The Minaudière Bag | The Quiet SS18 Trend

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?

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!

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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

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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!

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With love,

Gabrielle x