Thank you to everyone who entered our Beyond Yoga giveaway. I’m excited to announce that the winner is Allison C! Pease contact therealchiclife@gmail.com to claim your prize. We’ll be announcing our next monthly subscriber giveaway on Tuesday!
What do you think of the bag charm trend? I was once team minimalist when it comes to my bags, but I recently purchased a tassel charm with my kids’ initials from Etsy and even got a Labubu (I’ve got tips on how to score one below) and I love these fun and whimsical additions. While they were once considered a playful afterthought or a novelty for kids and teens, bag charms have recently re-emerged as a must-have accessory for stylish women everywhere. From whimsical puffs to luxe leather monograms, these little additions are redefining personal style in a big way—and their current popularity is no accident.
So, what’s behind the bag charm renaissance? Let’s break it down.
1. An Easy Way to Personalize
We’re in an era where individuality reigns supreme. People want their outfits, homes, and even their tech gadgets to reflect who they are. Bag charms make it simple to put a personal stamp on an everyday item—your handbag. Whether it’s your initial, a zodiac sign, a quirky motif, or a charm from a favorite designer, it’s like wearing your personality on your purse.
2. High-Low Styling Magic
Fashion right now is all about contrast—mixing vintage with modern, sporty with tailored, and high with low. Bag charms are a great way to bring some playfulness or whimsy to a structured or luxury bag. A furry pom on a classic Chanel? Unexpected. A crochet fruit charm on a sleek leather tote? Pure delight. It’s the kind of offbeat mix that fashion insiders love.
3. Designers Are All In
Major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Loewe, and Coach have embraced the bag charm trend with full force, offering their own designer takes. These aren’t just accessories—they’re collectibles. Some are even made in limited editions, making them feel even more covetable. When designers treat charms as mini works of art, it elevates them from cute to couture.
4. Micro-Trends Within the Trend
Within the bag charm trend itself, there are micro-trends that keep things fresh. Right now, people are gravitating toward:
• Mini stuffed animals and plushies (yes, grown women are carrying them—and looking chic doing it)
• Beaded or handmade charms that feel nostalgic and unique
• Tassels, initials, and word charms that feel polished
• Monogrammed or custom pieces that make even a mass-market bag feel one-of-a-kind
5. A Low-Stakes Way to Experiment
Not ready to commit to a bright pink bag or trend-forward purse? A charm lets you play with color, texture, or a trending motif without a big investment. Plus, you can switch it out with your mood or outfit, making it the ultimate versatile accessory.
6. Most Importantly- They Spark Joy
Let’s be honest—life is a lot sometimes. A charm that makes you smile when you pick up your bag in the morning? That’s worth something. Whether it’s nostalgic, humorous, or just beautiful to look at, bag charms are little mood boosters we didn’t know we needed.
Where to Buy Bag Charms
Ready to join the charm party? These brands carry a variety of chic and fun charms:
Anthropologie – Great for beaded, colorful, and boho styles.
Free People – Offers a wide range of boho charms and charms with a vintage feel.
Etsy – A treasure trove for custom and handmade charms.
BaubleBar – Fun, cheeky charms that feel like fashion candy.
Maison de Sabre– Leather Air Tag charms in fun shapes like fruit.
Sticky Zoo– Luxe, playful charm stacks made of premium materials.
J.Crew– Has a few beaded charm options and an elegant nautical charm with real seashells.
Vera Bradley– Micro totes and duffels, leather flowers, and Air Tag holders.
Popmart– Labubus, Cry Babies, and other novelty keychains and plushies. Shopping tips- Labubus are notoriously difficult to score, and it’s nearly impossible on their website. If you have a physical Popmart location nearby you may have better luck, especially at the international locations (I’ve seen a lot of people finding them on vacation). After that your next best option is to purchase one secondhand from a reseller (usually at a markup unfortunately) from websites like Amazon and Stockx. If you purchase from a reseller make sure the website has an authenticty guarantee or includes ratings for sellers- do not buy from someone who has a poor seller rating or no selling history to avoid scams. Once you have your Labubu in hand, scan the scratch off barcode on the box to verify its authenticity.
Urban Bling– Custom Labubus and other novelty charms with Swarovski crystals.
In a world that feels increasingly digital and impersonal, there’s something refreshing about a tangible, expressive detail like a bag charm. It’s personal. It’s fun. And best of all, it reminds us that fashion doesn’t have to be so serious. So whether you clip on a rainbow pom, a vintage keychain, or a monogrammed tassel, know that you’re part of a trend that’s all about embracing joy and the little things that make us smile.
Do you have a bag charm that you love? Let us know in the comments.
Xo,
Courtney
The Real Chic Life 
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