So apparently, I’m a handbag collector now because my closet has grown significantly over the past few years. Mostly during quarantine, which technically means I can blame the lockdown for all my online window shopping… that eventually turned into cart checkouts.
I know, I know! I can’t help it.
A favourite hobby of mine is shopping.
It’s in my blood. I’ve accepted my fate.
And I can’t be mad at it.
Now, before we get to the good stuff, let’s get the pleasantries and catch up out of the way.
If you are new here, welcome!
If you are a returning reader, I hope you’re doing well. I know I said I’d be writing more and only posted 2 blogs last year, but at least my ghosting didn’t last as long as the last MIA.
On that note, Happy New Year! Hope you had a lovely 2022.
Hope 2023 is going awesome for you so far.
I had a bit of a rough start, but we are trying to get our boujee ass on track, make that shmoney so we can continue looking and living fabulously. Plus, I’m itching to do some traveling this year – potentially solo travel – because I need to refresh and reset my nervous system.
Side note: Did you know that was a thing? Resetting your nervous system because it harbours trauma which is a reason why we have anxiety? So much to learn… but I digress.
Ok let’s get to the fun stuff!
Here are some pretty little things that have been on my radar.
Some of these you may consider basic or older styles, but I am trying to be more selective with my purchases so I can build my curated handbag collection.
Right? I said curated. I’m trying to be fancy, but also because I know that sometimes I get distracted by trendy or colourful things, when I simply require a black leather bag and yet, all I have are rainbow sequins.
Now without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 5 handbags for 2023 that are on my current wishlist. Plus, some honourable mentions that may be a more affordable option with a similar style.
Top 5 Luxury Handbag Wishlist
Gucci, Aphrodite
Surprisingly enough, I’m still yet to make a handbag purchase from one of my favourite luxury brands. And with Alessandro Michele’s recent departure from Gucci, I do want to add one of his designs to my collection before they’re completely off the shelves. I’ve always eyed the GG Marmont shoulder bag or the super mini Dionysus, but for some reason never made the commitment. And now that I’ve waited this long, I can’t justify paying that price increase knowing what I could have bought it at. Side note: have we seen current the prices of Chanel?? Deceased.
I was going to settle for an Ophidia GG mini bag, which I’ll probably still get since I like that the canvas material makes it a more casual, everyday bag, but then the Aphrodite was introduced. And this is one I think I’m ready to commit to.
While I prefer the price of the shoulder bag, I do like having the option of the removeable long strap and chain handle of the small shoulder bag. Though, I’ll be happy with either or.
Honorable mention:
Maison Margiela, Glam Slam Hobo
I’ve always been a fan of John Galliano’s extravagant designs while he was at Dior. And while the Maison Margiela style is not for everyone, I do love their line of glam slam bags.
I currently own the mini red carpet and I think the look is so cute. Plus, the leather is so soft and cushiony. So when I saw they recently released this hobo style, I knew I might have to add this pillowy goodness to my collection.
When it’s on sale of course.
Givenchy, Mini G-Hobo
Givenchy will always have my heart when it comes to handbags. I think I’m up to 5 now. I really didn’t know much about the brand until Riccardo Tisci came into the picture and I laid my eyes on the Antigona. Some may think it’s old news, overrated or played out, but I think it’s become such a classic style for the brand.
Then, to be honest, I wasn’t really feeling any designs from Givenchy after Tisci left, but it wasn’t until recently that my eyes are starting to perk up again. Seems Mr. Matthew M. Williams has gotten me curious about the direction of this brand with a few of their newest pieces. Some designs are still questionable for my taste, but so far I’m really into the mini Voyou. While I love a good shoulder/crossbody option, I do love a grab and go look, and this mini G-Hobo looks like it’s it for me.
Seriously, that blue? Ex-squeeze me? I think we found our 6th member of the group. I know I’ll probably have to baby the bag because of the colour, but I love how simple and no-fuss the design looks. Like, just take my money already.
Honorable mention:
Kara, Crystal Fringe Bean
I’m a sucker for sparkles so anything with a little (or a lotta) rhinestones and bling will obviously catch my eye.
And Kara is doing it right. This brand’s embellished handles has been on my radar, but what got me about this style is the way these crystals will cascade off your shoulder like a sparkly waterfall.
My only concern is the crystals getting caught in my hair or clothes, but I would rock this with a simple cotton t-shirt and jeans/leggings vibe and then have this to make my outfit pop.
Mugler, Spiral Curve
Ok, so the only thing I really knew about Mugler was their iconic Alien perfume – which surprisingly I don’t own. Then, it wasn’t until I saw Kim Kardashian at the 2019 MET Gala that sparked my curiousity in the brand’s clothing designs. Shortly after, I started seeing this name more and more with their show-stopping spiral leggings (that I’m sure half the people out there are wearing Fashion Nova dupes). While I do love them, if I’m being completely realistic, at the end of the day I have no business wearing these anywhere I need to go in life. So a bag would be a better suited introduction to the brand.
Now… enter the Spiral Curve handbag. This is the first handbag designed for Mugler and all I can say is yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
I know this bag is probably looked at as trendy because of the the design, but that’s what I love about it – the curves. It looks so futuristic and alien-like, which is genius for the brand – for obvious reasons.
I’ll have to see this bag in person to actually get a feel for the structure and design. Plus, I want to know what the inside looks like because I have no gage if this bag can actually hold a wallet or cell phone. Though, another thing I’m a sucker for is denim bags. There’s just something so cool and casual about them, yet they go with everything. So this mix of denim and leather on this design just makes sense to me. And it would make more sense if it were in my closet.
Honorable mention:
Jacquemus, Le Bisou
We’ve all seen the Chiquitos take over our IG feeds the past couple of years. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of that bag, but I did like the Bambinos line. However, I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon just because.
Then they came out with this. There’s something about this specific handle that I’m drawn to and it will get bonus points if it’s removeable so I can attach my own crossbody chain.
My only hesitation is how skinny the bag is. I really don’t carry a lot, but I also don’t want my phone or Fenty lip gloss to be poking at the leather.
Celine, Ava
@s_pasquali
Celine is another brand that I never noticed until the Luggage Tote and Box Bag took over all the handbag collection videos I used to watch on YouTube. And I know there are a lot of die hard Phoebe Philo fans out there because of it. Omgosh, maybe YouTube is what subconsciously contributed to my growing closet? Damn, the power of the influencer.
Previously overlooking this fashion house, I think with the switch up from crossbody to shoulder bags and the simplicity of their logo, I’m finding myself drawn to the Ava line. And it wasn’t until I saw this bag in person that I had to put it on my wishlist. You know, we’re a logo ho at heart.
Honorable mention:
Ganni, Knot
This is a more casual take on the crescent moon shaped bags with a fun twist with the knot detailing. If you’re not feeling the black, it does come in a lot of bright, fun colours. There is a mini pink one that obviously calls to me, but we’re trying to be more selective, remember?
Also, there is this crinkly, velvet textured version which is pretty cute if the baguette size is too large for you.
Valentino, Locò
@tamara
The rockstud era of Valentino is what drew me to the brand. I once considered buying their signature Rockstud Ankle Strap pump for my wedding in rose gold sequins instead of leather, but the $1400+ price tag wasn’t doing it for me. Plus, I ended up finding the sale of a lifetime with my wedding Loubous. See here to read all about that!
I always admired Valentino’s rockstud bags, but it wasn’t until they introduced the Roman Stud version that I really wanted one. And then, Pierpaolo did the whole Pink PP Collection thing? Stop. That whole line is my fashion spirit animal.
Now, I did manage to get my hands on the delicious Roman Stud small quilted shoulder bag, which then opened up my tastebuds for more. So next I’m eyeing something in the Locò line. I do prefer the razzle dazzle of sequins, but my credit card is bringing me back down the earth with the canvas Toile Iconographe. So if this ever goes on sale, we might have to add to cart!
Honourable mention:
Fendi, Baguette
Ok, this is probably the only exception to my honourable mentions as this isn’t really a more affordable option. However, if I’m being true to my wishlist, it’s honestly a toss up between this mini Jacquard FF Baguette and the Valentino Locò.
Baguettes are having their moment, especially since the 25th anniversary celebration. So, it’s only right to add a piece to my collection. Plus, Fendi was founded in Rome, which is where I like to shop when we go to Italy to visit family, so it’s pretty much part of my heritage. And I can’t upset my ancestors, right?
And thus concludes our list.
Of course, it’s still early on in the year so I don’t know what other goodies or fashion collabs and/or surprises will be coming out in the following months, but so far I think I have a decent list. And I’m going to try to stick to it. Meaning, I’ll try not to buy any other luxury handbag design this year that’s not on the list. Try being the key word.
I’m hoping to be a little more selective this year, hence my pursuit of the curated closet. Especially if I go to the outlets or anything, I’m going to have to tell myself no. You know how those 60% off Kate Spade or Coach sales usually get me. We’re practicing will power this year.
Anywho… what’s on your handbag wishlist? What recent additions to your collection have you made? Or, do you currently have a curated collection? Leave your comments below!
On that note, I’ll see you soon in the next post. I’m saying soon, so I can hold myself accountable and make sure I continue posting.
And again, hope 2023 has been treating you good so far!
xo
Stephanie
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