MammaFiglia Blog

How to Find a Handbag for your Summer Holiday

27th June, 2009 - Posted by Miranda Jeffries - No Comments

As summer time is right around the corner, you’re probably already day dreaming about the perfect holiday spot.  Perhaps you’re imagining yourself basking in the glow of the afternoon sun at some far flung beach with nothing but idyllic blue waters for miles on end, white hot sands, oceanic breezes, low lying palm trees and tropical cocktails.

Or maybe you’re thinking about sultry nights, a foreign locale with lusty accents, latino rhythms, heady drinks, cheap elegance, a hot house of bohemian digital cool, sprawling city life, lan and joie de vivre, the off-kilter milange of endless polish and shabby chic which defines so many post-post political countries, wine soaked spots peopled with the hip young and old, whopping discos housed in turn of the century mansions, insomniac nights, greasy-spoon diner breakfasts, afternoon walks along wide tree lined avenues, belle poque architecture engulfing your gaze, buzzing haute cuisine restos, brasseries, a healthy mix of hedonism and cosmopolitanism, bustling bodies, narrow, picturesque alley ways or gasse, weekend retreats to the country, to the delta, peace and chaos all at once.

Or possibly, maybe you’re headed for the steamy Asian tropics, with food hawkers reeking of oriental spices and sweat crowding the already crowded and swarming streets, cheap street goods almost tripping you as you saunter the streets, a hint of bedlam, a hint of paradise, a giddy, pungent mixture of foreign life and excitement lingering in the air, a moment of losing yourself in the thrall, a sense of bliss.

Or maybe your dream summertime vacation consists of nothing more than a country retreat, a weekend or week in the woods, where you’ll be invigorated by forest hikes, the fresh smell of pine and oak, cool wafts of humid air intermingling with a faint smell of fried fish and beer from a not so far off country pub.

Wherever you decide to venture, whether it be the sticky, damp, and muggy climes of the Southeast Asian metropolises or the throbbing, bohemian streets of South America, or simply the bustling cheap-and-cheery shores of our own green and pleasant land, you will need to be prepared and equipped with the perfect and ultimate summer time handbag.

It’s not always an easy choice. While the big, rigidly billow leather Birkin bag from Hermes was concocted as a reply to the English Francophile’s request to Hermes’ acting CEO at the time–Jean-Louis Dumas–for the perfect weekend bag, in leather, it’s not always the perfect fit for any vacation.

The Birkin is great for jaunts to European capitals. It’s classy, refined, elegant and roomy. You can easily fit your gadgets, your makeup, your guidebooks, and perhaps an extra pair of tights or an emergency pair of ballet pumps should your high heels become too demanding; however, the Birkin isn’t really ideal for the typical summer holiday.

Modern times call for modern measures. The holidays are about relaxing. Therefore, a holiday bag calls for something a little less rigid, something elegant and yet simple, casual. Of course, the bag you do pick really depends on where you are going; however, summer staples generally fit a few typical criteria. A summer handbag needs to be spacious; if you are travelling abroad or even if you’re off to your summer cottage in the country, your bag has to be able to fit everything you will need; and you will generally bring more stuff along with you on vacation than you would if you were simply dashing about town. Also, a summer handbag shouldn’t be too formal; it has to be practical. A good idea is to take one larger bag for general travel, and stash another smaller handbag within it for going out on the town to bars and night clubs.

White is a classic choice for summer. Forget that nonsense about not wearing white after Labour Day. White is the perfect way to lighten up any outfit, especially considering the summer heat. There’s really a huge assortment of bags you could choose from—think satchels, clutches or anything in the middle. Consider these stylish handbags.

The YSL Marjorelle is a great bag for all occasions. Then there is the smaller Lanvin pochette which is a great match with tiny summer dresses, cocktails and happening clubs. For something a little bit more practical, the Bottega Veneta holds its stuff. You can take it to work and then switch things up and take it on vacation. It’s great for weekend trips. For something hip and practical, the perfect medium shall we say, try the Miu Miu Matelasse. It’s both edgy and refined and you can fit all your goods in it.

For those looking for something on the cheap and yet chic side, totes are perfect. Totes work really well for beach holidays—they are trendy, yet practical, and you really don’t have to worry if you accidently bring some beach sands with you because these totes won’t break your bank account.  A quick walk down the High Street will exhibit colourful beach totes that will fit everything you need. Other great tote materials include cotton prints, straw, plastic and even jersey.

Here are some more ideas for cheaper end summer handbags. Remember, summer time is meant for relaxing, so you don’t always have to go designer. Something like a Vintage Woven Wicker Straw handbag is stylish and yet oh so practical.  Nautical themed bags are a great look for the beach and Hobo bags can double as the perfect vacation bag because of their size and versatility.

Remember, when going on a holiday, think about your needs. Obviously, a high end designer bag that cost you a small fortune probably won’t be the ideal choice if you’re going to the see animals in the Serengeti. Choose something smart, yet stylish. Shop around. The sky is the limit.