Like many, my Winter wardrobe leans very dark – lots of cozy black sweaters, boots and heavy coats. It’s true that black is my favorite color (at least when it comes to clothes). But all that darkness in the Winter months can start to feel a bit dull and depressing. The perfect antidote? An ivory bag.
When we were shopping in New York a few weeks ago, I bought three things. The poppy striped sweater by Alex Mill, the New York Anine Bing sweatshirt, and this beautiful ivory bag by Clare V.
The Clare V. Grace Bag
It’s no secret we are Clare V super fans. Her bags have French girl flare and are interesting, quirky and classic all at the same time. For the quality, the price just can’t be beat – almost all under $500 and most hovering around the $300 mark. While this isn’t cheap, these are quality bags with style that will last for years. I’ve been carrying many of my Clare V. bags for 3+ years.
My new Grace bag is special in that it’s actually a collaboration between Clare V and Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Grace Lee. That gorgeous top handle is actually a brass bracelet that is detachable! The cream Italian Nappa is a lamb leather that is butter soft. It’s by far the softest bag I own.
Now, this bag is on the smaller side – 7 1/4″W x 7″ H x 5 1/4″ D. However, that drawstring closure opens wide and it fits more than you might expect. I can easily fit a lipstick, small wallet, my phone, and keys. Sunglasses are a tight fit but not impossible – it depends on the case. That being said, I primarily use this bag in the evenings or if I have afternoon plans. This is not my running errand bag.
Lighten Up
Sweater (my color is old) | Jeans (wearing 26) | Ivory Bag | Black Bag (old)
This bag can be used year round and worn with just about anything. But I particularly wanted to show it with a simple Winter outfit. A go-to black sweater (the JennI Kayne Fisherman sweater, which is an all-time favorite), jeans and black boots.
This outfit with a black bag is totally fine – there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Except that it’s a tiny bit boring. There isn’t anything of interest and everything just blends together. By simply adding this ivory bag, this look is suddenly fun and eye catching.
Other Ivory Bags We Love
More Clare V.
SALE ALERT: The ivory diamond bag is currently included in Clare V.’s end of season sale and is 30% off! A steal!
If you’re looking for an ivory bag that’s more of a daytime workhorse, these are my top two picks by Clare V. (Click on the above links to see the gorgeous detail.) And while these are perfect daytime bags, they are also easily dressed up. I’d swap out the strap to this for evening.
I would not recommend this particular bag – while the woven leather is gorgeous, in person it leaned a little too dark/yellow for my taste. I much preferred the two bags linked above.
Staud
Staud is another go-to for handbags. Their styling is impeccable and they are also in that sweet spot of good quality without breaking the bank.
I have this bean bag in olive green shown above, and it’s just cute. The strap is detachable so it can be worn as a shoulder bag or a clutch. It is small – it just fits my phone, card case, lipstick, keys. Definitely no sunglasses.
Tammy recently added this Staud Jetson to her closet and it is exquisite – the perfect day to night bag!
This new Staud Jetson bag was also included in our new arrivals style board in a recent newsletter (if you don’t subscribe, we highlight recommend it!)
Cuyana Totes
Our friend Deb @currentlydk introduced us to the brand Cuyana. I walked around their New York store and totally fell in love. These totes are under $300 and the quality is off the charts – I held them in my hands. If you’re looking for a lighter everyday tote, these are gorgeous.
More of a Designer Girl?
This bag by The Row totally makes me swoon. It a ’90s style baguette made of calfskin with a structured, softly rounded silhouette and piped edges. It’s perfect. And while it’s more than I typically spend on a bag, it’s under $1,000 so not quite in high end designer territory. I love the subtle coolness of this one.
If you’re really gonna go for it, these are my top picks. These Bottega bags are divine. And while they are designer they are subtle – no logos screaming at you. My luck, I’d spill red wine on it the first night out. But if you’re less accident prone than me and love a good designer bag, gosh, send us a picture!
Sweater (my color is old) | Jeans (wearing 26) | Ivory Bag | Black Bag (old)
An ivory bag is the perfect antidote to a dark winter but it’s also a bag that is easily carried year round – and goes with just about anything. This one little bag has the power to take an outfit from just OK to eye catching. If you don’t have an ivory bag in your collection, I highly recommend it.
For more denim inspiration, head over to our article What To Wear With Wide Leg Jeans.
