Advice for 1st everyday premier bag

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beccaboo1234

Member
May 1, 2016
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#1
Hello fellow bag lovers,
I am trying to solicit some advice for my first premier bag that I will wear everyday. I have purchased mostly pre-loved premier and mostly for gifts for my mother/sister. I have gifted my mother and sister pre loved bags from Miu Miu and Dior, and have purchased a vintage LV Saumur 35 that I ended up giving to my mother because I found the mono a little too flashy for my taste. I have found my taste to be pretty minimalist, and I am the type of person to wear 1 or 2 bags into the ground rather than have many different bags and switch them up daily. The bags I tend to wear are 1. Tote bags or similar for work and 2. WOC/ small crossbody for when I am not at work. My current bags are a stone colored basic tote from Cuyana that I got as a gift from my BF and use for work daily, and a black vegan leather crossbody from Aritzia that I love because its carefree and minimalist and not flashy at all. I am in the market to replace both of these bags and would love some advice. A little about me:
-I don't really like bags that are too flashy/ in-your-face. i.e. the Gucci Marmont bags and Chanel classic flap are a little bit much for my taste. However, I do like the look of this Gucci petite Marmont WOC https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/gucc...0_cat000730_cat2880735_cat6170735_cat47730732
and the Chanel WOC in black with SHW https://www.chanel.com/us/fashion/p/A84370Y3335094305/wallet-on-chain-calfskin-gold-tone-metal/. I feel both of these have logos that are small enough that aren't as recognizable from far away.
- I like the look of all-black bags like this Saint Laurent https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/saint-...ds/Saint Laurent/All Saint Laurent&color=nero because the logo isn't as flashy when it blends into the bag. I also have the exact same thing in a cardholder that was my first premier boutique purchase.
- I work in retail and can't afford to constantly buy new bags, so I want my new bags to be classic and relevant for at least a couple years. Also, I am very carefree with my bags and do not want a bag that will need to be babied in any way. I understand that bags will be scratched, etc and I don't care that much, but I don't want to ruin a very expensive bag that doesn't fit my lifestyle.
- I would like to keep each bag around or under $1600. I don't mind buying good condition preloved or new, and I don't really care about resell value since I plan on wearing it into the ground so to speak.
-It doesn't have to be a current style. i.e. I like the look of the Saint Laurent Betty that was around a few years ago because its a nice bag and isn't instantly recognizable because I don't feel like it was super popular when it came out.
-I really get the most use out of black bags so I think I would like to keep both bags black.
I am open to suggestions from contemporary designers as well! I am by no means a brand snob and have seen some lovely Strathberry and Mansur Gavriel pieces. Ultimately I want bags that make my heart sing and I prefer not to have the same bag as everyone else. I wear a lot of black and like to look fashionable but not too trendy. I am young (mid 20s) and would like bags that are age-appropriate for me. Also, not really relevant, but I work at Sak's and would like to take advantage of my employee discount. However, I am also open to paying full price for the bag(s) of my dreams! Sorry this post is so long and thank you for taking the time to read it! Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
#2
For the crossbody:

  1. Saint Laurent Bellechasse (either preloved or maybe with a cash back option)
  2. Just Campagne mini Confort (can be customized))
  3. Givenchy GV3 mini
  4. Pickett London mini Rosie

For the tote:

  1. Clare V Simple Tote
  2. Balenciaga Papier (pre-loved)
  3. Sophie Hulme Albion

Have fun shopping!
 
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#3
bellebellebelle19 said:
For the crossbody:

  1. Saint Laurent Bellechasse (either preloved or maybe with a cash back option)
  2. Just Campagne mini Confort (can be customized))
  3. Givenchy GV3 mini
  4. Pickett London mini Rosie

For the tote:

  1. Clare V Simple Tote
  2. Balenciaga Papier (pre-loved)
  3. Sophie Hulme Albion

Have fun shopping!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the response! What lovely choices :)
I'd never heard of Just Campagne or Pickett London - beautiful looking leather bags and very elegant and simple. The Bellechasse is a beautiful bag and a great suggestion thank you! As is the GV3.
I love Clare V and the simple tote is so chic but I'm looking for something with longer straps to carry on my shoulders.
The Papier is a great option - do you think I can find one without the little tassels? Maybe I can just cut them off lol.
The Albion is so beautiful! I don't know why I didn't think about it before - but I think I like the look of the small one as my crossbody bag.
I really appreciate the suggestions! I should go see some of these bags in person (the ones still in season)
 
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#5
Can't go wrong with a Chanel WOC. I'm dying to own one myself. However, even preused, these rarely go at or under $1600 unless you go with an unusual color. How do you feel about canvas bags? For a bit more than your budget, you can buy a canvas Hermes Garden Party tote. Super low-key, the only indicator it's Hermes is on the small button closure. Very simplistic, but the negative is that there is no way to attach a strap to it and the handles are too short for shoulder wear.
 
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#6
renee_nyc said:
If you like black and minimal, resale Celines may be a good option for totes
https://www.therealreal.com/phoenix...l-cabas-phantom-tote-w-slash-belt-MyhLmuEyMDI
This one is a bit more interesting
https://www.therealreal.com/phoenix...line-embossed-cabas-phantom-tote-w-slash-belt
Click to expand...
I love the Celine cabas totes just not sure about the belt. I feel like if i leave it untied its too open and if I tighten it, it looks like a very loose bucket bag. Perhaps a plain one without the belt? Do you happen to know how durable the leather is on something like this? I imagine its a thinner leather than they use for their luggage bags. I don't know if I am quite stylish enough to pull off an embossed leather bag.
 
#7
NateSelwyn25 said:
Can't go wrong with a Chanel WOC. I'm dying to own one myself. However, even preused, these rarely go at or under $1600 unless you go with an unusual color. How do you feel about canvas bags? For a bit more than your budget, you can buy a canvas Hermes Garden Party tote. Super low-key, the only indicator it's Hermes is on the small button closure. Very simplistic, but the negative is that there is no way to attach a strap to it and the handles are too short for shoulder wear.
Click to expand...
yeah the WOCs for Chanel are much cheaper than their regular bags but still pricey. I think it was more of an example of the size of the logo I'd be okay with rather than something I really wanted to buy. I would be able to buy one and then just buy a $500-$800 tote bag (and there are a lot of really nice tote bags for this price - a perk of not wanting anything too flashy) but I think unless I were to receive one as a gift I can't see myself shelling out that much money for a bag. As for the garden party, I feel that it is almost too whimsical for my taste. I have no problems with canvas bags, but it feels (at least to me) like a bag you would take to the farmer's market to put groceries in. Plus, wearing it only on the crook of my arm or handheld would drive me crazy. Thank you so much for the advice, though. I really appreciate it!
 
#8
beccaboo1234 said:
I love the Celine cabas totes just not sure about the belt. I feel like if i leave it untied its too open and if I tighten it, it looks like a very loose bucket bag. Perhaps a plain one without the belt? Do you happen to know how durable the leather is on something like this? I imagine its a thinner leather than they use for their luggage bags. I don't know if I am quite stylish enough to pull off an embossed leather bag.
Click to expand...

I don't have first hand experience with the totes but a few people I work with have them and they look pretty hardy. I do have a trio which I absolutely love and I have been using it almost everyday. It's held up well but it is soft leather. I think the tote would have leather that's in between a trio and luggage.
 
#9
renee_nyc said:
I don't have first hand experience with the totes but a few people I work with have them and they look pretty hardy. I do have a trio which I absolutely love and I have been using it almost everyday. It's held up well but it is soft leather. I think the tote would have leather that's in between a trio and luggage.
Click to expand...
thank you! :)
 
#10
For the totes my recommendations are the Celine Sangle and the Fendi Selleria Anna, both of which can be found pre-loved. For the crossbody, I’d look into Mark Cross (Grace or Dorothy), and the Celine Trotteur and micro Belt. The Row also makes some beautiful minimalist bags, including the Hunting bag, and Lanvin may be worth a look too. Good luck.
 
#11
For an understated, small crossbody, I’d suggest checking out two Bottega Veneta bags: the Nodini and the Mini Montebello. The Nodini (aka Pillow bag) is more casual, the Mini Montebello can go either dressy or casual. The mini Montebello is a bit larger than a WOC. The Nodini is a little bigger (perhaps comparable to a Gucci Disco). Both are excellent quality and very understated.

Since you said you’re open to Contemporary as well, Longchamp has several small leather crossbodies that might fit your criteria. The Mademoiselle, Cavalcade, Amazone and Le Pliage Heritage lines all have small crossbody bags that are good quality without big logos.
 
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#12
serenityneow said:
For the totes my recommendations are the Celine Sangle and the Fendi Selleria Anna, both of which can be found pre-loved. For the crossbody, I’d look into Mark Cross (Grace or Dorothy), and the Celine Trotteur and micro Belt. The Row also makes some beautiful minimalist bags, including the Hunting bag, and Lanvin may be worth a look too. Good luck.
Click to expand...
The Celine Sangle and Fendi Anna are both beautiful! And I do love the Trotteur and the Box bag. Mark Cross bags are lovely and minimalist as well. Decisions...
 
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#13
catsinthebag said:
For an understated, small crossbody, I’d suggest checking out two Bottega Veneta bags: the Nodini and the Mini Montebello. The Nodini (aka Pillow bag) is more casual, the Mini Montebello can go either dressy or casual. The mini Montebello is a bit larger than a WOC. The Nodini is a little bigger (perhaps comparable to a Gucci Disco). Both are excellent quality and very understated.

Since you said you’re open to Contemporary as well, Longchamp has several small leather crossbodies that might fit your criteria. The Mademoiselle, Cavalcade, Amazone and Le Pliage Heritage lines all have small crossbody bags that are good quality without big logos.
Click to expand...
The mini Montebello bag is gorgeous! Thank you so much for your advice I will check out Longchamp. I'm only familiar with their Le Pliage line.
 
#14
beccaboo1234 said:
The mini Montebello bag is gorgeous! Thank you so much for your advice I will check out Longchamp. I'm only familiar with their Le Pliage line.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear you like it! The Mini Montebello comes in a variety of colors and styles so the price can vary somewhat.

Longchamp makes great leather bags. IMO they have some of the best quality for price of any contemporary brand. And also, not too much branding, logos, etc.

Please let us know what you end up getting! :smile:
 
#15
I remember when I was getting my first bag, and I had a very similar wish list to yours..

I know it's very cliche, but you might want to consider a neverful in black epi. You said you don't want what everyone else has, but this bag really is timeless, and there is a reason LV is so popular. These bags wear like iron and never give up. You could wear it every day for ten years, and it will still look pretty good.
Also, I live in San Francisco, and I see a lot of girls your age getting a basic black goyard st. Louis. It's also kind of common, but really mostly among purse people. it's effortless, and what I like most about these two bags (St. Louis and neverfull) is that they will never be removed from the "line up." They won't look dated or weird in 5 or even 10 years. So you know your investment will not be "yesterdays bag." For those of us who spent good money on fendi baguettes, for example, this is priceless..

When it comes to the chanel WOC, I agree you have picked a good one. I think the reissue is even more classic and even more understated, and that one might fit your personality even better. They occasionally make reissue WOC's. Also the chanel camera bag is a great silhouette which is classic, more practical, and less common than the flap. You might want to check those out.

Good luck! I love your minimalistic approach! I am the same way! If you buy right the first time, you'll be set for years..
 
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