I mainlined two and a half seasons of scandal over my prolonged Christmas break (more on that when the third season returns in February), and as anybody who watches the show can imagine, I’ve had pale handbags on the brain. Olivia Pope is a tote girl (woman, really) through and through, but I choose a take on bag. Specifically, I choose the Rachael Ruddick Le Trop take on Bag, which is thoroughly modern but will set you back less than $400.
Like many people, white bags make me incredibly nervous. (Not everyone is as careful with their red red wine as Ms. Pope, after all.) That’s why a reasonably priced alternative makes so much sense – even if you only make it through a single season before it’s completely trashed, at least you didn’t spend premiere-designer money on it. With its black edging and white hardware, this version from Australian-born designer Rachael Ruddick is sophisticated enough for use at work, but the petite size and long take on strap imply that it could work in much more casual atmospheres as well. Not that Olivia Pope has ever been known to throw on jeans and a tank top, of course. purchase through ShopBop for $370.