How to Pick a New Handbag

By TERI AGINS
January 3, 2008; The Wall Street Journal

Q: With price points exceeding $1,500 on so many designer bags today, how do I make a wise choice that doesn't go out of style too quickly? How do I decide which of the current bags are classic?

-- -- D.B., New York

A: In the 1990s, the fashion industry pulled off the ultimate marketing coup by introducing trendy, luxurious accessories that women would feel compelled to replace every season.


Actress Ashley Tisdale carries a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Thus pricey handbags -- and shoes -- became the new stars in fashion, hyped to the max by photos of celebrities wearing them. Among the "It" bags that caught fire in recent years were Louis Vuitton's colorful and cartoony Murakami bags, Yves Saint Laurent's Mombasa, Prada's bowling bags and Fendi's Spy bags. Adding to the frenzy were years-long waiting lists for the most coveted styles, led by Hermès's Birkin, which starts at $7,000.

The point of today's designer handbags isn't creating classics but pushing seasonal novelties to convince women who wear them that they're on the cutting edge of fashion. While millions of fashionistas continue to buy into the hype -- and spend thousands of dollars on handbags every year -- some savvy dressers are sobering up. A $1,500 bag festooned with logos and showy geegaws -- especially if it gets knocked off to the point of ubiquity -- will look dated soon.

If you desire a truly classic handbag that will span the seasons, let your individual style guide you toward bags that are beautiful, functional and a bit more anonymous. I prefer bags with no logos, minimal hardware (such as metal rings and buckles), and snappy-looking top handles that are long enough to fit over my shoulder. I also like rich shades, such as purple, dark green and burgundy. Exotic skins such as python and crocodile are luxurious. But shun those oversized styles, which can be clunky and inhibit your stride.

The bag may not shout the designer's name, but it's far more chic to dress with a sense of mystery.

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