FOR THE LADY, PERHAPS A DRINK... AND A BAG?
The accessory duo of the summer will be on your arm and in your hand too.
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Last summer, I met up with an old friend at a Latin-American restaurant downtown. The spot has a rooftop deck and some of the best cocktails in my city. It was the first time I had a classic mojito, and one of the first times I realized my cocktail said as much about me as my handbag (a black shoulder bag). Classic and safe.
In many ways, a drink is an accessory. Walk with me.
Your signature cocktail, like your signature bag, not only tells me what you like but it tells me your lifestyle choices and your overall taste. The Brooklyn babes sporting the Puma Speedcat ballet sneakers may not be the ones nursing a Budweiser Long Neck.
Bags and cocktails speak the same language and tell a similar story.
My medium drab Telfar saw me through summers interning at the Times and nursing iced matcha lattes while my Forever 21 white shoulder bag saw me through several D.C. brunches (and several mimosas) during undergrad. Different bags, different drinks, similar stories of me enjoying my youth.
One of my continuing resolutions for the year is to have better style. This means more than an abundance of clothing though; it’s being in tune with what fits me, what feels good and what fabrics settle best on my skin. Accessories are a part of that too.
Though Gen Z is drinking less alcohol—about 20% less than millennials—and focusing more on health, I’m a woman who indulges in the best of both worlds. And as the summer months creep up, my world is all about finding a bag that matches my cocktail.
Shop some of my favorite bags, clutches and totes, paired with the sips that suit them best.
The espresso martini, a blend of espresso, vodka, simple syrup and coffee liqueur, is my go-to when I want to feel cheeky yet pretentious next to my Buzzball-sipping friends.
This cocktail is for those with a Zora Neale Hurston book in one hand and a sleek handbag in the other. You love whatever’s muted, understated but impressive enough to catch anyone’s eye. Rich, earthy tones and flavors are your go-to, and of course, you go for this martini on a night out. The stronger, the better.
It makes sense to pair this signature drink with the Alter/Ego shoulder bag—a purse crafted from the scraps of the viral Brooklyn bag. It’s sustainable, large and suited for an on-the-go life. Late night sips, early morning meetings and impromptu coffee runs.
Fitting a 15-inch laptop, a passport and a plethora of trinkets, this bag is as chic and strong as the classic espresso martini.
Verafied Mini Gold Chocolate Hobo Bag — $198
Old Navy East West Saddle Bag — $35
The Horse Mini Clementine Bag — $230
Madewell The Dakota Calf Hair Saddle Bag — $158
ASOS Glamorous woven shoulder bag — $49
Eccentric, eclectic, excited. No matter how you put it, you like to be loud, at least sartorially.
Every item in your closet is a statement piece, and you know how to pull it all together without looking tawdry. The color wheel is your north star when crafting a good outfit. You value quality as much as you value individuality which is why you love the paloma, a blend of tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda.
The JW Pei Bria top handle bag has the color and structure you’re looking for. This bag isn’t for the on-the-go types but the ones who value a good drink and a good time without the burden of work. Fitting an iPhone 16 Pro Max and smaller, this purse operates more as a clutch. Little commitment, lots of fun.
Mlouye Sera Mia Bag — $645
Betsey Johnson Faces Shoulder Bag — $98
Diesel 1DR-Iconic Shoulder Bag — $495
Kurt Geiger London Extra Mini Colorblock Clutch — $195
Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag — $98
Why go for Carrie Bradshaw when you could be Khadijah James—the main character in the 90s sitcom Living Single? She has the writing chops and tenacity of Carrie without her palm-in-the-face moments. If anything, Khadijah runs the men and her publication “Flavor” with a level of fluidity I admire.
If you’re like Khadijah, then you’re resolute but know when to set the paperwork down and pick up a cocktail. And nothing says structure meets pleasure like a Brandon Blackwood bag.
The Arlen bag is a blend of the The Sophisticated Bunch and The Eccentric Soul’s tastes: fun, sophisticated and luxe. Pair this (or any other jewel-toned bag) with a blueberry lavender mojito, a modern twist on the classic drink.
This purple suede bag is tiny but mighty. Opt for this purse on nights out when you have little to carry.
Brandon Blackwood Victoria Clutch — $275
Thirty Years Jelly Clear Tote — $64
Staud Moon Bag — $350
Telfar Small Telfar Duffle — $155
Cuyana Ola Bag — $498
The go-getter is in and out. Like an off-duty model, you prioritize simple clothing with statement pieces to create simple outfit, and you don’t overstay your welcome.
You never try too hard, and that’s why your closet is full of investment pieces. Fitted black tops, tailored suits and silk gowns that drift on your skin effortlessly.
A matcha martini might seem a bit strange for a signature cocktail, but the go-getter prioritizes new experiences and flavors. Like the espresso martini sippers, you embrace the earthy and minimal aspects of style. Nothing says you more than Calvin Klein’s bucket bag. No organizer needed for this purse. Just gloss, an ID and your Amex. Nights out with you are a rare and special occasion and should be treated as such.
Steve Madden Lohan Bag — $84
True Religion Horseshoe Mini Handbag — $84
ASOS Design high shine flap shoulder bag — $48
Coach Lana Shoulder Bag 23 — $395
Jeffrey Campbell Night Out Leather Shoulder Bag — $295
Girllll you put me on, this is so refined. You have great taste!