Stack Season Shopping: The Search For The Perfect Party Purse
The PPP, as I like to call it.
We’ve officially entered Stack Season — the time of year during which the add-ons and accessories you “stack” atop your ensemble matter far more than the base layers.
Once you’ve got a few good pairs of jeans and some quality knits in your closet, you can use the magic of Stack Season to wear the same outfit every single day, without ever actually outfit repeating. It’s all about styling your essentials with different coats, unique footwear, bold accessories — and of course, a bevy of great bags.
This won’t be the last Stack Season shopping-related newsletter you see from me, but today’s SSS in particular has PPPs billed as top priority. The PPP, or Perfect Party Purse, is an absolute essential, especially as we head into the holiday party phase of Stack Season.
What qualifies as a PPP? Apologies, but your everyday shoulder bag won’t cut it. Neither will the little black clutch you purchased last-minute for that random black-tie wedding. And no, your designer tote is not an appropriate evening bag just because it’s got a luxury logo on it. Day bags for nighttime are my ultimate pet peeve.
A PPP is special, intentional, memorable — the kind of thing that effortlessly jazzes up your go-to LBD or usual leather-pants-and-a-black-blazer pairing. It’s the statement piece that makes other party-goers shout compliments in your face from the moment you walk into the fête until you drunk-dial your overpriced Uber ride home.
And believe it or not, your PPP doesn’t have to be expensive, although it’s the kind of thing I personally consider to be a Good Investment. Still, not everyone wants to splurge on a going-out bag, and I get that.
Below, I’ve broken down 26 options into categories based on price: Under $250, Under $500, and Over $500, stopping just shy of $1K.
Let these eight bags stand as bona fide proof that you need not splurge for a great PPP. I just recently picked up the J. Crew one (gifted) and she is an absolute delight. I also purchased the Verafied bag earlier this year in cream for wedding season, and I love the bracelet-style handle for hands-free wear.
Anthropologie The Delilah Mini Horsebit Structured Bag ($88)
Sandro Janet Chain Mini Bag ($224, was $320)
Nakedvice The Elsa Bag ($180)
Madewell The Mini Bag ($198)
If we’re upping the ante on pricing juust a bit, the options truly multiply. Standouts here for me are the Simon Miller Molded Heart, which I was gifted last year and absolutely love to wear, and the Ulla Pleated Wave Pochette, which is small but ridiculously mighty in terms of statement-making. A runner-up shout out to Coach, who duped my micro Fendigraphy bag just splendidly.
Coach Jonie Bag ($250)
Leslie Amon Click Clack Bag ($410)
Simkhai Evelyn Crescent Bag ($445)
Cafuné Suede Stance Wallet ($454)
And now, a few heavy-hitters — but all under $1,000! Styles like the Jimmy Choo Bon Bon and Paco Rabanne chainmail bags are the literal definition of eye candy. Personally, I’m all in on that chunky, funky Cult Gaia bag covered in stones. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Strathberry Frame Clutch ($555)
Rabanne Iconic 1969 Chainmail Shoulder Bag ($810, was $1250)
Proenza Schouler Silo Bag ($990)
x BG
Love this stacked idea! Also my hubbz always makes fun of me bc after the "are you ready?" question comes my "Almost. I need to pack my party purse response!" 🤣 agree it's such a critical that also needs to be practical choice!