An Iconic handbag, a statement handbag or a simple canvas tote: all can be an expression of your personal style.

Hermes, Chanel, Givenchy, Burberry, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Nancy Gonzalez, Burberry, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Coach… the list can go on and on.

These are all handbags that have at one time made a statement on someone’s arm. The handbag that you choose should fit your lifestyle, too small and you end up stuffing it full of your personal items without being able to close it, too big and you will never be able to find your wallet when you check out at the grocery store. Hint: organizers are a great idea with inside pockets that hold all of your necessities, and provide a protection from that ink pen or lip gloss that tends to want to explode on the bottom of your favorite leather bag. I have ordered these beautiful organizers from the Mai Tai collection and they are worth the money.  Her choice of fabrics is luxurious.  And they keep all of my necessities in place.

My friend told me once that she only buys bags with a zipper or closure on the top because when she places her bag on the seat beside her in the car it never fails to fall forward at a stop sign, spilling the contents on the floor of the car.  And every time that happens to me I think of her! 

Tote bags are functional and a great way to carry everything, but a smaller crossbody “camera” bag will allow you to be hands free. I have a set from Dior in the oblique fabric that allows me to have both.  I have a crossbody that I can use as a wallet when I remove the strap, placing it inside my larger tote for when I have more to carry.  It is my go-to travel bag.

Keep your handbags from collapsing or creasing when you store them with tissue paper or bubble wrap.  Use a dust bag if they are in danger of collecting dust, or create a closet for your handbags with doors on the front to protect your precious pieces within.  

My fantasy handbag would be an Hermes Kelly bag in crocodile.  I would probably choose a black one because I am too practical to splurge on such a handbag and then not carry it because I changed my mind about the color.  I’m putting that out there in the universe to see what comes up.  When I was in London at the V&A viewing the collection of Princess Grace of Monaco, I saw the original bag that Hermes made for her when she was expecting her first child and wanted to hide it from the prying press for as long as she was able.  You can find pictures of her carrying the bag on her wrist in front of her.  I think Grace Kelly is the epitome of style and elegance, which is why I named my website “Grace in Paris”.  Imagine strolling along Avenue Montagne, window shopping with Grace!  Carrying a Kelly bag of course.  What is your dream handbag?