An Inexpensive Way to Update Your Handbags for Fall
All bag pictures above are sourced from Pinterest. The Miu Miu bag was the only one linked, the others were not. If you know the original source, please comment below so I can give credit. :)
If you’ve scrolled through instagram or Pinterest fashion feeds in the past few months, no doubt you’ve been seen a big increase in bag charms on women of any age. Bag charms can be an inexpensive way to update a handbag and an easy way to add some pizazz to an otherwise basic outfit.
I spotted these cute ones in Zara last week. I love the shapes and colors of the coin pouches I was seeing in Couronne. The croissant was in a different shop and actually on a long strap, but I thought it would be fun tied up as a bag charm on a chunkier bag. One tip if you’re shopping online - don’t search just for “bag charms” - broaden your search for keychains and you’ll get a lot more results and sometimes, less expensive options as well. Brands and websites will be capitalizing on the fact that “bag charms” are trending right now, so those will be marked higher.
My husband and kids like going to the arcade and I’ve been stealing their winnings to add to my bags. I’ve also purchased a few boot chains and add them to handbags when I’m not rocking them on my boots.
JEWELRY INSPIRED
These are actually purse strap extenders but they are so adorable and can also be used a purse charms. They come in a ton of colors and heart and moons designs. I’m loving brown for fall again this year so the brown hearts caught my eyes. Silk scarves and twilly’s are another way to add dimension to a handbag. Tie one in a bow on your purse strap or wrap it around the handles. I like the colors in this striped one and can see it on pretty much any neutral colored handbag. If you add it onto a bucket bag and tie it tightly at each end, you can also use it as an additional purse strap. I bought a set of these pearl straps to add to my Moto boots this year. I like the juxtaposition of feminine pearls with tough girl motorcycle boots, but until then I’ve added them to my purse charm collection. And you probably don’t even have to purchase a jewelry inspired purse charm - if you’re anything like me, you have a ton of old jewelry hanging around that you can wrap around your purse straps! Repurposing something you already own is great and you’ll feel so good giving an old necklace or bracelet new life.
FOR THE SHOE LOVER
Brandon has won us several 3D Nike tennis shoe keychains at the arcade and I love them so much. I’m not really a tennis shoe girly but something about them being so tiny is really fun. These are very similar, come in a two pack, and you can choose from a bunch of classic sneaker styles. These bedazzled converse style ones are also super cute! If you’re into crocs, these are also super cute. If these were in the arcade I know for sure my girls would want to win them all so their dolls or Barbie’s could wear them. You can also show your love for winter boots with this last option! How could would that be on your bag for a winter trip to the mountains?!
QUIRKY AND FUN
These retro camera and radio style ones are cute (that’s a set of 5!) and you could carry your ear buds or coins in them. London saw me writing this blog and picked out this little frog penguin keychain. She says he’s sooooo cute. A few years ago I was really into pom pom purse charms and I’ve kept them attached to the bags I added them to over the years. A solid pom pom ball in the same color family as your bag adds dimension without going too far into purse charm territory. I have this style in neon green, hot pink and an ombre tan. You can also show off your love for your Stanley cup with this two-pack of Stanley cup charms.
FOR THE PRACTICAL PERSON
My mom found these adorable sunglass holders a few summers ago in Iceland and it’s another great option for a bag charm. They’re becoming really popular in Asia, I’ve seen them all over in Korea and even on our last trip to Japan. This 3-pack comes in a lot of great color combinations, too. I’m also loving the practicality of this 3-piece set - a wrist strap, a wallet and a chapstick holder, you could even attach your keys to it and use it on its own. We own a few of these IKEA ones and they make great coin purses! Attach it to your bag and your coins are always within reach.
Fashion should be fun and should complement you! Adding things that mean something to you as a bag charm makes it more interesting and unique. The LV speedy is getting a lot of use this autumn and I’m constantly changing out the bag charms. I love that the haenyeo (Korean woman diver) doll has significance to me and my time here, especially since I’ve been able to see the haenyeo in person. My girls have these stuffed rabbits on keychains and sometimes Millie will hand me hers as she’s getting on the bus in the mornings so I’ve been using it as a bag charm.
These would also make great, inexpensive stocking stuffers this holiday season! Are you team bag charm or no?
