Rachel Bilson of The O.C. is seen with a studded leather handbag

Rachel Bilson of The O.C. is seen with a studded leather handbag. Photo from Popsugar.com

Textured leather seems to be a hot style this week, but, really, it’s been seen all summer long and we’ll probably continue to see more of it. Whether you consider silver studs on leather to be western or rocker chic, it’s a trend regardless that’s seen on A- and B-list celebrities, as well in styles the rest of us can afford. One different style for a studded handbag seen recently was on Rachel Bilson. Bilson, known for playing character Summer on The O.C., was spotted recently with a studded leather handbag, but the studs weren’t on the body of the handbag. Rather, they were on a large leather bow attached to the top of the handbag.

Yes, the combination of studs, leather, and large bows seems rather 1980s, but this isn’t surprising, considering other ‘80s trends are back – acid wash jeans, ra-ra skirts, and leggings to name a few – having a few on handbags is inevitable. Although the hobo bag, a larger reimagining of the slouch purse, is the most significant ‘80s influence to hit the field of high-end handbags, more subtle style changes can be seen on bags like Bilson’s. Handbags have seemed overly large these past few seasons, with size culminating in portfolio-sized bags like a Hermes Birkin, and that in itself is another ‘80s trend that’s crept back. Although not of the tawdry or ostentatious nature of most ‘80s fashions, the last time handbags this large were seen was the late ‘80s.

If you’re on a budget and want some of the latest styles, various wholesale and discount handbag retailers carry studded leather handbags and other purses with ‘80s influence. Hobos are everywhere this season, as well as numerous studded variations like Bilson’s bag, and these can be found through nearly any handbag retailer or wholesale dealer.