New In: CHARLES & KEITH Ivette Collection
My CHARLES & KEITH seasonal wishlists tend to run long.
I’m thrilled to have been an ambassador with the brand for a while now, and while I don’t purchase something from every collection, I truly love the pieces I own for their versatility at an affordable price point.
So when the team at CHARLES & KEITH reached out and asked if I’d like to try out pieces from their new Ivette drop, it was an easy yes.
The Ivette Bag
I’ve always had a thing for top handle bags; I like how they hang on my elbow and the option of carrying them hand-held so my shoulder gets a break. Plus, most of the time, they’re convertible and come in a medium size that looks proportional for everyday looks. In that sense, the Ivette woven shoulder bag fits the bill perfectly.
It also comes in black, chocolate brown, and light pink, but the cream was a no-brainer given that I’ve been gravitating towards lighter shades for spring. It’s a capsule wardrobe hue that pairs effortlessly with my favourite denim and linen pieces, and although it does pick up dirt from daily use, the non-leather material makes it super easy to wipe down. I love the softly structured silhouette that just slouches slightly for a laid back vibe and the woven texture adds a tactile element, making it visually intriguing while maintaining a sophisticated allure. The branded tag is removable, but I like its look as a little bag charm so I left it on.
The adjustable top handle slides longer or shorter and locks in place with metal studs, an ingenious design I still admire whenever I see it. The sides feature subtle D-rings for clipping on the detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, offering multiple styling options to wear crossbody or as a chic handheld accessory.
In case you’re wondering, the bag does have a silhouette heavily inspired by the Bottega Veneta Wallace, though with noticeable differences: the Ivette is not made of leather, its woven straps are of varying widths, the silver hardware is more prominent, side buckles transform it into a crossbody, and it doesn’t have metal feet. It’s a great starting point for a fraction of the price of the designer piece, especially if you love the look but are not ready to baby the bag.
Depending on your size preference, the Ivette range stocks a slimmer shoulder bag, a front flap crossbody, and a tote.
Woven Bow Ballet Flats
Complementing the Ivette bag perfectly are the ballet flats that embody a classic rounded silhouette, enhanced by the matching intrecciato finish and delicate bows. I’m pretty tentative regarding trends, so it’s hardly surprising that even after being bombarded by ballet flats for several seasons, these are still quite a rarity I’m learning to embrace in my wardrobe. These flats also come in brown, but the pristine chalk colour is much easier to style; they’re like my favourite white sneakers but just a touch more elegant and put together.
The tricky bit I’ve seen with woven shoes is as they bend to your movements, sometimes they gap horribly. Either that, or the strips are so tightly woven it becomes a heavy, rigid shoe. Because the strips on these flats are of varying widths, they lock together very well; there’s no slip and slide and your toes won’t threaten to peek out. And although they are not made of genuine leather, they come fully lined with a lightweight construction that ensures all-day comfort and breathability.
Unlike my crystal mesh flats that chafed at the ankle (still totally worth it and I love their look), these ballet flats required zero break-in and the cushion insole feels bouncy with support, so you don’t feel every rock on the pavement. With a heel height of just 0.4 inches, they're perfect for transitioning from day to night without sacrificing style. If you like the finish but not the shoe silhouette, it’s also available as slide sandals, square-toe mules, and pointed-toe slingbacks.
Styling the Pieces
I like to think of matching handbags and shoes as co-ord pieces like top and bottoms: they look great as separates, but synergise and do so much for an outfit when worn together. It’s getting warm and humid in Hong Kong, which was the perfect time to mix things up with pieces from different seasons.
The tailored pinstripe blazer sets the tone for a more elevated look that matches the texture of the shoulder bag and ballet flats, while the jersey pieces in a complementary shade of grey bring the outfit down a notch so it feels more effortless. The headband is a playful nod to the classic ballet aesthetic, and the flats would look super cute with sheer ribbed socks or leg warmers (Jennie vibes maybe?)
The Ivette collection is now available in stores and online.
Code COMAMBHQ10-5ZOEV6UII7 for 10% off with a minimum spend of USD 90.
Some pieces featured in these images are kind PR products from the team without obligation to share them on my blog. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission when you click the links and make a purchase.
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