Croco-phile
Animal Instincts
Croc-embossed bags are both on-trend and timeless. Done well, they add subtle texture and a luxe vibe to any outfit. They can dress up or down, and be the focal point of an outfit or a supporting player. As with any other animal print piece, I think the most versatile and timeless styles are those that keep design details simple and let the croc-effect finish take center stage. I prefer solid, neutral colors to brighter ones (but after seeing “Le Divorce” a few years ago can understand the appeal of a perfect lipstick red bag).
You can find good-looking crocodile embossed handbags at a wide range of price points. I’ve been seeing some really nice ones this season, and wanted to share a few with you.
Above: this tote (shown in Camel and Forest Green) could go from day to evening with ease. I love that simple shape and the marbled ring handles!
The first brand I always think of when it comes to croc embossed bags is Brahmin. They offer lots of styles, and great value for the price. These bags (especially the Melbourne texture) wear like iron. I have two of the smaller Duxbury’s, one in black and one in Pecan. I like the look of this Mini Priscilla above especially in the Tart (wine) color. It’s a nice way to add structure to a casual outfit.
I saw this bag in person yesterday and it’s a stunner! I like that (detachable) webbed crossbody strap which would make it comfortable to wear over a longer period. The green could work as a neutral, but also as your color accent. It’s also available in black and chocolate brown.
This little bucket bag is SO cute, and perfect for an evening out or those days you don’t need to carry much with you.
Another fun bucket bag option, this one with a shiny finish, drawstring closure and optional cross-body strap.
A saddle bag is a timeless style. This one from French favorite A.P.C. has a smooth finish and adjustable strap.
Looking for something more budget-friendly? This cute box satchel is well under $100, and available in three colors.
There are some nice non-leather options too…
The print on this nylon tote looks like the real deal until you get up close. This is a bigger bag, but would be perfect as a commuter or travel tote.
How about a vegan leather crossbody bag that’s big enough to hold your daytime essentials?
Here’s a little faux leather bag with a chain strap detail. I know I said “neutrals,” but it’s so cute in red!
Are you a fan of crocodile-look bags?
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I love a Brahmin bag and have several. one is the Duxbury in the wine and I always get compliments on it. The color goes with everything.
Is this all real crocodile? If so, I am very disappointed, and as a proponent of products that are not cruel to animals, I cannot support this.
None of them are real crocodile. They’re all either leather, vegan leather or fabric.
Leather is still the skin of an animal who didn’t want to die Thank you Sue for the vegan options, they’re lovely!
“Vegan leather” is plastic (of one sort or another). The term is misleading and silly, IMO.
A handbag made from genuine crocodile would cost you dearly. We’re talking $7,000 or so at a starting point and they only go way up from there!
In Australia, there is a call for salt water crocodiles to be culled in Queensland where quite a few people (including children) have been killed by croc attacks.
The green colour is gorgeous, I agree keeping it neutral is versatile but oh that red too and I love everything A.P.C does…wahhh so much to love here!
Isn’t red a neutral?
It certainly can be! 😉
Susan, you showed a darling chocolate bucket bag, right after the Brahmin bags. Who makes that one? Thanks
So sorry, seems the link dropped when the post was published. I’ve added it back and you can also see it here: http://shopstyle.it/l/Tl2C. Brand is “Trademark.”
I am a fake croc fan as well! The bags you have featured are just gorgeous, Susan.
A question: I will be attending an evening outdoor wedding in November (that time of year is chilly in Missouri) and need some help with an outfit that isn’t too casual but is warm (we are dining under the stars as well). Suggestions?
Oh Susan! I love the Croc bags – all of them! Yes, I am a fan of Croc bags and own several, that you just made me think about again. I will be taking them out of the closet for a review. Thanks for the great update and new looks.
Is there a link to the little bucket bag?
Yes, here you go: http://shopstyle.it/l/Tl2C
Thank you. Now I want one in EVERY color! 🙂
I love them, too. I had a caramel-colored bag similar to the first one and it seemed to go with everything.
Three currently, have had more in the past. I love, love, love croc style. Reminds me of my mum in the 60s. Like a slingback, a croc bag ups the ante.
the faux croc is fun. my eye is also drawn to the red heels in the photo. can you identify those and give the source?
Hi Terri, here’s a link to the red heels: http://shopstyle.it/l/TmTH Brand is Neous.
You got me hooked on Brahmin, thank you darn it!! I bought a Duxbury and will break it out next week in a plum color. I have one right now in a fuschia color (from ebay) that is killer for spring/summer. This week, I am eyeing up the new scarlet color that was featured in the Pricilla bag in Harpers, I believe. But, these are investment pieces that say “style not trend”. They put up with my wear and tear for sure.
Oh… what a temptation. Soooo cute.
Greetje
Hi Susan,
Love the bags but especially love those cropped denim jeans in the first picture. Any idea if and where they’re available? Bad news today for shoppers in Rhode Island. Our Nordstrom is closing forcing 187 people out of jobs and the one store available with multiple brands upscale brands gone! Sad on my levels.
Hi Lisa, what a shame about the local Nordstrom. 🙁 The jeans shown are from Goldsign, link here: http://shopstyle.it/l/TncX
Will be trekking back to Boston for Neimans and Saks. While I appreciate the convenience of online shopping when you’re “vertically challenged” trying clothes on is the best option.
There are also croc embossed pieces from Dooney&Bourke. Similar price and quality to Brahmin.
I Real croc is a fragile skin. (Yep, Mom carried it; I don’t.) The tougher genuine leathers (cattle, goat) are much harder-wearing. I don’t carry them anymore, too heavy. But when “vegan leather” or “pleather” gets worn, it cannot be restored.
My Matt and Nat embossed “vegan leather” tote didn’t even last a year before the piping scuffed to the woven-fibre undercoating. It looked like cr-p and had cost several hundred dollars.
Hi Susan
That olive Trademark structured bag is so gorgeous! It certainly caught my eye due to the structured shape, color and the gold accent. I have several Brahmin bags and love their quality and affordability. My fav bag for the Fall is a pecan structured bag Med Francine Satchel.
Have a great day!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com