Exploring Europe, One Handbag at a Time: Avec Anna

Welcome to Avec Anna, the curated corner of PurseBop dedicated to all things European, where I’ll bring you the continent’s hottest handbags and much more.

I’ll be bringing you an in-depth exploration of Europe’s favorite luxury brands, exclusive interviews, evolving trends, city guides, and everything in between. From the timeless streets of Paris to the eclectic vibes of London and beyond, get ready to witness it firsthand – all in European time.

But before we dive right into it, let’s get acquainted!

Could you share the story of how you joined team PurseBop? And how has your role developed since then?

My journey to becoming a part of Team PurseBop coincided with my birthday trip to Paris. Funnily enough, while I was celebrating, PurseBop was just wrapping up her visit to Paris for the Hermès Fall/Winter 2023 show. I reached out through Instagram while PurseBop was on a flight, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to cover numerous brands, both familiar and new to me. Each article has been a learning experience, expanding my knowledge, and admittedly fueling my wishlist. Working with the talented team at PurseBop has been amazing – we’re all on the same page, which is incredibly refreshing. Behind the scenes, it’s a total collaboration.

I’ve been fortunate enough to go back to where it all began, Paris. I’ve attended three trips now, two of which were alongside PurseBop herself. Speaking of PurseBop, despite the time zone differences, our brainstorming sessions have always been incredibly productive. Some of our most exciting ideas have emerged during these hour-long calls, often when we’ve gone off on a complete tangent!

On that note, Avec Anna is a project born from hours of chatting, and ultimately, our collaborative efforts – a venture we’re all incredibly excited about. We can’t wait to bring this exciting new venture at PurseBop to life. I hope you enjoy the content as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

Now you have an insight into Avec Anna, let’s kick things off with a quickfire Q&A, offering you a sneak peek into my handbag world. From my first luxury bag to my latest purchases, wishlist, and more…

Share the story behind your first luxury bag. What made it special?

My first luxury bag was a Chanel black lambskin Classic Flap with 24k gold hardware from 1993. I specifically sought one out from my birth year, making it all the more special. Since then, my vintage Chanel collection has grown. It’s been a bit of a slippery slope, but one I’m more than happy to navigate!

Dive into the world of vintage Chanel at Vintage Vault Vol. 1: Navigating the Highly Collectable World of Vintage Chanel

Which European fashion capital resonates with your style the most?

Despite having London just a stone’s throw away, when it comes to street style, Paris always steals the show. Parisians have this cool, laid-back vibe down to an art – especially how to dress down a Hermès Kelly. Très chic!

Image courtesy: @lisonseb

Which luxury boutique draws you in every time?

Sticking with the Paris vibe, Chanel at Rue Cambon is my go-to. Spending a couple of hours here is the perfect escape on a rainy day. And, let’s admit it, the white packaging is always worth the trip.

But can you still save shopping for Chanel in Paris? Find out: Can You Still Save Money From Buying Your Chanel Classic Flap in Paris?

What’s the one bag you’re always reaching for?

When I first began collecting Chanel, I swore off caviar bags entirely. But, you know how the story goes – I eventually discovered vintage caviar leather. Now, my go-to is the Chanel Caviar Classic Flap in black with silver hardware, straight from the early 2000s, complete with the rare all-black interior.

See my vintage Chanel in action over at Carrie Me to London

Are any brands catching your eye lately? Who’s on your radar?

Right now, I’m coveting Goyard, big time! Ever since I got my hands on the Sénat Pouch in Paris at the end of last year, I’ve been completely hooked. I can see myself adding another Goyard piece soon, the hardest part is choosing a color!

Find out all the latest pricing info for Goyard: The Goyard Tote Price Guide 2024: USA vs Europe vs UK

What are you coveting right now?

Since I first spotted (and happily tried on!) the Hermès Arçon at the Spring/Summer 2024 Objects Presentation in Paris, it’s been stuck in my mind. I love the laid-back vibe of the Arçon, and how it doesn’t scream Hermès. I’ve got my heart set on adding a black one to the collection.

Check our extensive deep-dive: Hermès Arçon Bag: Elevating Everyday Luxury

Image courtesy: @alyssa.lenore

What’s your most recent handbag purchase?

I finally added a larger orange box to the collection this year. Inside? The Hermès Picotin in Macassar Clemence leather with gold hardware. The very bag that PurseBop and I were discussing in Paris just months before her timely arrival! If you’re curious, I spilled all the details, storytime, and unboxing over at PurseBop.

Read all about my Hermès debut here: Hermès Picotins and Patience: The Art of Waiting

Beyond bags, what’s your most recent luxury purchase?

Other than handbags, it’s all about shoes. The Hermès Hour loafers held the top spot on my wishlist last season. Tracking them down was a real challenge, but the satisfaction when I finally got my hands on them was well worth it. Luckily, I managed to snag them at the tail end of 2023. Now, it’s just a matter of breaking them in…

You can read all about luxury loafers over at Luxury Loafers That Fit Your Life and Your Feet

Reflecting on your year anniversary at PurseBop, what’s your standout highlight?

Traveling to Paris fashion week with team PurseBop for the Men’s and Women’s Hermès collections has to be the highlight. While all trips have been an absolute whirlwind, it’s been an incredible opportunity to curate and deliver the latest content to you, not to mention all the Hermès eye candy.

Check out our latest coverage here: It’s Raining Birkins for Hermès Fall-Winter 2024

What was your favorite fashion show of 2024 so far?

I used to be on the fence about Louis Vuitton, but ever since Pharrell Williams took over as Men’s Creative Director, I’ve become a big fan, especially of the shows. While his debut Men’s SS24 show was certainly a statement, I loved the cowboy cool of the more recent Fall 2024 runway. Now just to try and get my hands on a Speedy P9…

Read my deep dive on the must-have Speedy P9 here: The Speedy P9: Pharrell Williams’ LV Vision

Image courtesy: @the.webcloud

Any predictions on what might emerge as the ‘it bag’ of 2024?

I’ve got my eye on the Shoulder Birkin! Despite its love-hate reputation, Hermès has given Jean-Paul Gaultier’s iconic Shoulder Birkin a fresh twist. First showcased at the Hermès SS24 Objects Presentation, it stole the spotlight during the Fall 2024 runway – and now, it’s on everyone’s wishlist (including mine)! I wouldn’t be surprised if vintage JPG Birkins start making a comeback too.

Check out the new Shoulder Birkin: The Hermès Shoulder Birkin is Back: A Resurgence of a Classic

Image courtesy: @darjabarannik

Turning attention to trends – what’s been your favorite handbag trend of the year so far?

I’m loving this ‘Jane Birkinifying’ trend that’s been making waves lately. There’s something undeniably cool about seeing Birkins covered in plush charms or Kellys decked out with quirky souvenir keyrings. It’s a fun twist on the classics and injects a laid-back vibe into these ‘grown-up’ bags.

Discover the trend in-depth: Charm Your Handbags à La Jane Birkin

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Dreaming ahead, what sits at the very top of your wishlist?

Well, speaking of Hermès, I’m eagerly awaiting contact from my SA, whether it’s from London or France – I am ready to travel! Right now, my heart is set on a Hermès Kelly 28, Retourne, in Noir Swift leather with palladium hardware. Here’s to hoping that 2024 lands a big orange box in my lap!