Via Repubblica “Large” Quilted Satchel

It’s funny; whenever I see a handbag with a chain shoulder strap, I’m always reminded of those little boys who carry their wallets on a chain attached to their pants. It’s not that the chain doesn’t have a function – it does – but it’s mostly worn for shock and edge factor. You can easily carry a purse or wallet without a chain, but to have one shows just how much you crave that little bit of edge in your life. Thankfully, chains on purses mostly work for the style, and Via Repubblica’s Large Quilted Satchel is a case in point. The army-green soft pieced leather satchel has a single handled strap and silver-toned hardware, including a front buckle and studded exterior. The bag also includes two exterior side pockets. The chain strap is detachable, so if you feel like you’d rather not tap into the edge today, you can choose to simply carry the casual, yet elegant satchel by itself.

The Nordstrom website wants us all to know that this bag is large. Apparently, large means you can carry a “magazine, wallet and water bottle”. Funny how they know exactly what girls need! Anyway, what that really means is that the bag has dimensions of 15 inches width by 11 inches height and it’s seven inches deep. If you choose to use the shoulder strap, it’s a fourteen-inch drop. That’s relatively comfortable, and the purse is pretty cool. I could see a girl wearing this with a slightly urban outfit – couture jeans, an interesting top, and maybe a pair of kick-it black boots.

You can find the Via Repubblica purse at Nordstrom.com for a reasonable $568.00.

Although not a chain strapped handbag, per se, the Steve Madden Mardi Gras Satchel has chains on its exterior, so you’re still going to look “hardcore”. The bag is made of canvas with synthetic leather trim and includes a gold-toned chain with what looks like a key charm swinging across the top. It also has dual front exterior pockets and a platform bottom, for easy filling. You can find this purse at Zappos.com for $91.95.

This white purse from Rampage Regent has a double chained handle! It also has a manmade leather exterior and “plenty of hardware”, according to the site. I see a lot of studs and a kiss lock closure, which actually works for this purse. The white is not something I’d go for, however. You can find it at Endless.com for $49.89.