Updated! 33 Best Summer Bags – We Wish We Could Have Them All!

We’ve had a chance to update the best summer bags! There have been so many amazing new ones that have popped up, plus we’ve had an opportunity to try some out and wanted to give our updated feedback!

Clare V. Mirabel | Shorts (up 1 size) here or here | Shoes (down 1/2 size) | Top (similar) | Sunglasses

My Rag & Bone tie front top is sold out, but I linked a few button downs that we love below (Rachel actually has and loves the one on the left). A white button down tied simply at the waist can make a pair of cut-offs feel more polished, and paired with checkerboard Vans, it all feels unexpected!

Now Onto The Best Summer Bags!

I used to be a minimalist and carry one purse year-round. Especially when I had littles (and it always had to be big enough to fit a little bit of everything…heaven forbid we leave the house for 30 minutes without snacks – oh the horrors!).

Clare V. Moyen Alice (comfortably fits sunglasses case, wallet, phone)

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a minimalist — I applaud anyone who is. However, I’m going through a phase of life where I crave cute accessories. Where it’s okay for my bag to only fit the necessities (small wallet, sunglasses case, phone, and lip balm). Even better if my husband can’t ask me to carry his wallet, phone, etc. Remind me again why men don’t carry a man-bag?!

So, here they are…the best summer bags (or at least all the bags that we are drooling over)!

Why Clare V. Bags are Classics (and some of our very favorites)!

We’ve loved Clare V. bags for years now, and for good reason. They are made to last, the styles are unique yet classic, and their woven collection is especially perfect for summer days. Even better, their prices are reasonable for the quality, and you will absolutely be able to use these bags for many years without worry of them falling apart or going out of style.

Clare V. just came out with a slew of new amazing bags. Why, Clare V., why?! You evil temptress! WARNING! They have been selling out of a lot of their bags lately. I think everyone is starting to catch onto how great they are. So if you see one you love, jump on it! The Betty is seriously calling my name! I mean, come on!

I already have a silver bag that I purchased a few years ago, otherwise the silver would be a great option for day or night, summer or winter. Highly recommending that one!

Betty (left) | Silver Midi (right – perfect for day AND night!)

Sunny bag (left) | Sandy tote (right – I have and love!)

I recently received the Moyen Alice in black (below), and it’s good. One thing I love about Clare V. bags is that they often offer multiple sizes and colors, so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle best! We reach for these black woven bags a ton and they will easily carry you into fall.

Alice (left) | Moyen Alice (right)

Sunny bag or Sandy tote (left – Rachel carrying small Sandy) | Moyen Alice (right)

And we would be remiss not to mention the ever-popular Pot de Miel (aka honey pot) which has become a classic, and for which Rachel has carried for three summers in a row! Don’t forget to add a colorful bag strap — Clare V. has the best ones, but you can also try stores like J. Crew or Madewell. This bag looks equally good with heels and a dress as it does with cut-off shorts and Birkenstocks  – you cannot go wrong with the Pot de Miel.

Pot de Miel bag (returns early June – get on waitlist!) | Bag straps

If you are a leather lover, the new Mirabel and Marisol bags are the perfect size and shape, and paired with a colorful bag strap, we think it will take you happily through summer, but is easily a year-round bag. I have this bag in brown and the quality is amazing! I love the black for a bit of edge.

Mirabel bag (left) | Marisol bag (right) | Crossbody straps

New Straw Bags from Frame!

We are huge Frame fans, and the new bags they just came out with are good! They look similar to much more expensive brands. We think these are classic and chic. (And by the way Rachel just ordered the straw mini below.)

Straw Mini (left – Rachel ordered) | Straw Tote (right)

Mini Tote (left) | Suede Scrunch (right)

Shopbop Has All the Pretty Bags

Staud (left) | Clare V. (middle – sold out most places!) | Loeffler Randall (right)

If you love my cognac Clare V. Mirabel and note that it’s sold out mostly everywhere, the Loeffler Randall (above right) would be my next choice — love the detail of the woven leather!

Mini Fringe (left – Rachel loves!) | Hat Attack (middle) | Hat Attack tote (right)

Cult Gaia Makes Us Want to Hit Buy

Rachel has been using her older-style Cult Gaia top-handle ark bag a lot lately. Damn her, every time I see it, I want it. And so, it seems, does everyone else by the number of people who stop her on the street asking about it!

Small Ark (most similar to Rachel’s)

While her bag is no longer available, we are linking favorites that are giving us all the heart eyes. And by the way, this is a main goal of our blog – to encourage people to buy what they love and wear it for years – that’s what we do! There will definitely be items that we wear and use a ton that are older styles, but we will always link similar items. And we hope that this encourages you to buy quality items that you love – and wear the hell out of them!

Small Ark (left) (most similar to Rachel’s) | Sylva Shoulder Bag (right)

Cult Gaia definitely knows how to bring all the feels. My photographer heart swoons over their imagery.

Bara Shoulder Bag (SALE! limited supply) | Ark Flap Crossbody (right)

Mar Y Sol Is a Company We Love to Support

I recently posted about the Mar Y Sol Aspen beach bag, but I’ve since read their compelling story, which makes me want to support them even more. Since 2003, they’ve been collaborating with artisan groups in Madagascar, making their products available in the global marketplace. We’re down for that, especially with their creative use of sustainable materials and unique designs and colors.

Polanca Bag | Milos Tote (SALE!)

New On Our Radar – Aranaz

We recently discovered this brand and have become a bit smitten. Aranaz bags are all handmade in the Philippines and they take pride in developing local weaving livelihood communities and telling the Filipino story to the world. Read more about their fascinating story here. We love supporting companies like this one.

Alert! Saks Off 5th has these three beauties on HUGE sale right now, which means they won’t last long, and once they are gone, they are gone for good.

Luna (left) | Hera (middle) | Pintano (right)

Sometimes Simple is Best

Marfa bag (left) | Basket Bag

And Other Times, We Want All the Colors

Blue Straw Tote (left) | Rainbow Raffia Tote (right)

Mini Kensington (left) | Kensington (right)

And that is our round-up of our favorite 20 bags that scream summer (and we do wish we could have them all)! I’m certain we missed a bunch of your favorites, so please leave a comment below with bags you think we need to know about. We’re always up for trying out new brands.

Cheers!
Tammy

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