How I Shop for Bags

I love bags. Bags and shoes. I always say they're my "things" but in reality, isn't that the case for all girls?

Today, though, I'm going to explain how I shop for my much-loved arm candy. In my collection, there are three types of bags:

Seasonal

You know how it is nowadays: each season, there's a super-coveted bag trend that takes over your Instagram feed and you just have to indulge. I, for one, am seduced every time, and don't even try to resist temptation. I mean, the FOMO is real, guys! However, I find it really hard to choose just one piece as the stores begin to stock their shelves with their individual versions and that's a problem for my bank balance. This season, like last summer, it's all about the basket bag. So far, I've stuck faithfully to my Topshop Bella Tote but I could make a case for why I need all of the ones below to be honest: one with some black detailing would look so cute with a black, floral, summer dress; a darker-toned one would look amazing next to white; and one with gold hardware would match those adorable, new shoes I just got - the list goes on!

This time, I stuck with my gut and chose a plain, neutral straw bag that would go with everything because that's the basis of the interchangeable wardrobe I desire. At the end of the day, I don't want to spend too much time planning how I'm going to style something that will only be around for 1-2 seasons. Moreover, I want to get my wear out of it since it has such a short shelf-life. I also considered the functionality of the bag: this trend has been developed from a style that is taken to the beach year after year therefore I chose to size up and really replicate that vacay vibe.

Shop my pick of trend:

Designer Classics

I'm quite fussy when it comes to adding designer items to my wardrobe because I want them to last a long time, in terms of both durability and style. For that reason, I don't buy the on-trend pieces I was talking about above from haute couture designers (even though I am DESPERATE for one of the GG Marmont quilted leather belt bags!)

My most recent purchase - the Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme shoulder bag - was largely chosen due to its print: I was looking for a piece that was unmistakably Gucci. To have something stand out in that way is one of the things I look for in a designer piece. To read more about it, see here.

Designer Dupes

I do look for dupes of designer bags that are trend-led. As I said earlier, I'm a sucker for a seasonal trend but I am also fully aware that I won't want to wear that style forever. Buying highstreet versions is therefore a win-win for me. Mango and Zara, in particular, seem to study the accessories on the catwalks meticulously, offering great alternatives to the designer versions each season.

This year, I spotted the Mango Seam Cross-Body Bag and it instantly reminded me of the currently-popular Valentino Garavani Rockstud Spike which, let's face it, will be gone from our Instagram screens as quickly as it infiltrated them.