Sometimes, all a woman needs is a little admiration to boost their self-confidence; try taking a leisurely stroll with one of these on your shoulder!
Get ready for some arm candy and check out our list of the most desirable purses we’ve seen out and about:
1. Coach bags
Coach began in a New York loft in 1941, but Miles and Lillian Cahn, who joined the company five years later, are the ones to whom the company’s success is most often attributed. Today, they make one of the most popular purses in the United States and boast over 3 billion a year in revenue.
It’s hard to go out in public without seeing a Coach handbag; they cost much less than other major designer purses, which makes them ideal for fashion-minded women who aren’t part of the wealthy upper class. Coach products occasionally mimic other designer products that are extravagantly priced, which gives women a chance to partake in the latest fashions without spending the equivalent of a new car.
Purses start as low as $150.00, so Coach handbags are affordable for all women.
2. Longchamp Le Pliage
When Jean Cassegrain started Longchamp in 1948, he had no idea that it would go on to become a staple of the fashion and purse industry. The company’s beginnings were humble; Cassegrain hired local craftsmen across France to make leather accessories for smoking products.
It wasn’t until his son Phillippe took over that the company entered the world of fashion. Thanks to his decision, Longchamp began producing the stylish handbags that they do today.
Le Pliage is the company’s most popular line, thanks to its gorgeous design and popularity amongst celebrities. The line’s origami-inspired canvas tote can fold into a compact handbag and is easily recognizable by the signature leather accents on its handle and flap.
The allure of Longchamp’s Le Pliage collection stems from the aura of classiness and confidence that envelops the women that wear them. The purse’s functionality and subtlety make a bold statement; “I’m comfortable with myself, and my outfit is for me, not you.” That’s why it ranks one of the most popular lines among women.
On average, you can pick up a Longchamp Le Pliage from anywhere between $100.00 to $200.00. Always look for the jockey logo on both the flap and snap of the purses to ensure that you don’t get a fake!
3. Burberry Check totes
Thomas Burberry opened the first shop of what would eventually become his fashion empire in 1856 when he was 21 years old. By 1901, the company had established itself with the famous Burberry Equestrian Knight logo, which was imprinted with the Latin word “Prorsum,” meaning forwards.
The company has been moving forward ever since. Burberry Check, their most famous brand, was first incorporated on a trench coat designed for English military officers, but it quickly gained popularity amongst civilians.
Burberry capitalized on the public’s infatuation with the pattern by releasing clothing, accessories and handbags. Over time, Burberry Check evolved into the styles that are available today; Haymarket, House, Nova, Supernova, Exploded and Smoke.
There are over 500 Burberry stores in more than 50 countries, and new totes start at $750.00.
4. Louis Vuitton Speedy Monogram
In a world where last year’s fashion is considered prehistoric, it’s hard to imagine that the Louis Vuitton Speedy Monogram is still around despite being over 80 years old. Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton’s creative director, is responsible for freshening up the design for new releases each season.
These handbags have stood the test of time; they’re durable enough to last for years, and it doesn’t look as they’ll be going out of style anytime soon. The Louis Vuitton Speedy Monogram is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable purses in the world; For six consecutive years, Louis Vuitton has been named the most valuable luxury brand, valued at $25.9 billion.
An authentic handbag from the Louis Vuitton Speedy Monogram collection starts at $600.00, so be wary of purchasing from people or retailers who offer you a deal that sounds too good to be true. Louis Vuitton handbags are one of the most frequently counterfeited items in the fashion industry; the problem is so bad that they employ a team of attorneys and special investigators specifically to catch counterfeiters.
5. Gucci Joy
Gucci was founded in 1920 by Guccio Gucci and spent the next 90 years growing into the fashion powerhouse that it is today. Their company’s name is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and fame.
The Gucci Joy line of handbags takes everything that Gucci represents and puts it into a handbag. Looking at the design is almost surreal; the handbags use Gucci’s signature embossed monogram with leather accents on specially designed canvas to stand out without being garish. Its shape and colors are fairly standard, but there’s no denying that seeing one commands your attention.
It goes without saying that the Gucci Joy handbag has a pricetag to match the company’s reputation—prospective owners can expect to pay upwards of $800.00 for the pleasure!
6. Prada Nylon Totes
Unlike Louis Vuitton and Gucci, Prada was a late bloomer; the business was founded in 1913, but it took several decades for the company to rise to fame and earn the recognition that they enjoy today. The Prada nylon tote was released in 1984 and catapulted the company to success with its sleek design and small yet prominent logo.
Today, Prada has grown into a trendsetter for the rest of the industry. In fact, the company uses its unique and innovative designs to establish its identity. Although its logo is incorporated on some handbags, Prada doesn’t feature it as a core design element like other companies that rely on brand recognition to sell their products.
Prada’s nylon totes are accoladed as some of the most functional and durable of luxury purses. Women adore this bag for its versatility; although it’s undeniably stylish, the Prada nylon tote is as dependable as a workhorse.
Prada’s nylon totes come in several different sizes, shapes and designs. Treating yourself to a new Prada will cost you from $300.00 to $1,100.00, depending on the style you select.
7. Hermès Birkin Bag
The Birkin bag originated in 1984 after Jean-Louis Dumas, Hermès’ CEO, offered to make Jane Birkin a handbag following a conversation they had while seated together during a flight. Since then, it has become a status symbol for wealth due to its scarcity and price.
French craftsmen hand-make Birkin bags using rare hides from calves, ostriches, lizards and crocodiles. Each bag is made using different tanners and craftsmen, so no two are exactly alike.
Features like the gold-plated lock and key can be customized with diamonds, which further perpetuate its association with extreme wealth. Many women who own a Birkin bag don’t own it merely to boast of their fortune; they regard it as a symbol of their achievements and success, which ultimately allowed them to afford it.
Women wishing to buy the purse before 2010 had to sign up years in advance. Hermès attributed the Birkin Bag’s 6-year waiting list to the amount of time craftsmen had to spend on each purse. Eventually, the company stepped up production and ended the waiting list, but the price of Birkin bags are higher than ever, ranging from $9,000 to $150,000.
8. Balenciaga city bags
Cristóbal Balenciaga founded his namesake company in 1918 and it quickly emerged as an industry powerhouse that was admired for its uncompromising standards and attention to detail. Balenciaga’s acclaim earned him customers such as Queen Fabiola of Belgium and Jackie Kennedy, who both admired his lavish style.
Balenciaga’s flagship city bags give a hint of edginess to any woman’s wardrobe; their unique design parallels the style of motorcycle jackets without being tacky or unsightly. The sheer number of color variations available allows women to stand out and express themselves, and new colors are released twice a year.
Women can live dangerously with a Balenciaga city bag as long as they’re willing to shell out at least $1200.00.
