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About: Metallics and Your Style

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Metallic Bags

Anonymous

Accessories are such a fun topic. I learned about Accessory Complements in 2017 and I am continuing to build them within my wardrobe. Once you know what the goal is, the Complements seem to come together easily.

At some point in November/December, I began to yearn for a silver bag. Not just any silver bag, a BIG silver statement bag like the one below. So far I have hesitated because I am wondering if this would be too much bag for me. I could carry the bag with proportional ease due to my height, but it would certainly be more memorable than any other bag in my wardrobe. Also I am worried that it could potentially look dated in a short period of time. It is this concern that always makes me hesitate.

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42 replies

Latest reply was from Maneera

Tanya

Veteran

I am all for it - I have had and worn a silver bag for about 4 years now and it is my most worn bag - I probably wear it 80% of the time. It is starting to look a little worn and I could use an update. What made it really work for me is that the silver was a little muted and too shiny. So for me the question wouldn't be if you should get a silver bag - the answer is clearly yes, but if you would be OK with a fairly shiny version or you would prefer something mote muted.

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delurked

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Sterling - you may know my personal philosophy if I like something - “nothing is too much for me”. Why not choose what you’re drawn to? I think say that to yourself a few times and pull the trigger. It’s a bag, not a lifetime commitment. Also, instead of considering something too memorable, consider it as a statement piece. People expect you to carry the same bag most of the time. Then that one wears out and you carry another. That’s my long way of saying don’t overthink. I know you like to blend in most of the time, but this isn’t going to take you to the opposite extreme of that just cause it could garner a little notice. And your style does have moments of pop (pink pants, I’m thinking of you). I think it could add something you’re searching for, and it still keeps it within your style (in a way perhaps that lots of prints or something louder doesn’t feel like you).

I do like Tanya’s find because I personally find it more luxe than the nylon, plus more handbag than bag.

Joy

Veteran

You may want to start with a silver bag that is not as shiny,...a darker pewter or soft silver. Either could still be worn with silver or grey compliments. I like delurked's idea of thinking of the bag as a statement piece. It can be used year round. Once you have it in rotation, you will wonder what you ever did without it.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

When I was thinking about metallic shoes (the pair I want isn’t on sale yet), Aida said something interesting; she wears metallic when she wants her feet not to be noticed. I wonder if it’s similar with bags and this would seem lighter than it is.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I lemminged this silver bag (from Janet) 3-4 years ago, and it is one of my absolute favourite bags. I use it in the summer - almost exclusively the first couple of years, then last year I got an aqua coloured bag (LOL... also lemminged from Janet) and so alternated between them most of the time. I think you'd find one incredibly useful.

Mine has a cracked surface, so isn't as shiny as it could be.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sterling, metallic bags won't look dated fast - especially when they are timeless totes. The pewter is a great idea, and might be JUST what you need to bridge the mixed metal look that you would like to wear.

SarahD8

Veteran

I have also been feeling an itch for a big ol' metallic tote bag recently so I get it.

As to looking dated, it does seem like I've seen/heard more about metallics in the last couple of years than I had in the past. So I understand the concern. But if I had to pull out a crystal ball, I would suspect that metallics will become a "new classic," along the lines of skinny jeans. Analogous to the way skinny jeans are practical for cold/wet weather, metallics strike me as practical in an aesthetic sense -- instant shine and go with everything, a kind of neutral with oomph.

I do like the bags that people have posted that are a bit more muted, I think those might have more staying power. That said, if you are really drawn to the super shiny one I won't argue with you!

Oops, cross posted with Angie!

JAileen

Veteran

I've been looking for a silver/pewter metallic bag for awhile. In addition to the right color, it has to meet my functional requirements (cross body strap, secure closure, etc), So far, I've been unsuccessful. The other consideration is that I've read that metallic finishes aren't as durable as other finishes. I don't know if that's true, but it probably doesn't apply to a nylon bag anyway.

delurked

Veteran

JAileen - good point about the durability. I’m guessing it can vary, but I did have a bronze purse that didn’t hold up quite as long. (Same for shoes for me as well). I really liked having both though, and for the last several months have had neutral metallic shoes on my wish list.

Anonymous

OK. I am going to buy one. Perhaps I will look for one a bit more muted though. YAY. So excited about 2018. New Year. New Clothing Budget.

jill58

Veteran

I would echo Tanya and Joy re: pewter or slightly less shiny silver bags being somewhat easier to wear. I feel this way about shoes too. I have a muted silver bag that I use a lot--it has a slightly distressed feel. I've tried brighter silver in stores and never like the way they look when I try them on.

Anonymous

I agree with Angie. Silver won’t date, or at least, not very fast. I think this bag might be a really good statement. Functional with visual presence.

With this particular bag, I would double check what it looks like with your own things in it (I don’t think it is structured.)

I could picture you wearing this with your fuchsia tops. You would be wearing a simple but eye catching outfit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm totally in the market for the right silver bag. Not desperately searching but it's going to be my next purchase unless I find the navy bag of my dreams before that.

Sveta got a big silver tote from Danier some years back and I am sure it was one of her favourite bags. I would have bought one then but my hair was still golden. Now with silver hair, a silver bag is a no-brainer.

Zibbets

Veteran

A few years ago I had a silver Fossil bag that I adored, and I currently have a big silver Michael Kors tote that I carry to work. I think silver is timeless and neutral. Go for it!

The Cat

Veteran

I have a (muted) silver tote. It goes with everything. Casual elegance.

Susie

Veteran

I’m a big yes! I had a pewter bag several years ago that I loved and used it until it was worn out. If you like it, I wouldn’t worry about dating. It could add a great punch to simple outfits- a bit of shine is always good!

Windchime

Veteran

Definitely go for a silver bag! I carried a silver tote bag for a couple years and enjoyed it. It wasn't as shiny as your Find; there are many variations on silver. I'd buy silver shoes if I found the right pair.

DonnaF

Veteran

I had a pleather pewter cross-body bag that I used to death a number of years ago before I went gray, and it seemed to go with everything. The Minkoff bag below arrived a few days ago, and it's a really good size for me. It doesn't feel like nylon other than being really light; I'm still deciding. And the other silvery bag is 65% off so $15 so is hard to turn down but I have to test its actual capacity since it just arrived today.

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Street Level Textured Faux Leather Crossbody Bag

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Style Fan

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Sterling, I prefer matte finishes and I am not a fan of the shiny for myself but I do have metallic footwear. I would certainly buy a metallic bag in my metallic (copper, bronze, old gold) if the right one came along. I find they go with everything.
I love the one that Tanya posted.

Anonymous

Donna -- I have been eyeing that exact same bag for some time. Is the Rebecca Minkoff bag more muted in color? I haven't seen it in person.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Like Elizabeth said, I got that silver tote years ago and it’s great, but somehow I tend to use it more in summer — it’s quite a bright shiny silver, and I go a bit more dark and muted in winter.

I think you’ll really enjoy one. I’m drawn to gunmetal and rose gold bags as well, but I already have too many bags!

Mainelady

Veteran

IMO metallic bags are timeless. I found a pewter Cole Haan 7 years ago that served as a great neutral for me. It was leather and croc embossed. Sadly, it began to show wear near the bottom seams and had to be retired.

SarahD8

Veteran

I am currently fantasizing about this bag:
https://www.anthropologie.com/.....;color=041

Very surprising, as in many ways it is not what I would consider my usual style (color blocking????). Yet it has captured my imagination. Just to underline the unexpected yet strong pull of metallics!

Anonymous

Oh! It is beautiful, Sarah!

Violettt

I'm not quite sure if metallic bags are timeless or not, but if you love it, why not? I just bought a super pewter colored metallic belt, so fab!
I, personally, would not buy a metallic bag, but I do have a super cute rose gold one I just bought from Guess, so I take that back, lol. I do think metallic is super in fashion! And if anyone follows the Chanel shows on line, they show tons on metallic.

DonnaF

Veteran

Sterling, I would say that the photo pretty accurately shows the *color* of the RM bag. It is a tiny bit shinier and not quite as dark as gunmetal but pretty close. I think of the color as more F/W than S/S. The strap reminds me of a seat belt only slightly narrower and it adjusts. Front to back the bag is maybe .5" thick.

Anonymous

Okay, now I want Sarah's Anthro purse. Gah! I love a metallic bag, but want them burnished or worn looking and not shiny. My last antique gold one (a Balenciaga knock-off that still gets knocked off so many years later, lol) lasted me for years and years, until it could no longer be repaired. I don't think I've ever used a bag that much. Sigh.

SarahD8

Veteran

Now I want us both to get it lisa p because I bet we would style it very differently and that would be super interesting!

Christina F.

Veteran

Sterling, I've ordered the Minkoff backpack you posted in the finds. I'd wanted a nylon Julin bag for a while, and couldn't resist the silver.

I love metallic bags! I was carrying a couple of colored ones for the holidays. This will be my first silver one that's not an evening clutch, though.

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