I like things to be easy and simple in the summer–doesn’t everyone? Part of that means not lugging my entire life around in a handbag. I love the classic Bermuda bag for that reason. It’s a small bag and so only fits a finite amount in it. I’m forced to highly edit everything I’m carrying, making things so much easier. I don’t have to sort through a billion things in my wallet to find my driver’s license; I’m not panicking because I might have lost my phone in the depths of my usual bag.

My Bermuda bag was purchased by a family member at Trimingham’s in Bermuda–the handle is made of Bermuda cedar and the bag is linen. It’s a perfect color and goes with everything from neutrals to “Lilly or louder.” I love the timeless silhouette and all the special memories attached to this bag. As the handle is wooden and doesn’t have a shoulder strap, I don’t generally use it in the city, but it’s perfect for running around town or for cocktail parties. This Bermuda bag is slightly different than the revival of the bags in the 1980s and 1990s–the cover is not interchangeable (I have an older Lilly Pulitzer bag with several covers as well.)

I have seen companies such as Mark & Graham revive the Bermuda bag recently, but to be honest, there’s nothing to compare to the original. For me, the Bermuda bag is more than just a specific bag style–it’s something that speaks very clearly of the country that created the bag. My Trimingham’s bag is a true “Bermuda” bag–every part of it was made and assembled in Bermuda, and because of that, it’s one of my favorite pieces in my closet. Here’s hoping we’ll plan another trip to Bermuda soon…!