Help me find my next black bag

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J

jade

O.G.
Jan 15, 2006
1,571
1,376
#1
I have been on a neverending mission for the perfect black purse for a decade since my coach hampton carryall died.

I have had plenty of pretenders, but they do not seem to stick for various reasons. I was so sure Reed Krakoff's Boxer would be my dream bag till i realized the strap was impractical.

Can you give me some ideas on brands and styles?

Here is my list of must haves:

* Spacious enough to carry my essentials: think wallet, kindle, swell bottle, scarf, makeup case, and occasionally a 13 inch macbook
* a crossbody or longish shoulder strap and hand/elbow carry option. My commute includes the train or bus and a 15 minute walk each way, so i want plenty of options.
* secure closure
* not too many compartments (i hate center zips)
* subtle / minimal branding, i am fine with some hardware but no huge logos
* classic / sophisticated / structured: bags and brands I like - Celine, Hermes Kelly, Coach Borough, Michael Kors Selma and Miranda, Philip Lim Pashii, Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade, Reed Krakoff Boxer. No Mulberry Alexa for me. Cute but not my style.
* something that feels premium and is durable and will last a decade with 3-4x a week use

My budget is roughly $1500. What brands should i check out? I am sure there is something vaguely under the radar i haven't seen. My old standbys are failing me. Mulberry feels too plain. Prada too.

I work in San Francisco, so I have good access to many brands, I only need to detour a block or two to make Union Square en route.

What would you choose?
 
#2
I just bought a bag that I think suits your requirements: the Tods D Styling Bauletto in Medio. It can be hand carried and comes with a long strap too.

Alternatively, you can get the Givenchy Antigona. A little over your price range but worth it.
 
#5
Do you know which Boxer you tried out? There are two sizes (and I'm not including the micro here), with two different handle drops. The website is really crappy about explaining the difference, but sometimes the larger one is called "Boxer I." I have a Boxer I that I shoulder carry without a problem (though of course there's no real long strap for crossbody or anything). You can tell the difference most easily because the Boxer I has a divided interior--two large open sections divided by a zip compartment.

Not sure if that would actually help it meet your needs, but wanted to make sure you knew. I love my Boxer :)
 
#6
leechiyong said:
Perhaps check out Ferragamo? Not sure if the opening will be wide enough for your laptop, but there's this:

http://www.ferragamo.com/shop/en/usa/women/handbags/small-tote-548190--1

I also like Tiffany and Co and Want Les Essentiels de la Vie for work bags.
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Oh I had the Sofia on my list a year ago but when I looked at the bag in person it felt a little slouchier than I wanted. I was at bloomies today and the new one was so much better. Lined in leather vs fabric before. And an updated design that keeps it shape more. I think we have a winner. I need to try out the pebbled leather and figure out the perfect size!
 
#7
melvel said:
I just bought a bag that I think suits your requirements: the Tods D Styling Bauletto in Medio. It can be hand carried and comes with a long strap too.

Alternatively, you can get the Givenchy Antigona. A little over your price range but worth it.
Click to expand...


I always admire the Antigona but it is a little too dressy for my lifestyle. It is lovely but I'd have trouble toting that in a casual outfit with slacker shoes! :P
 
#8
NicoleByTheLake said:
Do you know which Boxer you tried out? There are two sizes (and I'm not including the micro here), with two different handle drops. The website is really crappy about explaining the difference, but sometimes the larger one is called "Boxer I." I have a Boxer I that I shoulder carry without a problem (though of course there's no real long strap for crossbody or anything). You can tell the difference most easily because the Boxer I has a divided interior--two large open sections divided by a zip compartment.

Not sure if that would actually help it meet your needs, but wanted to make sure you knew. I love my Boxer :)
Click to expand...


I really love the boxer and have been admiring it for so long. I think I looked at them both but I found the strap too short if I was wearing anything other than a cardigan with my chubby arms! It was a right fit.

If I was still driving to work it would be a no brainier. But it is just a bit too heavy and impractical for my current lifestyle. I do like the RK40. It is almost perfect!
 
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