Help me choose my first ever luxury bag

[chaliyai]

Hello together & thank You for visiting my thread

I'm about to buy my first designer bag & I'm currently debating if I want to pick up the Prada Re-edition 2005 (the saffiano leather strap version), the YSL Toy LouLou or the Loewe Mini Puzzle bag.
(As far as pricing goes, the Prada would be the lowest end and the Loewe would be the most expensive, so Saint Laurent in the middle.)

I watched a lot of reviews & read multiple threads - but still, I can't decide, because I love all of them.

Getting all 3 wouldn't be an option, because I don't want to spend a huge amount of money and then maybe recognize, that the hole luxury-bag-thing is not for me.

I'm 26 at this point and my style is quite casual.

All bags should be big enough for my needs, I don't carry a lot.

I would be really happy for some votes & if You would tell me, WHY you voted for any of these bags.



Thank you a lot

 

[PineappleMinnie]

I vote for Loewe.

Prada Re-Edition: This bag is coming back to fashion, but don’t know how long that’s going to last. Also, it’s too much to pay for a nylon bag (just my personal opinion).

YSL Toy LouLou: The bag is nice, but I have heard YSL’s quality can be hit and miss. I have never owned a bag from YSL, but I had a card holder from them. The colour started chipping after a few uses, and I eventually sold it.

Loewe Puzzle: This would be my pick because the leather is high quality and feel very nice. The bag is more low-key and doesn’t scream designer. It can be very versatile in different settings.

 

[maris.crane]

I have both a Toy Loulou and the same Nylon Prada; never been sold on the Loewe Puzzle.

But for a first, I’ll echo part of PinappleMinnie’s post: the Prada I think is a bit too casual to be truly versatile; and it is a reissue so who knows how long the hype may last.

I’m leaning towards the YSL; and I’d recommend finding a chain strap on Etsy for more dressy occasions; or get a Coach Dinky chain to pair with it.

 

[sugarisgood]

As the others have mentioned, I think the Prada nylon is a casual bag so I opted out of it.

I picked the Loulou since I like the look of the leather personally, however I do like the Loewe too. Definitely get a chain strap as maris mentioned above if you decide on the Loulou - dress it up or down.

 

[dreamalittledream]

YSL loulou. Think it can be used casually and formally.

 

[misskittee]

The Toy Loulou! To me, it's like an irresistible puffy nugget. I love mine for day and night. I did buy a dressier chain for it but never ended up using it, felt like it worked well enough with my closet as is.

 

[indiaink]

Loewe - under the radar, no advertising, quietly elegant and classy, but with an element of fun about it. Two straps. Multifunctional!

 

[IntheOcean]

The LouLou.

It's casual enough to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt but it would look just as great with a nice dress. In other words, it can dress up an outfit, if need be, in ways I don't think the other two options can. And that leather is sumptuous!

 

[mariliz11]

I have the Prada Nylon and Medium Loulou. As a first purchase I agree with the Loulou. It’s a more classic option and you can wear it with a casual or dressier outfit and is gonna look timeless always

 

[mediumleathergood]

I don’t have much to add on each individual bag except to say that
I never realized how cool the puzzle bag looks in black which is why I voted for it. It looks really sleek and futuristic but the leather/slouch ground it.

More general advice since this is your first luxury bag purchase - I recommend you explore some of why you want a luxury bag. the brand? Quality of the materials/construction? Unique/iconic/thoughtful design elements? The overall style? There’s no right or wrong answers, it’s just to help you identify why each of these bags speak to you and then prioritize which one to buy. If it comes down to the Lou Lou and the puzzle I think it will mainly depend on which fits your style best and if you want/need the versatility of the Lou Lou. These are all great bags from great brands. Good luck with your choice!

 

[Catash]

I have the same toy loulou and it is one of my most used bags!

 

[Ready2wear]

I would choose the Loewe puzzle, but in small rather than mini. The small fits more items (but is still small), is more versatile in how it can be worn/carried in practice than the mini, and will serve you well for years.

I’d be hesitant to buy a true mini bag as your first designer bag. The small size puzzle has stood the test of time already (IMO), is cute today, and will be reached for tomorrow.

 

[Joule]

The Loewe is my favorite of the three choices, but the LouLou is the most versatile. I'd go for versatility in selecting your first bag.

 

[totally]

I voted for the Toy Loulou! The Prada Re-edition is quite expensive for a nylon bag, whereas the Loewe puzzle is more of a casual bag. The YSL LouLou goes well with casual outfits but can be dressed up as well. I'd vote for the Loewe puzzle only if you really value subtle luxury and you don't foresee the need for a fancier occasion bag (which is rare during COVID times!). I recommend the small over the mini puzzle though, the opening is bigger.

 

[chaliyai]

Hello everyone & thank you all for your very helpful answers. I appreciated them a lot.

I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the YSL Toy LouLou few minutes ago.

In the last days, I was still debating between the Loewe Puzzle and the Toy LouLou - and I ended up getting the LouLou....
BECAUSE: in Germany, where I live, the LouLou went up from 995€ to 1150€ yesterday on the YSL website. Some resellers still had not increased the prices on their websites yet.
So with my 10% off student coupon code, I was able to get one for 900€ so I thought I just HAD TO take this chance

I still can't stop thinking about the Loewe. I love it for multiple reasons. I like that it's very understated without any big logos on the one hand - but it has a unique, kind of extravagant shape on the other hand. And then: I loooove love love the craftsmanship, the quality of the leather, the top-handle & that it's still handmade.
I think the puzzle bag will be my next pick. Maybe in a warmer color, maybe tricolored. And maybe not the mini, but the small for the reasons you mentioned.

But for now; I am very happy with my purchase. YSL bags come at a good price point and as you all mentioned, the bag is very versatile.
I chose black with silver hardware for my first luxury bag. Timeless, carefree & I don't have to fear hardware-chipping.


I will post a picture, when my bag finally arrives