Oh, how the not-so-humble minaudière bag is stealing the show this season! And probably the next season, along with the one after that. And maybe the one after that? Before we continue, let's just clarify the exact meaning of the word 'minaudière'. Simply put (with a little help from wikipedia), it's a fashion accessory that could be considered a jewellery piece, intended to substitute for an evening bag. The term originates from the 1930s and its invention is attributed to Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels. If the definition seems a little blurry, just picture the Chloé Nile Minaudière leather bag you've been seeing all over your feed for the past few months. They're small, compact and decorative.
Often referred to now as just 'box bags' but they're so much more than that. If they make your heart skip a beat, they're probably a minaudière...
Above all else, the minaudière is quietly unassuming and yet has been creeping up on us thanks to it's sheer beauty. Though it may be compact and dainty, it has the ability to totally steal the focus of an outfit. Perhaps this is why it's become an unspoken trend and one that's flooding pretty much every single brand (both designer and high street) and yet is so rarely discussed? Whatever the case may be, I'm smitten. The only downside is the limited room for essentials, although... perhaps this is where I suggest a phone and nude lipstick are all the essentials you need?


Personally, so far I've opted for toned down minaudière bag options, including this tartan beauty, as well as the black braided handle version I've been wearing non-stop lately. Needless to say, both are from Zara thanks to their ability to jump straight on the trend bandwagon quicker than you can say find-me-that-bag! It's definitely time to get your paws on their high-street versions of the minaudière bag, from embroidered and beaded to raffia and metallic, they've got it all. But Zara aside - if we can bear to for just one moment - there are tons of other gorgeous (and at times deliciously luxurious) options around right now. I've divided some of this season's best minaudière bags into four shiny categories below for you to shop, depending on your budget. Enjoy shopping the trend!
U N D E R £ 5 0 0
U N D E R £ 1 0 0 0
____________________
Psst! Prices points are higher than usual because, let's face it, this is very much an indulgence (ahem, unless you just swing by your local Zara like me)
Lately, I've discovered just how brilliant minaudière bags are for popping on the table while you eat, ensuring they don't become dirty from the ground below, as well as looking pretty damn fabulous for Instagram! I'm so looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this look. How do you feel about minaudière bags? Love them, hate them? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> It's Pastel Season! | N.Peal Cashmere
With love,
Gabrielle x
Often referred to now as just 'box bags' but they're so much more than that. If they make your heart skip a beat, they're probably a minaudière...
Above all else, the minaudière is quietly unassuming and yet has been creeping up on us thanks to it's sheer beauty. Though it may be compact and dainty, it has the ability to totally steal the focus of an outfit. Perhaps this is why it's become an unspoken trend and one that's flooding pretty much every single brand (both designer and high street) and yet is so rarely discussed? Whatever the case may be, I'm smitten. The only downside is the limited room for essentials, although... perhaps this is where I suggest a phone and nude lipstick are all the essentials you need?

Speaking of dainty things, the latest drop of Chlobo bracelets has very quickly shot to the top of my 'adore list'. In particular, the shiny new Cherabella collection consists of gorgeous pieces, with the gold bracelets receiving the most attention from yours truly because wow - they go with everything. If you follow along with my IG Stories you'll have most likely seen the Hummingbird and Root Chakra bracelets popping up left, right and centre! Oh, and before I return to praising the minaudière, can we just take a moment to appreciate the beauty of all that is Coast Clothing? This ruffled cotton dress ticks all of the right boxes for special occasions this Spring and Summer. The asymmetric neckline is super flattering on the décolleté and navy blue is my ultimate fave colour - if you didn't know before, you do now!
Dress - Coast Jade Ruffle Dress
Bag - Zara | Shoes - Carvela Kurt Geiger
Bracelets (right hand) - Root Chakra + Peach Moonstone Hummingbird
Bracelets (left hand) - Mini Decorated Heart + Dainty Moon and Sun
all jewellery c/o Chlobo Jewellery

Personally, so far I've opted for toned down minaudière bag options, including this tartan beauty, as well as the black braided handle version I've been wearing non-stop lately. Needless to say, both are from Zara thanks to their ability to jump straight on the trend bandwagon quicker than you can say find-me-that-bag! It's definitely time to get your paws on their high-street versions of the minaudière bag, from embroidered and beaded to raffia and metallic, they've got it all. But Zara aside - if we can bear to for just one moment - there are tons of other gorgeous (and at times deliciously luxurious) options around right now. I've divided some of this season's best minaudière bags into four shiny categories below for you to shop, depending on your budget. Enjoy shopping the trend!
_____________________
U N D E R £ 1 5 0
U N D E R £ 5 0 0
U N D E R £ 1 0 0 0
O V E R £ 1 0 0 0
____________________
Psst! Prices points are higher than usual because, let's face it, this is very much an indulgence (ahem, unless you just swing by your local Zara like me)
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> It's Pastel Season! | N.Peal Cashmere
With love,
Gabrielle x
Love them, for sure. They're so cute, and they keep you from lugging around too much junk. It's a win-win, even more so in plaid!
ReplyDeleteamberelb.com
yes, this bag is stealing the show this season. I love them because they're not only very pretty but also practical. You can certainly put more things in them then in other mini bags.
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit. You always look so feminine, elegant and classy. Stunning location as well.
You look so sweet when you smile:*:)
ReplyDeletewww.windowtothebeauty.com
Kind of chic and elegant bag; like your outfit so it's a perfect match!
ReplyDeletehttps://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/livin-on-the-wedge/
You look stunning babe.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are always amazing
The dress, accessories and shoes are just perfect!
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
I love to look at them, but I have always so much stuff that I deem necessary, I just couldn´t use it.
ReplyDeleteAnne|Linda, Libra, Loca
I love how classic the pattern is! And the design of the bag is so unique :)
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
Love your bag Gabrielle. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
The bag is so cute! I've actually not heard of the concept of a minaudière - I'm out of the loop! Forever looking absolutely stunning in your pics girl.
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
callmeamy.co.uk
I love cute little bags like this, but I need to carry so much with the boys, it's just not an option. Maybe one day when all I need is my phone, until then I'll admire tiny bags like this on you and others! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a lovely week and you have a good weekend ahead of you :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Your box bag looks so cute! Love your interpretation of thr term miaudière as well! :D
ReplyDeleteXo Noor
Www.nonstopnoor.com
That is a gorgeous bag and I learned a new fashion term today!
ReplyDeleteShireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
I love the comfort of the dress, but yet so classy. Love these bags, but hate the fact that they haven't got zips. Ha!! Sounds weird, but I love my handbags to have zips underneath the laps.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend beautiful. :-)
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
I think the bags are so cute!! Love the minimalistic style, like a box, and the structure it adds to an outfit. This bag suits your style so well too. Adore it with the dress! Have a lovely weekend Gabrielle! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
Now that's a lovely bag ❤
ReplyDeletehttp://prachimaulingkernaik.com/top-5-summer-essentials/
Such an amazing place, and I'm loving all your details, those bracelets and the cutest bag ever! ♥
ReplyDeletehttps://heresometimes.com/
Beautiful bag but how did we get from 'minaudiere' to 'box bag'? Oh how the English language evolves! As much as you look so classy with yours, I feel as a 'large lady' it might get lost on me. But I've peeped your selected faves, and oh boy do I love all the over £1000s. Lol!
ReplyDeleteMadeline
www.madelinewilsonojo.com
Such a great little mini bag, I love the printed textile on it as well and you look stunning, Love the look Gabrielle, hope you have a lovely weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteSerene XO
http://www.surrealserene.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiI5q-hIiuGtZZPtzVHTPxw
There's something so charming and classic about minaudière bags. It's no wonder they never go out of style. The plaid pattern really adds such an elegant touch to this one and you couldn't have styled this ladylike chic look any more perfectly Gabrielle! That shade of navy is gorgeous on you!
ReplyDeletewow you are stunning! www.marciabcreative.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning hon.. love the dress you're wearing
ReplyDeletehttps://zunera-serena.com/
The whole outfit is so pretty, you're a stunner. The photos and architecture is beautiful, great post!
ReplyDeletewww.fashiontrendforward.com
These type of box bags are so cute and fashionable to me and like you said perfect for instagram.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
www.fashionradi.com
I was just looking for a minaudière bag to have for my upcoming trip to LA and can you believe I actually forgot to check Zara? What is wrong with me! I really like these types of bags because not only they are chic and give a tent of parisian style but they are also practical as you can easily fit your phone, few beauty products and wallet. Not to say, you look amazing in that dress and paired it with few special jewellery :) Have a great weekend, lovely !
ReplyDeletehttps://mihabalan.com/2018/05/08/6-ways-to-keep-a-positive-mind-in-your-work-place-work-wear-spring-outfit/
This place is stunning. I absolutely adore your bag and the elegant outfit that you wore with it!
ReplyDeletehttp://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/
This bag is gorg but I love the jewelry!
ReplyDeletehttp://miss-uncover.blogspot.com
Amazing post! I love the colours and the outfit, the bag is really nice - it doesn't look like a typical bag and it makes it even more interesting :)
ReplyDeletehave a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteLove this look! The bag looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteDaniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
I love how unique this bag is. The pattern is classy and it goes so perfectly with your amazing dress. This is such a gorgeous style :) http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2018/05/how-sweet-desserts-inspire-colours-of.html
ReplyDeleteI love how useful this trend is, as it also keeps you from carrying around too much stuff
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore them!! Thanks for sharing all the info about this trend Gabrielle! I personally didn't know the propper name of this type of bag, I was just calling them box bags haha :P Anyway, I'm also in love with the blue dress, the asymetrical cut looks amazing on you!!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend babe!!! :)
Andrea.
Seize your Style
I adore small bags, they are so cute! It’s a shame it’s almost impossible to carry them around in London when you have to stick your umbrella in one of these! You look so beautiful, I love how you paired your accessories with the dress. 💖💞😘
ReplyDeletehttp://www.elegantduchess.com
Hello,
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful !
Sarah, http://www.sarahmodeee.fr
Oh I can see why this bag is such a trend, it is gorgeous. And I am also loving the dainty bracelets so charming. And that navy dress fits you like a glove and I love the cut and the longer length you look great!
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIENYC
www.allienyc.com
There's just too much beauty in this post! Seriously, everything is beautiful - you, the bag, the dress, the hotel, the bracelets, the photos. I'm a huge fan of minaudières, they really are more like a piece of jewellery than a handbag.
ReplyDeleteScent of Summer
Well you definitely learn something everything day! While I could certainly recognise a Minaudière bag, I would never have known the name! I adore how decorative they are although I'm not sure how much of my stuff it would fit in if I'm honest...!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
I've not seen the miniaudiere bag before, I think I've been out of the loop lately! I love your tartan version, it really compliments your outfit but I agree with the limited essentials, a mobile and a nude lippie are plenty :)
ReplyDeleteRosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
This is the absolute sweetest bag! I love how compact it is, and most of all, the classic and timeless colours! I have to say, I am definitely a fan of this trend and feel as though it's one to stay. It's great because you could use the bags for an evening night out as well and there are so many different styles of it too as you listed. I know it's a bit expensive, but I love the one from Prada! Have a nice week dear!
ReplyDeletewww.beingisabella.com
Lovely, dear. I like it! Have a great sunday!
ReplyDelete❤ Mary María Style ❤
Pretty expensive indeed :) but I mean if you'd save for a while it's kinda like a nice reward isn't it! I love your whole outfit as usual babe!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! You look lovely and your bag is so cute! :) xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous elegant photos and your mini bag is so cute!! That pattern is gorgeous and I love all fo your picks of other styles too!
ReplyDeleteHeather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
You look so stunning, classy and very elegant dear Gabrielle. Like always so stunning pictures in magical place- I like so much your bag xx
ReplyDeleteThis bag is so cute!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: FRIDAY NIGHT LOOK IN LOS ANGELES
You look fantastic *_* Truly georgeous <3
ReplyDeletehttp://makeyourperfectstyle.blogspot.ba/
Awesome sharing, babe! Love them all! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bag, I really like the design and shape of it! Beautiful dainty jewellery too, totally my style!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
You look so classy and chic in this photos. I love the dress, like you I'm sold on the bag and those bracelets just keep calling my name. I love it
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Gabrielle! Photography is always so on point, same as your fashion. Loving all of the accessories xx
ReplyDeleteNaya
www.partyparrotblog.com
What a beautiful dress, the color the design and style everything is fantastic but the girl wearing it is actually more beautiful that it. I love the heels and bag and all the accessories you are wearing with it. The location is superb. A great post Gabrielle which I loved.
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic day <3 Kisses <3
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/
I totally in love with minaudiere bags!!! So bad they'e so little that often really can't carry nothing more than smartphone...
ReplyDeleteYour selection is to die for, especially the Dolce & Gabbana ones!
Anyway you look amazing, Gbrielle, so graceful and chic! Love your dainty bracelets!
Amzing photos, dear!
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
I love this whole outfit, you look amazing! The bag is adorable, it's a shame about the lack of space but honestly I wouldn't really care when the bag is such a statement piece in itself.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Amy; Wandering Everywhere
You have the prettiest smile ever! So cute. :) I love your bag, so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThe Fancy Cats | Japan Candy Box Giveaway
This would've been perfect for the wedding we just went to (where I completely forgot a bag AT ALL - good thing I was able to shove my phone and ID into my friends clutch!). Love this trend!
ReplyDeleteSusie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Woow this little handbag is so lovely !
ReplyDeleteYou look so chic as always !
I love your birtish style.
And I love your jewelleries, so chic !
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
Loving the classy and elegance of this bag. Nothing fancy on its design, simple but sophisticated at the same time. Looks so lovely with your dress dear.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Such a stunning and beautiful bag! X
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Again, what a stunning location. These types of bags are super cute! I am yet to own one! Lovely jewellery too!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
Superb your blog!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful pictures.
I really like your work
Good continuation