026. Your New Favourite Small Handbag Brands (Most Are Under $1,000)
78 Bags Handpicked For Quality, Sustainability, and Unique Design
A heady mix of inflation and greed is driving the prices of some designer handbags well into the five digits. Fortunately, several newer brands offer the same, if not better, quality at softer prices, thanks to independent retail strategies and slowly sustained growth.
In this week’s newsletter, you will find a list of the best small to medium accessories brands as well as my top picks within their range. The majority are priced below $1,000. I help you find the right one for you by sorting them into different categories from chic, minimalist, casual, modern, classic, and edgy.
Personal favourites are in bold. I hope you feel inspired!
Chic And Classic Handbags
For a sophisticated or ladylike silhouette, I recommend a small top-handle bag. Whether it is frame, doctor, flap, or messenger shape, a top-handle holds a timeless feminine allure. The Top Handle bag ($675) from Hunting Season ticks all the boxes. If you manage to track-down one of their rare lizard-effect or croc-embossed editions, all the power to you (and also, let me know).
I have been loving the NYC-based brand Savette since the day they launched. The next time I invest in a bag, it will be the symmetry pochette ($1,190), possibly in rouge ($1,190).
Canadian designer Marie Philippe founded Mas on the expertise she acquired working at Hermès and The Row. Need I say more? The signature Quinta ($950) stands out in the blue suede and walnut handle colorway.
Black-owned brand Yeba* relies on its founders’ African heritage and Italian leather goods expertise to make elegant yet practical handbags thought for women on the go. Their small but perfectly thought-through range includes a variety of distinctive impactful shapes, including the Ayo ($635), the Mino ($515), and the eponymous Yeba ($730).
Cool and Collected Everyday Totes
Cuyana sets itself apart from the other brands listed in this section as a brand that is both design and purpose-led. They have summed it up perfectly with their ethos, which is ‘Designed For Life’. Founded by two women who wanted to solve the struggle of rummaging for keys and having all your belongings set loose in a large tote bag. You can purchase a bag and separately buy the organising compartments, sleeves, and inserts to customise it to your exact needs. I have heard endless positive reviews about the sleek-looking system tote $328. I love its croc-embossed version ($478). I received their brand new bucket bag ($398) last week and I have worn it every day since. It comes with a top handle as well as a long adjustable strap so you can wear it cross-body or as a shoulder bag, making it a versatile accessory to wear over winter coats.