Best luxury bag for both regular casual wear and evening events?

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sparklebunny

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Dec 16, 2019
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#1
Hi all, I am curious if anyone has opinions about this. Since COVID, I have been WFH and haven’t had as many social events to attend. Still, I’m considering investing in a nice luxe bag that can be easily dressed up and down. (I think the most straightforward answer are small black bags?)

My general style is very relaxed (think jeans and sneakers).

Feel free to share your favorite brands and styles. Thanks for your thoughts!
 
#3
sparklebunny said:
Hi all, I am curious if anyone has opinions about this. Since COVID, I have been WFH and haven’t had as many social events to attend. Still, I’m considering investing in a nice luxe bag that can be easily dressed up and down. (I think the most straightforward answer are small black bags?)

My general style is very relaxed (think jeans and sneakers).

Feel free to share your favorite brands and styles. Thanks for your thoughts!
Click to expand...
What’s your budget? And what are you expecting the bag to do during the day? Multiple errands? Go to court? Or go to lunch, shopping and then cocktails afterwards?

My first thought is WoC - a wallet on a chain/strap. Looks like a clutch, can be used as a clutch, or can be dropped in a bigger bag. As a clutch, it skews a little more evening/cocktail hour but isn’t quite as day-like if that makes sense.

I’m currently liking the Jackie 1961. ( $1160 now)

Another option is a structured bag with a top handle. Doesn’t hold everything - but it has a smart appearance during the day and doesn’t look out of place for semi-formal to business formal (will look out of place for black tie and ridiculous with white tie)
In this category, I’m fond of Polene No 1 ($348) and the Delvaux Brilliant Mini ($6200, but you can find them pre-owned for $2700ish) (Other contenders in this category include Hermes Kelly, Chanel Coco Handle, Mini Lady Dior and Gucci Bamboo Top Handle)

And then there’s the “mini version of a classic bag in satin” which makes a lovely evening bag but you need a certain attitude to carry during the day.

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#5
Agree with @Vintage Leather what is your budget?

In terms of personal experience:
  • I have the prada re-edition 2005 in saffiano leather w/ gold hdw. The crossbody strap allows it to be casual while the shoulder strap lets me use it in the evenings for nicer events. I also like how the logo is quite small and discreet. Allows it to be more versatile in family and work events where things may get a little more sensitive. :P
  • I also have the YSL envelope bag, black on black, in size medium. A little more on the casual size due to a slightly larger size, but it being black with the semi-glossy leather finish does look nice.
  • I have the Moynat Gaby BB, to me it's design has the right amount of casual + dressy. And the BB size can fit a lot!

Other bags to consider:
  • Chanel reissue (in a small or smaller size)
  • Moynat rejane; maybe gabrielle (some people may find it a little too dressy due to it's structure)
  • Another vote for Delvaux!
 
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#7
Vintage Leather said:
What’s your budget? And what are you expecting the bag to do during the day? Multiple errands? Go to court? Or go to lunch, shopping and then cocktails afterwards?

My first thought is WoC - a wallet on a chain/strap. Looks like a clutch, can be used as a clutch, or can be dropped in a bigger bag. As a clutch, it skews a little more evening/cocktail hour but isn’t quite as day-like if that makes sense.

I’m currently liking the Jackie 1961. ( $1160 now)

Another option is a structured bag with a top handle. Doesn’t hold everything - but it has a smart appearance during the day and doesn’t look out of place for semi-formal to business formal (will look out of place for black tie and ridiculous with white tie)
In this category, I’m fond of Polene No 1 ($348) and the Delvaux Brilliant Mini ($6200, but you can find them pre-owned for $2700ish) (Other contenders in this category include Hermes Kelly, Chanel Coco Handle, Mini Lady Dior and Gucci Bamboo Top Handle)

And then there’s the “mini version of a classic bag in satin” which makes a lovely evening bag but you need a certain attitude to carry during the day.

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Click to expand...
Regarding your questions, I’m thinking more along the lines of a bag that can be used during ordinary tasks (like shopping) and then used for nicer events (going to the theater, special parties, etc.).

But it would mostly be used in casual settings, though.

The Jackie 1961 bag is stunning, I must say! I like that the black version is very subtle too (the branding is not obvious).
 
#8
sparklebunny said:
@Vintage Leather and @lill_canele

Sorry I didn’t mention my budget earlier—I’m thinking possibly $1-2K. (Will edit my original post. — Ah, just tried to modify it and it won’t let me.)

Thank you very much for the suggestions, links, and photos!!
Click to expand...

Got it, then for that price point I'd recommend:

  • Polene - great leather, will probably need to order, so be prepared to wait a bit
  • Strathberry - can be ordered online or found at Nordstrom, I don't know the brand or had a bag personally but they are popular and well-loved
  • Mulberry - also beautiful leather, I think there's a store in South Coast plaza California, but you can order online as well, they have a plethora of sizes and colors
  • Aspinal of London - can also be ordered online, again, no personal history with the brand but also a favorite among TPF, general public, and The British Monarchy
 
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#10
lill_canele said:
Got it, then for that price point I'd recommend:

  • Polene - great leather, will probably need to order, so be prepared to wait a bit
  • Strathberry - can be ordered online or found at Nordstrom, I don't know the brand or had a bag personally but they are popular and well-loved
  • Mulberry - also beautiful leather, I think there's a store in South Coast plaza California, but you can order online as well, they have a plethora of sizes and colors
  • Aspinal of London - can also be ordered online, again, no personal history with the brand but also a favorite among TPF, general public, and The British Monarchy
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! :)

I do own a Strathberry bag, a small East-West one. It is beautiful and I would recommend it.

I’ve heard about some inconsistencies about the quality of Polene’s bags—am I wrong?
 
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#12
sparklebunny said:
Thanks for the info! :smile:

I do own a Strathberry bag, a small East-West one. It is beautiful and I would recommend it.

I’ve heard about some inconsistencies about the quality of Polene’s bags—am I wrong?
Click to expand...

I have been fortunate in my Polene purchases. Bought a bag in 2017 or 2018 and bought another one in February this year, and they were both in perfect condition.

However, I have seen a fellow luxury IG friend get one with a bit of poor glazing (she posted it on her story yesterday so it's definitely a recent purchase). Not on the entire bag, I think it was just on part of the edge of the leather zipper pull.

I think that's always the risk one takes when buying online unfortunately. :sad: I am a person who generally buys 95% of the time in-store. But if I want something very badly and there's no other way but to fly to the store or get it shipped; I'll order it and hope for the best! (In my fantasy life, I'd be rich enough to fly to state or country that has the store hahaha :lol:)
 
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#13
Loewe Mini Flamenco came to mind. It comes with a removable leather crossbody strap. For dressier events, you could carry it as a clutch or buy a gold or silver chain strap for it. You can find the bag via various stores as well as directly from Loewe. You can find some preloved, if you want to stay under the $2k mark.
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