5 Investment Bags That You Will Love And Wear Forever
They’re pricey. But here’s how we justify it…
Image from Clare V.
by The Candidly Team
Handbags are the closet thing most of us will ever own to actual art.
A bag is our constant companion. A little talisman of ourselves in a way. It’s there for us despite any fluctuation in our size or shape. Unlike the 14 pairs of “inspo” jeans that taunt us from our closet, it will never make us feel shame. Instead, it instantly uplifts us into the cutest, chicest, most put-together version of ourselves.
And this is how we justify prices that feel astronomical and impossible. We think about all those $100 dresses we buy and never wear. Or the $20 Target shoes we wear twice. The amount of money we’ve spent on things we absolutely hate in 3 months is the actual astronomical number. But if we put that into a bag which we will have forever, suddenly the price tag makes sense.
But having something forever means it can’t be too trendy. It can’t be too impractical. And most importantly, it must give us a feeling of thrilling lust.
We scoured the earth with these caveats in mind and decided on 5 bags that, with some light arguing behind the scenes, fit the bill.
What do you think?
1. The Ideal Tote For Hauling All Your Crap While Looking Impossibly Chic
A slouchy, buttery leather tote allows us to chicly lug the bizarre mix of “essentials” we manage to accumulate in our chaotic days. And the fact that this flawless tote from Marcella comes in cream makes it juuuuust that much more gorgeous and special.
Price: $198
Runners-Up:
Totes can feel practical and boring, but this one has all the intrigue and elegance of a favorite statement bag. It comes in a soft camel suede with a minimalist stripe down the middle that ensures it will match literally everything you ever wear. You must see!
Price: $450
Chloe Woody Medium Canvas Tote
There’s something tremendously special about placing iconic Chloe refinement on a sturdy canvas tote. It’s the balance between form and function we fantasize about. This bag makes us feel seen. And you can even see one of us wearing the smaller version HERE.
Price: $1290
2. The Everyday Bag That’s Not Too Big And Not Too Small
The prettiest messenger bag on the market. The shape is unmatched. The colors and woven options are nearly impossible to choose from. It’s distinct yet so wearable.
Price: $435 - $485
Runner-Up:
See by Chloe Joan Small Hobo Bag
This bag has all the classic Chloe elements in a more “practical” size and shape, meaning it holds our odd mix of essentials, while making us look 10x chicer than we actually are.
Price: $447
3. The “Statement” Bag You’ll End Up Using Constantly
What is it about houndstooth that miraculously matches everything, but also makes whatever we’re wearing look so much more distinguished? This bag infuses that elegance with a little bit of fun. Also it fits way more than you’d think.
Price: $340
Runner-Up:
Isabel Marant Botsy Leather-Trimmed Suede Shoulder Bag
There’s so much convenience to a crossbody satchel. This one lands somewhere between bohemian and Western with its rich suede and perfect, perfect shape.
Price: $417
4. That One Special Occasion Purse That Works For Any Event (And Makes Everyone Ask Where You Got It)
There’s some sort of Gatsby-era magic to this elegant clutch. It’s supremely special but also somehow versatile, working for pretty much every formal occasion.
Price: $328
Runner-Up:
We also can’t stop thinking about this overscaled pearl clutch. Honestly, Cult Gaia’s entire collection is like a museum of original, transformative treasures you need to see for yourself.
Price: $430
5. The Original For Those Who Like to Blur The Rules
Clare V. Petit Moyen In Black & Cream Woven Checker
This bag is petite but somehow fits everything we must carry with us everyday. It’s black and cream so it matches (but also elevates) everything we wear. It’s an original for sure, but that makes us love it all the more. See one of us carrying ours HERE.
Price: $385
Runner-Up:
M. Gemi The Laura Convertible Backpack
There’s something mildly genius about creating a slouchy leather shoulder bag that seamlessly criss-crosses into a backpack. This very chic bag is ideal for commuting or travel.
Price: $298
BONUS: Our 3 Fave Super-Splurge Bags That We Can’t Pull The Trigger On But Maybe You Can
And then, of course, there are those utter gems that we had to share.
1. Saint Laurent Kate Medium YSL Suede Shoulder Bag
Every bit of detail in this Saint Laurent bag is perfection. The rich neutral shade. The slinky gold tassel. It’s all just an heirloom waiting to happen.
Price: $2500
2. Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag
The superhero suit of handbags. You can throw it over an honest-to-God Juicy sweat-set and suddenly become the most sophisticated person in the room. If you own this bag, you need no other bag.
Price: $3250
3. Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Bag
This bag is for those who want something original that will stand the test of time. The woven leather is a work of art, while the slouchy shape is so functional. But the knot is what gets us. We can’t even say why. It just does.
Price: $3500
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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