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Stylish Shoulder Satchels
Stylish shoulder satchels. Can you say that three times fast?
Versatile, low-maintenance, and polished, a shoulder strap bag is more compact and less bulky than it’s cousin, the hobo. It’s classic and sophisticated, so will perfectly accentuate a dressy, pulled-together look (i.e. pencil skirt, heels, etc.) for the office; however, it just as easily pairs well with jeans and a t-shirt.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite shoulder-strap bags for fall. Whether you’re into luxe or just the luxe-look, these bags are sure to whet your fashion appetite.
Sabina Leather Flap Shoulder Bag, $129.50
Originally $200 at Nordstrom, this beauty is on sale – and for a killer price. You’ve heard me state one of my fashion rules incessantly: always buy real leather and say NO to pleather. This bag is proof that you don’t have to break the bank for a quality, well-made handbag. Check out the variety of colors it comes in.
Love the tassel and boxy shape on this next one:
Gucci Marrakech Medium Leather shoulder bag, $1,990
Mulberry Lily Leather Shoulder Bag, $750
I was in J. Crew shopping with a client the other day, and I almost keeled over when I saw Miss Edie (see below) hanging out on a mannequin. Hello, lovely:
I’ve already convinced one client to get the Brompton hobo bag (a versatile classic in my opinion); however, the Edie is a bit smaller and more “lady-like,” according to J.Crew. This polished, boxy carryall has a shoulder strap that makes it the perfect on-the-go bag. The best part? It will easily transition into fall. I’m loving the burnt red (“flame”) and camel (“pecan”) colors. For $238, you’re getting a timeless wardrobe staple.
Miu Miu Small Leather Satchel, $1350
Are you a bag lady like me?
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring Preview: Handbags
Spring is just around the corner, and as such, I have some perfect transitional bags to whet your style-appetite.
1. Cole Haan Valise Jenna (Nougat), $428
2. Melie Bianco Margo, $98 – What a steal for such a darling, canvas tote. Utilitarian-chic.
3. Elliott Luca Tarrasa Tote, $198
4. Tiffany & Co. Reversible Tote, $595 (more colors available) Don’t shy away from pops of color in your wardrobe this spring. This versatile Tiffany-blue bag is reversible: suede on one side, metallic on the other!
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Leather Bag, $350
6. Miu Miu Matelasse Shoulder Bag, $1,695
7. Diane Von Furstenberg Laragh Wide-Striped Canvas Hobo (red interior), $185 – To die for. I am crazy about DVF’s Spring 2011 resort line of handbags: the prints are ethnic-inspired, bold & whimsical. Itching to see more? You can check them out here.
Which one is your favorite?
Stay chic,
Annie
Large & In-Charge: Oversized Clutches
Tired of the teeny, tiny clutches of old? Instead of reaching for your hobo bag or leather tote this winter, opt to spring for an unexpected look. Oversized clutches are uber-chic and undoubtedly make a statement: the bigger, the better.
Dries Von Noten
Obsessed with Michelle Trachtenberg’s statement clutch below. Glamorous, modern, and pleasantly unpredictable.
Loving it, too? It’s Reece Hudson’s Oversized Envelope Clutch, $1,020.
Graham & Spencer Suede Foldover Clutch, $137
I love this mediterranean blue – a nice pop of color for your wardrobe in the midst of a drab winter. Inge Christopher Aegean Oversized Flap Clutch, $228
Marni Oversized Embellished Clutch, $1,345
Always a favorite: Marc Jacobs Sandy Quilted Metallic Oversized Leather Clutch, $595
With a little black dress, jeans & a t-shirt, or a fun top & heels, go big and bold.
Stay chic,
Annie
Obsessed: Cross-Body Messenger Bags
You know it might be time to try another handbag style when your friends nickname you the “Bag Lady.” Yes, that’s right – The Bag Lady. It’s true: I am an unrelenting lover of all cavernous and delightful hobo bags. While they are certainly practical, they can be a bit cumbersome at times. A refreshing alternative? The oh-so-tiny cross-body messenger bag.
Image via here
Small, unfussy, and perfect for the on-the-go woman, this 80’s throwback is making a comeback. Where a clutch is to night, a messenger bag is to day. Casual and cool, it’s a fun trend* to try for late summer and fall.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Tavi Cross Body Bag, $348
Linea Pelle Mini Cross Body Bag, $295
Steve by Steve Madden Sofie Cross Body Bag, $88.95
Nine West Tina Small Cross Body, $49
Stay chic,
Annie
*Caveat – I always encourage clients to invest in long-term pieces that are timeless and versatile. Trends are not the place to splurge, in my opinion. I’d opt for the “look for less,” in this case, and splurge on a classic handbag.
Chic Travel: Carryall
Now that many airlines require you to pay if you check a bag, it can be daunting to consolidate and pack only the essentials. A chic, roomy carryall is the perfect solution when traveling: store your magazines, I-pod, bottled water, book, wallet/passport, sunglasses & even a small makeup bag. In addition to your luggage, it can be overwhelming to keep track of both a purse & a carry-on bag. Never fear! The carry-all is your saving grace, my friends.
Clockwise, starting from top left:
1. Kate Spade “Willa,” $365
2. J. Crew Exhibitor “Mega Tote,” $375
3. Longchamp ‘Le Pliage Large‘ Tote Bag $145 (Longchamp is a favorite handbag & luggage designer of mine. Their easy to care for, water-resistant nylon totes are great multi-purpose bags, and I am a huge fan of their entire luggage line. The “Le Pliage” bags come in numerous different colors!
4. Robe di Firenze Leather Carry-all, $515
My recommendation is to purchase a neutral-colored carryall as it will be more versatile from season-to-season.
Stay chic,
Annie
Contact A Chic Critique (annie@achiccritique.com) to help you pack for your impending getaway or vacation.
How about a nice Birkin bag?
image via here
Image via here
Ah, the elusive and iconic Birkin bag, ala Hermes. Retailing at more than $10k for exotic materials such as crocodile skin, this exclusive hand-made bag with gold-plated hardware can only be found in limited quantities in certain Hermes boutiques. A favorite standard of celebrities such as Olivia Palermo (1st picture), Victoria Beckham (2nd), Nicole Richie, and Julia Roberts (to name a few), the exquisite Birkin bag is one many of us can only covet and dream about. If the price-tag seems a bit daunting, never fear: I have found a few look-alikes for those of us that prefer a more economical choice!
$198, via Brown Shoes This is probably the most similar in shape & style to the Birkin.
Michael Kors “Hamilton,” $398, black leather
Mulberry Bayswater, $950
An essential for every woman’s closet is a versatile, go-with-everything everyday bag. A tote (like one of these) is ideal because it can accomodate your keys, palm/blackberry/i-phone, day-planner, makeup bag, notebook, etc. while still being stylish & utilitarian. Perfect for work or play!
Stay chic,
Annie
P.S. Are any of you avid Broadway fans, as I am? If so, you’ll notice the title of my post was a line from a song out of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
5 Summer Must-Haves
This summer, A Chic Critique won’t be going anywhere without:
1. a wide-brimmed hat or fedora
2. 60 SPF oil-free sunscreen for face (I am militant about this, if you know me)
3. a cold libation
4. a super chic cover-up
5. and a F.A.B. pair of over-sized sunglasses (no wrinkles, please!)
You can find me in a hammock on some beach, somewhere. Oh, you know, staying here, of course. Or maybe I’ll be here. You never know these days.
Enter reality.
Whether you’re jet-setting around the country on vacation (does Destin count?), attending summer soirees, or spending time in your humble abode, these pieces will have you looking put-together, polished, and stylish wherever you go!
While this certainly isn’t a comprehensive list by any means, invest in these few staples, and you will have plenty of options to mix-and-match in your closet.
1. White Jeans
Joe’s Jeans White Muse Highrise Bootcut, $172
The building block of a summer wardrobe, virtually anything goes well with white jeans. Sophisticated & chic, whether you pair them with a navy and white striped cotton tee, black silk blouse, or knit jewel-toned top.
My personal favie is the Joe’s Jeans “Honey,” which is the perfect jean for an hourglass shape. If you’ve got a shapely derriere but have a smaller waist, you probably have issues with the waistband gaping. Problem solved! The “Honey” was designed with curvier girls in mind. Thanks, Joe!
2. Knit Dress
Ella Moss Ruffle T-Back Dress, $148
Easy. Comfortable. Versatile. A knit dress is a great day-to-night piece. Dress it up with heels and a lightweight cardigan for work, or dress it down with flat sandals on the weekend for a more casual look. I live in these during the summer.
3. Tribal-Inspired Top
Luxor Tank, $128
Tribal-inspired details and prints are abundant this season. Add some pops of color to your wardrobe with an ethnic-print blouse or a beaded top.
4. Cargo Pants
Joie Mailyn Cropped Cargo Pant, $188
They’re back – and a perfect alternative to jeans. Go casual with flats and a cotton tank or tee, or dressed up with platform heels or a wedges and a silky tank. Jennifer Anniston has the idea. Want something a little more sleek? Try the J.Brand skinny cargo pant.
5. Hobo Bag
MARC by MARC JACOBS Leola Zipped-Detailed Hobo, $498
A rockin’ everyday bag is a must. Enough said.
Stay chic, jetsetters.
Annie
to Catch a Clutch
I’m loving the jute, rattan & straw woven clutches that are showing up for summer. Tory Burtch makes a few of my favorites. Pair with a sweet sundress for The Derby or Steeplechase, or a classic frock for an afternoon wedding, and your look is instantly pulled together. Great with jeans for a night out on the town, too. The perfect summer bag!
Clockwise, from top left: Folley beach makenzi, $225, via Kate Spade; SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Trimmed Raffia Clutch, $45, via Piperlime; Tory Burtch Rattan Clutch, $275 via Shopbop; Big Buddha Martini Clutch, $45, via Piperlime
ACC tip: want vintage? Try your grandmother’s (or mother’s) closet for some jute or rattan bags (trust me, they rocked em’ in the 70’s) or even a local antique shop. 
Stay chic,