Confession: I’ve spent the last 365 days exclusively toting a black COS quilted crossbody. I call it my ‘mom bag,’ but really, it’s the comfort equivalent of my dependable Jansport in the 90s.
I love summer bags. They require so much less of us than fall and winter styles: no heavy hardware, no extra compartments for scarves and gloves, no zips (and, sometimes, even lining).
I’m ready to get out of my bag rut. Who’s with me?
Wooden Beads and Seashells
Perfect for: Lazy Sunday brunches
Clockwise from top left: Lemaire Spring 2017 | Staud Spring 2024 | Ulla Johnson Spring 2024 | BrunnaCo
While I can’t unsee this post comparing the above Lemaire bag to old-school car seat covers, I would still snap it up in a heartbeat if my budget permitted. Wooden beads are a streamlined alternative to the seashell embellishments seen on Staud and Ulla Johnson’s runways.
Here are some vintage and secondhand options to shop both styles.
Vintage ($53):
Secondhand Zara ($24):
Vintage Bloomingdales ($25):
Vintage ($33):
Handmade ($28):
Vintage ($14):
Secondhand Talbots ($31):
Belt Bags
Perfect for: Hands-free at the flea market and around the city
Clockwise from top left: Goldie Hawn circa 1992 | Getty Images | Unknown | Getty Images | Clare V.
From Prada to Clare V, belt bags are lending everyone a free hand this season. Here are a few vintage finds. I’ve almost hit ‘buy’ on the Ann Klein calf hair bag several times, picturing it paired with my Isabel Marant Lecce belt.
Vintage Ann Klein ($17):
Vintage Ann Klein ($45):
Vintage Givenchy ($53):
Vintage Esprit ($61):
Metallics
Perfect for: Wedding guest outfits, a statement accent
Clockwise from top left: Rabanne Spring 2024 Runway | Cult Gaia Hera Bag | @alwaysjudging Instagram | Getty Images | Getty Images
While the black-and-white minimalist (and occasionally, when I’m feeling bold, brown) in me isn’t ready to make metallics my mainstay, I recently purchased a vintage gold Paco Rabanne for Walborg bag—more on that below—that comes out when I need that special pièce de résistance, as
from describes it:For this one, let’s start with a brand that’s had a recent resurgence (including an H&M collab last year): Paco Rabanne. Two little-known facts about the designer:
He designed a line for Walborg in the 1960s that you can occasionally source for a steal (I got mine for $35 on Mercari).
He had a brief stint designing bedspreads (???). Not exactly hygge and I have so many questions about functionality, but stunning all the same:
Source: Elle Decor 2011
Here are two Paco Rabanne for Walborg designs. Most that I’ve come across aren’t stamped with Rabanne’s name, but his signature ring and disc designs are instantly recognizable.
Walborg ($75):
Walborg ($69):
Some other finds:
Unknown brand ($15):
Vintage Whiting and Davis ($68):
Structured Raffia
Perfect for: Pool to dinner
Clockwise from top left: Bronx and Banco Spring 2024 | Loewe x Paula Ibiza Bag | Flying Solo Spring 2024 | Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch in Raffia
To riff off a classic: Raffia for summer? Groundbreaking. But it’s a classic for a reason. This season, we’re seeing structured styles that transition seamlessly from beach to city.
Vintage ($62):
Vintage ($100):
Secondhand Mansur Gavriel ($165):
Secondhand Bembien ($80):
What styles are you gravitating towards this season?
P.S. If you’ve ever wondered what a vintage collector has on their eBay watchlist (which is kind of like peeking into a professional chef’s grocery cart), check out this weekend’s post by
New reader and I am obsessed with your picks!! Thanks for the shout out and don’t mine me clicking every link for a metallic option!!
💓💓💓💓