Holiday arm candies to have and to hold

Nothing updates a look quicker than a new purse. This holiday season, reward yourself with a noteworthy bag. The season’s best bags come in a variety of shapes, textures and hues flexible enough to go from work to play. The basics are given a modern twist, from chic hardware to new textures.

The sling bag: How could you resist a style-updater that is functional at the same time? Any woman on-the-go is surely going to thank the heavens for this hands-free option. Sling the mini crossbody bag across your shoulders and you’re good to go. This mini works from day to night in an instant.

The roomy carry-all: Just when you thought this trend has passed, look again. Size does matter. Luxurious totes and hobos have gone extra large again. Nothing beats a roomy bag.

The day clutch: For street-style savvy, a day clutch is the season’s must. It is a pared-down alternative to the oversized tote or hobo. Be chic and clutch it close to you.

The trapeze bag: A top-handle bag is the way to go for a feminine vibe. Wider structured trapeze shaped versions can go from work to off-duty days.

The knapsack: The backpack makes a comeback this season. This ‘90s school staple comes back in polished and sophisticated styles. It’s a new alternative to your everyday work bag.

Whatever size or style suits your lifestyle, everyone needs a classic black bag as a wardrobe staple. If you do not have one yet, look for one that is classy but on-trend — an investment piece. Or, if you already have the basics, get a wild one. Get a scene-stealer — one that will turn heads. Get something with a pop of color, with quirky details or unusual shapes.

Take your pick at Adora for your personal choice.

Valentino

Valentino’s Rockstud is going no where. Who knew a pyramid stud detail could rock the fashion world? Opposites attract: classic lines, synonymous to Valentino is punctuated with rebel studs. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are the attentive modern interpreters of the Valentino Style. Accessories are fundamental to their approach. They undeniably define the brand. Just take a look at the success of Rockstud, Va Va Voom and Lock, which have become the new must-haves.

The season’s accessories collections are a combination of contrasts — from streetwear and couture to punk and palazzo. Get your holiday sparkle with crystal pavé motifs that encrust the metal studs of Rockstud Bal or run around bracelet handles on wide clutches and clasp tiny sculptural minaudiere bags. Celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington, and Jessica Alba have been seen toting about town the Valentino icons.

The Va Va Voom shoulder bag’s signature style is carried as a clutch by the stud-embellished handle, or used on two optional lengths with the chain shoulder strap. Morph into the contemporary with Punkouture patent leather bags in ivory, black and red with bold lacquer studs. Artisan craftsmanship is the essence of Valentino and the DNA of each bag.

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler bags have become the statement accessory of every young and hip fashion-forward personality. Street chic is a big hit. Founded in 2002 by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, this New York-based womenswear and accessories brand is defined by its fusion of craftsmanship and attention to detail with a sense of refined ease. Proenza Schouler launched its first handbag collection in 2008 with the PS1, a classic satchel. It represents the brand’s signature — wearable luxury. It is inspired by old work-wear satchels but reinterpreted in soft lux leather giving the bag a relaxed ease. The name is a riff on the first Proenza Schouler bag and New York public schools, which are abbreviated P.S. followed by a number.

Then came the PS11 in Fall 2010 inspired by the idea of twisted classicism. It again reinterprets the satchel but this time reducing down the size of the traditional hardware and buckles giving the bag a cleaner, more iconic feel. The PS11 comes in various options from a clutch to a mini classic, classic, small and large tote sizes. Rachel Zoe, Jennifer Garner, Kirsten Dunst, Chloe Sevigny and Leighton Meester are fans. It’s about unisex versatility. This time, you can share this with your man or vice versa.

Givenchy

For a structured bag that works well for work and travel, take a look at Givenchy’s Antigona bag — a timeless Boston bag with sharp detail and boxy construction. Designer Ricardo Tisci loves to contrast masculine aspects and feminine features with a recognizable structured shape. Details from large industrial zipper to triangle padded leather patch make reference to the military look. Exclusively designed metal hooks together with a leather shoulder strap were developed to change in length and to wear it in different ways. Celebrities from Gwyneth Paltrow to Zoe Saldana, Kiera Knightley, Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts and January Jones wear this modern bag named after “Antigone,” a strong female figure in Greek mythology.

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch has approached every project with creativity and humor. Remember the famous “I Am Not a Plastic Bag”? 80,000 people queued across the UK just to get a hold of one. The brand has earned celebrity following from Alexa Chung, among others. Carla Delevigne, Kate Moss, Florence Welch, and The Duchess of Cambridge. This season, grab a Seymour Top Handle for a versatile and practical day bag. Crafted in sumptuous capra leather, this spacious tote features handy zipper interior compartments and labeled pockets inside to keep you organized. It comes with a detachable strap for an optional over-the-shoulder or across-the-body style. Of course, it will never be complete without the brand’s signature tassel zipper to close it. There’s also the Seymour Shopper — a relaxed addition to the family and another alternative work bag.

Chloe

Gaby Aghion’s vision of Chloé as romantic and ultra feminine fashion lives on after more than 50 years. Today, just like Grace Kelly and Maria Callas before them, young stars like Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman and Lou Doillon have fallen in love with the soft elegance of the French House. Today, carry your essentials in an Alison or Alice bag. They are both about modern, urban elegance. Inspired by the ‘70s, the Alice bag offers the utmost simplicity with an attitude that is both casual and sophisticated. The bag’s large outside pockets give a sporty chic vibe.

This season it’s all about mash-ups — from casual/chic to uptown/downtown, masculine/feminine, and rebel/classic. The styles are endless and go a long way beyond the season. It is all about versatility.

Nothing beats new arm candy to add cheer to your holiday style. Get one to have and to hold — dearly.

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E-mail Joyce Oreña at jo@joyceorena.com or follow her on Twitter @joyceorena.

Adora is located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati. Telephone +63 2 217 4029.