With Love
From Kat

With Love
From Kat

My Favorite Handbags

Soho, NY

Over the years, I’ve owned and sold several handbags. I wanted to share my all time favorites with you (and why) in case you’re thinking of adding any of these to your collection!

Designers I Love

There have been a few designers I’ve gravitated to over the years because of their classic, quality styles. Those are Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Meli Melo, Staud, M2Malletier, Hunting Season, Celine and Bottega Veneta. Whether it’s a vintage, pre-owned, or brand new bag – I always look for a few things. Color (neutral almost every time), leather quality (this is crucial for me), and timeless design (I’m not into super trendy bags.) When I buy a bag, it’s because I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and feel that I’ll wear it for at least 5+ years – even better if I can see myself wearing it forever!

My Favorite Handbags

Chanel “Classic” in size Medium

This bag will never go out of style and continues to appreciate in value. Since 2010, it’s more than doubled in price! Both of mine are in the caviar leather which is more textured and doesn’t scratch, versus the lambskin which is soft and prone to scratches. My black Chanel is from 2010 and still looks BRAND NEW!

Hermes “Kelly” in size 35

This is one of my all time favorites. It’s a major splurge, but 100% worth it, since it’s a bag I’ll have forever. I have two – one in Epsom leather which is slightly textured, and one in Togo leather which is a thicker grain and soft. Both are pretty scratch resistant (Togo more so.) If I could go back, I would buy the size 30 as the 35 is quite large.

Bottega Veneta “The Pouch”

If I like a bag, I tend to buy it in multiple colors. I have the Bottega Pouch in the smooth cammello and woven plaster color. While this is a very trendy/in bag right now, I actually feel like it’s not going to go out of style because it’s such a simple, classic design that will always look good with an outfit. I wear both clutches all the time and am so happy with them both!

Fendi “Peekaboo”

This bag is so elegant. It now comes in several colors, sizes and textures. I recently sold my medium size Peekaboo in dark brown because I had worn it a TON, and felt that the dark brown shade made it a bit hard to mix with spring/summer looks. I now have my eye on this light tan mini Peekaboo which is TO DIE FOR! Add a fabulous scarf around the handle or one of the signature Fendi straps… and yes yes yes. This may be my next bag. Also love it in this interlaced pattern! Bonus it comes with a crossbody strap which is SO convenient and held up beautifully (the one I had still looked new after 5+ years.)

Hunting Season “Tote”

This is such a classic bag and great if you’re not wanting a designer bag. It’s so simple and refined. I just found THIS ONE which is SO affordable and in the prettiest woven material for spring/summer – snap it up quick! These bags sell out fast. There are several shapes and sizes, but the one I own is a medium which is still quite small. The small size is WAY too small FYI. Besides the Tote style, the only other style of theirs I like is this one.

Celine “Box”

While I don’t own this bag, I’ve ALWAYS had my eye on it and hope to own it someday. In which color is real the kicker!!! This style has been in their collection for decades for a reason. I love the way it looks worn crossbody over a chunky winter coat – so chic.

Staud “Moreau” woven bag

Staud is a relatively new handbag designer that’s really taken the industry by storm. Their leathers are such high quality, styles are modern and playful, and the price points are incredibly reasonable. Out of all their bags, the Moreau woven one is in my opinion the best. I wear it ALL summer long – it looks so cute with sundresses or jeans and T. It holds a lot, and is great for travel (I put a scarf over the contents of my bag since it is open.) I just found this one in light tan for 60% off which I am debating on getting!

M2Malletier “Fleur du Mal”

I own this bag in the clutch and Fleur du Mal style. I wear it when I have a special event to go to, on date night, or when I don’t want to overpower whatever outfit I’m wearing. It’s sleek and modern – and adds a nice edge to any look.

Meli Melo “Santina” and “Thela”

These bags last forever – and still look brand new despite me wearing them nonstop for years. They’re a great price point, made of genuine Italian leather, and the subtle design makes them classic bags that will never go out of style.

Mango “Satchel”

Sadly this faux croc style is sold out and from several seasons ago, but I had to include it because it’s a bag I constantly reach for in the fall/winter! It was under $60 and looks like it could easily be a $1000 bag! They have a few other croc bags on the site right now, and I also love this Mark Cross one which has a similar feel. It comes in this color way which would be ideal for the upcoming season.

Aerin “Weekender”

This is the PERFECT everyday or travel bag. I love the mini size in Sand. It’s been on my wishlist for a while, and would look amazing with a colorful scarf tied around the handles in the summer!

Etsy straw tote

If you’re looking for the perfect straw tote for farmer’s market runs, summer vacations, or even just decoration – this is the best one. I have 3 and always get a ton of questions every time I wear it. I love that it comes with both a long and short strap – so versatile!

Shop them below!

Don’t even get me started on my favorite clutches! That will have to be a whole other blog post ;) What are some of your favorite bags? Which bag is on your wish list? What’s a bag you’ve had for years and love? Do share! xx

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7 Comments

  • vera says:

    Love all of your handbags & closet!

    Blonde in Cashmere

    March 10, 2020
  • Jennifer says:

    Ooo! All of these bags look and sound great! I have to make a purchase on these items in the future. :)

    https://mochapolaroid.blogspot.com

    March 11, 2020
  • Huong says:

    GREAT post, Kat! You hit a lot of my favorites! On my ultimate wishlist is a Chanel classic in caviar, Chanel boy, Chanel vanity, Fendi Peekaboo, Chloe Nile, Hermes Kelly, Bottega pouch, Rosantica Billie, LV Pochette Metis, Valentino Garavani, Dior Diorama, Chloe Baylee tote, and Gucci Soho.

    I’m definitely not a trendy bag person either so I’m all about function and neutral colors. ;)

    She Sweats Diamonds 

    March 12, 2020
  • Celina Smith says:

    Love this post!
    @celinaasmith

    March 16, 2020
  • Denise Thornton says:

    Thanks for sharing your favorite handbags. I just love them!

    June 22, 2020
  • Denise Thornton says:

    Love your blog. My favorite handbag on your list was the weekender. The color choices were fabulous too! Thank you.

    August 26, 2020
    • kat@withlovefromkat.com replied:

      Thank you!

      August 27, 2020