When the nieces of fashion designer Tory Burch give you a few tips about the handbags every woman needs in her repertoire, you pay attention. Sisters Neely and Chloe Burch are working to redefine luxury to make quality handbags and shoes affordable for all women regardless of budget. This holiday season, the duo is bringing their namesake shop, Neely & Chloe, to Atlanta. With timeless styles that can be personalized with adornments, monograms and symbols to your liking, we love Neely & Chloe’s unique take on leather goods and their too-good-to-be-true price point — all bags come in under $300.
Take a spin through their Westside Provisions pop-up, and you’ll notice that the brand is defined by chic, classic styles that carry a modern edge. Soon enough, your eyes will likely land on something you must have. If we’re being totally honest, we don’t blame you if you start coveting everything in sight. Before you throw down your credit card, let Neely and Chloe guide you toward their favorite must-have styles. From clutches to totes, today we’re speaking with the sisters to get their advice on building the handbag collection of your dreams just in time for holiday soirées and wish lists.
Wallet
While a wallet is the smallest item found on this list, it is the foundation for all other handbags. It is a woman’s lifeline where her most precious items, from children’s photos to business cards, are stored. Neely explains, “For me, the wallet is a must to stay organized. If I don’t remember to put my credit card or license right back in, I’ll lose it immediately. Having a great wallet that I love helps me keep everything together.” Since a wallet is such a building block, select one that has staying power but exudes personality. Neely & Chloe’s The Large Wallet ($118) offers a variety of colors and leather textures, but Chloe is partial to the light blue. “It’s a really happy color, and I can always spot my wallet when it’s at the bottom of my bag.”
Clutch
This time of year, a clutch is a closet staple that you simply cannot live without. Whether you’re all about a large style, like The Half Moon ($218), or are partial to something simple and sleek, like The Flat Clutch ($118), do yourself a favor and snag a holdable handbag. Looking to pull double-duty with your purse? The sisters say to get an oversized wallet that can serve as both a clutch and wallet. “We both always love a good clutch for a night out, but if you’ve got the right wallet, it can double as your clutch.” Add a monogram for $4 per letter (done completely on-site!) to mark your territory, or really zhush it up with one of Neely & Chloe’s ornaments that come in a variety of critters and shapes.
Crossbody
A crossbody is the hands-free option for the woman on the go who needs to look sophisticated and polished. Picture bouncing from cocktail party to cocktail party, meeting and greeting as you go, without having to put your drink down. A cross-body is truly the best of both worlds: big enough to hold the essentials and stuck like glue to your side, so you never have to worry about leaving it behind. “Saturday and Sunday you’ll rarely find me without my crossbody,” explains Chloe. “It’s the exact fit for my keys, cell phone and wallet, perfect to bop around in the city or on vacation.” For an option of your own, look no further than The Lady Bag, which comes in a variety of fabrics including velvet ($188) and calf hair ($228). Of course, a bucket bag will get the job done too, and we’re digging Neely & Chloe’s Limited Edition Horse Hair Bucket Bag ($298).
Tote
If Oprah says she has to have it, then sign us up too. Neely & Chloe’s Market Tote in suede ($298) was selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2017, which means it has to be good. “We can’t say we’re all that surprised she fell in love with the Market Tote! We are big tote fans because we believe it’s the perfect go-to bag for all the busy women out there,” the sisters explain. The bag’s sister, The Large Tote ($298), is just as stunning and equally suited for women who need some extra space. “We started with our Classic Tote in the first collection, which takes you from home, to work, to class, to the gym and home again with room for everything you need. We added the Market Tote this season for a little fall flair and more structure in the silhouette,” they say.
Weekender
Since you never know when an adventure awaits, Neely and Chloe recommend rounding out your handbag collection with a sturdy weekender. Made with a marriage of durable canvas and colorful leather, The Weekender ($298) is always ready to skip town. The bag is available in a collection of colors, and if you feel like you simply must have more than one, we can’t say we’d blame you. Despite being drawn to neutrals, Neely and Chloe say there’s nothing like a well-placed punch. “We are both drawn to neutrals, but we also have fun bringing bright color into our wardrobe through our Neely & Chloe collections,” say the sisters. Neely continues, “My favorite [color] is the vibrant red we introduced this summer. It pops with my regular navy and white rotation.”
Plan to visit Neely & Chloe at Westside Provisions District this holiday season, and tell them we sent you. We know you’ll enjoy perusing (and collecting!) their handbags, shoes and holiday accessories.
Neely & Chloe is located at Westside Provisions District, 1198 Howell Mill Road, Ste. 200, Atlanta, GA 30318. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit neelyandchloe.com.
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