A fabulous black handbag needs to be the staple of every woman’s wardrobe. It is the essential basic bag that should go with everything she wears (except evening wear, of course). It is an investment and as such must provide years of wear. As any investment, it must hold it’s value. In the world of handbags, that means you can re-sell it later and not lose your money.
It’s important to note that a handbag is not just a handbag! It is a statement of beauty and style that a woman carries on her body. It speaks volumes about who she is and where she is headed in life. I have always believed that a woman should buy the best handbag she can afford! I advise all my clients to take the time to try on their handbags to see how they flatter their facial shape and body proportions. Really notice how that bag you are considering looks and feels on your body.
A black handbag is an important purchase, so give it the time and respect it deserves to find the right one for your fashion type and lifestyle.
If you can’t afford the designer handbag you want, then hunt to find that bag at the resale store or online. Or buy the next best bag with that look that you can. Never ever wear fakes or imitations! That says that you are a fake and that’s not the message you want to put out into the world.
For 2011/2012 here are my favorite black handbag picks:
1. The Hermes Birkin Bag (35 mm size) with gold or silver hardware in any of the black leathers offered. Of course, the crocodile or the ostrich is the most rare and coveted leathers (and by far the most expensive). This is the holy grail of handbags and is the grandest statement of success and class. I like the large open compartment and the way it is a proven timeless investment. The only drawback is the weight. But it is so fabulous, I gladly flex my biceps to carry it!
2. The Chanel Classic Flap (jumbo or large size are my favorite size as they can be carried messenger style), in
the caviar leather because it is so durable or the lambskin. I like the gold or silver hardware. This bag always goes up in price and like the Birkin is timeless and classic, but costs about a third of the Birkin. It is also more comfortable to wear.
3. The Balenciaga Arena Classic Work Bag. This is one of Balenciaga’s larger bags and doesn’t come with a strap but can easily be carried over the shoulder. It has a more casual chic than the Chanel or Birkin, but has stood the test of time.
4. The Celine Luggage Tote (comes in many sizes from large to small with a messenger strap). Personally, I love the medium or large size. I feel this is the new classic “it” bag and will be a good long term investment. It feels good to hold and comes in many different black leathers/suede combinations.
5. The Givenchy Nightengale Bag in the medium size in lambskin leather. It’s a great bag with a shoulder strap that can easily be worn messenger style and has a chic hobo look. The sister bags to this are the Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather satchel and the Mulberry Bayswater Bag, both great messenger bags, but not as timeless and classy as the Givenchy, in my opinion.
6.Stella McCartney ‘Falabella bag’ for those who don’t want to wear real leather – its super stylish and a great classic bag.
7. The Gucci Hobo with two large GG’s embossed on the front is another great black bag to invest in and gives loads of style and class for a more reasonable price.
8. The Marc Jacobs messenger bag is a great more affordable bag that will offer effortless chic for years to come.
9. The Tory Burch Stacked Classic Tote is an amazing bag for a very affordable price and is standing the test of time and durability.
10. Last, but not least, The Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch in the medium to large size. This clutch will take a woman from day to night with timeless class and ease. A definite go-to classic clutch. The Chanel quilted clutch would be the other classic clutch I would opt for in a heartbeat.