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.
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:
Shop the clasp-bag trend:
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.
This patent-leather bag lives rent-free in my head.
Stunning!
The shearling detail makes this super-elegant bag feel fun and youthful.
My love for this bag runs deep.
You won't regret adding this one to your bag collection—guaranteed.
Sometimes, the prettiest things are the simplest.
Here's the mini version. It's adorable.
I love a purse that can be worn in multiple ways.
I'm in love.
Now's the time to invest in Dries Van Noten.
Kate Middleton loves this English brand.
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