FOUR MUST HAVE HANDBAGS EVERY SAVVY WOMAN OVER 50 NEEDS

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1. I love cross body bags, particularly with a wide strap, but for a smarter look I have a couple of rigid handle totes. Did splurge on the Longchamp box top XBody bag and bought online a Cuyana Tote bag, but even the small is monstrously large. As for travelling, these days I am very much into Pacsafe and Travelon, but my passport and credit cards/money, I put in a very lightweight neck wallet which I wore xbody under my clothes. Prefer Pacsafe to Travelon as the locks seem more secure than travelon and recently saw a nice XBody Pacsafe bag with a wide strap in a pale blue colour.

   1. Hi Susan

      Thanks for weighing in on the travel bags! I need to revisit Cuyana. I love their stuff!

2. Thanks for this, Cindy.
   Call me old-fashioned, but I still love a bag one can slip over the arm. Probably why I love your Artemis pic and the similar ones from Etsy. I can’t abide cross-bodies because they cut between my boobs and define an area I’d rather not, thank you, being a DD. But I undertsand the rationale behind them. Just a bit too ‘functional’ for me .
   Totes – good for going to the beach. Backpacks? Good for hiking.
   Clutches and little bags – so very perfect but with 3 pairs of glasses etc., they’re a bit difficult. I also love a small unusual wicker or woven straw handbags, Stacie Flinner often shows some beauties.
   I still have divine bags that are 40-50 years old and I pull them out every now and then. They’re feminine and have an elegant edge that fits with their age. Bet they become fashionable again!

   1. Hi Prue

      I like to have my hands free. Kim agrees with you about cross bodies! I have bags that are vintage that I love as well.

3. Only cross body bags for me. I’m not a logos person. I rather have artitstic bags. Love the blue and red Etsy pattern.

   1. I couldn’t agree with you more Nancy!

4. Hi Cindy,
   I’ve recently switched to cross-body bags almost exclusively. I love the convenience of having both hands available and it keeps me from placing my handbag in the child seat of a shopping cart. Several people I know have had their wallets taken from their handbag while shopping by placing them in the cart.
   There are some great choices here. I have had a Dooney Burke crossbody that was comfortable and large enough to hold my needs. 😉

5. Cindy, You did a great post here. Love the choices- everything a woman needs. I agree about the crossbody..I like, but often feel they accentuate my chest.. but still need them as they are so practical. I have yet to find one that flatters.. Love the pretty bags with artistic details and have linked to Aimee Kestenberg bags too. They are cool.
   I also love the totes you picked! You look fantastic in all these styles as you always know what to put together. So fun doing this with you. xo

   1. Hi Kim

      Thanks Kim. That is so interesting. Someone else commented about that. Aimee Kestenberg does a good job for a good price doesn’t she? I have my eye on that green one!!

6. Is there a link to your leopard bag, or did I miss it?

   1. Hi Marilyn
      I am sorry I was traveling. The leopard bag is by Rag and Bone and no longer available. I found mine on eBay and here is a link to another
      https://rstyle.me/+kkAKALdTRAEdXzHdaa8QSA
      Here is another similar one on Poshmark as well
      https://rstyle.me/+3D38EEE3e-1NkaX00MdQCQ

7. It’s a wonderful article, but where do you store all of these bags? Please show us your closet & closet organization tips to store & protect all of these goodies!

   1. Hi Florence

      I don’t own all of those bags. I store my in season bags in my office, and the out of season on the top shelf of my closet. I will share it someday soon

8. Hello: New to your blog and so far I’m enjoying your fashion tips. I’m a minimalist when it comes fashion and home decor. In the above blog about handbags you are standing in front of a garage door, the black slack your are wearing look comfy and nice are they E. Fisher? I love her cloths but I’m short and pear shaped and I find them hard to wear.
   Oh, and my favorite bag; a 1990 Cole Hahn black leather backpack. We’ve lived around the world and this bag has been a trusted companion. Thanks for all the smart tips!

   1. Hi Mary

      Here is the link to the Eileen Fisher pants https://rstyle.me/+WgKLZPPDB4FDMwTNoaVLfQ. I am wearing an XS but could also wear a S. I am 5’4 130 lbs.

9. I would love to wear a crossbody and I like your choices ,but I am a plus size person.If you are busty can you wear a crossbody?

   1. I too am a plus size girl and yes, I regularly carry a crossbody bag. I think there are several tricks to using a crossbody. First, I like the strap to be narrow so that it doesn’t accentuate or add folds in my clothing. I also think that the strap should be extra long so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing a bag meant fora petite girl. Additionally, I think the bag itself should be narrow in depth so it doesn’t add mass to my frame. These are just my thoughts. I hope you give a crossbody a try. It certainly does free-up your hands for other things.and makes my day a bit simpler when shopping or just out and about.

      1. Hi Terry

         That is so interesting. I love crossbody bags but prefer a wide strap for sturdiness. I totally aqree with the length. I think the flatter they lay the better as well!!

   2. I am busty. That is why I like the wide strap. I guess it is personal preference. Terrry prefers a thin strap. I never trust a thin strap.

10. So many great bags Cindy!
    I love bags and shoes. Cross body are my new favorite. Otherwise I like a a hand bag, like the Mark & graham that you pictured.
    Thank you for sharing!

    1. Hi Eliz

       The cross body’s are just great aren’t they. I have a hard time carrying anything else unless I really need a big tote.

11. My personal issue with any backpack is the way some people just toss them around to their backs, paying no attention to people around them. Airplanes are where I’ve been hit in the face often.
    And carrying something one can zip open behind you is not safe at all. IMO
    I travel a lot and use a Pacsafe crossbody bag. It’s not fancy but great for travel. Locking zippers and Slash proof strap.
    I take it on all my travels. There are similiar brands but this is what I use. Around home, I would love any of the purses you featured today, depending on cost.

    1. Hi Judy

       You know it is interesting. I formerly had them on my list but prefer a cross body. I think they are much more versatile and you are right on all accounts. They aren’t safe.

12. Cindy , Super nice how you organized all the bags ! Much easier to get through than my disaster post! I can’t tell you how many bags I love here. This could get me in some trouble. I right away gravitated to the Uzbekistan bag and I have been to the shop on Bainbridge Island ! They have the most amazing pillows too. I love that bag… and the J. Crew suede tote.. among others.
    It was great you gathered all the travel bags. I was just shopping yesterday for one that slips over the trolley handles. My Longchamp is my favorite and holds a ton, but does not have a shoulder strap. I just got the Lululemon one, but may check out these.
    Going back now to see which bags I missed. You found so many gems! Cindy I would love to see your collection.
    Loved doing this with you.
    xo

    1. Hi Kim

       I do not own all of these bags but I do a few! I am heading to read your post now!!

13. The MZ Wallace quilted crossbody is my go to bag when I’m out running errands or walking the dog. I’m amazed at how much you can fit into this small bag.

    1. Hi Pamela

       I couldn’t agree more. I am amazed as well. I can stuff a lot of “loot” in that bag!

14. You always knock it out of the park Cindy, love all these choices. I have the Artemis duffle bag, it is one of my favorites. New this year for me is The Midi New York by DeMellier. Love it! Thank you for all your helpful shopping tips!

    1. Hi Jeanne

       That DeMillier bag is gorgeous! I am always looking for a. bag with silver hardware now that my hair is of the same hue!!

15. 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. ,

16. 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!

17. What a great round-up!!! I was researching travel bags after my purse was stolen in Madrid…this is great!

    1. Hi Mary Ann

       You definitely need a good travel bag as much as you travel!

18. 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.

    1. 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.

19. Where are you finding the Dooney crossbody with toggle? Thanks

    1. Hi Pat

       So sorry ! I fixed the link. I like that bag too.

20. 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!!!!

    1. 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!

21. 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.

    1. Hi Nancy
       Isn’t it fun when you can find something you love and it is a bargain!

22. 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.

    1. Hi Susan

       I will add that to the topic list. Great idea!

23. 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

    1. Apparently, Sarah is thinking the same thing! I am hoping someone from my family takes the hint!

24. 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

    1. Hi Kim

       Loved your post! You and Sarah always hit the ball out of the park!

25. 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

    1. 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.

       1. 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 !

          1. 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!

26. 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

    1. 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.

27. 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.

    1. 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

    2. 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!

       1. Hi Ginger

          Most of my bags have been purchased on Ebay. I have found great ones that have been barely used!

28. 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.

    1. Hi Elizabeth

       Thank you so much. I try to do my research but I have my own biases as well.

29. Thought of another possible item for the list: a clutch or evening bag? Does anyone use a purse for evening or formal events?

    1. 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!!

       1. 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.

          1. 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!

    2. I gifted my Chanel 2.55 speedy bag to my niece who leads a smarter lifestyle than I do these days, so for an evening event I recently attended I bought an inexpensive velvet bag with some sparklies on it and a drawstring handle. Sounds revolting, but looked Ok

       1. Hi Susan

          I agree about evening bags. You can find so many great ones (most of mine are vintage that I have had for years) at great prices. My daughter borrows my vintage ones when she has an event!

30. 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.

    1. Hi Bonnie

       I am so glad to hear that. I love the quilted look and the lighter weight, Thanks so much for weighing in

31. 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!)

    1. 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

32. Your outfit with the light gray pants. What is that beautiful braided black bag?

    1. 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.

       1. What’s the brand of the black bag shown with the gray pants?

33. 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❤️❤️

    1. Hi Karen

       I still love Ralph anything. He is our American Designer. Sundance I love too!

34. 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.

    1. Oh KIm
       I want to see that vintage berber…sounds amazing!!

       1. 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.

          1. Kim

             Absolutely, you can email me anytime @ cynthiahattersley@gmail.com

35. Love the grey pants. Are they sweat pants? What make are they?

    1. Hi Lynne

       If you go to my blog and search knitwear you can find the link. They are sweater pants from J Crew

36. 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.

    1. 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.

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