Today I am joining my friends Sarah from Sarah London Style, and Kim from Northern California Style for our monthly Signature Style Series. This month we are talking bags, totes, or whatever you like to call them. It’s hard to go wrong with a great bag. For those of us over 50 and beyond they need to be stylish as well as functional. Regardless of what our husbands claim (tee hee) one bag will not serve every purpose. Let’s talk about five handbags that savvy women over 50 need in their closet.
Before we get into the bag styles, if you are a bag switcher you need a good purse organizer that you can switch in and out of your bags. Forbes has a good list here. I think everyone’s favorite is LED lighted Littbag that made Oprah’s favorites you can buy here.
AN ARTISTIC STATEMENT BAG
Just for fun. When you are dressing in all one color, or void of pattern what adds more pizazz to your outfit? Here are nine bags that I would love to have in my arsenal. I have the black and white ikat bag on my wish list, as well as the cowhide and the Artemis Weekender, which is to die for.
SHOP STATEMENT BAGS
I have had this leopard bag for years. In fact, the hair is coming off. I am still carrying it because I love it so much.
A GREAT TRAVEL BAG
That is semi-safe from theft and comfortable to carry. For ideas, you might enjoy reading Travel and Leisure 12 Cute Crossbody bags for Travelers. Travel Fashion Girl’s Five Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags
Travelon is the leader in anti-theft travel bags. I had a version of the baggalini that I had for years. I finally pitched it in the move, so I am on the hunt for a new one. A couple of these have the advantage of being carried as a backpack or a crossbody. The Tumi and Cole Haan are a bit more stylish, so it boils down to how important the anti-theft option is.
SHOP GREAT TRAVEL BAGS
A PRACTICAL CROSS BODY BAG
That is big enough to carry a small wallet, makeup essentials, glasses, and keys.
SHOP CROSS BODY BAGS
I adore the looks of this Rag and Bone bag. I found it on eBay last winter I believe. It is a tad small for me. I have not refined my requirements to lipstick, wallet, and glasses, but I sure do love it. I recently purchased a great rag and bone option on eBay the Bradbury. You might be able to snag the Bradbury on eBay here. There is also a leopard version on eBay here. I like this particular bag because it has a zipper across the bottom so it can be expanded. I find many of these cross-body bags aren’t big enough for me. This one is perfect.
A FUNCTIONAL TOTE BAG
That you can carry everything including the kitchen sink and your laptop.
I tend to favor the larger totes because I can put everything but the kitchen sink in them. I have a couple this size. When I was still shopping for clients, I could tote my laptop, fabric samples, bottled water, etc. Now that I am blogging full time I need a smaller one that will fit my laptop and other essentials. I do like these bigger ones for Farmers Market and other shopping excursions so I don’t need another bag. I am particularly drawn to those that have texture, a woven leather, or croc-embossed.
SHOP TOTE BAGS
I Have had this woven leather tote for a couple of years. I purchased it at Bijou Paso. I linked a couple of similar ones above as this one is no longer available.
A BACKPACK
Let’s face it there are times you need to have your hands free. You don’t want your shoulder bag falling off your shoulder. Your crossbody may get in the way. A tote requires one of your hands. Think grocery shopping, antiquing, or hiking where you must take your bag.
I rounded up nine of my favorites here. I need a backpack. I do not have one. If I were going for practicality, I would probably choose the MJ Wallace. The quilting is soft against the body and it is convertible. The Matt and Natt is another practical reasonable option. The Ted Baker and All Saints are a bit more elegant looking, and the Amy Kestergerg has a bit of an artistic vibe with the tassels. I love the Free People version but of course, it is pricey! The Calpac is practical and stylish. The Madewell is a more casual option. Longchamp anything is always great and it is water resistant.
SHOP BACK PACKS
I know this post has a lot of information in it. It has been a while since I have done a post on handbags of any kind. It probably should have been five individual posts. Thank you for reading FIVE HANDBAGS SAVVY WOMEN OVER 50 NEED IN THEIR CLOSET. You might also enjoy my post from a couple years ago In search of the perfect cross body bag.
FYI Dooney and Bourke is having a black Friday sale going on right now if you love their bags.
Now pop over and visit Kim and Sarah. They always have such great ideas.
SARAH LONDON STYLE
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Bags are my weakness. I have many but find the leather ones get too heavy for travel. The Travalon anti-theft are also a bit heavy for all day. I have a small Lo & Sons and a Tumi, but they are too small. My bags need to be less than 1 lb empty. I’m such a wimp! Loved your post on bags.
Nancy
Thanks so much for sharing. I will check out Lo & Sons. I agree with what you are saying…travel bags need to be lightwweight but functional.
Love the grey pants. Are they sweat pants? What make are they?
Hi Lynne
If you go to my blog and search knitwear you can find the link. They are sweater pants from J Crew
As always, a visual treat! Thank you for including suggestions and links. Have a few of these, but looking to complete the list 😉 One of my favorites is a Vintage Berber handbag from Morocco. The leather is weathered and I make sure to treat it with leather conditioner on a regular basis. Lots of pockets/compartments to hold everything. Definitely checks the statement bag requirement off of my list.
Oh KIm
I want to see that vintage berber…sounds amazing!!
Is there a way to attach a photo or can I email it to you? Happy to share, you’ve provided so many ideas and information and I look forward to your posts.
Kim
Absolutely, you can email me anytime @ [email protected]
Cindy:
Love this posts, as Handbags are my fetish
I have always love love the bigger the better purse., everything but the kitchen sink.
I still have my Ralph Lauren handbags from years ago. Also have one my fav from Sundance store, I tend now to go smaller, going to do errands etc.
This is awesome posts, simply the best.
Thank you❤️❤️
Hi Karen
I still love Ralph anything. He is our American Designer. Sundance I love too!
Your outfit with the light gray pants. What is that beautiful braided black bag?
Hi MP
The pants are from J Crew. If you go to my post on knitwear you can find the link. I can’t link here. You can also follow me on liketoknowit where I am trying to get better about posting things there.
What’s the brand of the black bag shown with the gray pants?
Hi Cindy! I have the Dooney crossbody that you showed in black on your graphic. I actually have two—a cream colored leather for spring/summer and a gray one for fall/winter. It’s the perfect size for me—roomier than many crossbodies but still slim in profile. Theses are the only purses that I travel and shop with! I have several Dooney bags, and they are very good quality (and not covered in logos!)
HI Barb
I have had many Dooney handbags over the years and I agree their quality is unsurpassed and worth the $$. Thank you so much for weighing in. I bought their bags back when I had to save up to purchase because they literally never wear out
Hi Cindy,
I’m a fan of the MZ Wallace bags. Over the years, I’ve bought 4 or 5 when they had their great end of season sales. They wear well and are lightweight. As I’ve aged, I find leather too heavy, if I’m going to be out and about for a while. I don’t have any of their quilted line, as I already have TOO M ANY bags! But, I would love to have one.
These are all great suggestions for a range of needs.
Hi Bonnie
I am so glad to hear that. I love the quilted look and the lighter weight, Thanks so much for weighing in
Thought of another possible item for the list: a clutch or evening bag? Does anyone use a purse for evening or formal events?
Hi Kin
Great point. I should have included an evening clutch. I just wasn’t sure if that many of us are going to events like that quite yet. Next year for sure hopefully!!
Of course 🙂 Looking forward to “normal”, however that might look. Was just wondering if the evening bag was no longer a “thing”. So many wonderful, glitzy, examples out there. Not very practical, but fun.
Hi Kim
I have a collection of vintage bags that I use for that occasion. Maybe topic for discussion if things do return to “somewhat” normal!
Cindy, I love this post! I love handbags! Thank you for all of these beautiful suggestions I cannot wait to go check out all of these links.
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you so much. I try to do my research but I have my own biases as well.
I always thought your black woven back was a Bottega! I need to look into a purse organizer. I never knew there was such a thing but I would make a transfer easier. One year I made the mistake of buying a backpack at a duty free store before flying out. It was a beautiful Cole Haan but in the end, I realized that it was too heavy. Just the bag alone weighed a lot but filled with travel stuff made it over the top. Lesson learned and I consigned it.
Thanks for doing the homework for us and finding some good options.
I like the idea someone proposed about an evening bag. Yes, I do scale down to something small when going out to dinner.
Hi Wren
Bottega is a little out of my reach even on eBay even though I love their work. Weight is definitely a concern, many thanks for bringing that up
Love all the beautiful bags! It is tricky to find just the right size and weight wether a tote, backpack or crossbody. I have a very soft black leather backpack that I found at a consignment boutique years ago that I rarely use but still love it!
Hi Ginger
Most of my bags have been purchased on Ebay. I have found great ones that have been barely used!
You forgot Pacsafe which is mentioned just as often on Travel Fashion Girl as Travelon
And the backpack that has taken on a life of its own is Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian which comes in 4 sizes and can be leather or nylon
Hi Lauren
Thank you for sharing your favorites. I always read and research and pick my favorites. I am not an expert on anything. I just try to pick the ones that I would personally use. Please share your particular favorites.
I screenshot several of your choices, I have a shoe fetish but bags are a close second . I like a tote and a hobo but heck, I can’t pass up a good bag. They all have their purpose. I tote when I am traveling but a lightweight crossbody when I am shopping or for lunch. My fav is an old Coach hobo. It is 18 yrs old. I have used leather conditioner on it which helps maintain it’s appearance. Has a zipper and a nice shoulder strap. The best thing about it is it is lightweight. I have noticed there are vintage Coach handbags on EBay. Good post . Now I need a backpack too! Lol
Hi Marcia
The coach and dooney bags are of such good quality. I used to have several Dooney bags that I finally purged in the move. In my new life as a full-time blogger, I can really dress how ever I want (sweats most of the time!!) so I tend to lean toward those that are more artistic. I think you all are making good points about the weight of bags. The black woven one that I carry a lot is pretty heavy. My daughter broke her neck years ago and she has to be really careful about that.
I bought a LV several years ago. The Artsy which is very large and unfortunately heavy with all my necessities. I still use it because it never wears out and it reminds me of my mom who always carried a Speedy. I always thought she liked LV because of the brand name. Now I know it was because of the quality.
Hope your daughter has recovered completely from her fracture. Serious stuff !
Hi Marcia
I have a friend that loves vintage LV but wouldn’t think of carrying one of the newer versions. I know exactly what you mean!
Cindy loved your choices as always! The backpacks are especially appealing to me. I never knew about Aimee Kesterberg before, but all her things seem lovely. The AllSaints also is chic, but with a really unique design. Love it. I also want one of the braided bags from Bloomingdales! As usual Cindy you get me with all the cool details and texture! This was fun as usual and I always learn so much doing this with you and Sarah. Thank you for including me in your style group. I’m grateful . xo Kim
Hi Kim
Loved your post! You and Sarah always hit the ball out of the park!
Oh I forgot to say that the Uzbekistan bag is gorgeous! There is a shop on Bainbridge Island that carries bags and pillows from there and they are all so fun. I can see that black tote in your collection. Cindy it’s so you! xx
Apparently, Sarah is thinking the same thing! I am hoping someone from my family takes the hint!
Change of subject – I, too, love the layered look in my home’s decor, and I would love your thoughts on everyday style for my dining table. After retirement, we downsized to a condo. We brought several pieces of furniture from our former home, including my burl wood parsons style dining table that I purchased in the very early 1980’s. We have an open floor plan here, and the kitchen is not eat-in. We eat all our meals at our well-loved dining table. What are your thoughts about styling it between meals? This subject might make a good post after all the holiday decor topics are in the past.
Thank you.
Hi Susan
I will add that to the topic list. Great idea!
Yikes, you listed so many reasonably priced bags and the first one I like is $578!! What’s wrong with me? I really don’t need any new purses at all. My most recent purchase was at an estate sale, a Paloma Picasso little tiny black leather crossbody. It’s really inexpensive on eBay and other places, I love it so much.
My son lived in Rome for several years and he said they used to laugh at the white American women wearing their travel safe backpacks on the front. Dang kids. We use the little flat waist bags Rick Steves promotes for real valuables, like passports and an extra credit card. Then, relax and have fun.
Hi Nancy
Isn’t it fun when you can find something you love and it is a bargain!
I was at a FASHION SHOW/LUNCHEON yesterday so a room FULL OF WOMEN and ONE MAN and there was a lady with a backpack on………….I couldn’t get around her had to double back!Just pointing that out and I know YOU would never go to something like that with a BACKPACK!Just making a comment.The backpacks you showed are beautiful…………I wouldn’t feel comfortable with one.Don’t ask me why I have NO idea…………..didn’t even have one in school well maybe High school as I would carry my stuff in my arms!Maybe thats why I have a BIG PROBLEM WITH MY RIGHT ARM NOW!!!!
Hi Elizabeth
There are times when a backpack is really handy and not offensive to others. I think a giant bag can be a problem in a crowd too. A small cross body is probably ideal in a crowd but somethimes we need a larger bag for all of our loot!
Where are you finding the Dooney crossbody with toggle? Thanks
Hi Pat
So sorry ! I fixed the link. I like that bag too.
My go to bag is a vintage Hobo hobo bag. It is soft and supple. The negative is that it doesn’t have a top zipper, only a snap so it doesn’t get to travel. I have some lovely D&B bags that wear like cast iron. My Brahmin leopard bag (no longer made) is fun. And a Sundance bag woven wool with a concho type strap is different, At 72 with some rotator cuff issues weight is a problem.. My boyfriend of 46 years sometimes carries my bag (yes we are those kind of people) when I need to give my shoulder a rest! Once again thanks for the great research.
Hi Patricia
Thanks for bringing up the weight issue. I know it is a problem. As I said my daughter broke her neck in high school and has to be careful of not carring too heavy a bag. I agree the Dooney bags do wear like iron. I donated my last one in the move. It was still in great shape but I hadn’t carried it in years. I still have a brahmin (alligator embossed) that is in great shape as well.
What a great round-up!!! I was researching travel bags after my purse was stolen in Madrid…this is great!
Hi Mary Ann
You definitely need a good travel bag as much as you travel!
Cindy! Love all of your bag ideas! I do love a crossbody bag both small and large enough for my laptop, It’s so great for city life and even the grocery store, I do need a statement bag though!
Cindy, you may want to take a peek at Nordstrom Rack. They have over 300 backpacks marked down, including several brands on your list. Longchamp, Madewell, Amy Kestenburg, All Saints, etc. ,