the remix: one bag / 3 ways

tips for getting more out of what you already have

I’m a bag girl. There’s something irresistible and anthropologically fascinating about our various everyday ‘suitcases’ and what we stash in them for our daily life. I’m also a bit of a leather goods obsessive, so all of this means that I’m periodically susceptible to the idea of getting … yet another bag. It’s a problem. Occasionally I do add one after an edit (I aim for one in/one out), but usually when I think of adding something new, I jot it down on a wishlist and come back to it later. In the meantime, I switch over to creative mode and try to think of ways to remix and get maximum mileage out of what I already have.

My tip for anyone who has ever surveyed the accessories section of their closet and come down with a case of The Mehs¹: consider some accessories for your accessories. Oftentimes the desire to buy something new stems from boredom, but if you dig deeper, there’s usually some other latent issue behind the urge to buy (i.e.: functionality gaps, a creative block, stress relief, etc). One of the benefits of building an evergreen wardrobe is that it enables you overcome the more impulsive whims and appreciate your existing pieces. A small add-on to refresh and augment these existing items can be a real game changer.

Here are some of my remix strategies:

• Get a different bag strap in a versatile colorway. This is a relatively inexpensive way to instantly refresh the look and functionality of a bag that perhaps has gone to the back of the rotation. It’s multi-purpose since you can use the same strap with other bags that have detachable-strap d-rings. Bonus: it’s a way to treat your accessory as a canvas for your own personalized touches. Color-blocking, tone-on-tone, complementary — all of these options add novelty in a meaningful way. I first tried this idea a few years ago to restyle my vintage ‘90s Coach bag and have been riffing on it ever since for the rest of my accessories. Etsy shops offer an array of customizable-length canvas and leather straps. I bought my favorite Coach wide leather bag straps (IMO the most comfy non-branded all-purpose strap for shoulder + crossbody) on eBay. Luxury brand straps are also all over the secondary market, if that’s your jam.

• Clip on a bag charm. Low commitment, maximum fun. It’s an expression of our sense of play,² which is something we could all tap into more as adults adulting in the everyday grind. Inject some humor and irreverence; it’s good for your wardrobe mileage and moreover, good for the soul. Check out Etsy shops for handmade leather charms (for those of you with fur babies, these intricately handmade pup charms are gold).

• Think modularly. I really enjoy breaking up the orthodoxy of my accessories and swapping a strap from one bag/brand and using it on another. Why not? I find that I appreciate my things a lot more with this spontaneous, if-it-works-let’s-try-it approach.

• If you’re in the market for a new bag, get one that has d-rings and a removable strap. Even better, look for multi-carry options. I’m a big believer in always having options. A smaller bag with its original thin (and usually boring) crossbody strap gets a function and style makeover when you swap in a wider strap. Something that’s pretty casual can swing more dressed up with a shorter shoulder strap or top handle. The majority of bags in my closet have interchangeable carry options, and I attribute their longevity in my wardrobe to this versatility.

• Add a scarf. Wrap a handle. Or, use a larger silk scarf to make a sash strap. Lean into those Capote Swan vibes, just for fun. There are good inexpensive small silk square scarves on Amazon and scores of vintage ones on Etsy (like this abstract art one or this version in a cool tassel motif) that are infinitely versatile on their own and play well with other accessories. This is another great way to experiment with color theory, textural layering and add a small hit of pattern — a nice touch especially if your wardrobe is mostly neutrals.

My vintage ‘90s Coach bag learns new tricks // Zara bag charms (old) // Coach quilted leather guitar strap (eBay find, same style in another colorway here) // Amazon silk square scarf

It’s normal to go through phases with your wardrobe and cycle in and out of like with things. Sometimes, a bit of a remix is all that’s needed to make something old feel new again.

Do you have any tips for overcoming wardrobe ennui? Let me know how you like to personalize your accessories!

1. The Mehs aka “I have nothing to wear” — something we can all relate to!

2. Kristin Wong wrote a great article about why play is important.