We’d like to make a toast to the shoulder bag. A legend. An icon. An essential for any wardrobe.

Trends and styles come and go, but shoulder bags have totally withstood the test of time. They’re both useful and stylish, and with so many different designs and sizes, they are one of the most versatile bags on the market.

Your first designer shoulder bag is a big moment. It’s an investment in craftsmanship and in your own personal style. If you're in the market for one, then you have some important questions to answer. How does this bag fit into your day-to-day aesthetic? Is it for going out or for everyday wear? Is it for carrying everything or just the essentials?

It’s time for our complete and total review of everything designer and review of the Brandon Blackwood Shoulder Bag collection. 

Keep reading for a guide to selecting the perfect shoulder bag. 

The Shoulder Bag: An Icon in Many Shades

Handbags date all the way back to Egyptian times, but the shoulder bag as we know it today is a relatively recent invention. In the 20th century, when railroads connected major cities, shoulder bags helped travelers schlep their stuff from point A to point B.

Within a few decades, the shoulder bag was an art form, with famed designers trademarking many sizes, colors, and styles.

A shoulder bag is a closet staple. For many of us, it’s the first designer purchase we make. Here are three reasons we think the shoulder bag is a must-get.

They Work in Any Size

At its most basic level, a shoulder bag is simply a bag with a large enough strap that can be looped around your shoulder. That definition opens up a world of possibilities.

A shoulder bag can be a big tote, a medium bucket bag, or a small saddle bag. Large shoulder bags generally land around your waist, while small shoulder bags stay easily tucked under your arms. Whatever the case, if you’re walking around New York looking for street style, more often than not, you’ll see people rocking shoulder bags.

They work in every size and keep your hands relatively free to navigate the city.

They Rightfully Steal the Spotlight

A shoulder bag is a designer’s bread and butter. When you’re looking at designer collections, you’ll likely see more shoulder bags than any other type of style. Whereas many bag types have stayed the same over the years, the shoulder bag is constantly being reinvented.

It tends to be a designer’s calling card, the crown jewel in their collection where you see it and instantly know who designed it.

We believe there’s a bag for every occasion, so we’re always taking a fresh look at what a shoulder bag can mean and how it can fit into our modern lifestyles.

They’re Always In

Last but not least, there is the timelessness of a shoulder bag. Of course, that doesn’t mean that this style is immune to trend cycles (like the instantly memorable colorful logo saddle bags of the early 00s), but the shapes will almost always land.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Go through nostalgic Instagram pages for celebrity style from the seventies to today. You’ll see iconic shoulder bag designs at every stage, and today’s crop of influencers are following suit.

Plus, even so-called “trendy” variations live a long life — when chosen with care, they are a fashionable financial investment. Purchasing a luxurious, handcrafted shoulder bag is one of the best investments you can make in your style today and your style in five years. The best bags work at every stage in your life and help you look fabulous throughout.

How To Choose a Designer Shoulder Bag

All that said, let’s talk about picking the right shoulder bag for you. As we said, you’re going to need to start by asking some questions.

Style

First, what kind of style are you looking for? Do you want something showstopping, or do you want something subtle and sophisticated?

Need some inspo? We have examples:

Consider what your dream look is for this purse. Are you buying something for a special occasion like your birthday or some other event? Or are you looking for a bag that you can use every day?

Shoulder bags can have pockets, buckles, clasps, and so much more. It’s a good idea to think about the details that help a purse become something so much more.

The Syl

Take, for example, our Syl bag in pink ponyhair. This is an attention grabber. For one reason or another, small shoulder bags will always read as high fashion for us. Maybe it’s because it’s less about what the bag can physically hold but what the unique style can hold for your future — the Syl bag is a classic purse style, but its details set it apart from the pack.

The smooth, 100% genuine hand-dyed cowhide feels incredible to hold, and while it’s also available in more neutral colors, there’s just something about that hot pink vibe. With a bag like this, we tend to make it the star and focal point of the outfit.

The Mini Mandeville Tote

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got something like the Mini Mandeville Tote, which is serving us an elevated standard vibe. A boxy tote reinforced with an oversized panel at the bottom ensures the Mini Mandeville can safely carry all your essential items.

This is an everyday bag, perfect for carrying to the office, but with enough elegance that it can easily transition into a going-out bag. The Brandon Blackwood logo is subtly embossed on the 100% genuine suede exterior. This bag doesn’t shout as much as it whispers. And it says, “taste.”

Size

Another element to consider is size.

What do you want this bag to carry? Does it need to be big enough for your laptop, or are you really just going to be using it for your phone, wallet, and keys?

The Mini Sophia Bag

The shoulder bag can scale up and down in so many ways. Let’s start small with something like the Mini Sophia Bag. 

This is another bag that proves that good things come in small, colorful packages. The Mini Sophia’s exterior rocks a crocodile embossed pattern over 100% genuine suede. We love it, but our favorite detail on the Mini Sophia is definitely the gold and silver chain straps, which can be worn across the body or over the shoulder.

The Mini Sophia can’t fit more than a few essentials, making it the ideal size for a night out. Small, lightweight bags allow you to dance, jump into cabs, and race down the city streets without inhibition.

The Morell Tote

Then you have something like the Morell Tote, which can quite literally fit anything you’d need to carry. Okay, maybe not everything but pretty close.

The Morell Tote is an impressive 16 inches wide and 19 inches tall. It replaced the briefcase for us in terms of a work bag. We also almost always get double takes on the subway when we’re carrying the Morell because the bag is made with 100% genuine shearling.

Small choices like that really can make such a big difference.

Shade

Last but not least, you should consider the shade.

For this, it’s a good idea to look at your current wardrobe. Are you a maximalist with a closet popping with color? Or are you a monochromatic queen, rocking black most days? Once you have an answer, the next question is whether you want a shoulder bag that blends into your wardrobe or stands out.

The Morell Tote comes in black and brown, meaning it can work with any outfit. The Syl Bag is available in so many colors and tends to be the star of the show, i.e., you should work the outfit around the bag.

The Bowen Bag

Then you have something like the Bowen Bag, which is available in Blue and Green leather. We love Earth tones for rounding out an outfit and working within a palette.

No matter what you choose, you should remember that a shoulder bag is a gift for you now and into the future. Treat yourself well.

Every Shoulder Bag Tells a Story

Ready to purchase a shoulder bag? We’re here for you.

When it comes to designing new shoulder bags, we really take the community’s feedback and thoughts to heart. We’re always testing out and teasing new designs on our Instagram page to get a feel for where we go next. Rest assured, no matter what we dream up, that Brandon Blackwood signature style will always be at the heart of what we do.

Many of our bags sell out quickly, but we’re always restocking and coming up with new ideas to reinvent old classics, like the shoulder bag. Keep a close eye on our site and on our socials so you can stay up to date with our latest designs.

In the meantime, stay cute. XOXO.

 

Sources:

The Evolution Of: The Handbag | Reader’s Digest

Brandon Blackwood’s Fall Collection Will Be Worn by Every Hollywood Darling in No Time | Pop Sugar

A First Look at Brandon Blackwood's Debut Runway Show | Harper’s Bizarre

Treating Your Handbag Collection Like a Stock Portfolio Just Got Easier | Fashionista