Only Isabel Marant knows how to get the balance just right between bohemian and chic. If any other designer had whipped up a mélange of rugged leather and suede, silver studs, and chunky crystals, it would likely look like a mess from the mall, rather than a hot item for easy, breezy Parisians and American girls in the know. Marant recently remarked that she designs strictly for herself. Making herself happy seems to be working; her gauzy miniskirts, faux-distressed tees, and hidden-wedge shoes are more pined over than ever.
The Laura shoulder bag could have veered into “overboard” territory so easily, thanks to the cowgirl theme (Marant loves a big slice of Americana), but she pulled back, leaving it with just the right amount of embellishments. And the right kind, too: metal studs toughen up a Western motif, while beads would have inspired a “yee-haw!” or two. Buckle-topped burgundy, in two varying textures, is the right color choice. Deep and subdued, it has the sophistication to elevate this bag from playful to covetable, Marant’s ultimate forte. On Net-a-Porter for $2,230.
Pair with: An off-duty jacket to go with your laidback bag. Theory’s Levian jacket is a military staple that’s been appropriated for tomboy cool. At Barneys New York for $285.
