Everytime I go to Europe, I feel like I have the same handbag dilemma. The baseline criteria: crossbody option with secure closure, capacity can be relatively small, needs to be light weight. Probably black, or a light neutral. Honestly my lululemon belt bag worked great for my last trip. But, as we also like to go luxury shopping and out to eat, I would like to carry something a little more "designer" so I feel put together in those settings. But not TOO obviously designer, if you more what I mean! Would love suggestions! I have many bags but still don't feel I have the right one for this situation yet.
Crowdsourcing ideas: under the radar designer bag, day to night use, 4 days, London?
- Thread starter ardenp
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Depends on your style. Alaia makes great lightweight bags in the laser cut line; the Miyake Bao Bao is nice if you are a bit avant garde, same with Rick Owens's crossbody leather bags; for something more classic, I'm a big fan of the Hermes Bolide in the smaller sizes and it's under the radar, for Hermes; the LV Alma is basically same shape as the Bolide, less expensive; The Row does great classic bags that work with almost anything; then there are lots of contemporary designers at better prices - but it's hard to recommend without knowing how you dress.
The Bolide came to mind for me, as well. You can wear it with a strap crossbody during the day and then remove the strap and carry it by the handles for a little more of a formal look at night.
I have a black Tumi crossbody I wear when out and about internationally. I do have a small LV wallet in it and also bring an LV wristlet along that I can use if we go out to dinner. I don't mind carrying it for short distances but for generally sightseeing, etc. I like my crossbody!
Loewe mini puzzle in light colored pebbled leather. Sturdy, almost indestructible. Can be handheld. Holds more than you think, esp. when combined with the Valextra (exposed temple) sun glass case). Squishes flat. Although it’s designer and the puzzle is well known, the mini seems to be a bit under the radar. Less under the radar, and holds a bit more, a coated leather, perforated dior mens crossbody saddle bag. Ergonomic, adjustable seat belt strap, no flashy hardware.
I also pack a Goyard gray St. Louis in case I want to carry more stuff. It packs flat, and my rimowa soft weekender can accommodate the handles. I’ve carried these bags on a month long trip through Italy, and to London, Paris, Dubai, and they cover every eventuality except beach or pool. After too many accidents, I prefer to use a cheap hotel room tote for that
I also pack a Goyard gray St. Louis in case I want to carry more stuff. It packs flat, and my rimowa soft weekender can accommodate the handles. I’ve carried these bags on a month long trip through Italy, and to London, Paris, Dubai, and they cover every eventuality except beach or pool. After too many accidents, I prefer to use a cheap hotel room tote for that
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In the past I've used a Tumi crossbody as well. I love it for its security and organization. Like the OP I'm searching for something a little more upscale. I'm also planning for an upcoming trip and I'm thinking of using a Chanel caviar WOC which can be worn under a coat or tossed inside my Tory Burch tote. The Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip tote is the same size as an LV Neverfull with the added features of a zipped top and a zip pocket inside. I wish the handles were nicer but, hey, it's a perfect tote in most other ways.
In addition to both of these, I'm considering a Prada Re-Nylon crossbody to replace my Tumi which has been my trusty go-to for many years. Not sure I would necessarily want to take all 3 bags unless I had the space and would be away for at least 2 weeks. One thing I've noticed when I travel, is that I do get tired of the same bag everyday, especially if it's a bit of a compromise style wise. What I love about the Tumi and Prada crossbodies, as well as the Chanel WOC, is that they sit flat and close to the body and you always know where they are.
I've taken my LV Epi Alma on trips and love that it is a great workhorse and holds a lot. I find that I do not like to use the strap for it as the bag is too bulky and bumps into things, so although it was a good option, it didn't pan out for me. I found the bag better suited to being hand carried or over the arm.
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Yes Herbag feels very safe. Leather strap is super thick; would be very hard for someone to cut.
DH is carrying the valextra tric trac
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Don’t entirely recommend bc it’s bulky and the main compartment doesn’t feel as secure
But it is cute lol
I immediately thought of the Loewe Mini Puzzle like @880 mentioned above. It's a great bag, packs more than you think, can pack flat, can be crossbody, shoulder or handheld for different looks, could change the leather strap to a chain strap when you want something "dressier", has a secure closure, is durable and lightweight. I have the mini puzzle in sand, which I think is a wonderful neutral color.
I also like the Chanel mini reissue like @Ghettoe mentioned above. I sometimes bring my mini reissue as my sole bag on long weekend trips & it works well. It has a bit less capacity than the mini puzzle though since it's more structured.
I also like the Chanel mini reissue like @Ghettoe mentioned above. I sometimes bring my mini reissue as my sole bag on long weekend trips & it works well. It has a bit less capacity than the mini puzzle though since it's more structured.
I agree with people saying puzzle, I’m in London and it’s still very much under the radar here.
Mulberry mini Alexa is my favourite holiday bag - it’s deceptively big and can fit much more in there than the mini puzzle e.g. my camera! Mulberry branding is quite discreet
Mulberry mini Alexa is my favourite holiday bag - it’s deceptively big and can fit much more in there than the mini puzzle e.g. my camera! Mulberry branding is quite discreet