Dear Purseholic
I am 48 years old, just recently got out of my 25-year marriage which with the exception of my two gorgeous boys (23 and 20), has turned out to be a complete waste of my life. I used to have many passions in life, including fashion and dressing up but had been paying very little attention to it for the past ten years due to the horrible marriage. To cut the long story short, let’s just say I managed to get out of it with a good settlement and I would really like to put my own life together again. This will involve me hanging out a lot more often with many ladies who lunch therefore I will need a wardrobe overhaul. Most of the bags in my collection are from the late 80s and 90s. I have mostly classic Chanel, Hermes, LV, Gucci and Fendi bags but I need new statement bags that are age appropriate yet current (I want to be seen fresh and current). Would you be kind enough to recommend at least 5 good models and some new designer names for me to keep my eyes on?
Best Wishes
Mandy (not real name), NYC
Dear Mandy (not real name)
Thanks for writing to us. Welcome back to life! You have certainly missed out many exciting bags over the past 10 years but I will try to fill you in. Some new and current brands to watch our for are Meredith Wendell, The Row, Victoria Beckham and Reed Krakoff. At the same time, some older brands which were hot back prior to or in the 1980s such as Celine, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, Valextra and Delvaux have recently re-emerged too. Besides the two groups, some heritage brands made a come back in the past decade, offering new classic pieces worthy of your consideration such as the Balenciaga Giant City, YSL Muse and Muse Two, Hermes Lindy and Tod’s D Bag. Here are the top 5 bags I recommend you getting immediately. They will be approved adored by most of your “ladies-who-lunch” friends and frenemies alike.
1. Victoria Beckham Structured leather tote, USD3,750 from net-a-porter.com in this beautiful Merlot color. Think of Victoria Beckham bags as the new Hermes/Valextra. They are new, incredibly posh and classy.
2. Hermes Lindy 30 or 35, price starts from USD7,000. Because Birkin and Kelly bags represent the old wealth while the Lindy represents the new. The Lindy is very versatile too, can go from casual to more formal events. We have one available now!
3. The Row Metal Frame Lizard Clutch, USD5,800 from net-a-porter.com. In your circle, showing support to new young talents is very important, no? On top of that, the clutch is super gorgeous too!
4. Reed Krakoff Bridle two-tone-leather tote, USD1,190, exclusive at the net-a-porter.com. Simply because it looks effortlessly chic and stylish. The snakeskin version is even more delicious, if you wish to up the ante.
5. Finally, a Balenciaga City bag in either the classic version (if you want it light) or the Giant version (if you want it glamorous but heavy). Easily because the bag can be packed flat for traveling, it is really versatile and is one of the , if not, the greatest bag created in the past decade. Price is USD1,445 for the classic version and USD1,795 for the Giant version. Available in many beautiful colors season after season.
Please do not stop at here. You owe it to yourself to get as many gorgeous bags as you could afford. I say, the Luggage and the Box bag from Celine must be included in your list next.They are divine!
xoxo
The Purseholic Folks
Write to us at askme@purseholic.com
