Introduction and question :)

[FortySomething]

Hi all

I post often on the LV forum but haven't posted here. Wanted to say hello to the ladies here and ask a question. So ... hello everyone! Hope you all are having a fab day.

And now for my question. Can you recommend a designer handbag under $2,500 that would be an all purpose bag (can be carried to work, on the weekend, to a dinner..... basically "one bag to rule 'em all"). My criteria:
- Under $2,500 (new, not pre-loved)
- Must be secure (no open top) but still easy to get in / out of
- Medium size that should accommodate the following: medium sized wallet (LV compact Adele), LV cles, small hairbrush, large phone, small coin purse, small makeup bag with odds and end like bandaids and hands wipes
- An inside zip compartment for things like passport
- Leather preferred
- Semi structured
- Must not look like luggage on me (I am petite - 5 ft 1 inch, small build)
- Doesn't need to be babied. I am good with my bags but don't want to worry so much about them that I can't relax and enjoy myself when I am carrying the bag. I am careful I don't put my bags on the floor, but don't want to be paranoid
- Shoulder carry option. My preference it to have the bag hang around the waist rather than the hip. The Chanel medium flap falls around waist height when the chain is doubled. That is where I want the bag to hit. When a bag hangs around the hip, it makes short li'l me look even shorter
- MUST be light (shoulder pain)
- Must not be too "cutesy" (my style is very sedate - almost preppy?)
- Must be available in the U.S.

I think I would love to buy the Chanel flap in m/l (would satisfy most of my criteria) but it is not in the budget (not by a long shot since I don't want to buy pre-owned).

Any recommendations?

Thanks
FS

 

[Prettyvogue]

Balenciaga City!

 

[Easyeve]

Hi and welcome! I would suggest the YSL College bag in size large. I think you will find it fits all if your criteria....plus it's a beautiful bag! The only draw back I find is the monogram on the front, but it doesn't take away from the construction, quality and overall look of the bag. You can take it from day to night. Biggest draw is you can fit all you need without being weighed down!

Second runner-up I would suggest is the PS1 bag. Over time though, the bag will slouch. If you can live with that then it's a great bag. I don't always feel it transitions well to night but it's still a great bag. Excellent compartment storage.

Third runner up: Alexander McQueen Padlock satchel size small. It's a beautiful bag that works for day and night. Excellent look and feel. One of its biggest draws is that you won't see it everywhere!!! It's price point also makes its a great bag.

Those are my three suggestions! Good luck, interested to hear what you decide.

 

[averagejoe]

The Gucci GG Marmont in medium seems to fit your description. It is $2300 (which is an amazing price for a leather bag).

- the top closes with a flap so it has a secure opening
- a medium size that doesn't dwarf you at all
- has an interior zipped pocket for your passport
- it is structured but the leather is soft
- grained leather texture means you don't need to baby the bag (surface is less prone to showing scratches)
- comes with a detachable strap for shoulder carry
- made from Gucci's lightweight leather to keep the weight minimal
- perfect for a preppy look, especially with the styling of Alessandro Michele
- available in the US, at Gucci boutiques, and online at https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/wome...ductGridComponent&categoryPath=Women/Handbags

I would have suggested the Fendi 2Jours but the top is opened and you don't like that. The next best thing in this price range seems to be the Gucci GG Marmont.

 

[papertiger]

The Gucci GG Marmont in medium seems to fit your description. It is $2300 (which is an amazing price for a leather bag).

- the top closes with a flap so it has a secure opening
- a medium size that doesn't dwarf you at all
- has an interior zipped pocket for your passport
- it is structured but the leather is soft
- grained leather texture means you don't need to baby the bag (surface is less prone to showing scratches)
- comes with a detachable strap for shoulder carry
- made from Gucci's lightweight leather to keep the weight minimal
- perfect for a preppy look, especially with the styling of Alessandro Michele
- available in the US, at Gucci boutiques, and online at https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/wome...ductGridComponent&categoryPath=Women/Handbags

I would have suggested the Fendi 2Jours but the top is opened and you don't like that. The next best thing in this price range seems to be the Gucci GG Marmont.

Great minds think alike, perfect!

 

[Cloudburst2000]

Balenciaga City!

Definitely NOT a semi-structured bag

 

[Cloudburst2000]

I think a Fendi By the Way bag ticks many of your boxes. I have the small size but it is available in the larger sizes within your price range. This bag is super easy to wear, and is not heavy. I tried on the larger sizes also before deciding on my small one and they were all pretty light. I also don't feel the need to baby the bag. IMO, this bag is very durable. The strap is adjustable (a must-have for us petite folks). I am about same height as you and on shortest strap setting, it hits around rib cage. On longest strap setting, I can just get away with wearing it crossbody. The strap is also removable and it can be carried as a clutch or hand-held. Very versatile bag in terms of carrying options. I liked the bag when I got it but didn't think I would like it as much as I do. I think it is an over-looked bag style.

 

[Prettyvogue]

Definitely NOT a semi-structured bag

Lol, not a structured bag but the croc embossed ones appear to be more rigid (semi structured, if you will) from what I have seen.