I am addicted to funky bags. I can easily waste weekends sifting through them. In fact, that’s quite essentially what I just did, but this time I decided to put my past-time to good use and do some sharing!
This blog post showcases a selection of my favourite trendy, funky, cute, cool and quirky bags to help with some bag inspo for your next race day.
Whether your outfit is missing that extra something, or you’re looking for more of an on-trend look, then the right bag is the accessory you need.
Of course, some of these bags are way over the budget for most, unless you can justify by calling it a good investment piece (!!) But sometimes just looking (and drooling) can give you the inspo needed to broaden your mind for style ideas.
As a fashionista, it’s great to do a few good bag stalks throughout the year to see what’s out there and discover new brands. This year, I am loving Cult Gaia, L’afshar, Rosantica, Vanina, Dries Van Noten, 16Arlington, ASOS, Mae Cassidy, The Sant and Okhtein to name a few. You can find beautiful bags on Net-a-Porter, The Iconic, ASOS and through all the mentioned brand’s own websites.
Having just looked at over 1,000 bags…an all-day event…here are my 87 favourite clutches and bags to perfectly finish off your race day look! In the meantime, I’m off to buy a lotto ticket in the hopes of winning 50 million dollars so I can have each and every single one. Wish me luck!
Pearl
Pearls gained a lot of popularity last year especially with pearl earrings, but the luxe accessory isn’t just for your ears and neck. Pearl beaded bags are a fun way to incorporate the trend into your look, creating a modern feminine look.
VANINA Comino faux pearl and gold-tone beaded tote
MAE CASSIDY Semi-of-Pearl embellished silver-tone clutch
VANINA Reveries beaded faux pearl tote
Lucite/ Acrylic
I don’t care how many clear clutches I see, I never get tired of them! They are just sooo pretty. Have you guys checked out L’Afshar’s lucite collection? If you haven’t, you should, like NOW! And I especially love seeing what the ladies put inside them!
Acrylic also comes in coloured non see-through bags- I love acrylic as you can have a lot of fun with the shapes and colours used in the bag whether it have a metallic finish or a marbled effect.
L’Afshar Eva Crushed Ice in Blush
HVNRio crystal-embellished acrylic tote
L’AFSHAR Yara mirrored-acrylic tote
CULT GAIA Follow Eos Box Clutch
ASOS DESIGN marble box bag with bead ring handle
Metallic
Metallic bags provide just the right amount of added glam and go with just about every outfit. Having a metallic bag ties in easily with earrings and is the perfect option when you want to add another colour to your outfit, but aren’t sure what will suit.
VANINA Le Vol Au Vent gold-plated and woven tote
AREA Ling Ling crystal-embellished metallic leather-trimmed PVC tote
VANINA La Madeleine gold-plated and woven tote
DRIES VAN NOTENPillow mini metallic crinkled-leather tote
THE VOLON Cindy mini feather-trimmed metallic textured-leather clutch
VANINA Le Cannelé gold-plated and woven shoulder bag
L’Afshar Gold Chrome Crushed Ice with Handle
ROSANTICA Cielo crystal-embellished silver-tone tote
VANINA Le Puits D’Amour gold-plated and woven tote
MAE CASSIDY The Malini embellished gold-tone tote
BOTTEGA VENETAB V Rim quilted leather clutch
Beaded Bags
Beaded bags add a playful element to any outfit. They can be worn in S/S or A/W and come in an array of different varieties from full bead bags, to beaded embellishments. Either way you will be loving the added texture, creating interest and depth to any outfit.
VANINA Icaria acrylic and gold-plated beaded tote
VANINA La Marche Turque small acrylic tote
VANINA Noisette beaded shell tote
ROSANTICA Billie tasseled beaded clutch
EMILY LEVINE Tribbie embellished satin clutch
KHAORE Pillow embellished quilted satin tote
KHAORE Holder bead-embellished quilted velvet tote
JIMMY CHOO Bon Bon beaded satin shoulder bag
Bling Bling
Hey Ling Ling, you forgot your bling bling. Bling isn’t just for a night out with the girls or evening soiree, a bit of bling can add some glitz and glamour to your race day look. Whether it be a diamante trim, a chunky piece of gold hardware on a bag or some sparkle, bling (done well) can brighten up your look.
AREA Crystal Flapper embellished gold-tone shoulder bag
JIMMY CHOO Cloud crystal-embellished suede clutch
ROSANTICA Orfea mini fringed crystal-embellished gold-tone shoulder bag
ROSANTICA Garofano crystal-embellished gold-tone and satin tote
MAE CASSIDY Babi Bracelet tasseled embellished velvet clutch
Fabienne Chapot Karma faux croc mini bag in pink
Floofy
Whether it be feathers, tassels or dangly beads, a floofy bag brings some serious decadent style and can be a lot of fun. If you’re donning a floofy bag, you don’t want the rest of your outfit to be too busy. Just let your bag do the talking.
VANINA L’oiseau Rebelle feather-embellished acrylic tote
16ARLINGTON Ralphie feather-trimmed ostrich-effect leather tote
Missguided fringe handbag in black
LOEFFLER RANDALL Zelda feather shoulder bag
LOEFFLER RANDALL Zadie feather-embellished leather tote
Unique
I love seeing unique and unexpected shapes used in bags. Cult Gaia is a funky brand that always comes up with something new and exciting. Call me an addict, but when I’m judging FOTF, an interesting bag always catches my eye!
CULT GAIA Pearl tortoiseshell acrylic and gold-tone tote
CULT GAIA Astraea mini croc-effect leather tote
ROSANTICAVernita tasseled crystal-embellished gold-tone and velvet tote
CULT GAIA Thalia suede and acrylic tote
CAROLINA SANTO DOMINGO Eva Box Suede Bag
THE SANT Furoshiki leather tote
THE SANT Kinchaku mini leather tote
EMILY LEVINE Dumpling knotted floral-print cotton-voile tote
SAINT LAURENT Pyramid metallic leather clutch
Acrylic/ Chain Strap
Lately, I’ve developed a love for the acrylic strap trend. I love this cute little addition to bags, which you can add yourself! Some bags come with these cute plastic or metal chain straps and if not, you can buy them online and add them to your favourite bag for a new on-trend feel.
16ARLINGTON Ralphie mini satin shoulder bag
L’Afshar Ida Beige (Small) with Chain
YUZEFI Doris textured-leather tote
ASOS DESIGN boxy bag in croc with statement resin chain
ASOS DESIGN bag in snake with statement resin handle
OSCAR DE LA RENTATro mini denim and suede tote
Cigarette Pouch
I just made this name up (!) as I didn’t know how else to describe this shape! It is a cute rectangular bag that isn’t too thick. I love the shape, especially if you were to add a funky handheld handle to it.
RATIO ET MOTUS Disco mini metallic textured-leather shoulder bag
LITTLE LIFFNER Camera croc-effect leather shoulder bag
CULT GAIA Trina snake-effect leather tote
Wicker/ Woven
There’s something about woven bags that screams summer! They’re playful and fresh. Even though our summertime is coming to an end, I’m sure they’ll be back next year with more brands releasing cute woven styles and shapes!
WICKER WINGS Mini Kuài with Croc
KAYU Embroidered woven straw clutch
Handle Held
Handle held bags have definitely taken over the spotlight and dominate FOTF stages. There are so many variations of cute handles available, metal handles, beaded handles to wooden and ring handles. They are a fabulous choice to finish off your race day attire.
JAGGAR THE LABEL Beaded Croc Bag
ASOS DESIGN croc circle cross body bag with bamboo handle
OKHTEIN Mahogany Roman Rod Bag
GUCCI Broadway embellished quilted satin tote
PRADA Fiori appliquéd satin tote
The Mini
One of my favourite trends of late is the mini bag! It is so so cuuuuuute. A bag that is completely impractical- but let’s be honest here, when do we ever actually use our race day bags? And when someone asks ‘what do you put in that thing’ you can say ‘my patience’ hehe.
16ARLINGTON Ralphie crystal-embellished satin tote
BOYY Bobby Charm buckled leather shoulder bag
Bags on Millinery Market
Did you know that Millinery Market isn’t just for hats? We also offer a huge selection of accessories including bags, belts, gloves, earrings and more! If you have some funky race day bags, you can even list your own bags for hire to help pay for your past investments.
Here are some favourites from The Online Bag Lady, who has her cute pieces listed on site.
Bling it up – Beaded bag in clear
Over the Rainbow – Pastel acrylic clutch bag
Penny in Purple – Beaded strap clutch
And there you have it! My favourite selection of bags. I hope this has given you some bag inspo to get you to your next race day!
Have you come across a fun looking bag lately? Share a photo in the comments below!
