Bags are the ultimate accessory. Not only do bags guard your most precious belongings and secrets, but also, no matter how much weight you gain or loose, your bag still fits. Bags are like shoes, you can never have too many of them and you should shop for them the same way. Build your collection of basics and then expand into fun and exotic bags to add a little pop to your outfit.
When shopping for a basic bag you want to really sit down and think of what your daily life is like and what your needs are for the bag. How much do you carry? What do you have to have with you? What makes the bag comfortable for you, i.e. handles or straps? This is also a really good time to really examine what you carry every day. Do you really need everything in your bag? Or can you edit down a little? There is no reason that on an average day you need more that what one medium bag can hold, max two bags. That second bag should only be used for a computer or if you need to carry a lot of papers or books from the office.
This rule doesn’t necessarily apply to students, but keep in mind that you never want to look like you are carrying enough bags for a weekend getaway, unless you are actually going on a weekend getaway. Basic bags should be in a neutral tone that can work back to many different things in your wardrobe. So like shoes, you should have a basic brown bag and a basic black bag. Ideally the bag should be made of leather and should not be overly trendy so that it can stay in your closet for a long period. These basic bags fall in the “investment” category. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more money on a good quality basic leather bag because it should last you at least 5 years, hopefully more.
Once you have the basics covered its time to have fun. Accessories are a huge part of the fashion industry and therefore the possibilities are endless. You’ll find bags that are studded, embellished, fabric, leather, exotic skin, and more. For the most part these bags are going to be trendy and will go in and out of style over the years. If it is a really good, popular trend then it will probably go in and out over a period of five years and then hide for another ten and then come back, like the resurgence of the 80s styles right now. If the bag is more of a fad, it will probably last you through the season and no more. Because you should have your basic bags now, what you spend on these “fun” bags is totally at your discression.
Spending more on a trend bag rather than a fad bag will be a smarter choice since the trend bag you will be able to store in your closet for years and then pull out again when the trend resurfaces. Some examples of trend vs. fad. A trend is more associated with details of the bag, like studs or embellishments, fabrics or skins. A fad is more associated with a brand like Von Dutch or Ed Hardy. It’s pretty safe to say that if someone bought a Von Dutch bag seven years ago when they were really hot, they aren’t carrying it anymore and have probably gotten rid of it, or at least they should have.
The Salt Lake market is flooded with options and I scoured the stores to find, in my opinion, the best bags and the best places to look for bags.
-Bill Loya in Foothill Village is the home of a gorgeous Be&D tan leather bag that would make a fantastic basic everyday bag. It is a nice medium size, good compartments, and a little detail on the strap to make it interesting. While the price may seem steep, remember, this is an investment. Visit Bill Loya and for $1040 the bag can be yours.
-Have a little animal in you? Or just like to carry one? Well after you buy the Be&D bag from Bill Loya, drive down to the 15th and 15th neighborhood and pay a visit to Albert Chloe and become the proud parent of one of their gorgeous python bags. Albert Chloe, in the home of the old Great Garb shop, not only has a great selection of clothing but they also manufacture their own handbags in Italy. Right now their current collection is primarily python, but they also have some patent leather and croc embossed leather bags that are equally stunning. I’m sure you’re thinking a python bag is out of your price range and you might be right, but what about borrowing the bag? That’s right, Albert Chloe is the first store in Salt Lake to bring the concept of leasing a bag. For approximately $125 a month (prices vary per bag) you can experience what it’s like to carry a truly luxurious purse.
-Looking for something funky and fun? Koo De Ker is your one-stop-shop for all bags young, fun, hip, and affordable. With a constant stream of shipments, there is never a moment when there isn’t something new in this store. The bags are everything from leather to fabric to a mix of both and almost always in fun colors of the season. At such great prices you can pick up a couple bags or a bag and an outfit and be set for a night on the town.
- Get in your car and drive 20 minutes up to Park City and on Main St. you will find the brand new store Flight in the old Chloe Lane men’s store. A chic new addition to the Main street boutiques, Flight is a great destination for affordable bags in pricey Park City. With a couple different vendors, their bags range in price from $75 to $250 and the $75 bag isn’t a clutch either, it is a substantial size bag that any woman would love to carry.
So whatever your needs – basic, funky, or exotic – having the right bag can really be the finishing touch to your outfit. Get out there and stimulate the economy and lighten the load on your bags by purchasing a new one.
Check out the slideshow for pics of all of the bags.
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