2024 Handbags Wrapped

Handbags have become one of my guiltiest pleasures. Obviously, a girl like me has always loved a nice bag, but as my career has grown and I’ve had the privilege of working in this industry, the appeal has grown too—and maybe it’s a problem?

This year was a monumental handbag year for me. I got a bag that had been on my wishlist for years, stumbled upon a few that were hard to resist, and made some completely unnecessary purchases—good for the plot though, so no regrets. Let me walk you through it.

At the beginning of the year, I was planning outfits for a trip to Turks and Caicos. Naturally, I needed a new bag to commemorate the occasion. The hunt began: I was looking for something small, versatile, and shoulder-wearable. I initially found a Loewe denim pochette with the name "Loewe" cut out in denim and yellow stitching. Unfortunately, my order fell through—devastating, to say the least. So, the hunt continued. That’s when I found a metallic blue and red Fendi pochette. I was sold. It was fun enough for vacation and a unique addition to my collection. It quickly became my summer go-to and came in clutch when a large bag just wasn’t practical.

It was still early in the year, my vacation hadn’t happened yet, and my shopping itch was strong. I purchased a beautiful blue Off-White bathing suit, and one day, while in the office, I saw an Off-White bag—a two-way crossbody and waist bag. I obviously had to get it to match my swimsuit. Looking back, this was probably one of my most unnecessary handbag purchases of the year. I’ve only worn it 2-3 times (including on vacation), and it doesn’t quite fit my everyday style. But as a classic Virgil Abloh piece, I’m holding on to it. Who knows? Maybe it’ll prove useful in the future.

By this point, I’d gone on vacation and didn’t have any major events on the horizon that required a new handbag. But that didn’t stop me from continuing the hunt—and in my opinion, it only got better from here.

The Olsen twins are my absolute favorite fashion icons. So, this next purchase was driven by nostalgia, a desire to feel included, and years of longing. When Balenciaga released a re-edition of the City Bag in 2024, I knew the time was right. Two years ago, I had tried to buy a City Bag, but the size was too small, so I passed. This time, I snagged the biggest size, complete with tassels and the signature mirror. (I lost the mirror on the metro, but let’s not talk about that.) Most importantly: the color. She’s a stunning aquamarine that somehow matches everything. I absolutely love her! She became my everyday bag, carrying me through summer and fall—until I met my new bestie.

My next purchase was carefully planned and executed over several months. I had been eyeing the Miu Miu Leather Beau Bag, but $4,000 seemed absurd, especially when I could get Hermès options for less. When people think of Hermès, their minds usually go to the Birkin, Kelly, or Evelyne. If you’re really in the know, you might think of the Constance or Picotin. But let’s be real—I don’t have that kind of money right now. So, I set my sights on the Victoria II. It has a similar structure to the Beau Bag, serves the same purpose, and costs a fraction of the price. After some setbacks, I finally got her! My first Hermès bag—sliving hard. I think of her as my "bossy" bag, perfect for lugging things around or serving quiet luxury vibes. She’s always the moment, even if people don’t recognize her.

One random day in the office, I stumbled upon a hidden gem. I adore limited-edition styles and collections—especially vintage ones. Dior by John Galliano is one of the most iconic eras in fashion history, known for its playful, unexpected designs. So, when I saw a camo Boston bag from that era, I gasped (the loudest office-appropriate gasp). I threw her on my shoulder and paraded around for validation. It took seconds. My mind was made. The price was so good, it felt like a crime not to buy her. She’s a well-loved beauty, with a missing zipper pull and some wear on the patent leather straps. But I think it adds character. Maybe one day I’ll replace the straps with calfskin leather and add a charm to the zipper pull—but for now, she’s perfect as is.

As the year came to a close, I didn’t have any more items on my wishlist. However, there were always styles in the back of my mind—pieces that, if they presented themselves at the right price, I was sold. In November, I had planned to purchase a vintage Gucci Horsebit Shoulder Bag. The price was great, and the color—a creamy white—was unlike anything else in my collection. And honestly, who doesn't want Tom Ford-era Gucci? But just as I was about to buy it, my eyes landed on an electric blue classic flap with gold hardware. It felt like fate. I was in awe as I saw, essentially, the love of my life. You might think this is dramatic, but everyone who saw it had the same reaction. So I'm being very serious. I couldn’t let the opportunity slip away. The color—although it would be my third blue bag of the year—was so stunning and perfect for me. While the style is undeniably classic, it still truly embodied me. I decided it would be a Christmas gift to myself—and I couldn’t have been happier with the choice.

This year, I’ve committed to a no-buy challenge. Obviously, it’s not as simple as that, but my goal is to focus on utilizing what I already have, avoiding overconsumption, and saving money in the process. Shopping has always been my vice, so I know this will be extremely challenging—but I’m genuinely looking forward to it. Finding new ways to style the pieces I own and staying consistent with my goals is really important to me this year. That being said, I do have a 2025 wishlist. It’s more of a collection of "Easter eggs"—rare finds I don’t expect to come across, but if I do, I might just make an exception to the rule.