There’s something about leaving your mobile phone at home that makes you feel like you’ve lost a limb.
There’s something about leaving my handbag at home that makes me feel very much the same.
I’m usually defined by what my friends call my ‘Mum Bag’; it houses everything I could ever possibly need for a day out. For an evening, I’ll pick a smaller affair, usually with a long strap, that snugly fits a purse, phone, key and lipstick, for touch-ups.
On Friday I ventured out with no bag whatsoever. It felt oddly liberating. But at the same time, I found myself reaching around to rummage in the non-existent bag several times, each tinged with that lump-in-your-throat sinking feeling that it was gone. Missing. Stolen. And then the deep breathe of relief as I recalled it was at home and tried to recoil my panic spring.
We’ve all got a handbag. Some of us have ten. Some of us have… er, well in excess of ten.
Though every day, I tend to use the same one. A good handbag, that goes with everything, so I don’t have to think about picking and packing on a morning (who’s got time?). There’s a lot of considerations to take into account when selecting your new day-to-day handbag – with so many bag styles, colours, sizes and materials to choose from, it can take some time to find the perfect arm candy. So here’s a few tips I’ve picked up along the way…
Size Matters
If there’s even the slightest chance you might need something at some point in the day, you’ll drop it into your bag. Admittedly, this means a lot of rummaging through the murky depths of the twilight zone when you need to dig something out, but you feel much better for having it (we need a serious chat about pockets). The biggest sin, however, is overstuffing your bag.
Not only does overstuffing your bag make it look misshapen, but it could cause damage to the bag itself! Try not to carry more than you need, but if you do need it, carry it in an appropriately sized carryall!
Organisation
Check out how many pockets a bag has – and use them. Putting those everyday essentials you need to keep safe but within easy reach, such as your phone and purse, in an inside pocket means there’s two fastenings to get through – easy for you; difficult for anyone trying to go unnoticed.
Kipling are the masters of the Organised Bag; with designated pen pockets and even key sections, you’ll find everything in a pinch – and never forget the things you need!
Textile and Texture
Luxurious leather is the classic handbag material – classic, durable and ever chic, it’s often the textile of choice. That’s not to say the other options should be ruled out, however. Synthetic materials are often easier to keep clean, whilst textile often allows for a more colourful or patterned finish.
Versatility
It’s all well and good seeking out bags in fashion, but if you’re going to be using it every day for a while, you need something that will team up effortlessly with your style.
Black and brown tones tend to go with everything – think about the shoes you wear most often and pair up accordingly. If you’re seeking something a little fresher, turn to metallic hues for an easy alternative to neutrals – and on that point, pick hardware that matches your jewellery.
For more of a statement number, explore pattern and texture – though keep it structured if you’re using it in smarter situations! At Charles Clinkard HQ there’s a lot of love for Oilily, who’s pretty patterns are workable in any wardrobe. If you’re shopping for an evening bag, consider matched shoes and handbags for an easy way to look co-ordinated.
In case you were wondering, this is my everyday bag of choice:
Black, with just a hint of two-tone textures; sophisticated at all hours, and it has a detachable strap so I can wear it over my shoulder or in the crook of my arm. It’s love. You can find it here, or why not browse all bags!
