Three Types of Handbags You Must Splurge On

There are some things you can buy on the cheap and there are others that you absolutely must spend extra money on. While most people have a different opinion (I, for example, believe that jeans, shoes and handbags need to be high quality) about which items they can pick up at their local Target and which ones they need to hit Neiman Marcus to pick up, there is one thing experts agree on: Quality handbags are a must. Instead of spending needlessly on cheap, trendy handbags (and trust me, they do look cheap) women should consider their handbags an investment. You can buy five or six trendy bags per year, or splurge a little on a few timeless, high-end bags that you can carry forever (think Jackie O. style). Here are the three handbags every woman needs to have in her closet; and should spend a little extra money on.

The Day Bag

This is the bag you carry more than any other bag. You take it to work, shopping, to brunch and just about everywhere else you go, which means you need one that is large enough to fit your 9 to 5 needs as well as everything else you simply cannot live without. Since you carry it so often, a neutral color is a must. Camel is the most gorgeous handbag color, in my opinion, and it goes with everything you own. It should be made of high end leather, and it will stand the test of time (I’ve been carrying my Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy since 2004 and it still looks fabulous – the handles have even started to oxidize, which makes them look even more gorgeous than ever). When it comes to purchasing a day bag, think Louis Vuitton, Gucci, 3.1 Philip Lim, Michael Kors or Tory Burch.

Evening Clutch

This is the bag you will carry with you to formal events, on dinner dates and when you are out on the town. For this reason, your bag should be something a little neutral. Something black is always fabulous. Additionally, anything with a little shine is always in style. It should be large enough to fit your blotting papers, lipstick, money and phone. For a timeless clutch you can stylishly carry for the rest of your life purchase something in the Judith Leiber collection or from Valentino. Prada is another great choice.

Weekend Bag

A weekend bag is one you can throw a few changes of clothes and some toiletries into and hit the road. Take it on your next flight (just choose an airline that hasn’t started charging for carry-on items) or toss it in the back seat and get going. This bag should be sturdy enough to withstand airport damage and bellman handling. The Tory Burch Robinson Saffiano Weekender Tote is a great choice in classic camel. It’s elegant and stylish without being trendy, which means it will stand the test of time. My personal favorite is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall. It’s sturdy and flexible, holds just the right amount of my belongings and I can carry it in my hands or over my shoulder, and because it’s Louis Vuitton, it’s timeless and classic.