Scene of the bag “crime”: You are at a beautiful wedding of your dear friend. And then you spot her. A beautiful woman in a ethereal gown. But what is she carrying? A Louis Vuitton Speedy. The first bag that every designer- loving bag hag wants to own.
Make no mistake, this article is not about how designer bags are suddenly demodé. This is all about bag etiquette. What to carry where, and when you are wearing what. Too often, women mistake expensive designer bags as “all- around” bags. And while the temptation to carry the expensive designer bag lingers on because you want to get mileage out of such an indulgent purchase, know when to give the bag a “rest” when she is not befitting to be carried to the particular event that you are attending.
To a business meeting: A satchel or mid-sized tote would work quite nicely with your business suit. Your bag needs to lean on the conservative side, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. Try a bright red Hermes lindy. It’s a boxy, bulky bag but it can either be carried on the crook of your arm (it folds into the shape of a fortune cookie), or can be toted comfortably on the shoulder with its wide leather strap.
To a cocktail party: Wearing a dress? Leave your big monogrammed designer bag at home and carry a small bag or pochette. If budget permits, I recommend a Bottega weave clutch in black. This is one of those “small” bags that would get mileage if you attend parties a lot. If the invitation says “business attire”, you are spared from ire if you carry your Hermes birkin or Kelly.
To a “black tie/ long gown” affair: Do not carry your monogrammed Louis Vuitton tote or your Hermes birkin– even if it’s a crocodile birkin. Your bag may be the most expensive piece of “accessory” but it is certainly not the most appropriate. Save yourself from a fashion faux pas– do not bring a big bag. I’ve seen so many women pairing their gowns with monogrammed satchels at weddings, and the whole ensemble just doesn’t work. Instead, carry a nice compact minaudiere instead. Adora carries beautiful Artisan minaudieres made from python, shagreen, or penshell. Prices start from Php 7,950.
At the end of the day, this is all you need to know. Expensive does not always mean appropriate.