
GET A HANDLE ON IT
BY BLAIR SMITH
The next big trend for handbags? It’s all about top handles.
Nothing says both “on-trend” and “entirely classic” like a top-handle bag. This style is elevated and iconic, ranging from small and structured to oversized and textured. There are so many incredible styles to choose from—made by fashion’s most sought-after brands—and they’re all available at South Coast Plaza. Throw them over your shoulder or carry them by hand, these top-handle purses will take you seamlessly from day to night, as they offer a more polished look than what you’d get with a casual daytime tote or crossbody bag.
Searching for something glitzy and glam? The latest pieces from Balmain, Balenciaga and Christian Dior fit the bill, with studs and charms aplenty to immediately dress up your look. Going for a more traditional, pared-down look? Consider an iconic woven Bottega Veneta bag—constructed in Italy with the most sumptuous lambskin and calfskin leather available. Obsessed with texture? Ganni’s shearling style is unexpected and cool—a great choice as we transition into the chillier months. No matter the occasion, South Coast Plaza has just the handbag for you. Scroll down for just a few of the pieces we’re loving for fall.
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SOUTH COAST PLAZA
FALL HANDBAG TREND: TOP HANDLES
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Wanda East-West Top Handle
Ferragamo
Baguettes aren’t just for bread baskets and diamond rings. Animal-print-as-a-neutral is one of our favorite ways to add some flare to a look, and this style does it perfectly.
Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.979.7654
Miss Dior Mini Bag
DIOR
This season’s take on Dior’s iconic Lady Dior bag is ultra femme and fun, with a small top handle that lets you switch between carrying and clutching your favorite bag.
Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.549.4700
B-Buzz 23 Tote Bag
BALMAIN
Craving some structure in your life? Try this opulent lambskin bag from Balmain. While it’s sized to hold all the essentials, there’s nothing overly practical about this out-of-the-ordinary piece.
COMING SOON
Puzzle Mini Bag
LOEWE
Modern, unique, and totally its own—Spanish style is at its very best with this small calfskin Loewe purse, which is made to last a lifetime.
Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.464.7420
Medium Abbey Bag
CELINE
This gathered top-handle bag is all about sophistication—which no one does better than storied French brand, Celine—proving once and for all that officewear need not be boring.
Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.957.1255
Bon Bon Patent-Leather Bag
JIMMY CHOO
Sometimes the tiniest handbags pack the most punch. This itty-bitty bucket bag brings the flare with a structured gold-tone top handle and coordinating tassel detail.
Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.327.0644
Demi Lune Bag
A.P.C.
Quite possibly the perfect saddle bag. In addition to a top handle, this style also features an adjustable shoulder strap so you can carry it on your shoulder.
Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.477.5636
Crush Large Sling Bag
BALENCIAGA
Hello, drama! Some bags were simply designed to turn heads. Case in point: This oversized, floral-printed, shiny paper calfskin handbag from one of our favorite Parisian fashion houses.
Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.0557
Hop Bag
BOTTEGA VENETA
Neutrals are nice and all, but have you ever considered what mint green could do for your day-to-day look? This shoulder style is the ultimate classic with a twist.
Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.9760
Penelope Braided Tassel Napa Top-Handle Bag
CHLOÉ
Make it a double (tassel) for this burnt yellow bag. The top handle is entirely detachable, which means it can turn into an evening-style clutch in an instant.
Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.481.0308
DG Logo Box Bag
Dolce&Gabbana
There’s something so rock and roll about this patent leather style. Pair it with your favorite leather jacket and voilà—you’re a fashion-forward Joan Jett.
Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.668.9142
Bamboo 1947 Medium Top Handle Bag
GUCCI
Signature Gucci stripe and a signature Gucci bamboo handle? Yes, please. This top-handle style is as classic as it gets, making it a strong contender for M.V.H. (most valuable handbag).
Level 1, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.557.9600
Gabrielle Clutch
MOYNAT
The Gabrielle Clutch bag is a discreet update to a signature shape of the Maison and a parallel of the city of Paris. Embellished with a distinct, M-shaped twist clasp and removable strap for different ways of wearing.
Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.708.1310
Peekaboo Mini Handbag
FENDI
A modern logo classic. This style is both printed in logos yet totally subtle—a feat that only a brand called Fendi could pull off.
Level 1, Jewel Court
714.751.1111
Small Tweed Kasbah Tote Bag
SANDRO
This tweed style is required fashion for fall, featuring a houndstooth print that’s sure to put it in heavy handbag rotation.
Level 1, Carousel Court
714.557.2820
Evan Crossbody
HAMMITT
The Evan is inspired by camera bags, with an east-west look and can be worn over the shoulder or carried by its top handle. The collection features a nubuck base and a smooth but slightly distressed surface.
Level 1, Macy’s Home Store Wing
714.831.0011
Bou Bag
GANNI
Cozy up to something different with this style from our favorite Danish fashion brand. Its plush material is ideal for the cooler months and looks best carried with a chunky sweater.