5 Must Have Handbags for a City Girl (or anyone else!)

Meet Paige. A totally fab NYC gal by way of Atlanta and originally Florida, she definitely has her stuff together when it comes to anything and everything. Pinky swear! From movie trivia to fashion and everything in between, this gal has the answer. And, she's always in the know. I'd say it's because she's up almost all the time amazingly working as a pediatric nurse practitioner so she's the first to get the scoop, but I've been lucky enough to know the gal since I was about 15 so I know it's that she's just super cool like that. 

So, so excited about what she's bringing you today. While she created her list for a "city gal," the list is totally perfect regardless of where you live. I'm in a pretty suburban setting, driving to and fro, and am in total agreement. Check it out for yourself.

In her words, here's Paige's 5 must have handbags for a city girl...

Great cross body bag

Not only are these bags totally in-style but oh so practical for city life... because you get to be hands-free! It's perfect for running errands and public transportation. Great finds include Lululemon Fast-in-Flight tote - great cross-body gym bag that doubles as a work or carry-on bag.  And Park Avenue Handbags has Pietro Alessandro bags, which are fabulous leather bags that follow the designer trends.

Clutch

A great going-out clutch is a must have. I'm obsessed with Lauren Merkin handbags because they are perfect for any occasion and came in a variety of colors and fabrics. They are also large enough to fit all the NYC essentials for going out (cell, camera, wallet, makeup). Another great thing about living in NYC is that there's frequent sample sales where you can get these for $20 to $100! (needless to say I'm a have a few too many, and I'm not allowing myself to attend the sample sales anymore).

Large Tote

My favorite is the Longchamp shopper; its a classic bag that literally fits everything! It's perfect for all the things that a city girl needs to carry all day and still remain fashionable without looking like a bag lady. I use it as my work bag and it can also double as a carry-on or great gym bag too.
TAGG tip: Another look? Try this Gap sequin strap tote for under $50 (plus 40% off in most stores every Wednesdays with provided coupon!); total knock-off of a Vanessa Bruno for $250! Thanks to Budget Babe for the scoop; check it out here.

Fabulous Black bag

A must for any girl, you need your go-to black handbag. My fav is the Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo.

Reusable grocery bags

One of the hardest things to get used to in the city is grocery shopping. You can only buy what you can carry home - unless you opt for delivery or fresh direct. Reusable grocery bags are not only fantastic for the environment but are extremely practical for long walks home from the store! Whole Foods even makes one that is a cross-body insulated bag!



Trend: Cross-Body Bags

How fabulous are these? While they're not for everyone, and not even for every person all the time, I absolutely j'adore the functionality of a bag I can toss over my bod and not have to worry about. While some are too teeny tiny, and some look like messenger bags I wore while trekking across campus while at UF forever ago, there are so many adorable, affordable looks. I recently just purchased a dark beige/neutral from Loehmann's and I'm loving it!

How perfect is this when you're shopping when you need your hands free? Whether it's at the mall or the grocery store, it's so perfectly ideal. And, an extra set of hands if you're a hot mama? Sign me up! Just be sure to not go too enormous; you don't want to add weight in the hind section if you know what I mean. And, no need to wear it across your body all the time; it's totally in (and comfortable!) to wear it hanging from one shoulder.

Here are just a few I'm totally loving right now:

Lucky, Embroidered Sunset, $129.

Lulus, Little Brown Postal Purse, $26.50

Treesje Gypsy Platinum (also in Black), $198.00

The Sak, Pax Leather Foldover Flap Shoulder Bag, $77.99 (orig. $149)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnkey (other colors available), $158.

Steven by Steve Madden, BPal Convertible Cross-Body, $58.97 (reg. $97)

Now: Look Weekend Chic

Just put together a stylish outfit that's perfect for a gal on-the-go. Remember, it's about putting together items that go together, not about being matchy-matchy.

What's the worse-case scenario? Tomorrow you're in a new outfit anyway.

Get rid of that fear of outfit commitment and start having fun in that wardrobe you created!