Diane von Furstenberg clutch-no longer available. Similar DVF clutch here
I admit it: I am an accessories girl. I love bags, shoes, scarves and jewelry. We’ve all heard about the necessity of owning a little black dress, or LBD. But what about the LBB: little black bag? Like a LBD, a LBB’s neutral color will go with almost anything. As Lauren Conrad explains in her book, Style, spending a bit more on high quality staple items is warranted, because they are going to get plenty of use!
Let’s break down the LBB further: there are multiple categories of necessary little black bags:
1.
Clockwise from middle: La Regale Twist Pleat Clutch, Oliveve Anatasia Fold Over Clutch, Glint ‘Rivoli’ Beaded Clutch, Sole Society Faux Leather Zip Clutch, COACH Polished Pebble Nolita 19, Loeffler Randall Tassel Clutch, Botkier Trigger Mini Crossbody, Old Navy Faux Leather Fold Over Clutch, Danielle Nicole ‘Whitney’ Faux Leather Crossbody Bag
Evening LBB: I usually consider these to be a clutch, handbag or wristlet. It is good to have a few different ones, depending on how fancy the occasion is. For example, a big black clutch with huge logos and hardware is great for going out to dinner, but if I am attending a black tie event, I may want to upgrade to a more elegant style. Some of these bags feature a strap, allowing you to transform your clutch into a cross-body bag (see category #3).
2.
Clockwise from top left: TOPSHOP Croc-Effect Shopper Bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors Medium Fulton Slouchy Shoulder Bag, COACH Edie Shoulder Bag 31 in Refined Pebble, Phase 3 Drawstring Bucket Bag, Big Buddha Quilted Bucket Shoulder Bag, MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo
Daily LBB: One of the things that I look forward to most about Fall (other than pumpkin-flavored everything), is pulling out my boots. I will not mix black accessories (boots) with brown accessories (bag), and vice-versa. I am the same about silver and gold accessories, and Rachel Zoe agrees with me. Thus, daily bags in all neutral colors are necessary. A larger bag with a shoulder strap (like a hobo or tote bag) makes the most sense, because all of my belongings fit and I can just tuck it discreetly under my shoulder.
3.
Clockwise from middle: Steve Madden Quilted Flap Faux Leather Crossbody Bag, kate spade ‘cedar street-cami’ crossbody bag, Ted Baker Bow Crossbody, Junior BP. Faux Leather Crossbody Bag, Old Navy Cross-Body Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Crossbody Bag
Out on the Town LBB: Whenever I go out, I am constantly worried about losing my bag and/or coat; that is where the cross-body bag becomes fundamental. The hands-free bag is optimal for dancing, and a sleek design (over a bulky one) is less cumbersome. Last Christmas, Santa finally delivered this popular Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini Mac’ Convertible Crossbody Bag (see above), which converts into a large clutch-perfect for a date night in category #1.
What closet staples can you not live without?
