Nashville may not be the largest fashion city (or even in the top five for that matter, yet), but that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade the accessory shelf in your closet within the 615. Handbags, if purchased smartly, can withstand the test of time, proving to be a worthy investment piece for any wardrobe. Luckily, our city has a few destinations to pick up a new handbag for any taste.
LUXURY
Nordstrom feels like an obvious choice, but nonetheless, it’s a good one. More recently you can find bags by Celine and The Row, along with staples, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, YSL, Chloe, and more. Devan, EDIT’s VP of Content and Operations opts for a Saint Laurent LouLou flap bag with gunmetal hardware, and given that it matches every outfit she walks into the office wearing, it proves to be the perfect everyday bag. Personally, I have quite the soft spot for Chanel, and recently snagged the ultra-rare shearling Chanel 19 bag, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have added it to my Fall/Winter collection. UAL is another spot to find designer bags, but it’s important to note their selection is entirely comprised of pieces from seasons past. Their product assortment changes daily, and I’ve secured bags from smaller designer brands like BOYY and Jacquemus, but have also snagged several bags by The Row for upwards of 70% off traditional retail since the silhouettes are technically a season old. Our in-house stylist, Courtney, prefers hunting for vintage gems and swears by the What Goes Around Comes Around selection that Gus Mayer keeps in-house. Gus Mayer is Nashville’s connection to WGACA, and it’s set the industry standard as far as vintage luxury handbags go. This reseller has made a name for itself as a trusted resource for verified authentic designer handbags in pristine condition curated solely from collectors (not consignors), and lucky for Nashville, Gus Mayer always has several bags by Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more in-store, straight from WGACA.
LOCAL
There also happen to be a few local designers that have gorgeous bags worth adding to your closet. SAVAS is known for its bespoke leather jackets and ready to wear worn by Jack White, and Miranda Lambert among others, but the brand also has a small assortment of accessories and bags made with equally as stunning craftsmanship. Payton James is a small, Nashville-based brand that can be found on her website and sustainable mecca, Amour Vert, but can be found in Anthropologie and Free People from time to time as well. Each piece is designed in Nashville and is inspired by vintage and bold colors. Ceri Hoover is one of Nashville’s most well-known local handbag resources, as her seasonless bags have been a staple for several years. Her timeless silhouettes and Italian leather ensure longevity and inescapable compliments for years to come. It goes without saying the ever-philanthropic staple, ABLE is an essential piece of our roundup. Whether you opt for a piece from their collaboration with Nashville’s sweetheart, Lauren Akins, or one of their more trend-forward belt bags, you can’t go wrong knowing the important cause you’re supporting.
MEN
This can be a trickier area for recommendations, as most men have very specific preferences and opinions on bags, but it’s arguable that every man needs a good travel bag for one reason or another. For the fashion-forward, like Nashville soccer star, David Accam, the Louis Vuitton store in Green Hills has luggage fit for men of many tastes. Their options range from roller bags that have their more subtle checkerboard pattern, or duffles with the iconic LV monogram for those who prefer making a statement. For the man who prefers rustic silhouettes in the highest quality leathers, Colonel Littleton is one of the best options Nashville. A variety of their duffles, briefcases, and smaller leather goods can be found in Five and TENN at the Omni Nashville. J. Michael’s is one of Nashville’s most prominent menswear destinations, and they happen to carry Moore & Giles, which suits the man with classic taste perfectly. From garment bags to weekend and toiletry bags, their perfectly distressed leather pieces offer the appearance of a bag that has been carried for years—in the best way.
To prolong the fresh appearance of your new handbags or luggage, don’t forget to store them in a dust bag out of sunlight while not in use, and you’ll be able to use them for years to come. Regardless of your area of need, Nashville certainly has a plethora of silhouettes fit for any taste, and I’m sure our options will only increase with time. Happy shopping!