For a while, I viewed handbags as a necessary evil. There was no strong sentiment behind this thought. Although, I knew enough to know that a bad handbag could distract from a good look.
But while evaluating my wardrobe for gaps at the start of the year, that sentiment shifted. My apathy meant that I had no functional and stylish handbag.
This might come as a surprise but as someone passionate about fashion, handbags have rarely been my priority when shopping. This awareness surfaced only as I became more critical about my public presentation. A few years ago, my everyday style was relaxed and boyish; I always opted for backpacks over larger handbags for daily activities.
So, when Brahmin reached out in the spring for a collaboration, I took it as a sign to get in my bag. Brahmin shared various products from their then newly released collection to select from. And I was immediately drawn to the Duxbury Satchel and Jolene bag.
SHOP BRAHMIN BAGS
Both handbags arrived just in time for travel, and it was a perfect way to test their function. And what I quickly learned that both products would not end up being just accessories, but essential staples in my 2026 wardrobe.
These two bags have since become the backbone of my everyday style. The bag aren’t just beautiful to look at—they’re thoughtfully designed to carry everything from my laptop to my wallet and even the small, confidence-boosting essentials like hand cream and lipgloss.
From Accessory to Essential: Redefining Everyday Style
Part of my hesitation in embracing larger handbags has always been the design. With the exception of Ferragamo and perhaps Bottega, few brands truly balance aesthetics and practicality in bigger handbags. Often, great design comes at an exorbitant price.
That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when my Brahmin handbags arrived: meticulously packaged, with supple textures and undeniable quality.
Beyond their texture, both bags are perfectly sized—spacious without being cumbersome, and structured to keep belongings organized.
The Duxbury Satchel arrived just before my trip to Japan, and it quickly proved itself as the ideal travel companion—adaptable, chic, and secure. I was convinced it would be my forever favorite, until the Jolene bag entered the mix.
With its sleek silhouette, my day-to-day style suddenly had an added element of panache and polish. Since then, I’ve carried both bags through spring and summer, making them my signature accessories.
I chose both in classic black, even though they’re available in a range of colors—this made them effortless to style for any occasion, from catching flights to work meetings or dinner with friends.
Conscious Chic: Shopping Less, Styling More
Lately, I’ve been much more mindful about conscious consumption, aiming to buy less and choose better. Having two bags that I can rely on interchangeably has not only elevated my everyday look, but curbed the impulse to purchase more—ultimately helping me shop smarter. It’s a testament to Brahmin’s appeal that I’ve since spotted their bags everywhere: at church, in airports, and on my morning commute.
Check out my shopMy for curated looks
With Brahmin, you truly get what you pay for—a brand with a 40-year heritage that stands behind its products. They offer repairs and refurbishment services, ensuring that each handbag remains a cherished piece for years to come.
