Fun fact: I love bags. While I typically stick to a more basic clothing uniform in my day-to-day (usually a black sweater, jeans, a leather jacket, and sneakers), I like to bring it with my bag selection to make my outfits feel that much more special. And to be honest, the silhouettes I covet run the gamut, including everything from affordable trendy picks to investment designer buys. Given my adoration for bags, I’m always down to chat about the latest in handbags at, well, any moment in the day. I’m not alone in that, either. My friend Amber Richele, a San Francisco–based visual merchandiser and CEO and designer of her own namesake label, is also on my level. In fact, Richele adores her bags so much that she gives them nicknames (which I may start doing).
Yep, if you were to look at our DMs (some shared above, actually), I’d say about 95% of our chats are about bags—either styles that we both recently bought, what we’re loving, or the silhouettes we’re saving up for. So on that note, I thought it could be fun to share with you a list of the investment bags both Richele and I are feeling at the moment.
Below, you’ll first uncover the bags Richele has invested in that have strong cost per wear, if you’re looking to invest in something. After that, I’m sharing more silhouettes I’m into as well. With all that in mind, keep scrolling for a bit of fun handbag inspo.
“Prada just released this in its signature saffiano leather for fall, and it’s so good. Also, the leather version has gold hardware (that’s more me), so that’s what truly sold me on it. I love this bag because it’s lightweight, extremely versatile, and low-maintenance. It’s more expensive than the nylon version, but I think it’s worth it. This is my first Prada, and I’m so pleased with it.” — Richele on her “Miss Gigi” bag
“This is me with my new Prada Re-Edition bag in the camera silhouette. It’s a bit different than the more classic style, but I love it for its versatility. While it was certainly an investment for me, it’s a silhouette I’ll use for years and will pass down as well.”
“I’m currently obsessed with rich brown tones for fall, and I’ve got the perfect bag in that shade with this one. My Puzzle Bag is great for day to night, as she has a crossbody/shoulder strap for day and has a cute top handle at night if need-be. Loewe’s leather goods are exquisite, and they’re minimalist modern luxury.” — Richele on her “Miss Drew” bag. “I have had my eye on the Loewe Puzzle Bag for a few years as well. I’m currently saving up for the larger silhouette to hold all of my essentials.”
“She’s my newest addition and the bag I’ve been carrying the most along with my Prada Re-Edition. I had always wanted a SDJ, but she needed to be just right. Margaux checks all the boxes, and she’s the bag I carry when I want to feel like a total boss.” — Richele on her “Margaux” bag. “When my friends ask for a timeless investment silhouette that’s polished and chic, I always suggest this Saint Laurent style.”
“I knew when this bag came out that I wanted one. I love a good clutch, and this bag is it! She holds all the things (like my full-sized bifold wallet and sunglasses cases), and the design is so sleek. I do use it a lot as a casual evening bag (date night or happy hour with the girls), but I also carry it a lot during the day. It’s that good!” — Richele on her “Miss Claudia” bag. “I couldn’t agree more with Richele above. This bag is it if you’re looking for an of-the-moment, gorgeous clutch.”
“I waited for this bag for months! At the end of July, I got it. It was right around the time that I was supposed to reward myself for achieving my quarterly goals, too (this bag was what I wrote down), so I bought it on the spot. As the owner of two vintage Chanel bags from the 1990s, I feel like I have to constantly worry about them getting scratched, but Charlie is not fussy at all. I also love the tritone hardware, as I mix metals with my everyday jewelry. She’s like the millennial/Gen Z Chanel bag, and I’m here for it!” — Richele on her “Miss Charlie” bag. “The bag above is gorgeous. I actually invested in a Chanel pouch a few years ago. While it’s a true investment, it withstands the test of time and will be a forever item for me. Talk about strong cost per wear.”
Known for its range of sculptural shoes, Neous launched a covetable handbag line full of gorgeous silhouettes in unique shapes as well.
That strap! Enough said.
Filled with a smattering of under-$100 styles, House of Want carries trendy shapes that look so high-end. I’m loving this chocolate brown pick.
The varying shades of beige and brown are quite striking.
Stunning color.
You could use this structured bag as a top-handle bag or as a clutch with the detachable strap.
This Jacquemus silhouette is basically a modern classic at this point, and the updated whipstitched design is great.
BY FAR knows how to make an It bag. This shape and hue are electrifying.
Okay, call me biased, but this affordable Who What Wear bag looks like it could be triple the price.
This little Gucci is just too adorable.
Katie Holmes has been toting around this bag from NYC-based brand Sharkchaser for the last few weeks. And I get it—the style is forward and highly versatile.
Very sleek.
The contrasting wider straps take this sophisticated bag to the next level.
