Over the last couple months we’ve been talking about building a spring wardrobe, so today let’s talk bags! (Catch the spring wardrobe posts HERE, and start from the bottom up!)
I’ve been saying that I prefer having a good foundation of basics/staples that carry over year after year, and then mixing in just a few trendier pieces each season to keep my closet current. With those staples in place, unless you’re replacing staples, each year/season you should only need to buy a few pieces to update your wardrobe.
And as it turns out, I’ve started doing the same thing with my bags. I used to own over 30 bags, and I just kept buying more because for some reason I always felt like I could use more cute bags for x, y, or z scenario. It turns out that once I acquired a solid collection of bag staples, I only need a few bags each season. Now, instead of buying tons of bags, my handful of bag staples carry over each season, and I end up only buying 1-2 bags each season to refresh my closet (usually just one), or sometimes none at all.
Today I’m sharing my favorite bags for spring, which includes 4 staples and 2 trendier ones. I’d definitely encourage you to build up your bag basics/staples, but I’ll also share some trendy options if you’re looking for a springy bag to freshen up your looks.
For today’s post I’m partnering with Nordstrom which I’m excited about since over 80% of my bags come from there! Until a few years ago I had no idea that Nordstrom had really good bags at very decent prices. I used to buy almost all my bags from Target, but actually Nordstrom has bags at very comparable prices to Target (most of mine were between $20-$48) yet my Target bags have almost all ripped apart within a year whereas my Nordstrom bags don’t. So, on with my favorites!
Staple #1: Tote (It’s reversible!)
This is the first bag I ever bought from Nordstrom. I was soooo hesitant about the price at the time, but it’s been my most used bag!
It’s perfect for everyday use, whether I’m running errands or loading up my laptop for work. (You can see what I carry in it HERE. It’s packed for an airplane, but it’s basically what I carry daily.) It goes with almost all of my outfits, and if you ever need a different color, this bag is reversible! You can turn it inside out and use the black side, so it’s like having two in one! It comes in different color combinations too, like white/mint, cognac/tan, grey/silver, and black/cognac. I use the black/cognac one year round, but all those other combos would be adorable for spring.
I am NOT careful with my tote, and I’ve had it since July 2014 and just bought a replacement one last week because the edges have been peeling a little. The thin little straps are still going strong though, which I’m shocked about because that’s how my previous bags have died.
Find it in 4 color combos HERE. See my outfits with it HERE.
Below are more a couple more totes that would be great spring after spring. They all come in multiple colors!
I use a base shaper in this (read HERE) but I can’t remember which size. I just measured the removable insert that comes with the bag and found the closest already-made one. The base shaper can be slightly bigger than the insert for this bag.
Shop Outfit #1:
Top: Nordstrom (exact in a very similar color)
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Nordstrom
Shop Outfit #2:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact–wearing S)
Staple #2: Neutral Crossbody
Despite the fact that I love my reversible tote, I’d rather carry as little as possible. If I’m ever out for a quick errand, I opt for a crossbody instead. I like being really mobile as well as being hands free.
I have a light brown crossbody and a light grey crossbody bag that I’d consider staples and can be carried through different seasons. I picked up the light grey crossbody bag in the winter to lighten up my many outfits with brown and black shoes, but it’s proving to be a wonderful complement to my already light spring outfits as well.
Below are more crossbody bags that will serve as great staples year after year. And BTW, Option 1 is on sale for $19 and comes in 4 colors!
Shop for the Look:
Jeans: Old Navy
Staple #3: Leopard Clutch
Yes, specifically a leopard clutch! I know leopard isn’t for everyone, but I have 3 clutches (black, tan, and leopard) and this is my most used one. I use it anytime I’m getting dressed up, from weddings to just casual-dressy with jeans and blouse like above. It makes outfits pop!
I already have a leopard clutch, but I saw this one recently at Nordstrom and grabbed it just to show you all because it is so good! Really, a great leopard clutch that isn’t hundreds of dollars doesn’t come easily, and these large spots are spot on. Muahaha. ;P But they really are! The print looks expensive, but it’s totally not! Find it
HERE. See my leopard print clutch outfits
HERE.
A couple notes: The color is a bit darker and more muted than my closeup photo above. It’s more like a brown/dark orange rather than the golden tones in my photos. The color in the first pic is more accurate. Also, the leopard print is only on the front, and the back is black faux leather.
If you’re not into leopard, below are a few solid clutches that can be carried at weddings as well as dressy casual date nights. I said earlier that I also have both a black and tan clutch, and mine are quite similar to Options 1 and 2 below.
Shop for the Look:
Clutch: Nordstrom (exact)
Links to Shop:
Staple #4: Bucket Bag
I looooove this bucket bag. I’ve had it for a year but was drooling over it for about a year before that. I use this when I want to carry my water bottle but don’t want to carry my tote and would rather be handsfree. Or sometimes I just need a tan bag. 🙂 This is perfect because it fits my huge water bottle along with my other essentials but is still a crossbody. I mostly use this during the spring and summer as the tan works really well with a lighter palette, and in colder months my black bucket bag takes center stage.
This bag is really lightweight. The faux leather is buttery and soft, and I have yet to get any scratches on it. It keeps popping in and out of stock (gahhh, sorry!), but you can check it
HERE. My outfits with it
HERE.
Below are some more bucket bags!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing S)
Necklace: J.Crew Factory
Links to Shop:
Trend #1: Tassel Bag
Moving on from my “staples” bags, this tassel bag is fresh for this spring! I’m a little obsessed with it because it’s so cute and makes every outfit feel really current. I love that it goes with nearly anything, too.
Mine is blush, which is unfortunately sold out right now, but it’s also available in white and black. The white one is adorable too, and you can see it
HERE! More outfits with it
HERE, as well as a few more on Instagram.
Shop for the Look:
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Shoes: UGG via Nordstrom (similar–sooo comfy!, I fit 8.5)
Necklace: c/o Sela Designs (similar)
Trend #2: Laser Cutout or Scallops
I’m a huge fan of laser cutouts, whether for shoes like my super comfy nude cutout heels (
HERE), for shirts, and of course for bags! I’ve had this bag for about 2 years and get asked about it almost every time I wear it or show it on the blog/Instagram. The detailing is eye catching! It works really well in both spring and summer, and luckily it came
back in stock this year in both cognac and in white! See them
HERE.
I use this instead of my plain brown crossbody during the spring because of the detail and the cognac color. It’s gorgeous and totally livens up my outfits. Like, above I’m just wearing a plain t-shirt and bootcut jeans, but the bag finishes the look with a springy/summery vibe. More outfits with it
HERE!
Shop for the Look:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact–wearing S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–soooo stretchy and comfy, wearing 8)
Shoes: Old Navy
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)
Bags for This Spring
If you’re looking for a cute bag for this spring, I’d go with any of the staples I showed above. And if you want something trendier, I think anything in grey, lighter tan or cognac, white, pink, lavender, or blush, and/or something with tassels, cutouts, or scallops is perfect for this spring. Below are a few really cute ones, and many of them come in several colors, so click through!
Links to Shop:
Huge thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
