What is a good first mono bag?

If you want big...batignolles vertical or horizontal

If you want vachetta bottom...petit noe or alma

If you want sophisticated and fancy-ish...lockit or manhattan

If you want youthful and fun...papillon 30

If you want the look and feel of a speedy but not so ordinary...trouville

I also like the vavin, something just very simple about it and classic, the only thing if the straps are somewhat short if you wear a coat.

I AGREE TOTALLY!