With trends coming and going faster than you can scream ‘gotta have it’, it makes you wonder will there ever be another ‘Birkin’? Maybe or maybe not, but there’s definitely a bevy of beautiful bags old and new that have left a mark on the fashion world becoming icons of their generation.



Buying a timeless classic is not an inexpensive venture, but there are a few that won’t leave you homeless, starting with Fendi. Famous for its exclusivity (once a style sells out it will never be repeated) and for being an SJP staple, the ‘Baguette’ can be worn anywhere. Available in an array of leathers at select retailers, it’s a steal starting at under $900.


For a true trendsetter of this decade, look no further then Marc Jacobs. The ‘Stam’ bag, named for Canadian supermodel Jessica Stam (priced from $890 – $1400 USD), has been on the arms of Nicky Hilton, Mary J Blige and Hilary Duff. With its quilted body and chain handle, it rivals the costly Chanel for a fraction of the price. Canadians may have to cross the border and hit Bloomingdales to find one, but when you do choose wisely. The colors change every season so you don’t want to get stuck with last year’s hot hue!



Toted around by the ultimate icon Audrey Hepburn in the ‘60s and still looking just as good today on celebs like Jessica Simpson and Ashley Olsen is the Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy’. In four sizes all priced at under $1000, it’s available at many high-end retailers and online. Just be advised, limited editions hit the shelves often, so for true classic chic stick to ‘Monogram Canvas’, because those who purchased the ‘Monogram Multicolore’ version are most likely regretting that decision.


When price is no object repeat after me: Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Hermes. More than 5 decades after its February 1955 launch, Chanel’s '2.55’ evening bag is still perfect for any high society soiree. Freeing up ladies' hands for champy and apps thanks to its double chain strap, the bag has become the signature style for the design house. Both the original vintage couture (starting at around $2500) and the redesigned 1996 edition (starting at $1500 at your local Chanel Boutique) young celebs like Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Conrad adore the ‘2.55,’ proving that Chanel will never grow old.


Also lustworthy and available at Holts in a variety of leathers, YSL’s classic ‘Muse’ comes at a price ($2278) but will put you at arm candy status with the likes of Kate Moss, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba and Lindsay Lohan. Original for the option of getting your initials embossed on the bag, it will complete your personalized look and will last you forever.


Finally, when it comes to classics no one does it quite like Hermes. From Grace Kelly’s ‘Kelly’ bag to the infamous ‘Birkin’, which landed Samantha Jones in hot water on SATC, these glamorous handmade pieces have lasted the test of time. With a price tag of between $7,000-200,000 or more, (depending on size and fabrics) it’s no surprise the clientele is A-list only, with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss as fans. Before you trade in your ride and head to a Hermes boutique to grab one, know that for some styles the wait list is up to two years, so you’ve got plenty of time to pinch those pennies!


You don’t have to be a fashionista to know that it’s all about the ‘it’ bag, so go ahead and splurge. But for those not quite ready to take the leap, visit BagBorrowOrSteal.com to take each for a test drive (for rent weekly or monthly). Make sure you love the one you choose, because this is one investment that will last a lifetime!

by Katie Coristine