Styling Luxury Handbags with Trendlee

Despite being prone to more affordable things in life, I have been known to splurge when I really want something (mostly shoes, jeans and art), but fancy handbags typically haven’t been on that list. When asking myself why, I realized it’s mostly because they feel too fancy for my actual life (also because some of them are so expensive I find it hilarious). So Trendlee (your best online source for pre-owned and more affordable luxury handbags) gave me the challenge of styling their bags for my own life. I like a styling challenge (hell, I went on national TV 6 years ago to prove that) so I said, “no problem”. I borrowed four different handbags that I would love to own and styled them with my current wardrobe to show how you can indeed mix in luxury handbags even if you aren’t a full time fancy person.

This is my ‘client lunch’ outfit. I have to say that of all of these bags, this Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag is the one that I would splurge on. Why this works – Well, simple black works with everything. Chambray dresses down a typically more up-tight pencil skirt, the simplicity of the bag works so well with the busy pattern, the simple nude leather shoes complement the bag, without competing, the black balances the femininity of the pencil skirt, the hat creates quirk and accents the bag.

I haven’t been as big a part of the small purse movement as I’d like to be. My need for ‘stuff’ and my obsession with my laptop (what would happen if I had 10 minutes with nothing to do when I could be writing!!!) prevented this involvement. But this little Chloe Drew Crossbody is so cute and pretty and petite and makes me feel like a woman.

This is my ‘work event’ outfit. Something I’d wear to either a brunch or happy hour. It would photograph well (one must always be ready for that perfect grammable moment) and has pattern and color but is easy to wear.

The crossbody is actually really flattering because on a boxy top it reigns me in. The blue is a perfect more muted accent color to the bright red. The color warms up the black, without creating too much contrast. And the delicate little chain doesn’t cut me in half. No need for necklace with a crossbody and the gold on the bag becomes your jewelry.

The bold statement bag: A bright red and pink statement bag does seem like it might be harder to pull off, I realize, but man this Céline Trapeze is so pretty. I destroy my bags, I do, so for a day to day bag I have to have something more affordable but this bag would be such a pretty splurge, and really makes an outfit (yes, that is pony hair … also is pony hair actually PONY HAIR???)

Bold color amps up a neutral color palette. The color blocking works well to calm down simpler patterns. The high contrast black and white becomes the accent to the purse (rather than just all solids). Adding denim helps round out the outfit (all black with a big bright purse feels dated to me). The color palette has both strong cool tones (black, white and blue) and warm tones (heavy dose of red and pink). The trapeze shape is a big graphic statement and it can be worn by handle or over the shoulder so it is pretty versatile.

This pre-loved Hermes Herbag, below, is one that I could definitely own and see myself wearing often.

This is my ‘shopping with client’ outfit. It’s something I could definitely wear anytime Monday – Friday and feel pulled together, but it’s easy to wear and comfortable.

Neutral canvas and leather material works with any casual outfit. Skinny cords balance out oversized coat. Wool menswear coat in an unexpected color palette.

And because there are so many great options and so many possible outfits, I have added a few more picks featured in a collection on Trendlee!! Be sure to head on over and check it out and use the code EMILYHN for 5% off your order.