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    12 small but mighty handbags we’re loving right now

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 12 March 2019 In Features

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    Something big – or rather small – is happening in the fashion world right now. For summer, handbags have suddenly become tiny again. Back in the late 90s, the iconic Fendi Baguette was spotted on the arm of everyone from Carrie Bradshaw (aka, SJP) to Paris Hilton. But since then bags have steadily grown in size, with the fashion editor-approved oversized tote the accessory of choice (think a Hermes ‘Birkin Himalaya’ or perhaps a Saint Laurent shopper held neatly in the crook of your arm).

    Designer micro bags

    When it comes to social media though, size matters and because smaller accessories are just plain easier to photograph, micro bags are back on the agenda. Add to this a couple of very covetable (tiny) designer handbags and you have yourself a bone a fide trend. Step forward Jacquemus, which has launched the teeny ‘Le Sac Chiquito’ (Rihanna is already a fan, so expect a mega waiting list) and Fendi, whose mini purse sold out after Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski showcased theirs.

    Affordable micro bags

    Minimalism is taking over the high-street, too, with Zara and Mango constantly selling out of their micro pearl pouches over spring/summer. In reality of course, it’s fair to say that a micro is not the most practical of bags – you’ll be lucky to fit your credit card and lip balm in there. However, you can make the trend work for you by carrying around your essentials in a more discreet net or on-point PVC shopper.

    How to wear micro bags

    Still not convinced? Think of it this way: the micro bag is the ultimate office-to-party option, meaning you don’t have to decant everything before rushing out the door. You might just need to supplement it with a tote bag, but then there is no such thing as too many bags. Happy shopping.

    micro bags

    JACQUEMUS Le Vanity leather shoulder bag, £235 at Net-A-Porter
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    micro bags

    Mango Leather mini bag, £35.99
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    micro bags

    MULBERRY Croc-effect Micro seaton shoulder bag, £695 at Selfridges
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    GANNI Floral sequin drawstring purse, £240 at Selfridges
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    Topshop Marley Mini Bag, £22
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    ZARA MINI LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG WITH TORTOISESHELL STRAP, £49.99
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    MANU ATELIER Micro bold leather shoulder bag, £435 at Selfridges
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    MIU MIU Matelassé micro suede bucket bag, £440 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    VALEXTRA Iside micro grained-leather bag, £1,680 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    HUNTING SEASON Trunk striped leather and raffia tote, £560 at Net-A-Porter
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    BOYY Deon leather, suede and velvet belt bag, £505 at Net-A-Porter
    VIEW NOW

    micro bags

    CULT GAIA Cora mini bamboo tote, £150 at Net-A-Porter
    VIEW NOW

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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