Yes it’s true ladies, if you don’t already own a statement handbag you really should go get one! Hahaha seriously though, all I’m saying is a standout or unusual handbag will lift even the simplest outfit from pedestrian to unforgettable. All too often we waste so much time focusing on what to wear that we neglect the single thing that can instantly make an outfit POP!
If you take time to consider carefully the style of bag that would work with most of your wardrobe, you’ll get an extraordinary amount of use out of it.
“A thoughtful & cohesive bag collection is the secret to fabulous outfits every time.”
Who said that? ME!
However remember one thing, with all this use comes wear & tear so as you choose wisely so should you spend as much as you can afford, that quality will see you through. Now for me “big budget” often means years between purchases or combining a couple of birthdays to justify the outlay. But boy is it worth it!
Bags are my thing & I often buy Vintage so bear in mind how many decades that equates to & you’ll get where I’m going with this. Cost per wear is incredible, a better yield than any item of clothing will ever return.
Pops of Primary Colours are big for Spring
However your statement handbag needn’t be bright yellow, like my Jaeger clutch, to be memorable. I’m not into following trends for the sake of it so if the bright statement isn’t your thing simply don’t buy into it, there are other ways this works. For example, a two toned bag like the one by Ted Baker is subtle in its nude colour yet the snake print feature makes it distinctive. Another way to do a “statement” bag is with textures of mixed materials such as the ethnic style over-sized clutch by Hallhuber. It’s made from suede but almost entirely covered in metal embellishments. Beautiful beading with a corded edge & long chain strap which could be worn across the body or removed altogether.
Although if your style is less fussy & more classic, there’s no reason why your statement handbag can’t be too. Choosing something in a tactile material such as velvet or suede to give it the edge we’re looking for whilst remaining true to your style. For example this elegant Vince Camuto cross body bag is for all intents & purposes simply a small black bag with a touch of gold hardware. However what makes it drop dead gorgeous is the soft suede flap over the polished leather body. Contrasting both materials prominently this way is lush & impressive.
A Messy Pony for Windy Days
Ugh this day was super windy, drove me nuts in the end! Although I did suitably prepare for it before leaving the house. If I know the weather isn’t going to play nice on a particular day my hair goes up into a pony tail. Today I used my straighteners to create a soft kink often called beach waves, then I did the same to my largest piece of clip-in hair & pulled it all up into a pony. Realising neatness was pointless due to the gale force winds I let the loose pieces fall naturally & allowed my fringe its natural kink. Perhaps you’d like to see a Vlog of how to get kinky hair using straighteners? It’s pretty easy peasy & means there’s no need to buy curling tongs. You can have a look here at one of my earlier tutorials to get started on a simple technique.
The Final Word on buying a Statement Handbag
All of that said, I do believe by far the easiest & most fun way to add zing to any outfit, regardless of its style, is to choose one sensational colour. It’s a no brainer really, if you buy your favourite style of bag in say, red, you’ll look absolutely amazing wearing anything! Picture this divine red two-way bag worn with the strap across the body in an outfit of white T-shirt, jeans & sneakers – Super Sharp! Equally, it’s stunning yet completely different paired with a pretty floral Summer dress & ballet flats! How about carried by its top handle wearing a white broderie anglaise dress & tan strappy sandals? I could go on listing innumerous looks, it’s too easy & all because you have a clever statement handbag doing all the work for you. psst what about that lining? sigh
Any Season & every style – Now that’s money well spent & we all know how I like to get a thousand wears out of everything!
Get the Look
- Jaeger Clutch c/- House of Fraser
- Belt – Boden
- Trousers – Zara (old) similar
- Shoes – AllSaints past season but these are amazing
- Jumper – See by Chloe (old) Love the sleeves on this
Coming soon – Finery collab, Menopost about natural hormones & The Over40Collective official launch. Leave your email below to make sure you never miss a post…
Bye for now Mx
Comments ( 20 )
robjodiefilogomo
I do think it’s so fun to add color with your handbag. So much better than having the purse be boring black, right?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
MT
Oh gosh yes Jodie, that’s exactly it!
Danish Pastry
I love the mix of suede and leather of your clutch.
I’ve just invested in a sealskin and leather bag in a darkish cobalt sealskin (you can see the natural pattern through the blue) and black leather. It’s fairly flat, cross body and big enough to carry my junk around. I’ve only had it a month and considering I don’t use it for work this bag has been working hard. I’m not sure I’ll be using this bag mid summer, it’s more of a cold season bag, but I know I’ll get a lot of use. Oh and it avoids the shoe/ bag matchy matchy thing that I’m not so keen on. I always get admiring comments, which I don’t get with other bags, even though colour wise it’s not a loud bag.
MT
Actually that’s a good point about “shoe/bag matchy matchy” Heehee I love the way you put that. I would avoid matching my shoes & bag but don’t have a problem matching either one with my belt! Is that strange? Hmmm I don’t know but I do know the matching shoes & bag “rule” of the 50’s is kinda over 😉
notdressedaslamb
Hehe before I read where it was from I was thinking, “I’m going to tell MT just how much it’s like my Jaeger clutch”…! Mine is the same colour suede but a plain flat clutch – actually not plain at all when you consider the colour 😉 So it’s safe to say I LOVE the bag, and I wholeheartedly agree with you about statement bags… That’s why I love a bright bag so often. You’ve shown a perfect example of how a straightforward (but albeit very stylish) all-grey outfit is given some zing with the bag and belt. Nice work, gorgeous lady!!
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
notdressedaslamb
Forgot to say: gorgeous bouncy ponytail too, so yes please to a tutorial! x
MT
Great that’s another yes! I’ll get right on it xx
MT
Oh that’s right you do have a similar one from Jaeger that’s probably why I liked it so much, having seen you with it C 😉
xxx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
How come I missed out on that one? Seriously, I really don’t own any POP statement bag whatsoever in my closet. Mine are all black/beige/blunt kind of non-statement bags without a hint of colour. You convinced me Michelle, I should get one asap. Let the spring begin. xx Abby
Gail Hanlon
I love your zingy yellow clutch! It looks perfect with the grey outfit and yellow belt.
Gail
http://www.isthismutton.com
MT
ZINGY! Zesty yellow to edge us happily toward Spring 😉
simplementlui
Lovely outfit!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/everyone-can-be-a-star/
MT
Thank you!
sequinist
I love a statement anything, so a statement bag is right up my street. I can’t wear yellow with my hair very well, but you’ve made me crave a fluorescent pink or orange bag now that I’ve seen your yellow one! Divine outfit, I love it all! xx
Samantha
Hello Yellow!!
You’re right about the statement bag! Have realised all my “night time” bags are black, and so bored with it!! On the hunt for a red one…something a bit rock and roll…YSL perhaps??
I’m going to revist your posts on buying vintage Michelle…
MT
YSL Y-E-S! Go for it lady 😉
No Fear of Fashion
I totally agree only there is a snag… say you visit someone, or you are in the office, then you don’t carry your handbag around with you all the time. I have lots of statement bags (yellow, fuchsia, red, blue, and two shoppers in bright colours). But I find it hard to just rely on the bags when creating the outfit. It is another thing when you kniw you are going to have the handbag with you all the time of course.
Couldn’t link through to all the bags you are mentioning as my internet is not doing what it should do (very annoying).
Furthermore I think you look terrific in these grey trousers and sweater with the two pops of yellow (great bag). And yes your hair looks lovely (envy here).
Greetje
MT
I totally get what you mean Greetje but that’s exactly why I favour cross body bags. I never want to take the bag off, to me it’s an intregal part of the outfit. I did say “bags are my thing” 😉
I hope you get to click through at some point, I chose some beauties. I wonder which one you’ll prefer? I’m thinking it’s the red…
Porcelina
Jaeger do good accessories, this clutch was a wise buy. I have a red clutch I use over and over again.
MT
You know what this is actually my first anything from Jaeger let alone accessories! I think you’re absolutely right Porcelina, they do have beautiful bags – & clothes!