The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag: A Classic Bag to Build a Collection Upon

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Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.

There comes a time in every 30-something woman's life when she takes stock of the beautiful things she has accumulated over the years. Whether it's handbags or jewels, when everything is laid out in front of you, it becomes pretty clear which pieces are most beloved. I did this recently with my collection of the former in anticipation of a big move—and I walked away with a clear understanding that for my day-to-day life there really was one bag to rule them all: The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag.

Let me get one thing out of the way at the top: I am not into logo-mania. I see and respect the aesthetic for other people, but when it comes to my personal preferences, I like my pieces to be a bit more understated. This sleek bag, with it's iconic-yet-somehow-discreet gold horsebit buckle, perfectly fits the bill for my taste. And truth be told, I received it as a gift almost 3 years ago now and I love it so much that I have contemplated buying it in another colorway. I even find myself thinking I would buy it in black. And I never buy black bags! "You have one black purse, and that's enough," I would have said to myself before owning my go-to carryall. I'm here to tell you that I stand corrected! When it comes to this bag, the versatility speaks for itself. And the black version? It's just sooooo posh and polished.

But back to that versatility I mentioned, though. The textured leather has a bit of sheen and gives an elevated effect while also not scuffing or scratching easily. And the details, both the horsebit on the front, and the two on each side of the straps, are really the only flourishes of the piece—and those really are enough. It's got a little something to make sure it feels special, but it doesn't scream at you. Also, the flap? Game-changer. No more fumbling with a clasp or zipper with one hand. When you've secured the flap, you don't have to worry about your belongings being tossed about because it's closed firmly, but you can reach in and out with ease.

Did I mention, with two interior pockets and a zipper compartment you can hold quite a bit in your bag? And it stays structured even when it's crammed full. But perhaps most importantly, whether I'm dressed up or down, the bag works. It looks great with jeans and a tee, but smart enough with a dress to go out. It's wear-to-anything-and-everywhere-piece that manages to still feel special every time I put it over my shoulder. Oh, and speaking of shoulder straps, the Horsebit 1955's is adjustable so you can wear it crossbody too. It really is a bag for all seasons, for years to come.

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