Mimi Berry’s Link shoulder strap
I’ve always been more hands-free than handbag-lover, but there’s a Jaeger bucket bag that I’ve hung onto since my fashion editor years (see below) . The leather is a lovely quality and the bag is useful on days when I want to give my Uniqlo nylon number a rest. After approximately 20 years, the handle started to split, forcing me to consider the accessory’s future. I’ve always found the short strap slightly frustrating – it’s not quite long enough to comfortably go over the shoulder – could I possibly extend its life, and extend the strap length?
The Jaeger bag, before and after.
Fortunately, quite a few accessories brands now sell shoulder straps, separately, providing a quick, easy and sustainable update. Oliver Bonas has a whole selection of webbing straps in colourful stripes or animal print, as does Johnny Loves Rosie, while Scandinavian label Sandqvist has an adjustable version in plain black or sand, and Cambridge Satchel company sells a shoulder strap in black or navy webbing. Chain straps and a variety of webbing designs can be found at Longchamp. If you’re looking for leather, I bought my Link shoulder strap (available in six different colourways) from independent designer Mimi Berry. And there’s a fun, Squiggle design at LPOL, also available from Gather & See. As well as having a few Royal connections, Edinburgh-based brand Strathberry produces an adjustable leather strap in nine different colours.
I opted for plain black, but switching up your bag strap is such an easy way to supercharge your outfit.
Photos courtesy of Mimi Berry
We’ve updated the SHOP for spring, head on over for more timeless style inspiration. And here’s a selection of snazzy bag straps:
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