charmed, I'm sure.

keychains, charms and other bag baubles

May 03, 2024

I am not going to title this post “bag charms for dummies” because none of you are dummies! But, it’s a breakdown of *charming* your way into a wonderfully accessorized bag, and I’ve tried to simplify it all as much as possible, and include some ideas using items you might already own. Let’s get into it.

We’ve all seen the viral Miu Miu runway close-ups and subsequent editorials of the perfectly- imperfect overflowing totes. Fun! Chic! and most of all, relatable! So how do you get that fun, accessorized look with your favorite everyday bag?

To start- pull out all those trinkets you never use!! For me, it’s a small bin of keychains I was terrified of my toddler shoving into her mouth and a scrunchie I’ve never used (Carrie Bradshaw was right). Next step- a carabiner. Maybe you already have some on hand (in which case, good for you and please be careful while climbing a rock or whatever you use these things for). Clip your trinkets onto it- keychains, tassels, etc. Okay- now clip it onto the handle of your bag. Phase 1 complete. (btw… I think this would make a really cute addition to a present- clipping a fun keychain or charm onto the outside of a gift bag!)

Next, we are going really full force. A necklace! But not one that is *too* precious, you know what I mean? Like none of my Dorsey pieces will be making it onto those straps, but my campy charm necklaces are perfect. Get creative and fasten those around the straps however you wish. It may take a minute to get the perfect situation going there.

Now this next one is extra extra, but also my personal favorite. Do you have mini-bags? Micro-bags? They can be from an airport gift store or thrift shop! Really! They don’t have to be Prada. Anyway, loop the straps of those around a handle if you really want to take things to the next level. For me, it was this Prada (yes, I know but at this point you know I’m a Prada h0e) piece I found on TRR a few years ago (in the hopes of wearing it to the stadium I sometimes go to to support the team my husband works for- stadium bag rules kill me). It holds a phone and has an ID slot in the back so it’s actually perfect to have readily accessible on travel days.

Lastly, this is my matchy matchy Y2K moment. All of these pieces were purchased secondhand! Thank god for The Real Real, even though I’m sure I have a dress on there somewhere that I will make about $14 on. The scarf was purchased from a consignment store ten years ago and I just love it, but never wear it so why not loop around my bag? I would likely pair this with a neutral look to let the bag do most of the talking.

More ideas- stuffed animal keychains are cute, I prefer to pair them with nothing else, but for some the more the merrier! My favorites were purchased at the Maui airport gift shop, but this may be a good time to tell you I think I bought a voodoo doll of myself? (see the blonde lady below). A bandana or scarf around the worn handle of a bag can look really good. If you’re lucky enough to own a Birkin I’ve seen some earrings clipped onto the hardware and that looks really cool. Speaking of Hermes, now seems a good time to mention that those Rodeo keychains are easily found on TRR, but be warned that I’ve seen the prices increase heavily these last few weeks

the inspo (via Pinterest)

Found objects are fun! I bought some cord and looped this shell my daughter picked up on the beach last week and tied it onto an otherwise very simple bag.

I tend to save my ribbons- maybe it’s my nostalgic side or maybe it’s the fact that if I’m spending big on a bag I want to maximize the purchase as much as humanly possible (see the LV polka dot ribbon on my black bag). If you really want that Miu Miu look, leave your bag slightly unzipped and have a sweater peeking out. Personally, I’m too afraid of my goods spilling out or my toddler reaching in, so I mostly keep my bags shut

PS- it’s OK if your charmed bag doesn’t make you look like a cool Copenhagen girl. Are you having fun with it? Okay, good, that’s the point!

DIY links- Carabiners. Heart shaped carabiner!! (ordered one of these myself) Cord (very Miu Miu esque).

the extras- Eliou pearl necklace. Roxanne Assoulin silver bead necklace. Also love this one and this one. Best prices I could find on Hermes Rodeo horses here, here and here.

very fun under $25 charms here and here.

BTW…..

More Tibi arrivals on Shopbop, including these pants I scooped up for myself.
I’m headed to New York again next week and my goal has been not to buy anything for this trip. but it’s supposed to rain and I am eyeing these.
A few sizes left in these Sambas, love an all white sneaker for summer!
It’s my sister’s birthday today. Happy Birthday, Mimi! Love you. (more on her style here). She’s a Taurus, so she’s a lot more practical than I am - got her this shirtdress which would also be cute worn open over a swimsuit.

Okay I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Thanks for reading. Please tap the heart below if you enjoyed and forward to a fellow fashion-lover if you feel like it.

xx,Liz

PS- How cute is my best friend Phong’s bag?! The Loewe seal and the metallic Telfar is a stunning combo, in my opinion