The PHD Holiday Handbag Buying Guide

A handbag tops most women’s holiday wish lists. I created a buying guide to help you choose the best bag, based on her lifestyle and needs:  

For the Expert Traveler

The Stephanie Weekender can be loaded with all of your necessities, and stowed under the seat in front of you. She comes with three huge outside pockets (perfect for water bottles, toiletries, passports, magazines, and a laptop). The bag’s straps are designed to fit perfectly over the handle of wheeled luggage. Voila! You’re ready to board.

For the Adventurous Traveler

Personally, I take the Isabel everywhere. She’s a compact cross-body that easily holds the travel essentials - my wallet, passport, a small camera, iPhone, water bottle, guidebook (and map), umbrella, iPad, sunglasses, makeup and Kleenex. Even with all of those belongings inside, there is still room to fit a scarf for the longer days that turn into cooler nights.  It is approximately 10” x 10” in size and though small, she comes loaded with design details such as our leather detailing and trademark artful ruching. Did I mention she’s waterproof?  (I carry the Isabel in Navy.)

For the Professional

I consider the Stella the ideal bag for the career woman. With lots hidden pockets camouflaged behind our signature gathers and significant attention to the small details, she looks both perfectly refined and consummately professional. She is designed to easily fit a laptop, file folders, extra pair of shoes, and has three outside pockets for quick access to her work essentials – her phone, iPad and documents. She is also the perfect carry-on for the quick business trip!

For the Social Butterfly

The woman who loves to be out and about needs the right bag to do so. The Coco clutch is appointed with bangles she can easily slip over her wrist, allowing her to mix and mingle with wine and cheese without being encumbered by her handbag. The Coco holds all the going-out necessities: cell phone, wallet, camera, sunglasses, makeup, keys and a pashmina for cooler night. She’s available in our signature nylon as well as a satin shimmer, perfect for parties, date nights and even baseball games.

For the Woman On-The-Go

The woman with places to go and people to see does not have time to be hassled with the wrong bag. The Jenna fits across the body and allows the ultra busy woman to be 100% hands-free. She’s large enough to hold all of life’s necessities. The back pocket, designed to fit an iPad, allows fast access to check her email, the location of her luncheon, and her evening cocktails.

For the New Mom

The new mom wants to look fashionable while she handles the practicalities of baby life. The Ellie Trio was thoughtfully designed to have its own unique style while also being easily utilized as a diaper bag, with interior pockets for bottles and an outside pocket to hold a changing pad. Moms who don’t want to mix baby’s things with her own, will add the Jane: a square, compact, 3-in-1 bag that easily fits all of her own belongings and simply tucks inside the Ellie Trio

For the Gadget Girl

The Techie Girl needs a techie handbag, and the Hilda was created specifically for her. This clutch can be worn folded over to fit a Kindle, iPhone and iPad mini, or it can be worn full size to hold an iPad and iPhone.  And when emptied, well, you’re left with just about the most fabulous convertible clutch around.

For the Minimalist

Some women need a big bag to hold it all, but not the minimalist woman who will love the Hillary.  The Hillary was designed for the gal who only carries the bare essentials, and loves options like wearing it cross-body or as wristlet.

For the Beach Lover

The Alicia was born to hang poolside, deck side, and seaside, Fashioned for days of sun, sand, and surf, she is made with stain and water-resistant premium Italian glossed canvas. Grommets tightly hold the authentic nautical rope straps, and metal purse feet ensure she will stay stunning season after season. She even fits a 15” laptop for those who need to squeeze in a bit of work before, during, or after fun.

For the Urbanite

The Charlotte and the Pearl are the best choices for the city girl. The Charlotte is a small, yet roomy cross-body clutch for the woman who likes to carry her basics. The Pearl is a larger everyday handbag with feminine gathers mixed with modern functionality, like hidden outer pockets, a leather key fob, and plenty of interior stash spots. Many women opt for the best of both worlds, and get the Charlotte to tuck inside the Pearl - the city girl does, after all, want to be prepared for anything that can (and will) come her way.

For the Retired Mom

The Cori is the perfect option for Grand Moms looking for lots of room but little bulk and weight to tax the shoulders. Another favorite compact shape for this woman is the Olivia, the PHD version of a small hobo handbag.

For the Bride (or Bridesmaid)

The modern bride and her bridesmaids will love the Elsa bag!  This day-to-evening handbag can be carried on the wrists, the shoulder, or under the arm. The Elsa’s fashion forward design and elegance fits a small wallet, a phone, lipstick, keys, and glasses – all the bridal essentials.

Browse all of the Paige Hamilton Design handbags online or visit a local store near you.

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