The Old Bag and Chain

One fall accessory that I think is an oldie but a goodie is the chain handle tote. This type of handbag actually never leaves the fashion scene, but since I am an oversized handbag fan, I am completely biased in favor of this handbag, whether it’s a hot trend or not. In or out of the spotlight, a chain handle tote never goes out of style. You just can’t argue with practicality and style all in one.

Even if you normally lean toward smaller handbags, I think you should check this handbag out. I see the merits of traveling light, and I do it occasionally, but there is something to be said for having everything you need close at hand and ready to go in a minute, with room to spare.

If you need a little more prodding, this bag is often on the arms and in the hands of celebrity fashionistas and, of course, on the runways. In addition to being a roomy everyday handbag, one of these chain handle totes would make a fabulous-looking overnight or weekend bag for fall trips or for the coming holidays.

This season you have your choice of all kinds of fabrications and textiles, including faux fur, flat and exotic leathers. What sets these totes apart from the typical old tote bag is that the polish of the chain handles allows this bag to pull double duty. One of these totes won’t look like a piece of luggage when it is used as a handbag and vice versa.

My top choices would be a calf hair in a cool animal print or faux fur, but check out other decorative fabrics: you can go a little old school with quilted fabric, sleek with patent leather, or go fabulous with one that is embellished with sequins or even more chains.

It’s not a necessity, but you may want to check out chain handles with comfortable matching textile padding to go over the shoulder for hands-free carrying, or just opt for a handheld style and do some serious fashion multitasking by also working the ladylike trend.