Top 10 Handbags You Need (Part II)

Hello lovely TLL readers! I'm back with more handbags for you - isn't this exciting? Plus, just in time for the holidays. As always, we've chosen handbags that embody the fun, latin spirit AND support the traditional techniques and know-hows of latin American artisans. It's very important for us to continue to give you guys trendy, cute recommendations that you can buy for yourself, your mom, or any other woman in your life who's a #bagaddict like me! Also, #TLL's lookbooks are always put together thinking of quality as well - we want to recommend pieces that we have already heard good reviews of (or have tried ourselves). Without further ado, here's PART II of our latest lookbook:

1. THE AZZA

By Adriana Castro.

Adriana Castro's craft: bold, timeless, stylish. Doesn't it make you feel like you are ready to conquer the world? This burgundy snake version is at the top of our wish list. Wear it as a crossbody with its detachable shoulder strap or as just as a cute hand-held bag (look at that handle!). It's lined with suede and will make any outfit pop. There's more - it comes in so many different colors and prints, so if you're not feeling this wine-colored piece, there's something for everyone. The brand itself is another reason to buy: Adriana Castro is a fierce Colombian woman with a vision and a gift for luxury. She works hand-in-hand with local artisans to create beautifully thought-out (and sturdy!) pieces that are elegant, timeless, and subtle. Her pieces are loved by stylish women all around the world, which has elevated her brand and gotten her chic styles in the hands of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Palermo, and Kim Kardashian. Our round-up of AC faves shows a bit of her fun-yet-classy vibe that you know will never go out of style - so think of it as an investment!Fun fact: Five Adriana Castro bags were featured in the movie Sex and the City 2 - are you dying to buy her brand yet? We are!

SHOP the Azza.

2. THE MODERN HABIBI BAG

By Soraya Hennessy.

Chain-like straps are so on-trend right now, so it's no surprise that our fave Soraya Hennessy has incorporated them into a #staple bucket bag! Soraya's bags are all 100% handmade in Colombia, making them not only the direct product of an artisan's work but also sustainable. The founder was born in Venezuela, but isa true global citizen, founding SH in Abu Dhabi and currently residing in LA, CA. She founded Soraya to showcase Colombian and Venezuelan artisan talent, and she works with over 40 artisans from the Wayuu tribes to create her bags. The Wayuu are a Native American ethnic group whose weaving know-how is an integral part of the tribe; passed on from generation to generation, weaving bucket bags (mochilas) is how many of these women sustain their families. The most beautiful part of Soraya Hennessy's brand isn't just the chic, trendy styles they offer (loved by starts like Bella Hadid), but also that the brand is the livelihood of many of the artisans involved and that the founder is doing the incredible work of bringing latin talent into the worldwide fashion scene.

SHOP THE HABIBI

3. THE BORED POUCH

By Ines Bellorez.

Isn't this the cutest bag you've ever seen? I love that it can add a touch of flirty/fun vibes to any outfit, is made of leather, and comes with detachable straps! Ines Bellorez is a brand for women that like to take risks; it's bags are unique and allow for expression in the most stylish of ways. The brand strives to create pieces that can be confused with art, and that give a glimpse into the wearer's personality. It's everything you want in a buy: style, luxury and quality. Handcrafted by Colombian's artisans, experts in leather, for a high-quality piece that makes a fun gift for any fashionista in your life! Our little lookbook on the left is our top Ines Bellorez choices, but make sure to check out her website because she JUST launched a new collection that is a whole new level of elegant and bold. Her newest pieces are a bit more atemporal, with less catchy slogans and more elegant serious tones that we're dying to wear with our favorite killer outfits - so make sure to check them out! If you're going for the more casual look, shop the Bored Pouch HERE.

4. THE HUGO

By Toque de Luna.

Let me start off by saying that this brand has the most heart-warming website ever: they name their bags after real artisans and workers that make their business possible. For the Hugo, they say:

Additionally, Toque de Luna's pieces (both bags and swimsuits) are all made of waste. Yep, you read that right. This brand sources waste and discarded materials like cans to create stylish, ethically-made handbags. Their social purpose is engrained in every piece they sell, as Toque de Luna employs artisans that

hand-make the bags and are an essential part of the brand's process. It's so moving to see emerging brands like these that are committed to the environment, to their people, and to showcasing the talent of latin artisans to the world. Their swimsuits are also amazing so if you're not a handbag person, definitely check them out. In a world that is increasingly looking to the fashion industry negatively because of its irrational spending and the damaging fast-fashion brands out there, Toque de Luna is a much needed example of what we can do right. As consumers, these are the brands we should be shopping from.

Get your Hugo HERE.

5. THE CIENAGA BELT BAG

By Isidora Malva.

This is what we call cutting-edge fashion. This belt bag will go with any flow-y dress to accentuate curves, or with a bodysuit and jeans for a power combo. It comes with an attachable, too, for those days you want to carry more stuff! We love versatile pieces like these that are great for a day to night look. Plus, this Isidora Malva piece is made of leather so it's a worthwhile investment.

I'd recommend this brand to the lovers of classic handbag styles; of timeless elegance and functional pieces. The brand was conceived by Monica Millan in 2015 after studying luxury design in Italy and using what she learned from working at a luxury label. Her workshop is in based in Bogota, Colombia. The essentials of the process behind her pieces are the top-quality leather and the people behind the scenes of the brand. We are loving the belt bag, but our tiny brand lookbook shows you that Isidora Malva does it all: they have a huge variety of classics that are appropriate for any season and will give a sophisticated look to any outfit!

SHOP THE BELT BAG

That's it for this lookbook, #TLLers - Did we mention any of your favorite brands? Are any of our recommendations at the top of your wish list? We hope so! Also, let us know in the comments below OR on our Instagram what lookbook themes you want, whether its a specific piece of apparel (ie shoes, scarves, etc), or more seasonal lookbooks - all infused with the latest latin brands and coolest trends. Until next time!

With love,

Isa