Handbags were an accessory that never really piqued my interest. Whenever I needed to carry something I would throw it in a canvas bag my dad probably got for free somewhere and be able to fit all my necessities. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized it was crucial to have a few nice handbags for when it’s inappropriate to carry a canvas bag. For instance, you would not catch me walking into Soho House with the bag I got from my donation to the WWF. While we all wait for the Birkin of our dreams, here are a few affordable yet super fashionable handbag brands that have recently caught my eye!
I discovered the Danish bag brand Núnno a month before I left to spend 4 months in Copenhagen. You might be thinking ‘perfect timing’ but it’s more like “oh no Victoria your BANK ACCOUNT”…I ended up leaving Denmark with 6…yes…6 of these bags! The brand was started by two sisters who wanted to make chic bags for low prices, and so they did! They look like they could be similar to Balenciaga but for literally 1/8th of the price. They have a variety of colors and styles to choose from. If you ever are in Denmark, you will see them everywhere. I saw people from ages 10 to 80 rock a Núnno bag so it just had to be that I blended in by wearing one as well. I am the biggest Núnno fan ever and will buy whatever they make. My dad even got a cardholder from them that he loves when he visited me. They’re becoming more popular in the U.S. and I am so happy to introduce this brand to you guys!
2. JW Pei
You have probably seen this brand all over your Instagram because I know I have. JW PEI is a handbag brand based in L.A. that was created on the idea of making accessible and environmentally friendly handbags. All of the bags are super minimalist yet so trendy, like, every bag they have is one I’ve dreamed about. They use vegan leather and recycled plastic as their materials for these stunning purses. My personal favorites are the Lillian Bag in Ice Croc and The Fiona Belt in Tan.
Poppy Lissiman is an Australian based designer who makes fun, cruelty-free bags and accessories. I first found Poppy through Instagram and became obsessed. Her bags look very high-end for such reasonable prices. They’re all very detailed with their hardware and designs. My favorite items are the Great White Shoulder Bag and Crikey BB Bag.
Jumz is a Black-Owned handbag brand that I have recently found out about. The color and style combinations this brand has is endless…and I mean it. My next purchase will have to be one of these bags because they’re absolutely the greatest thing. Just like their website says the bags are “handmade with love in Nigeria”, like what more do you need to convince yourself to get one?
5. Hvisk
I swear, there is just something about Danish fashion that just is so much better than anything else *chef’s kiss* Hvisk is another Danish handbag brand that is just killing it (can you tell I studied abroad in Copenhagen?) Their bags are super colorful, useful, and some of the most affordable ones I’ve found. One of my favorite things about Hvisk that more brands need to do is that they have a large selection of bag straps sold separately which is a great way to make a bag more interesting. Who wants a basic leather strap when you can have a cool colored chain or striped leather one?
6. Susan Alexandra
Susan Alexandra is known for being the Queen of the fashionable and popular bead bags. These are so dope and are definitely coming back in style. The beaded trend is super unique and automatically adds so much depth to your fit. These are more pricey but still not too expensive. My personal favorites are the I heart NY (please only purchase if you’re a true New Yorker like cmon…), the Venom Serpent, and Leopard bag.
7. MZ Wallace
MZ Wallace is one of my favorite bag companies and if you have ever traveled with me you have probably seen me carry one of mine. It’s a New York based company and they’re more known for their bigger totes but one of my favorite handbags I own is from them! Their quilted nylon material is iconic and if you know these bags, you can spot them from a mile away. My mom and her friends always used the classic MZ Wallace handbag so since I was a child I have always associated this brand with maturity and being an adult and now that I own a few it’s a full-circle moment for me.
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