Ashley Olsen isn't spotted out and about very often, but when we do catch a glimpse of the award-winning co-designer of The Row, her outfits never disappoint. Ever. And this latest sighting is far from an exception. Olsen was joined by her The Row co-worker—the brand's Vice President of Brand Identity and Marketing Nicolas Turko—in downtown Manhattan this week, where she wore one of her signature all-black ensembles. But this wasn't just any black outfit. Making it even more impactful than her usual looks, Olsen looped a $33,000 alligator version of The Row's Lady Bag, a zip-around top handle bag that's completely sold out despite its expensive price tag, around her arm. As a result, her The Row trench coat and scarf, barrel-leg black jeans, and simple Mansur Gavriel ballet flats weren't the stars of the show, although all four items each are undoubtedly buy-worthy in their own right.
Her chosen handbag fits perfectly with a fast-rising trend in the bag space: Elegant top handles. In addition to a similar version by The Row called the Nina, the market is stacked with lady-like pocketbooks capable of making even the most casual outfits look refined and swan-like. The options come in all sizes—for example, you could compare Alaïa's smaller Le Teckel to Khaite's larger Maeve—colors, and materials, making it easy for everyone to find a chic top handle to fit their existing bag collection's needs.
Scroll down to see Olsen's NYC errands look and shop the top-handle bag trend ahead of spring.
On Ashley Olsen: The Row bag, scarf, and Cadel Belted Double-Breasted Shell Trench Coat ($3950); Mansur Gavriel flats
Shop The Row's Nina Bag
This made-in-Italy top-handle tote will get you a very similar look to Olsen's Lady bag at a much lower price.
Shop More Top-Handle Bags
I've been smitten with this bag (and the mini version) ever since it debuted.
The snap closure really adds to the vintage vibe of this affordable Mango option.
I'd prefer to use the top handle as opposed to the crossbody option, but to each their own.
I could look at the Sac De Jour all day long.
Go for a mock-croc version if you want to save a ton of money compared to an alligator bag like Olsen's.
Alaïa's Le Teckel bag is probably 2024's most-wanted handbag thus far.
I'm bias toward a bag that closes all the way as opposed to an open-top option.
I'm obsessed with how structured this Coach bag is.
Everyone on TikTok is saying that this new Reformation bag is a great alt for The Row's lauded Margaux.
This is the kind of bag that you want to hang up in your apartment like art.
What a color. Wow.
This teeny-tiny top handle is too cute.
Navy suede will never not be chic.
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