Bay Area Fashionista

Classic IT bags from top left: Loewe Puzzle Tote in black / Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag in black/flamma / Chloe Marcie in black / Givenchy Antigona in black /

Almost every season we have a stand-out IT bag. Often times an IT bags travels through a few seasons before running it’s course. IT bags normally live roughly two to three years before ending up on the resale market, and ultimately getting marked down on store shelves. When this happens, those of us who invested in a designer IT bag, which ends up on clearance and is ultimately discontinued; we die a little inside.

How much money did I spend? Can I resell it now? How much can I get if I resell it? These are the questions which race through our heads as we realize we held on to a fly-by-night IT bag too long. We can be really careful when we purchase an IT bag, but we truly never know how long it will last. Will it have a life after it has achieved IT status? If I wear the bag after it has peaked, will people give me side eye? Unless someone has a crystal ball, we really are playing guessing games!

Well, if playing IT bag roulette isn’t your thing, and you find classic IT bags boring, then you’re in luck! You don’t have to invest in a Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Hermes bag to rock a classic IT bag. You can still have an IT bag with longevity and cutting-edge style, without feeling cliche. After all, not everyone wants to wear a classic IT bag that has been around for fifty years. Some of us want a little bit of flair, without throwing money away; or at least variety in our bag wardrobe.

If you want more pizzazz in your IT bag, then you are in luck! There are currently four IT bags which have withstood the test of time. These four bags are still on retailers top seller lists, after their peak, and years after their debut. If you want an IT bag that will last, and which isn’t plastered in logos, these are your four bags!

Chloe Marcie (shown in small)

(old picture from 2014, my photos have come a long way over the years!)

Let’s start with the Chloe Marcie. This casual and soft IT bag debuted back in 2009. That’s over a decade of IT status. Whaaaaat??? Yes. This bag offers cutting-edge, casual style without the fear of it being over next year. The Chloe Marcie has withstood the test of time. To top things off, it comes in many sizes, colors, and variations. If you plan to invest in the Chloe Marcie, go with a neutral color. Seasonal colors only last a season or two. There is a Chloe Marcie for everyone. I own a small black satchel which I love! I purchased it back in 2009, well before I started handbag reviews. Stay tuned, I am planning to review her soon!

Givenchy Antigona (shown in small)

Are you surprised the Givenchy Antigona is on the list? Of course not. If you haven’t spotted it all over the streets, then you have read about this beauty here. This doctor style satchel has been on the market for ten years, and still retains her IT status. This is a strong, high quality, workhorse bag. If you don’t have one, what are you waiting for?

Mansur Gavriel bucket bag (shown in black/flamma-regular size)

Ah! The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag. This is a rare IT bag priced well under $1000. Not only that, this is an IT bag by an American Designer; another rarity. The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag went from wait list to IT bag classic. If you don’t have one in your closet, you’re missing out. It holds everything and the kitchen sink without looking huge. This bag is also extremely durable; another workhorse. I recommend grabbing the black with flamma interior for your first bucket bag. It had the longest wait list back in the day, and is the most popular color combo on the streets today. Love!

Loewe Puzzle Tote

The Loewe Puzzle Tote is another IT bag classic. Debuting in 2014, this beauty is standard in tan and black. You can also find it in seasonal hues as well as seasonal color blocking. The Puzzle tote comes in various sizes too. Plus, this bag is unisex! It can be worn by men and women; making it very versatile! I have always wanted one, but haven’t purchased one just yet. I plan to add one to my collection someday. I would love one in tan or grey.

There is a common theme with these four IT bags which have jumped from being trendy to being classic. They are all roomy enough to fit what we need day-to-day, and they offer sturdy construction so we can lug around heavy items such as full water bottles. In addition, these bags can be worn with casual clothing or office attire. They also are comfortable to wear. These bags don’t have weird handles which poke into our hands, and they don’t have uncomfortable chains or odd fabrications on their straps. What makes an IT bag? Comfort, practicality, strong quality, and chic style. These four have IT.

Do you own any of these IT bags? Are you planning to invest in any of them?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy