteen handbag styles (or “collections,” as it bills them), priced between $460 to $690 — luxury sans the status premium — as well as three different jewelry lines.
A trusty backpack is essential for any fitness or everyday wardrobe — and Lululemon has a variety of high-quality packs to choose from. For fans of the beloved Everywhere Belt Bag, don’t sleep on its sibling, the spacious Everywhere Backpack: It’s a classic style, with durable ripstop fabric (not to mention, 100% of the polyester is recycled material). Heading out for a hike or long bike ride? The highly rated All Sport Backpack is ready for any outdoor adventure, with plenty of space for gear and hydration. Or, for something a bit more versatile, the Wunderlust Backpack Mini (4.3 stars, 47 reviews) or Clear Backpack Mini (4.5 stars, 70 reviews) are both great picks.
The Beckham family have been enjoying their summer holidays in France and we have been loving their holiday snaps. David and Victoria both shared a carousel of intimate pictures and they look super exotic. Wish you were here, indeed!
WATCH: Victoria and David’s best fashion looks
The whole family (sans Brooklyn) can be seen on the famous couple’s Instagram, happily enjoying their getaway on board a yacht and the clan looked ultra sun-kissed as they enjoyed each other’s company.
In one shot, Victoria and David were seen on a date night, watching a romantic sunset in the French vineyard, Domaine De Peretti Della Rocca. Swish! Looking relaxed and loved-up, the pair snuggle up for the camera. Ever the stylish fashionista, VB rocked a classic black sundress and picture-perfect straight hair. But did you spot her bag?
On the table, next to the wine, was a tiny Hermès ‘Mini Kelly’ bag. The iconic style is having such a big fashion moment right now, as it hits the ‘Old Money Aesthetic’ trend with its top handle vibe and of course, eye-watering price tag. How teeny is it though? We bet she can’t fit too much in it.
The brunette beauty mostly wears and carries items from her own fashion collection – it’s actually quite rare to see her rock an item so publicly from another label.
A ‘Kelly’ bag of this size starts at around £7,000-£10,000 but vintage counterparts can sell for a lot more.
Photoshopgate
The idyllic snap prompted Victoria to call out her megastar football legend husband. In the photo, she has her arm around David and fans were quick to ask if she had dyed her hair, as it appeared to have a reddish tint. VB, who is known for her dry sense of humour, quickly quipped: “What? Why is my hair ginger??? What filter is that David?”
Another follower piped up, joking: “Now Ginger Spice!”
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This post will teach you how to accessorize like a pro.
We’ve all been there. You have imagined the perfect outfit or seen someone wearing something and got inspired to wear something similar. And you have the perfect day to wear it!
Then, you put it on, and something’s not quite right.
You are wearing the exact same items. It’s balanced, it’s proportioned, and the color palette is on point. What could it be?
Probably, it’s all about the accessories.
We spend so much time building our closets, curating the colors, textures, and fits we love. But we might forget that accessories (shoes, bags, jewelry) can make or break an outfit and settle without curating them accordingly.
Accessories are the most useful yet underrated tools in your styling kit, and once you realize this, you can take your outfit to the next level.
It’s simple, but it’s true: a pair of earrings and shoes might be the only thing standing between a casual outfit and an elegant one.
But, What *Are* Accessories?
What can we consider accessories? Shoes, socks and tights, jewelry, bags, belts, hats, watches, and even hair and makeup all count.
This list isn’t a checklist, and you don’t have to include all of these pieces for every outfit. But the ones you do choose to focus on for your look matter a lot.
There are a few accessories that are the most important, just because there’s no way to create a look without them. These are shoes, hair, and makeup.
They’re all visible and frame the entire look (top to bottom).
The rest of the accessories listed above are optional but important if you want to improve your styling game.
How to Accessorize Outfits Like a Pro: Tips, Tricks, & Hacks
Here’s a list of easy tips and tricks to curate your accessories and accessorize your outfits.
Like goes with like. Look at your closet: What are the repeated colors? Do you prefer silver or gold? Are you a more experimental or minimalist dresser? Choose your accessories accordingly so it’s easy to pair them with the clothes you have.
Carry-on. Since we usually carry them between our tops and bottoms, bags, purses, and backpacks can either be an accent color with a neutral background or the one item that brings everything together.
Grounded or elevated. Shoes and socks can also ground a maximalist outfit or elevate a minimalist one.
A little sparkle. Jewelry, however you like it or wear it, instantly makes a look more thoughtful.
Belt it. Belts, just like purses, hit between our tops and bottoms. Belts can draw the eye or trick it with a thoughtful choice of color.
Hair & Makeup. These two can support, contrast, or bring to life any outfit when you consider the color palette, the aesthetic you might be going for, and the type of neckline you’re wearing.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, let’s get to the outfits!
How to Accessorize Outfits Like a Pro: A Fashion Guide
Before we begin, one note: To really exemplify the power of accessories, I will be using the same base outfit for all the examples below.
It’s a base we all have in our closets (white t-shirt + blue jeans), so it will be easy to see how much the right accessories affect the entire vibe of a look.
Red Lip Classic, Easy – Outfit #1
Let’s start with small but smart tweaks.
I already have my base: the white cotton T-shirt and blue, high-waisted jeans. So, how did I make this into a casual yet thoughtful look?
First, I added gold necklaces, rings, and statement gold earrings.
Then, I wanted a bit of color sprinkled through the look, so I switched the white sneakers for a pair of red Mary Jane flats. To bring more red in, I wore a watch with a gold face and burgundy strap and a burgundy shoulder bag.
For makeup, I created a natural makeup look and made it pop with red lipstick. Finally, I styled my hair in a sleek bun to free my face and let the earrings have their moment.
As you can see, just by adding accessories, the base has become an outfit. If I had let my hair down, it wouldn’t have worked with those earrings and it would make the look more casual than I would’ve wanted. The same if, instead of the flats, I would’ve chosen a pair of red sneakers.
Styling my hair to work with the earrings and the choice of shoes just brings the outfit to a more put-together area.
Casually Cute, Easy – Outfit #2
But what if you *do* want something more casual?
Keeping the t-shirt and jeans, I accessorized from the bottom up. First, I swapped the white sneakers for lilac sneakers with a floral pattern. To match the sneakers, I added lilac socks.
I wanted to have fun with my jewelry, so I wore a pair of lilac heart-shaped earrings with a green floral pattern. Then, I used a lilac ribbon as a choker and a longer silver necklace to layer with it. I switched my usual watch for this colorful floral one.
For my purse, I chose this floral green crossbody bag to bring in the green from the earrings into the rest of the look.
For hair, I wore it up in space buns to, again, give the earrings space to shine. Finally, I created a glittery makeup look with pink lipstick.
You can see that now I’ve created a completely different kind of outfit just by swapping the accessories. It is a more casual look but a fun, cute one too.
As eclectic as it is, this outfit works because the same cartoony florals and color palette are echoed throughout the different accessories.
Shine & Neutrals, Medium – Outfit #3
For this next one, I wanted something both classic and trendy. I kept the T-shirt and jeans, but I needed to choose an accessory to guide the rest. So, I started with a pair of gold loafers.
Then, to add the ‘classic’ part to the look, I combined the gold with brown. To do this, I cinched the waist with a brown belt and added a gold and brown purse.
For jewelry, I wore a pair of drop earrings with natural stones, a bit of brown coloring, and golden metal. I continued with gold rings and necklaces.
Finally, I kept my makeup simple and neutral and tied my hair in a half ponytail to let the earrings have the right framing to be seen.
In general, I think adding metallics is a great way to give a subtle twist to a classic look. Obviously, you can swap any accessory for a subtler or a statement one.
For example, the earrings could be swapped for smaller gold ones if I wanted a more classic look, but I love these ones because they bring a uniqueness to the look and a bit of color with the stones.
Polished Florals, Medium – Outfit #4
Now, for my heels girlies out there. One of my favorite ways to dress up jeans is to pair them with a very feminine pair of heels. Let’s tackle that.
I have my base, but I wanted color and wanted more femininity. The shoes I chose are these gorgeous tangerine floral strap heels. Based on the elements of the heels, I went with a pair of gold drop-earrings with orange flowers.
I swapped my day-to-day watch for a rose-gold chain watch. For the rest of my jewelry, I kept my gold rings and wore a gold necklace with an orange pendant. Then, to bounce the tiny bit of gold from the jewelry, I added a thin gold belt.
For makeup, I used a tiny bit of orange eyeshadow but mostly kept it simple. Since I have drop earrings again, I styled my hair in a sleek bun.
This look is perfect if you have a brunch, date, or meeting and you want to look effortlessly chic. It is grounded by the simplicity of the tee and jeans, but the rest of the items show thoughtfulness even though they are little things.
Statement Accessorizing, Difficult – Outfit #5
Finally, what about making the accessories the focus of the look? That might mean trying a statement necklace or shoes, a cool bag, or even just small, quirky elements working together.
To create my final look, I first put on my hero piece for this outfit: my pink metallic cowboy boots. Then, based on that, I did a pink-based makeup look with pink highlighter and a lot of blush. For hair, I styled it in braids and then put on a pink beret.
To complement the cuteness of the blush, I tied pink ribbons to the braids.
Since the big pieces were the boots and the hair accessories, I kept my jewelry simple. For earrings, I chose gold heart-shaped earrings and echoed the hearts by wearing a gold rose heart-locket necklace.
Finally, I decided I’d use a holographic purse to mirror the shine of the books.
As you can see, accessories can be the protagonist just as much as the actual clothes. It’s all about considering the items together and not as separate entities. Make them work together and bounce off each other.
Especially when you are wearing hats, you really need to be conscious of how you wear your hair and the shape, length, and weight of your earrings if you want to be comfortable.
Final Thoughts
In general, accessorizing can bring your style to a whole new level without adding more layers or having to buy a bunch of new clothes.
Especially during the summer, when you obviously want to wear simpler looks, or in winter, when you’re covering up most of your clothes, accessories can help bring your personality forward.
For example, I’m a very sentimental accessorizer, so most of my everyday jewelry is either inherited from relatives or gifted by people I love. Some of the purses in this post were my grandma’s and she recently gave them to me. Some of the watches were my dad’s, and he gave them to me. My rings were also inherited or gifted, which is why I don’t change them very often.
In general, accessories are so easy to source locally, too! And you can find unique pieces that complement your personality if you just search a little bit.
For instance, my gold statement earrings from the first and third looks are from a local brand called Torca that creates really unique yet elegant pieces. My holographic bag is also from a local brand that focuses on those types of handbags.
These looks exemplify what accessories can do for your look and how much weight they carry.
When you think of how to accessorize or what accessories to get, think of ones that complement your closet: what patterns, colors, and fabrics do you prefer? Accessories can be used to bridge gaps you might have in your closet without splurging on a new item of clothes.
If you have little closet space, accessories are easier to store, so if you’re limited on clothes you can freshen up any outfit combo with key accessories.
Always consider your accessories as part of the big picture and not an afterthought. Have fun with them!
What Do You Think?
Would you wear any of the outfits? What’s your favorite accessory right now? Do you have any styling questions?Let us know in the comments below!
These top-handle bags are so chic and versatile that they can easily transition from the beach day to late-night cocktails. Likewise, straw tote bags are the perfect picture of vacation-oriented laissez-faire, though, in the right silhouette, they can serve practical purposes in a city setting, too. Bearing all of this in mind, we set about rounding up summer 2024’s best basket bags and straw purses, delighted to find them in every conceivable shape and size. From oversized totes and mini bucket bags to crossbody bags, the woven confections of 2024 are ready to accompany you on any adventures you have planned this season.
No need to wait until Memorial Day: White purses are trending this season and will only continue their takeover this summer. But while spring handbag trends have been marked by more oversized totes and satchels — practical for long days that take you from the office to the gym — summer will see the return of mini bags, more suitable for vacations and outdoor spritz evening dates. Best of all: You don’t have to wait until the official kickoff to warm weather to get started thanks to the new Coach Jonie Bag. The half-moon-shaped — which, in addition to themilky“chalk” colorway, is available in summer-appropriate pastels like pink, purple, and pistachio, as well as an evening black — comes in a size that’s just big enough to fit your essentials but not take up too much room in your carry-on.
We’re less than a month away from Mother’s Day, so if you haven’t thought about what you’re gifting the mother figures in your life, here’s your chance to get all your shopping done right now. Kate Spade Outlet always has gift-worthy accessories at affordable prices, but the retailer is offering even deeper discounts right now. From today through April 22, everything sitewide is on sale for up to 70% off, with select styles eligible for an additional 20% off with code SAVE20. That’s a whole lot of stylish savings!
Of course, we wouldn’t be as fixated on upgrading our existing crossbody inventory if it wasn’t for the spring/summer 2024 fashion shows and their enthusiastic embrace of the silhouette: Some of this season’s highlights included quilted, tan, and chain-strap handbags by the likes of Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Loewe. Recent street style looks featured countless variations of the ever-practical piece — an obvious but no less excellent choice for a day of dashing from one fabulous fashion fête to the next.
It’s no secret that Refinery29 editors and readers alike are big fans of the Free People’s styles. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the retailer’s new arrivals, which include transitional pieces and season’s biggest fashion trends, and picked out our favorites to help narrow down your seasonal wardrobe refresh.
From flowy mini dresses and elevated T-shirts to carryall bags and warm weather-ready sweater sets, there’s a huge assortment of everyday looks that we’re excited to wear. And all of our picks come in under $150 (with the exception of one item), so you’ll be able to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Scroll on to find our favorite Free People spring pieces, and to shop the on-trend styles.
I’m all about a Canadian tuxedo moment, especially when it comes to mixing indigo washes. So this bag (and outfit) is really true to my style. I really love the three denim shades in the Soho bag, so I decided to play off them — styling the bag with my favorite dark-wash jacket and new light-wash jeans. I then accessorized with some chunky gold jewelry to complement the gold hardware of the purse.
I can see myself continuing to reach for this bag when I put together a denim-forward outfit or want to add a unique, modern twist to a street style look. For the spring, I can pair my Soho Bag with a denim mini skirt, and for winter, I can mix it up with a leather jacket.
Overall, the purse is versatile enough to play on several trends, seasons, and personal styles. So whether you’re looking to channel Beyoncé’s Western aesthetic or Ariana Grande‘s indie-boho Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind vibe, go on and cart up a Coach bag for your own trendy denim look.
We often think of a clutch as a must-have accessory for wedding guest attire or other event dressing. But if you’re waiting to dust them off only for special occasions, you’d be surprised at how carrying an oversized clutch under your arm can simply spice up your everyday uniform of sweaters and jeans. And plenty of our options can be dressed up and down, for wherever your spring social calendar takes you.
Over the last year, Aupen’s signature asymmetrical bags have been seen slung over the shoulders of everyone from Selena Gomez to Alix Earle, Hailey Bieber, and more. Not to mention, Kylie Jenner, Ashley Park, Karlie Kloss, and Olivia Rodrigo have also been spotted toting the brand’s accessories.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
It’s time to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a deep dive into one of our favorite AAPI brands: JW PEI. Lunar New Year is February 10, and with the growing success of JW PEI, we thought it was the perfect time to interview one of the cofounders, Stephanie Li, of the celeb-loved brand.
First off, when we say celeb-loved, we mean celebrities are obsessed. Ever since it was founded in 2018 by Li and her husband, Yang Pei, it’s been spotted in the arms of celebs, such as Hailey Bieber, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Anne Hathaway, and more. Most recently, Selena Gomez paired her embellished Gabbi bag with her Giorgio Armani Privé dress at the Golden Globes.
We are very proud of ourselves for achieving such a loyal celebrity following. It’s thanks to this that our brand and styles are recognized around the globe.
JW PEI CoFounder, Stephanie Li
But the brand has also won the hearts of editors, street style stars, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The viral shoulder and top-handle bags are truly designed for every fashion lover, as the vegan handbags — crafted from recycled plastic — start at the unbeatable price of $39. Conveniently, Lunar New Year coincides with JW PEI’s Valentine’s Day promotion, so for a limited time, you can get 15% off select styles — like Selena Gomez’s $129 Gabbi bag — with the code 24LOVE15. Lunar New Year just got even better. So scroll ahead to grab your own JW PEI bag and hear from Li.
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What does the Lunar New Year mean to you? “It’s a time for reflection, family, and celebrating our heritage. As an AAPI brand, we embrace the cultural richness of the Year of Dragon. Hopefully, we can incorporate some elements of the Lunar New Year into our designs that resonate with the festive spirit.”
Are there any particular styles you’d recommend for Lunar New Year outings? “We love our crystal bags, and we have them in two styles in red, perfect for the Lunar New Year: the mini Abacus bag and our signature Gabbi bag (which is also Selena Gomez’s favorite!)”
Are there any new bags you’re particularly excited about?
“We’re thrilled to unveil the Maren bag, which reflects the warmth and love of Valentine’s season. It’s a true embodiment of elegance and romance! The heart-shaped silhouette features a stunning crystal design in a beautiful shade of pink. It captures the essence of JW PEI’s commitment to chic, timeless fashion.
“If you are looking for more of a classic style, we also just launched two shoulder bags: the Jana and Harlee bag, both of which are perfect for everyday looks.”
Is there a message that you would like to send to JW PEI shoppers for the new year? “Yes! To all JW PEI fans, we extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous new year. Thank you for being a part of our journey. May the new year bring you happiness, good health, and the opportunity to express your unique style through our collections.”
How would you like to see JW PEI grow in 2024?
“In 2024, we’re further expanding in footwear, and we plan to introduce a full ready-to-wear line. We’ve also been exploring a pop-up or even permanent retail storefront in SoHo NYC, through which we’ll be able to provide a new and exciting experience for our community.”
Undoubtedly, anyone claiming to be a part of the fashion set has likely watched one particular film: The Devil Wears Prada. We all have our favorite scenes from the flick, but for the sake of this story, only one is top of mind. About 38 minutes into the movie, Andy Sachs meets her boyfriend Nate and friends Lily and Doug at a bar bearing gifts. As she doles them out, she lifts a Marc Jacobs Mercer Blake bag above her head, to which Lily replies, “Gimme, gimme, gimme.” The film may have been fictional, but it encapsulated the fervor surrounding the brand at that time.
After all, back in 2006, everyone was hard-pressed to get their hands on a Marc Jacobs handbag—most were sold out everywhere and could only be spotted on the glitterati of the mid-aughts. And while we’ve moved on from that period, Marc Jacobs’s purses remain ever relevant. For years, we’ve seen various pieces from the label reach cult status. In honor of that, we’ve done a deep dive into the brand’s history to identify the 18 best Marc Jacobs bags. From archival versions to newly released pieces, these styles are sure to make you say “gimme” out loud too.
Much like the late Balmain, Rousteing’s challenging journey has led him to create some of the most captivating clothing of our time. Born as an orphan, Rousteing, from a young age, felt compelled to design. He studied at Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode before landing roles working under Roberto Cavalli and then Christophe Decarnin. His later role, under Decarnin, led the protégé to eventually become the creative successor of Balmain at the age of 24, making him the youngest Black designer to be appointed to a luxury fashion house. In hindsight, his appointment marked the shift for Balmain and the broader fashion industry. Remember that long before there was any collective reckoning about the lack of diversity within the fashion industry, there was Rousteing.
For so long, positions of power in the high echelons of society and high fashion have been associated with whiteness. Therefore, the mere fact that Rousteing has existed within that space for well over a decade is revolutionary in and of itself. But it’s not just that he’s occupied that space; he’s succeeded in it. By bringing back the brand’s couture, menswear, and leather goods, he’s successfully increased Balmain’s bottom line by millions of dollars. In many ways, Rousteing has managed to bridge the gap between haute couture and current culture, which is no easy feat. In part, how he’s been able to do that is his ability to notice what’s next.
If you pull the receipts, you can see that Rousteing has always been ahead of the curve; reference the brand’s early social media campaigns or even his recent collaboration collection with Beyoncé for her recent album, Renaissance. He’s been out here doing the work, okay! The grind that he’s put in has subsequently allowed a new generation, or what Rousteing refers to as the “Balmain Army,” to see luxury in a new light. No longer is it something out of reach, but it resonates with them; it can also be a part of their lives. That shift is most evident in the popularity of the brand’s handbag collections. For so many, Balmain’s bags are the entry point into a space they may have never felt they belonged. But what exact Balmain bags are beloved by this generation? Keep reading to find out.
It’s become a common topic of discussion in the fashion space that during periods of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to pivot their purchases toward wiser investments. That is, after all, a major contributing factor to quiet luxury’s success over the last year. And the designer handbag space is far from immune. According to luxury resale site Rebag’s Clair Report for 2023, storied houses like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton continue to be of top priority in times like this, with their best-selling handbags continuing to hold onto resale value despite the market’s fickleness of late. “Pieces like the Hermès Constance, Chanel Deauville Tote, and Louis Neverfull [are] retaining their average [resale value by] 127%, 114%, and 136% in 2023, respectively,” says Elizabeth Layne, the Rebag’s Chief Marketing Officer.
But that’s not the case for every brand, nor every bag. And just as fast as people will invest in safe bets when the market is unpredictable, they’ll sell off those carriers in their closet that are no longer serving them sartorially (or financially). Layne knows this all too well. Thankfully, she was more than willing to share her knowledge of those specific handbag styles that people are more often getting rid of in 2024 than buying with Who What Wear. Keep scrolling to see which three designer bags she says are being resold to Rebag in bulk this year and the three that are being invested in instead. Who knows? The findings might just surprise you.
Love is in the air right now (whether that be romantic love, self-love, or platonic love with your besties) as Valentine’s Day quickly approaches. And while love is a feeling, we’re big on heart-shaped everything that reflects just how much we love… love! Whether that means adding heart-shaped pots to our cookware collections or wearing heart-shaped jewelry all day every day, we’re into it all. And right now, we are especially interested in heart-shaped handbags.
As overused as the quote from the late Yves Saint Laurent might be, it still rings true: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Especially within the context of modern fashion, which moves much faster than the pace of the industry in the ’60s during Laurent’s heyday. Like it or not, we live in an age when an It-item can be anointed overnight, only to lose its luster by lunchtime. Therefore, it can be hard to discern what’s worth your time and money. That’s where we come in, friends!
Although conventional wisdom would tell you that investing in those foundational basics is far more critical, there’s something else we feel is worth buying, too: bags. Before you discount our rationale, hear us out on this. Unlike apparel, luxury accessories are one of the few items that acquire value over time. But with so many different types of bags out there, how exactly does one pick a style that will stand the test of time? Return to brands with the “classic” feel built into their brand legacies, such as Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Burberry.
Although each of these luxury labels may have its own rich history, one particular bag style is universal among them: quilted handbags. Characterized by its attentiveness to craftsmanship, this style is typically made from leather, nylon, or cotton with an overlay quilted detail that gives the bag a raised texture. Because quilted bags have been reinvented in various textiles, sizes, and shapes over the years by luxury and affordable labels, it’s become a mainstay in the closets of chic people everywhere.
It’s one of the best investments you can make. Ahead, we’re proving that point as we’ve rounded up the 31 best quilted handbags at every price point based on quality, versatility, price, popularity, and shoppers’ reviews (when possible). Trust us when we say one of these bags will surely become an eternal part of your wardrobe.
Ask any fashion person what the color of the S/S 24 season is and they’ll likely give you a quick answer: burgundy (or oxblood, wine, claret, dark red—whatever you want to call it). It’s the color that everyone has been talking about after new Gucci creative director Sabato De Sarno made it the star of his first collection. We already pointed out that burgundy shoes are coming for your closet when Jennifer Lopez recently wore a pair, and now Kendall Jenner has proven that burgundy bags are following in their footsteps (no pun intended).
While running errands last week in L.A., Jenner paired a burgundy The Row tote with an oversized bomber jacket, white T-shirt, jeans, and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. The color of the bag was just as versatile as a black bag but made her outfit far more interesting and vivid (and expensive-looking).
If you’re convinced that you need a burgundy bag, keep scrolling to shop some of our favorites.
