(Image credit: Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images)
Like everyone who grows up desiring to work in fashion, I’ve always had a Birkin bag at the top of my wish list despite its exclusive nature and impossibly high price tag. It’s something to work toward, you know? Plus, not all dream closet items have to be realistic. That being said, I’ve gotten older and settled into my tastes and style, and my obsession with the bag has waned. It’s not as “me” as I always thought it would be, and other timeless purse options by other equally lauded houses now feel like a better fit, one of which is a favorite of my day-one style icon Angelina Jolie.
This week, the Girl, Interrupted actress was spotted shopping in Los Angeles with her daughter Vivienne, wearing a classic, easy pairing of a tan T-shirt and wide-leg black trousers. In terms of accessories, she kept things pretty simple, donning dainty gold earrings, black Dior sunglasses, and her go-to Celine handbag that, to me, is as close to perfect as a purse can get.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
On Angelina Jolie: Celine bag; Dior sunglasses
The Celine Clasp Bag features a top handle, boxy shape, and satisfying gold clasp closure at the top. Designed in the style of a 1950s pocketbook, the Philo-era bag that has since been discontinued came in three variations—the mini, the handbag, and the shoulder bag—all of which were perfectly crafted and oozing elegance. Since it’s no longer produced by Celine under the creative leadership of Hedi Slimane, you can’t just walk into a store and buy a Clasp Bag. Fortunately, I was able to source a few stellar secondhand options to go with if you, like me, are head over heels for this refined classic. Scroll down to shop my favorite pre-loved styles.
Shop Celine’s Clasp Bag:
Celine
Medium Clasp Shoulder Bag
Celine
Smooth Calfskin Mini Clasp Bag Light Grey
Shop the clasp-bag trend:
Tory Burch
Eleanor Satchel
I fell so hard for this Tory Burch bag shape when it debuted not too long ago. The mini version comes in an aqua blue that’s so so pretty, but I’m tempted to go timeless with black.
Saint Laurent
Le Anne-Marie Shoulder Bag
This patent-leather bag lives rent-free in my head.
STAUD
Lennon Shoulder Bag
KHAITE
Lilith Shearling-Trimmed Leather Tote
The shearling detail makes this super-elegant bag feel fun and youthful.
Jil Sander
Goji SM Bamboo Bag
My love for this bag runs deep.
You won’t regret adding this one to your bag collection—guaranteed.
Saint Laurent
Small Gaia Shoulder Bag
Sometimes, the prettiest things are the simplest.
Tory Burch
Eleanor Mini Satchel
Here’s the mini version. It’s adorable.
MANGO
Leather Clutch Bag With Metal Chain
I love a purse that can be worn in multiple ways.
Saint Laurent
Suzanne Baguette Shoulder Bag in Patent Leather
Dries Van Noten
Crisp Boxy Smooth Leather Top Handle Bag
Now’s the time to invest in Dries Van Noten.
Aspinal of London
Florence Bag
Kate Middleton loves this English brand.
