Building a functional curated small collection

[bagsandbeach]

Hi all! Got into luxury handbags just a couple of years ago, so pretty new at this. I am somewhat of a minimalist and don't like owning things I don't use, so my ideal collection will definitely not have more than 10-15 bags (just an estimate).

What I look for in my bags:
1. I heavily prefer small bags - I really don't carry much, just my wallet, keys, phone, phone charger and Airpods (and Sanitiser + mask).
2. I'm also short, so big bags overwhelm my frame.
3. My clothing + shoes wardrobe consists of 80% neutrals (black, various shades of whites, browns, darker blues, darker reds like wine) and 20% pops of colour (only emerald green + reds + blush). So I prefer neutral bags, but a red bag would go very well with my wardrobe too.
4. My lifestyle is mostly casual. I can't carry bags which are too out there or too formal, prefer bags that looks chic with casual wear but can be dressed up.
5. Should be one of the two - Crossbody or shoulder, since I like being hands free. Purely top handle bags are too fussy for me.

Here goes my current collection! (Images are representative except for Chanel Medium, don't have good pics of other bags on my phone right now.)

Luxury
1. [Vintage] Chanel Medium Flap with 24k gold hardware (real image attached)
2. [Pre-loved] Chanel East West Flap in old Beige Claire with silver hardware
3. Louis Vuitton Croisette in Damier Ebene

Others
1. Senreve Maestra in Black- My work bag, pretty happy with it (I'm a software engg, so need all the organisation I can get + it's so nondescript). Also doubles as my travel bag when I need to carry my laptop.
2. Longchamp Le Pliage backpack - For travel and outdoor activities (hiking, photography, etc)







Although honestly, this collection serves me really well, I still want to add more pieces partly for function, and well, partly for some extra oomph.

Wishlist : Must-Haves
1. A Red bag - I find myself wishing for one many a times while creating outfits. That pop of colour would definitely help my wardrobe. Options I am exploring:
- My ABCDior in red - I love this but I'm afraid it's too big for a red bag.
- Chanel rectangular mini in red - Downside is that my collection will be very Chanel classic flap heavy, so that could become boring?

2. A wallet on chain - for formal occasions. Ideally would like this in a slightly subdued metallic leather. Options:
- Chanel WOC in iridescent ivory or gold
- YSL WOC in gold
- Sequin/Glitter bags like Judith Leiber or Jimmy Choo Emmie, but these are too formal and I won't be able to use it in regular outfits. With iridescent Chanel, I can still sometimes style it with regular outfits.

3. A very low-key bag in a neutral colour (taupe/tan) for times when I am not comfortable being recognised as a luxury owner (eg, work drinks)
- Celine belt bag or Celine Classic

4. A large bag which can fit my iPad and 13" laptop if need be. For occasions when Senreve Maestra is too bulky to carry. I'm not a regular tote person, so bucket bags or vertical totes or small totes would be best. Options:
- Celine Vertical tote or Celine Sangle
- LV NéoNoé in Damier Ebene or Epi Leather
- Small Dior Book Tote - if they come up with vertical versions in subtle prints

Wishlist : Bags that are unique/add character/aspirational
I'll get these only after checking off everything in my must-haves, and only if/when the right piece comes along.
1. A Chanel Seasonal
2. Fendi Peekaboo East-West or Pochette - embroidered
3. Hermes Kelly 25 or 28 - probably in Gris Tourterelle or Gold
4. Lady Dior in a fun colour if I don't buy a red Lady Dior

Would love to hear views and suggestions from you all!
Sorry for the long post

 

[bearah]

Re: #1 on your must-haves wishlist, I think the Lady Dior is beautiful but I'm not sure about its utility because it seems pretty delicate. It definitely does pop though!! Did you consider the mini size? The mini is quite small, but you don't carry too much so it might work! Chanel is just so classic, so maybe you could go for another Chanel silhouette in a red color! Burgundy is also really lovely if you want a pop of color but understated.

Re: #2, I agree, I think sequin/glitter bags are too formal! You'll likely not wear them at all save for those formal occasions. Definitely go with a Chanel or YSL WOC. I lean towards YSL for maximum versatility, and I personally love the Kate (have also been eyeing the Becky lately). But, the Chanel iridescent colors are so pretty and are definitely very unique!

For #3, you can't go wrong with Celine. I think the Givenchy Antigona is very low-ley as well. Another one to consider.

 

[bagsandbeach]

Re: #1 on your must-haves wishlist, I think the Lady Dior is beautiful but I'm not sure about its utility because it seems pretty delicate. It definitely does pop though!! Did you consider the mini size? The mini is quite small, but you don't carry too much so it might work! Chanel is just so classic, so maybe you could go for another Chanel silhouette in a red color! Burgundy is also really lovely if you want a pop of color but understated.

Re: #2, I agree, I think sequin/glitter bags are too formal! You'll likely not wear them at all save for those formal occasions. Definitely go with a Chanel or YSL WOC. I lean towards YSL for maximum versatility, and I personally love the Kate (have also been eyeing the Becky lately). But, the Chanel iridescent colors are so pretty and are definitely very unique!

For #3, you can't go wrong with Celine. I think the Givenchy Antigona is very low-ley as well. Another one to consider.

Thanks for your inputs!! I did consider the Lady Dior Mini, but it looks too formal because of the gold chain strap. ABCDior has a thick strap which makes it more casual. I've read that Dior lambskin holds up well, so kinda leaning towards it. But, wanna try a Chanel mini in red/burgundy in store before I buy either.