fall trends: bags + bag accessories
bag charms are all of the rage.
I’ve been nonstop lately and am taking this I’m-on-a-four-hour-flight moment to get back to y’all. Hi! Nothing like getting caught up with substack and new music at the same time.
I feel like i’m learning some fun lessons recently. Its an interesting time in my life filled with realizations and motivation, laughter and sadness, creativity and burn-out. I recently did a full closet clean out - I’m talking bags, shoes, clothes from all seasons, the storage totes under my bed, the dark drawers that you barely open, you name it. I never really switched my closet from winter to summer this year and just kinda jammed all sorts of things together. I went through everything with careful consideration and at the good ole’ age of 32 + my first closet clean-out since we moved into this home five years ago, I learned some niceee lessons. TLDR; Stop buying the trendy shit (!!!), just return it if its not comfortable (even if returning is a pain), and make sure I reallyyy love it if its going to occupy my space. I took my pile and did a last minute garage sale (and learned even more lessons lol), which felt productive and earned me a couple bucks back vs. defaulting to salvation army.
Since this, I’ve been on a saving spree. I watched all of these things leave my space and thought about the sheer amount of money spent and shuddered. As fall fashion posts and screenshots swirl around me, I’m holding strong. My closet is emptier and I’m re-wearing a lot. My coworkers are definitely seeing me in the same four outfits, especially in this summer to fall weather transition. But its ok! What I have I like and I feel comfortable in - how lucky am I to even be in this situation?
As I think hard about any purchases, I definitely am finding some things are continuously occupying space in my brain and becoming hyper-fixations - insert, bags and bag accessories. But I encourage you to learn my little lesson and give yourself a moment before you make your next purchase - it might just save you from your next closet clean out.
bags + charms & accessories
My pinterest feed is torturing me with beautiful bags adorned with colorful and funky bag charms. As someone who will pick the colorful option every time, bag charms, straps and accessories are a really fun and inexpensive way to add a trendy and bold bit of personality to a classic bag that can last seasons underneath. You can also find designer accessories and elevate your bag - a much simpler entry to a designer look.
the bags
Miu Miu can do no wrong right now and i’m loving their fall styles, specifically the beau bag in cognac (or chocolate brown, which is coming soon), the ivy leather tote, or my absolute favorite, the canvas and ivy bucket bag.
You can definitely keep an eye on ebay for Miu Miu bags, even if its not the newest style there are some nice vintage finds like this.
Clare V has a similar bowling bag look in green, kind of love the additional front pocket, as does Reformation with the medium patrizia bag in neutral colors.
I’m guessing that the mini hollace bag (in woven or simple leather) will be replacing the brigitte satchel as Anthropologies bag of the season. I also really like the natalia shoulder bag and its big front flap. Can always count on Anthropologie for great colors and shapes.
The Manu Atelier mini tote du jour in deep brown is both classic and the perfect size (mini doesn’t mean mini in this situation). I love the belt detail and strap thats long enough to go over your shoulder. A multi-season beauty.
A lighter neutral, the nappa leather bag by Massimo Dutti is giving Prada’s aimée large leather shoulder bag (another great color option) for a fraction of the price.
Definitely a bag where I’d be going with a bold color, but the Longchamp pouches are the perfect little weekend bag to pack with accessories.
Clare V is always coming through with classics - I keep looking at the lune studded handbag (both the tan and black are chic) and the navy blue petit moyen.
the bag accessories
bag charms
Coin pouches are a easy way to add some heft and you can’t beat Jill Sanders colors.
If you’re drawn to a chunkier charm, let’s start with these leather finds: cherry charm, chunky flowers, brown leather dog, or zodiac charm.
If you’re into mixing metals, this keychain from Ganni is perfect. This simple antique fish charm from Anthropologie is a cute way to add a neutral metal too.
These sports theme sets are the perfect one-and-done find, and I also love this rope + charm combo if the sports theme isn’t your thing. COS also jumped into the rope trend.
We all know and love the Roxanne Assoulin puffy heart necklace, so of course there is a version for your bag. Parker Thatch also has a nice colorful beaded charm for those who want some simpler color additions.
This lucky duck is so cute!
Etsy is the goat for unique charm combinations. I like the uniqueness of this dog set, the cute grape and pearl combo or strawberry and pop of red combo. Who remembers these things from when we were kids? Another fun way to add some personality.
Some of these designer accessories cost as much as a nice bag, but it is a cheaper way to add designer flare to a non-designer bag. I like these colorful Miu Miu suede bags, keychain or key holder. Another moment to keep an eye on ebay, where you can sometimes find the sold out Miu Miu micro bags or Miu Miu rope keychains.
Coach’s bag comeback of course includes bag accessories. I like this cherry keychain since it plays into fall’s deep red trend.
bag straps
Adding the Clare V. shorty strap is an instant bag boost.
Call It By Your Name is one of my favorites. From colorful bag straps, card holders with embroidered details, chunky key rings, and cute airpod cases, I am obsessed with their accessories.
I’m into the rope detail on straps and the look of durability. Etsy comes through with some great finds, like this, this, or this, and so many more options.
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Yes, I love all of these!! I see so many trendy gals sporting bag charms lately in my area + they always make me smile. Want a cherry one!
Love the charms so cute!