The Charm That Started It All: Finding Your Go-To Accessory

Everyone has that one accessory they reach for without thinking. For some people it's a watch. For others, a specific pair of earrings.

For me, it's a bag charm.

I picked up my first one kind of on a whim - a little leather bear with the softest ears. I thought it'd be cute for a week, maybe two. But it's been months and I still catch myself fidgeting with it when I'm sitting at my desk or waiting for the train.

There's something about having a little character clipped to your bag that makes it feel like yours. Not in a "this is a designer bag" way, but in a "this bag has a personality" kind of way.

I've since added a few more to my collection - one for my keys, one for my work backpack, one that stays on my weekend tote. Each one feels like it belongs to a different version of my day.

If you're looking for your first charm, here's my advice: don't overthink it. Pick the one that makes you smile when you look at it. That's the right one.

A good starter charm is something small but detailed - a little face, a fun shape, something with texture. The sausage lips key case has been a surprisingly popular pick. It's goofy in the best way.

Once you have one, you'll probably want another. And that's okay. That's how it starts.