Handbags 101

Recently I came across a resource called the Handbag Style Guide by Rue La La. It has a great deal of interesting and important information about handbags including a history of different styles through the decades, a description of iconic designer labels, tips on how to care for handbags and an outline of the different types of handbags. I definitely recommend you take a look at the site.

This got me thinking about my own handbag collection. I thought I'd start off by showing you my handbag essentials. Inspired by the typical 'what's in your bag' post, I often find it interesting to see what others carry in their bags.

My Handbag Essentials
-Guess Wallet
-Frozen Coin Purse
-Ted Baker Makeup Bag
-Hair Comb
-Security Pass for Building Access at Work
-Red Lipstick! (and clear gloss)
-Keys
-Earphones
-Phone 

The handbag guide also shows some of the designer label signatures. I find this particularly interesting given my recent interest in designer handbags following the time I borrowed a real Chanel handbag. 

The handbag guide outlines the different styles of bags so I thought I'd show you my favourite types to get an idea of what works for me:

The Clutch 

I love clutch bags; they are so adorable and sweet. Of course they aren't the most practical of bags (I even have a couple that can't even fit in a iphone inside) but I try and make them work as much as possible. They are great for a night out and sometimes I take them into work in addition to another bag. I have so many clutch bags and here are some of them:

The Tote

I definitely believe the tote is the most popular type of bag out there; that's no surprise given it's so useful, practical, large and versatile. I especially love my tote bags by Guess and I can never resist adding a new one to my collection. I favour the tote bag over the hobo style bag because I like the structure of the tote.  Here are a few of my tote bags:

The Pouchette

This style of bag appears to be what I would call a flap bag. I was very interested to read that the shape is inspired by a loaf of bread tucked under a French girl's arm (how crazy is that?!) I don't have too many pouchettes but I do like the style and would definitely like to add more to my collection. I love that it reminds me of many of the classic Chanel bags. Here are a few of mine:

Check out Handbags 101 here.