I’ve had an on-again-off-again relationship with my handbag obsession. I either switch bags frequently, or use the same one for a month straight (that’s a long time for me!). It’s hard for me to find the perfect bag that’s both stylish, functional, and sturdy enough to keep up with me. Lately, I seem to have struck a perfect chord and have been frequenting the same few bags that check all of my boxes.

BLACK BACKPACKS

I’m sure you guys have seen my black Michael Kors backpack on quite a few occasions since finding it when I was in Denver last year. I never thought I’d find any other backpack I’d love as much as that one... Then I found this gem at a local thrift store (is anyone surprised?). It’s a simple black backpack but is SO roomy, is extremely organized, and it’s a great size. It looks small, but holds so much more than you think. I’ve used this bag to tote around everything my regular purse contains, plus my DSLR, a hardcover book, and a reusable bag and I still have room to spare. These are perfect for exploring a new city, shopping, or any time you want your hands free.

GUESS

I did an actual happy dance when I found this bag. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have to know that vintage styles from so many major labels are having a big comeback right now. I’ve mentioned before that stores like Urban Outfitters and Pacsun are cycling back to many of the styles that are very much still available at thrift stores— where you’re likely to find items that are not only authentically vintage and less expensive, but much better quality. This bag perfectly embodies everything I’ve been looking for in an everyday bag: it looks amazing, has ample room and organization, and is versatile enough to seamlessly transition from outfit to outfit. If I’d found this bag in every color, I would have bought them all.

VINTAGE CAMERA BAG

It’s a familiar dilemma: we’re on a trip, and I’m trying to capture and experience as much as I can. I have my purse and camera with me, but don’t want to carry separate bags for each. When I found the vintage Fossil bag above, I also found this black leather shoulder bag. It’s a small messenger-style bag that can act as both a camera bag (without screaming 'I AM A CAMERA BAG!’) and my purse. It’s made of super soft black leather with gold hardware that’ll go with any outfit. What got this bag on the list, though, is that it’s versatile enough to get used even when we’re not on an out-of-town trip. I’ll carry my camera, a notebook for writing, and whatever book I’m reading and I’m set for the day ahead.