This High-Street Bag Just Came Back in Stock, and I Bought It Immediately

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

We don’t encourage impulse shopping here at Who What Wear. These days, it’s obviously important to be more thoughtful about our purchases to make sure our considered buys stay in rotation in our wardrobes for as long as possible. But, when I saw that Arket’s curved leather and straw bag had arrived back in stock for 2023, let me tell you, I moved fast to add it to my basket and place the order before I could miss out again. To be fair, although the speed at which I checked out may seem impulsive (especially coming from someone who usually sits pondering over my online carts for months until the season ends or things sell out), this wasn’t a purchase I hadn’t thought a lot about. 

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The bag in question—a leather-trimmed, raffia bag in a slouchy, curved shape—actually came out last spring, and after seeing it being styled up on multiple influencers’ Instagram feeds I started to think it would make a great addition to my capsule collection of handbags. After all, it was reasonably affordable coming in under £100 and classic enough to go with everything in my wardrobe of mostly neutrals; the straw made it feel really fresh for the warmer seasons, and perfect for both beach days and city outings thanks to the hard-wearing leather straps; the practical size sit somewhere between my tote bags and mini crossbodies (a gap I’d been trying to fill for a long time), and the modern, sling-like design added a cool edge to everyday outfits (much like a larger version of my beloved COS crossbody). I had sold it to myself, but when I finally went to buy the bag mid-way through the season, it was sadly out of stock. 

SHOP THE BAG:

Since then, my desire for this bag has only grown and I often find myself putting together outfits and longingly wishing I had bought it when I’d had the chance. Which was all the proof I needed when I saw it pop up in Arket’s new-in section once again this week. I’m sure I’m not alone in my love of this bag. In fact, when I excitedly shared the link on our team Slack channels, deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger, commented instantly on how much she had loved it last year, too. So, I thought it was only right (after I’d purchased my own this time, obvs), to share the good news of its return with you all. 

Keep scrolling to shop the bag now, along with the elegant black leather version that’s also proving incredibly popular (the suede styles have already sold out). I'm pretty obsessed with this curved bag shape and seem to be seeing it everywhere at the moment, so I've added a few more similar styles below as well. Just don't make the same mistake that I did and miss out. 

Shop Arket's Curved Bags:

Shop More Curved Crossbody Bags:

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.