Elevate your style with top 3 tips for choosing quality handbags
Stars like Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni are about experimenting with bright colours and micro bags.
Play with materials like leather, snakeskin and fur for dimension.
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A handbag is more than just a case for your belongings, the perfect tote can be just the right accessory you need to pull off your outfit.
It's easy to settle for the first bag you lay eyes on, but specifications like size, durability and material is a must to look out for.
Premium lifestyle handbag brands like Ted Baker prioritise attention to detail, signature prints, cuts and a timeless design that can be used for the ages.
One of the brands most recognisable bags in South Africa is their Icon tote bag, with local stars and influencers like actor Lunathi Mampofu rocking the signature tote.
The brand takes TRUELOVE through why exactly it's so popular in South Africa.
'Ted Baker's bold British style, quality pieces and playful details have built a strong sense of desirability and brand loyalty over time.
'In South Africa, its standout looks and premium positioning, standout occasion wear and expressive designs have appealed to our market for those who seeking a unique touch to their look.'
In the market for a new tote that has just the right blend of functionality, durability and versatility, read on for more tips.
1. Play with colour
The right colour bag can make or break your 'fit, but a pop of colour could be just what is needed to add dimension to a look.
At an exclusive brunch hosted by the premium lifestyle brand in Johannesburg, model and Miss South Africa 2015 Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni tells TRUELOVE about how she's all about vibrant colours as she gets older.
'A couple of years ago I would say something that's functional, sensible and that works from day today. In my 30s, I went fun. I'm looking for something that is ridiculous. If it can't even fit my lip gloss, that's fine, and I'm looking for a pop of colour.
'Having just been to Europe a couple of weeks ago, I went there as well, I only bought red, yellow and green bags because I've got enough black and white. And also the world needs a bit more colour.'
Nude tones are still popular amongst many, with broadcaster Abigail Visagie explaining, 'So, for me, I'm loving the neutrals. So, either black, loving chocolate brown this season, it's close to burgundy and we know burgundy is the colour of the season, so definitely something chocolate brown.'
Lifestyle content creator and one third of the Mqoco sisters Thobeka Bonolo Mqoco is also one for neutral colours.
'I look for something neutral that will match with more outfits, so probably going for browns, nudes. I do love whites and cream white as well and black obviously is a classic,' she says.
2. The right size for your lifestyle
Size goes hand in hand with functionality, where many like Thobeka and Abigail look for a good amount of space for their handbags.
'I prefer something spacious. I want to fit my phone, my little light because we're creating content. So, I want to be able to fit as much in it as possible. So, practicality but also highly fashionable and I think Ted Baker is exactly that,' Abigail says.
Liesl is in the era of switching it up, opting for tiny micro bags that serve style more than functionality.
Liesl tells us, 'I live for a micro bag. Not a mini, a micro. My husband calls it my 'useless bag' because it can fit a lip gloss and a mirror, and that's it. But I'm like, 'I'm also with you. I only need a lip gloss and a mirror, just saying'.'
3. Switch up the material
From leathers - real and faux - to snakeskin and suede, a good and durable material to last through the ages is one of the first things to look out for in a premium bag.
Thobeka shares, 'I must say leather is something that is classy that I'd probably reach for first out of all other materials. However, lately I'm finding texture will also add nice variety to an outfit. So, something unusual ... some snakeskin, some alligator or fur. Something to that nature because a bag is also an accessory that can add oomph to your outfit.'
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