Hand carried? Shoulder? Crossbody? Size?I’m in my late 40’s and don’t own a single high end designer bagI’m a jeans, tshirt/sweater, and sneakers kind of gal when I’m not working. Looking for something that can be dressed up or down and goes with a slightly grungy (?) vibe. Does that even exist?
Almost 50/Want to buy 1st designer bag
- Thread starter Gyopomom
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Hermes
Evelyne tpm
Evelyne III 29
Both cross body bags and very casual, also if it is in US dollars both within your price range.
Evelyne tpm
Evelyne III 29
Both cross body bags and very casual, also if it is in US dollars both within your price range.
Look at:
Balenciaga
Prada (they had some really nice grungy styles about a decade back)
Saint Laurent, especially their SLGs
Proenza Schouler (the PS1 bag is my absolute favorite, PS1 and PS1+ came in some seasonal variations that you'd probably like)
Chanel Reissue bag
Balenciaga
Prada (they had some really nice grungy styles about a decade back)
Saint Laurent, especially their SLGs
Proenza Schouler (the PS1 bag is my absolute favorite, PS1 and PS1+ came in some seasonal variations that you'd probably like)
Chanel Reissue bag
I second the Balenciaga City. I don’t own one but perfect for the style you describe but could also dress up if you wanted. It comes in several colours.
I find Mulberry bags dress up or down too. I’m equally at home in jeans and trainers as well as work wear or smart outfits for going out at the weekend. Crossbody in Mulberry Alexa preloved, a medium Lily or perhaps a Leighton which is hobo style.
Your budget is quite high so may well
run to more high end designers too. Going to a shop with lots of concessions in it is a great idea. I recently visited London and Selfridges on Oxford street is a handbag lovers paradise for checking out bag designers/styles.
I find Mulberry bags dress up or down too. I’m equally at home in jeans and trainers as well as work wear or smart outfits for going out at the weekend. Crossbody in Mulberry Alexa preloved, a medium Lily or perhaps a Leighton which is hobo style.
Your budget is quite high so may well
run to more high end designers too. Going to a shop with lots of concessions in it is a great idea. I recently visited London and Selfridges on Oxford street is a handbag lovers paradise for checking out bag designers/styles.
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Saint Laurent's Niki.
Funny how we all have different perceptions. I would have never expected a Kelly, an Evelyne, or any Fendi bag to qualify as grungy
Funny how we all have different perceptions. I would have never expected a Kelly, an Evelyne, or any Fendi bag to qualify as grungy
C
Clearblueskies
You need to think about what you’re going to be using it for and how you prefer carrying your bags, otherwise the choice will overwhelm you. So make a decision about colour, size, crossbody v shoulder v hand carry etc. Slouchy v structured etc. If you refine your wish list you’re much more likely to find a bag you’ll be happy to live with.I’m in my late 40’s and don’t own a single high end designer bag
Can't edit my first post, so I'm just gonna post a separate one. Other good picks I remembered are:
Givenchy (Antigona and Pandora, their staples, come in many different variations, some of which are quite edgy)
Dior (they have been very prolific lately, many options to choose from, and some, I would say, might be up your alley)
Valentino (more dressy and sort of glam rock)
Alexander Wang (contemporary designer, so a lot cheaper than those I mentioned above, and not as popular as they once were, but still nice)
Marc Jacobs (used to be luxury, now pretty much entirely contemporary, check out the Snapshot bag)
Givenchy (Antigona and Pandora, their staples, come in many different variations, some of which are quite edgy)
Dior (they have been very prolific lately, many options to choose from, and some, I would say, might be up your alley)
Valentino (more dressy and sort of glam rock)
Alexander Wang (contemporary designer, so a lot cheaper than those I mentioned above, and not as popular as they once were, but still nice)
Marc Jacobs (used to be luxury, now pretty much entirely contemporary, check out the Snapshot bag)
Givenchy
Chanel Reissue
YSL
Balenciaga
Proenza Schouler
Alexander McQueen
These designs/designers definitely fit the grungy aspect. As for the Hermes Kelly - it's not grungy in and of itself, but I've seen some pretty rocker-esque vibes when they're accessorized with Chrome Hearts. But that is definitely more due to Chrome Hearts than Hermes.
Chanel Reissue
YSL
Balenciaga
Proenza Schouler
Alexander McQueen
These designs/designers definitely fit the grungy aspect. As for the Hermes Kelly - it's not grungy in and of itself, but I've seen some pretty rocker-esque vibes when they're accessorized with Chrome Hearts. But that is definitely more due to Chrome Hearts than Hermes.
For a jeans and tee gal I suggest Bottega Veneta Cervo hobo or loop, unfortunately they are not being produced any more but there are many beautiful Cervo bags in pristine condition on the resale market from sites such as my favorites Yoogis Closet, Fashionphile, Rebag & Ann’s Fabulous Finds. You have a budget that would allow for a large day bag and a smaller fun bag. A company called The Row also has some beautiful luxe bags that easily go from jeans to evening.
Some useful questions to ask yourself may be: Do you like or want visible branding or logos? Do you like hardware or decorations? If you like hardware are you a gold or silver gal? Do you like shoulder bags or top handles or both? Do you want a bag that completely zips closed or are you okay with a simple magnetic closure? Do you like flap closures? Do you like compartments? Do you like slouchy leather or something a bit more structured? Do you put your bags on a pedestal and keep them pristine with regular maintenance and cleaning or do you need something a bit more durable that looks good with some age on it?
Enjoy the journey and have a very happy 50th Birthday!
Some useful questions to ask yourself may be: Do you like or want visible branding or logos? Do you like hardware or decorations? If you like hardware are you a gold or silver gal? Do you like shoulder bags or top handles or both? Do you want a bag that completely zips closed or are you okay with a simple magnetic closure? Do you like flap closures? Do you like compartments? Do you like slouchy leather or something a bit more structured? Do you put your bags on a pedestal and keep them pristine with regular maintenance and cleaning or do you need something a bit more durable that looks good with some age on it?
Enjoy the journey and have a very happy 50th Birthday!
I’m not an Hermes gal but I’m pretty sure Birkins & Kellys are out of the OPs posted price range and I absolutely do not think ones first designer bag should be second hand with a 2-4K budget to spend. That amount can get you a fabulous brand new designer bag.
A Chanel reissue would be PERFECT. Goes with everything!
It really comes down to - how often do you want to use the bag, how much do you want to be able to carry regularly (laptop?) and do you want to be understated or is it going to be a tiny "dress-up" experience?
My work recently changed its dress code to "Employees are expected to dress appropriately." Really. That's all. So I started wearing black t-shirts, jeans, cardigan, tennis shoes every day, but I do continue to use my designer handbags that are big enough for laptop and gym clothing. Some of the bags are understated (Everlane zipper tote), other ones are more fun (Bottega cervo tote), and sometimes I carry a plain looking black backpack with my vintage Chanel inside.
Have fun shopping for yourself.
My work recently changed its dress code to "Employees are expected to dress appropriately." Really. That's all. So I started wearing black t-shirts, jeans, cardigan, tennis shoes every day, but I do continue to use my designer handbags that are big enough for laptop and gym clothing. Some of the bags are understated (Everlane zipper tote), other ones are more fun (Bottega cervo tote), and sometimes I carry a plain looking black backpack with my vintage Chanel inside.
Have fun shopping for yourself.
This black on black Dior has an edge and would look good with just about everything.
Where are y'all finding Birkins in her 2-4k price range?
