Must-Have Handbags

Chanel's 2.55 bag (what is currently known as the Reissue; it has what is called the "Mademoiselle clasp") was created in February of 1955 - hence the name. The interlocking CC logo clasp was introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in the '80s. The bag is a classic and has inspired many other handbag designers. It comes in soft lambskin, more durable caviar, cloth, tweed, and exotic skins. It is available in several sizes: mini, medium, large (I used to think these sizes were small and medium but an SA corrected me), jumbo, and maxi.
Where to buy it: Your best bet is to go to a Chanel boutique or a department store that carries Chanel, but there are Chanel flap bags available online sometimes (usually vintage ones). Here are some available right now:  1 ; 2 ; 3 ;

I have a small/medium Chanel flap in lambskin with gold hardware. Next on my Chanel wishlist is a vintage Jumbo XL! The bag makes virtually any outfit look more polished and sophisticated.

The Louis Vuitton Speedy was introduced in 1933. The bag comes in several sizes - 25, 30, and 35. These refer to how long the bag is in centimeters. The bag is available in three canvases (Monogram, Damier Ebene, Damier Azur), in Monogram Idylle, in Epi Leather, and sometimes in limited edition designs.

I have a Damier Ebene Speedy 30. I find it to be very practical. It is very well-made. My only qualms are that it does not hold its shape very well; you need to put something at the bottom, or else the base sags. However, the canvas is very durable and the quality is impeccable!

The iconic Louis Vuitton Alma was inspired by a shape invented by Gaston Vuitton in the 1930s. The bag comes in Epi Leather, Monogram Vernis, and Nomade Leather. It has a very lady-like, structured shape and is available in three sizes.

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull was introduced fairly recently. It is available in three sizes - PM, MM, and GM. They are available in Louis Vuitton's three canvases. They also sometimes have limited edition designs. The Neverfull is a convenient tote bag that can be cinched at the sides.

The Louis Vuitton Mahina XL and XXL were introduced in 2007. They have a very subtle logo and a very trendy, slouchy shape. The bags are made from soft, luxurious Mahina leather and have microfiber lining. The top clasp keeps the bag's contents secure and the side buckles can adjust the size of the bag. This bag is one of Louis Vuitton's priciest bags.

The Longchamp Le Pliage tote comes in several sizes and a plethora of colors. There is truly something for everyone. It is comprised of a very durable nylon fabric and leather handles. The bags fold and snap to a fraction of their size, making them easy to store/carry along with you. They are especially useful if it rains, as they can protect more expensive or delicate bags. These bags are perfect for school or traveling.

Where to buy it:  Nordstrom.com

Though I was not a fan of the Le Pliage for a long time (because everyone had it), I eventually caved in and bought a navy Eiffel Tower tote. I absolutely love it!

Miu Miu, one of Miuccia Prada’s lines, is a very cute and girly brand. The satchel comes in a variety of colors and a couple of sizes. It has a longer strap that allows you to wear it as a crossbody bag or on your shoulder. There have been a few quality issues with this bag (such as the bow splitting and sealant cracks), but it is a very lovely bag!

You can buy the Miu Miu bow satchel here

Named for model Jessica Stam, this Marc Jacobs bag is absolutely stunning. It feels slightly Chanel-inspired, but the bag certainly stands on its own. The bag was introduced in 2006 and surged to "it bag" status quickly, becoming sold out everywhere. Now, there are many different types of Stams available.

Buy it here

Nicolas Ghesquiere, the genius behind Balenciaga, almost didn't release any Balenciaga Motorcycle bags. The prototype was dismissed for being too soft and lightweight, as well as for lack of structure. However, Ghesquiere convinced the heads of the company to let him produce a few of the bags so that the models would have something to carry during the runway show. The models (most notably, Kate Moss) were absolutely smitten with the bags, which led to them being produced.

The Balenciaga Motorcyle bags come in several different styles - two favorites are the First and the City. Launched in 2000, these bags boast luxurious leather and gorgeous hardware. Plus, they come in almost every color imaginable!
Buy it here

Goyard has been around since 1853. The French luxury handbag and luggage house has a very understated monogram that is hand-painted on to their designs. The St. Louis tote is made of coated canvas and comes in a colossal amount of colors.

The unforgettable Princess Diana made the Lady Dior handbag an iconic piece. It is rumored that the bag is even named for her. The bag was released in the mid 1990s when Dior's creative manager was Gianfranco Ferre. The bag comes in several sizes, skins, and colors, and is adorned with a Dior charm.

The Hermès Birkin is the most iconic and lusted-after handbag, and for that, it boasts a very hefty price tag. The prices range from $9,000 to $150,000. These bags are also extremely difficult to get a hold of. It helps to be a regular Hermès customer or a celebrity. The bag used to have a waiting list, but this was removed in April of 2010.
The bag was originally designed for Jane Birkin, who was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas (Hermès's creative executive) on a plane. When her straw bag's contents fell on the ground, she lamented not having a sturdy, leather weekend bag. In 1984, Dumas created the Birkin bag for her.

The Birkin comes in many different materials, colors, and sizes. It comes in leather, ostrich, and lizard. Sizes are 25, 30, 35, and 40 centimeters. The 50- and 55-centimeter bags are meant for traveling.

This handbag was introduced in 1935. It was originally called the sac à dépêches, but was renamed after a photograph was taken of Grace Kelly carrying it in 1956. Kelly was supposedly carrying the bag to cover up her pregnancy.

Yves Saint Laurent's brand was founded in 1961, and it revolutionized the way women dressed. The designer put women in more feminine men's styles, such as his famous "Le Smoking" jacket. The Muse bag has a stunning shape and comes in a variety of colors. It has a very subtle Y stitched on to it. There is a regular Muse available, as well as an oversized Muse (pictured above). I also recently saw some very small Muse bags at YSL's 5th avenue and 57th street store.

Buy it here

What shall be the next handbag I add to the list?
Suggestions, corrections, and further information about any of these bags are welcome!

Mulberry Alexa - Buy here or here
Celine Luggage Tote
Givenchy Antigona  - Buy here
Fendi Peek-A-Boo - Buy here
Prada Saffiano - Buy here
Alexander Wang Rocco - Buy here
Pictures coming soon!