True story: While in NYC this past weekend and walking from the Flatiron to SoHo with my husband, mid-NoHo, he told me that every woman walking by had stared at my bag. "Is it really cool or something?" he asked. His endearing reaction aside, this confirmed to me that the number one fashion item I wear that even strangers want to know about is my quirky, unique, frequently rotating handbag collection. (In the most recent case, it was the Staud Shirley bag.)
I love a neutral, versatile bag as much as the next girl, but in recent years, I've been gravitating to more whimsical styles. As a result, I get questions, stares, and compliments from friends and strangers alike on a very regular basis. While compliments are great, what I most love about carrying a quirky handbag is that I don't feel the need to try quite as hard to come up with an exciting outfit when I just can't. Also worth noting: These unique bags don't need a designer label (and the price tag to go along with it) to be cool. Case in point: The It bag of summer 2018 is made of beads and rings in under $300. Not only that, but quirky bags are very Instagrammable, which you're about to see proof of.
Below, see my quirky bag collection in action and shop some of my current favorite styles.
This It bag now comes in mini form, which I of course had to own.
You won't be able to go anywhere without getting compliments on this one.
If you don't own a Susan Alexandra bag yet, now is the time.
What I love about this belt bag is that it feels classic but has a quirky twist.
I bought this affordable beauty in black.
As long as Staud keeps making cool bags, I'll keep buying them.
Try the netted bag trend without actually exposing the contents of your bag.
Hot tip: Fringe is in for fall.
I'd love to wear this with an all-black outfit.
Definitely not your average basket bag.
Guaranteed to complement all your summer dresses.
Not just for the beach.
Another far-from-average basket bag to covet.
There's a lot of outfit-boosting power in this $60 bag.
She's a beauty, this one.
I'm admittedly obsessed with this new bag line.
Yes, even black bags can be quirky.
The chicest NFL stadium–approved bag I've seen.
This dramatic pouch is a thing of beauty.
So much cooler than a clutch for a night out.
This looks like it could be a prized souvenir from a vacation to Mexico.
The color of the season, in cool bag form.
Next up, the one bag French girls will never buy.
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