Griet’s Review of the Sardine Bag

[grietje]

I should start with the fact that I am a huge fan of anything fish. As I swimmer I feel at home in the ocean and get such joy from being around aquatic life. So when the Sardine was introduced, I thought “this is a ‘me’ bag.”

But me is also practical so the bag has to be able to be worn with different outfits, be easy enough to carry, and hold my essentials.

The good news is, it works! It’s a neat piece and it makes me happy. I thought I’d share my observations and how I intend to wear it.

Let’s start with how it looks.

The larger weave works with the proportion. It’s new so it’s stiff. I’m hoping it softens over time and develops a nice drape.


The handle is sold brass and this is what gives the bag its weight. The scratches and marks are signs it was hand forged. I don’t love this.

It hold a a lot! The orange scarf booklet is supposed to represent a phone.

 

[grietje]

Let’s move on to how to carry it.
It’s best hand held. If you flip the fish on the side, it can be carried as a clutch or under the arm. (I have photos with outfit ideas that show this.)

While possible, I think it looks dorky carried on the shoulder. (The outfit I have on certainly doesn’t help.)

 

[grietje]

Outfit time!

I want this to be a bag I grab for so that means it should go with most of what I like to wear. Here goes!

(For reference I am 5’10” and 147lbs).

So a fall/winter look. It’s ok. Better than I expected.


Much better. Casual spring outfit.


I could live in this outfit. It looks great with white.

A bit more dressed up. It’s a rather big bag for a dressier look so I might wear it as a clutch instead.


Another casual look. I don’t know about this one. Thoughts? (I’m thinking this dress is a bit frumpy and if I want to wear the dress, throw on sneakers and a wee crossbody and leave the fish at home.) Do you think it works with the color?


I mean it works in terms of color but is the look off with shorts?

 

[grietje]

So that’s it. I welcome questions, comments, help on how to style it better, and anything else.

Oh by the way, it could be a weapon. Smack someone hard with the fish end, and I’m pretty sure he/she would go down.

 

[Ladybaga]

Congratulations on your bag!( I am dabbling into the BV world and just purchased a red padded cassette back in February. My mom carried BV, so I love how it reminds me of her. My next will be more classic with the smaller weave.

I have wanted to see pics in action of the Sardine bag. It looks so good on you, and I love how it has special meaning to you as a swimmer. You styled it perfectly, too. Thank you, again, for these wonderful photos.

 

[plastic-fish]

Uh-ma-zing! Great photos, your styling is terrific, I think all ideas works well. The mod shots are super helpful for size, etc. I’m looking a little differently at the stiff fish that is The Sardine. Thanks for posting.

 

[CoastalCouture]

Yay! Congratulations on your new Sardine bag! I love your styling photos. I agree with you that a couple of the looks are a little iffy - the casual drawstring waist dress and the shorts. I think both are a little too casual for the bag. The fish handle presents as another piece of jewelry, a cool one at that. Would you say it is heavy or lighter than it looks?

 

[grietje]

@CoastalCouture, I’m so glad you saw this and I knew your elegant eye would tell me what worked and what didn’t. The notion of the handle as jewelry is a good guide.

I think keeping the looks clean and simple will do best with the bag.

And to your question, it’s heavier.

 

[hijulisa]

Thanks for the great review! It definitely seems like a versatile bag. My favorite outfit is your first one with the black sweater and loafers.

 

[papertiger]

Love this review, initial impressions and exploration with your wardrobe!!!!

The hand-cast brass is more natural and works well with your wardrobe and all the textures.

Styling:
I think the bag looks great on you as a small, elegant day > eve bag. Your wardrobe aesthetic looks really good with the Sardine too.

To my eye, I think it looks great with with a dressier look and I really like the slightly more heeled sandals. You can carry as a clutch - and YES I do think you could carry over the shoulder - but with the little dresses '00s-style.

I don't mind it with the draw-string dress, but you could make it edgier and lighter (in weight) by wearing a black bra and lighter coloured sandals that aren't flatforms and/or a bit more dainty.

I'm not usually a fan of matching shoes and bag, and although it works for this bag, black is a heavy/strong colour so don't feel you need to (balance it by wearing anything else black). With hit bag, in the white dress, I don't think you need the black shoes. Not shoes, but you can go for a more arty look with 'balancing' with white or something in the gradient just a step away, dark-taupe, bark, ebony, ash or graphite. You could also use a fine black accessories like a leather bracelet/wrap, hair tie, rimmed glasses - all things that are anti-jewellery jewellery.

 

[grietje]

@papertiger, I am so grateful for the input! The black bra would be an exciting move for me.

And I really like the different shade of shoe idea. I can see the vibe you’re describing in my head. I will play with this.

And I know I should play more with accessories. This is an area of insecurity for me.

 

[880]

Outfit time!

I want this to be a bag I grab for so that means it should go with most of what I like to wear. Here goes!

(For reference I am 5’10” and 147lbs).
View attachment 5747263
So a fall/winter look. It’s ok. Better than I expected.

View attachment 5747264
Much better. Casual spring outfit.

View attachment 5747265
I could live in this outfit. It looks great with white.
View attachment 5747266
A bit more dressed up. It’s a rather big bag for a dressier look so I might wear it as a clutch instead.

View attachment 5747267
Another casual look. I don’t know about this one. Thoughts? (I’m thinking this dress is a bit frumpy and if I want to wear the dress, throw on sneakers and a wee crossbody and leave the fish at home.) Do you think it works with the color?

View attachment 5747268
I mean it works in terms of color but is the look off with shorts?

You look so amazing! And so is the bag! Wow!

love with shorts, but your killer figure eclipses the bag

ETA: the dress is not frumpy. Re accessories, I think you would look amazing with the baroque pearl on a leather cord kind of thing. Etsy has a lot. . .

 

[A bottle of Red]

I actually like it with the shorts

 

[OriginalBalenciaga]

WOW...GORGEOUS...you and the bag! I actually like it with the shorts (and I am very jealous of your legs) but think it might be the top that's throwing it off...could you try the shorts with a black t shirt or tank? Or another solid color? I have a feeling that could work as an easy summer look! Add some earrings and you are all set! Thank you so much for taking and sharing the photos too!

 

[smallfry]

Congratulations @grietje! Both you and the way you’ve styled the bag are beautiful! I love that it has a special meaning for you.

Also loved seeing your sweet pups, they are adorable!