I've found my perfect bag but there's a huge problem. Help!

[Antigone]

I think we have the same requirements for the perfect bag. Crossbody, no chain, silver hardware, and long straps. We're also of similar height.

I found my almost perfect bag from Fossil. Like you, I have been looking for a high-end equivalent But to no avail. I was also looking at Gucci Disco. But have read posts that the quality isn't up to par, and does not look/feel like a $1k handbag ($1450 here in Aus). I bought the mini Pandora, but did not like that it stayed looking like a box and did not slouch like the other sizes - I guess because it's too small to slouch. I have both the small and the medium Pandora, but they're too big for my everyday use.

Let me know if you find it!

 

[mleleigh]

A couple of cute options from Lumi:

Othilia mini crossbody


Jasmin oval bag


Björn messenger

 

[starkfan]

Wow, I can totally see why you'd have 9 Massaccesi bags, what an amazing choice they have!
It's another brand I'd never heard of but thank you for recommending them. Their website is fabulous.
For anyone like me who's never been there; they let you choose the leather and the colour of the hardware, plus there's a whole host of optional accessories like tassels and extra pockets that you can add on, creating your own bespoke bag.

I'm very impressed and now seriously considering the Penelope messenger in black with silver hardware and additional tassel!

Which leather of theirs holds up best for everyday use?

You should also know that you can ask them about customisations that aren't listed on their website too! When I got my first Penelope Messenger, I had a notion about adding a zipper closure to the main compartment so that it has 3 zipper closures (the front and back slim compartments which are zippered by default, as well as the main compartment in the middle), instead of the default magnetic closure in the middle. It worked out wonderfully, and that is now my preferred customisation for the Penelope Messenger!

You should definitely try searching through the Massaccesi general thread here, or there are a couple of useful reference threads too, to get a sense of what other customisations you could ask about on any bag they have, other than what they list on their website. If something really isn't doable, I believe Marco would usually let you know (it can be a pretty discussive process, but enlightening too!). For the Penelope Messenger, I also like customising the shoulder strap to be removable, in addition to changing the length to something that works better on me.

I also second the earlier suggestion for MZ Wallace -- the Paige in particular works fantastically as a crossbody, and it's slightly larger than the Penelope Messenger in dimensions and capacity. I used one of mine recently for travel and could fit a tonne in there for its size, including a foldable umbrella and a standard sized water bottle (500ml / 17 fl oz)! (My friend was amazed when I pulled the water bottle out of there ) The hardware colour will vary depending on the colour of the bag, but they do match their seasonal colours with silver hardware, so you just have to keep a lookout.

Edited to add, MZ Wallace's website also recently started offering free international shipping if your order exceeds a certain amount (specific threshold depends on your local currency, but it seems to convert to around US$180-185). Their international shipping includes any import duties payable in your country too, if I recall correctly.

 

[sherrylynn]

Have you looked at Rag & Bone?

 

[leopardskinpillboxhat]

Haha...this is getting complicated! But in a good way.
I'd not heard of Lumi but will def take a peek. Rag and bone also looks good, the photo above is close to my perfect bag with the top zip!
I'm moving towards maybe two bags at this rate, possibly a MZ Wallace for rainy days and when I need to carry a bit more and then a pimped up bespoke Massaccessi Penelope messenger as well. The cost of both combined should still be well under the grand I was planning to spend.
Choices, choices.. what a lovely dilemma to have.

 

[mleleigh]

Can't go wrong with a Massaccesi!

 

[leopardskinpillboxhat]

I think we have the same requirements for the perfect bag. Crossbody, no chain, silver hardware, and long straps. We're also of similar height.

I found my almost perfect bag from Fossil. Like you, I have been looking for a high-end equivalent But to no avail. I was also looking at Gucci Disco. But have read posts that the quality isn't up to par, and does not look/feel like a $1k handbag ($1450 here in Aus). I bought the mini Pandora, but did not like that it stayed looking like a box and did not slouch like the other sizes - I guess because it's too small to slouch. I have both the small and the medium Pandora, but they're too big for my everyday use.

Let me know if you find it!

I feel your pain...who would have though such basic specifications would be so hard to find in a high end bag? I'm learning a lot on here though and have had some great recommendations so some of them might take your fancy.
I think now the biggest obstacle is going to be my own expectation of having a 'name' brand to show off rather than a relatively unknown one. I know this makes me sound pathetically shallow, lol. And it's really not my character to be like that, its not as if I have the high end wardrobe to go with it, but it was just a sort of symbolic act, you know, here's me having come through the rain and I'm standing tall with my Prada/Gucci/whatever bag!
But this is such a petty problem..I'm sure the lure of that Italian leather will overcome my silly urge to show off!

 

[southernbelle43]

I feel your pain...who would have though such basic specifications would be so hard to find in a high end bag? I'm learning a lot on here though and have had some great recommendations so some of them might take your fancy.
I think now the biggest obstacle is going to be my own expectation of having a 'name' brand to show off rather than a relatively unknown one. I know this makes me sound pathetically shallow, lol. And it's really not my character to be like that, its not as if I have the high end wardrobe to go with it, but it was just a sort of symbolic act, you know, here's me having come through the rain and I'm standing tall with my Prada/Gucci/whatever bag!
But this is such a petty problem..I'm sure the lure of that Italian leather will overcome my silly urge to show off!

Oh believe me. You will have a bag to show off!

 

[southernbelle43]

Those of us who love MM tend to talk about how beautiful they are, how wonderful the leather is, etc. We forget to tell people how MM takes pride not only in the outer part of the bag, but the linings and the pockets. Here are some views of the inside of my latest MM, notice the quality of the lining material and the leather lined pockets and leather trimmed zippers. First rate!!!

 

[tickedoffchick]

Have you considered Longchamp? https://us.longchamp.com/products/longchamp-madeleine/crossbody-bag/l2063886001

 

[leopardskinpillboxhat]

Those Longchamp bags are so cute. They do a good line in general crossbodies and I've looked at those a few times but they're not quite right. Hard to put my finger on what makes me want to buy a bag it but I think I've found the one!
Will update the thread when I'm sure.

 

[christinemliu]

Sorry, late to the post and probably you have already decided. But for nylon, in addition to MZ, I also like Baggallini and Kipling. Here's a Kipling Attyson below.

For leather, there are definitely myriads of crossbody leather options since that style has become popular. Love Massaccesi as well... Celine Trio comes to mind too...

 

[christinemliu]

Sorry, late to the post and probably you have already decided. But for nylon, in addition to MZ, I also like Baggallini and Kipling. Here's a Kipling Attyson below.

For leather, there are definitely myriads of crossbody leather options since that style has become popular. Love Massaccesi as well... Celine Trio comes to mind too... View attachment 4076496

Ah sorry, Trio may be too thin to hold a water bottle. Anyway, let us know what you decide.

 

[dcooney4]

Hi, and thank you so much for the MZ Wallace recommendation. I had never heard of this brand before. They have some really great designs. Are they an American company? It looks like I'd have to import one from the US but Saks carries them and does good deals on shipping.
So these are a definite contender. I still like the idea of finding something in leather but at least the MZ Wallace nylon looks a bit more structured than Prada's.
Do they hold up well from everyday use? They look pretty sturdy but you can never tell really. Another issue, as I'm so far from any decent shops, has been having to imagine quality via photos online. This is why I'm a bit unsure of resale sites as well; at least if I buy new there won't be any hidden scratches or stains!

They are great quality and very functional. I have quite a few of them.

 

[anitalilac]

Haha...this is getting complicated! But in a good way.
I'd not heard of Lumi but will def take a peek. Rag and bone also looks good, the photo above is close to my perfect bag with the top zip!
I'm moving towards maybe two bags at this rate, possibly a MZ Wallace for rainy days and when I need to carry a bit more and then a pimped up bespoke Massaccessi Penelope messenger as well. The cost of both combined should still be well under the grand I was planning to spend.
Choices, choices.. what a lovely dilemma to have.

Massacessi would be a lovely choice. The workmanship is really good.