Let’s test your encyclopedic knowledge of bags....

[foxgal]

I’ve been through SO many bags, and researched SO many bags. But have yet to find THE ONE that actually fits my life. So I thought the great gals on tPF might be able to assist.

These are my preferences for an ideal bag:

• Top handle or double handles plus crossbody strap
• East-west orientation
• Mini/small size; 8-11” wide
• Casual vibe yet okay for nice situations too (ie. doesn’t need to be a true evening bag)
• Internal organization; at least inner pockets plus an outer pocket, or ideally an inner divider (ie no completely open black holes like a speedy)
• Minimal branding
• Quality leather
• Lightweight
• No more than $3000 MSRP; preferably less, contemporary and indie brands are good as long as decent quality
• Silver hardware
• Neutral mid-tone color like camel or grey
  
  Bags I’ve had in the past that have fit many of these things were the Givenchy Pandora and the Ferragamo Sofia. Willing to consider discontinued styles if it ticks most of the boxes! Do you know of any?

 

[IntheOcean]

That's a very fun challenge!

I think my very favorite bag might be of interest to you: Proenza Schouler PS1+ Tiny. It comes in lots of different colors & variations: zippers, colorblock, textures, etc. There's also a regular, more supple PS1 Tiny and the discontinued Pouch, which is very roomy for a small bag. Check out the preloved market, lots of options for a fraction of the original price. The leather is really nice, I believe all of the PS1+ and most of the PS1 bags are calfskin but some are lambskin. The only branding you'll see is on the hangtag and inside.

 

[cbarrus]

Although I have not seen this bag in person, It does seem to fit most of your requirements..

https://www.balenciaga.com/us/neo-classic-handbags_cod22009240gf.html#/us/women/handbags

 

[afroken]

Seconding Proenza Schouler PS1! Though I prefer the PS1 version more than the PS1+ version as I feel that the PS1+ is a bit heavier and too structured. Depends on what you prefer, can’t go wrong with either.

 

[foxgal]

Seconding Proenza Schouler PS1! Though I prefer the PS1 version more than the PS1+ version as I feel that the PS1+ is a bit heavier and too structured. Depends on what you prefer, can’t go wrong with either.

That's a very fun challenge!

I think my very favorite bag might be of interest to you: Proenza Schouler PS1+ Tiny. It comes in lots of different colors & variations: zippers, colorblock, textures, etc. There's also a regular, more supple PS1 Tiny and the discontinued Pouch, which is very roomy for a small bag. Check out the preloved market, lots of options for a fraction of the original price. The leather is really nice, I believe all of the PS1+ and most of the PS1 bags are calfskin but some are lambskin. The only branding you'll see is on the hangtag and inside.

View attachment 4948294

Thank you both! YES, how did I forget about the PS1?! I’ve often admired PS designs online and in stores. This indeed checks all the boxes. Definitely am drawn more to the supple version and looks like the Tiny would be a perfect size!

Question...do you ever find the closure fiddly with the clasp and the buckles? Or do you just leave the flap unsecured?

 

[foxgal]

Although I have not seen this bag in person, It does seem to fit most of your requirements..

https://www.balenciaga.com/us/neo-classic-handbags_cod22009240gf.html#/us/women/handbags

Good suggestion! I did have a vintage Town and really liked it!

 

[afroken]

Thank you both! YES, how did I forget about the PS1?! I’ve often admired PS designs online and in stores. This indeed checks all the boxes. Definitely am drawn more to the supple version and looks like the Tiny would be a perfect size!

Question...do you ever find the closure fiddly with the clasp and the buckles? Or do you just leave the flap unsecured?

The clasp is a joy to work with! Super easy to snap open and close, and gives a nice crisp sound when snapping shut lol. I would say out of all my bags with buckles, the PS1’s is my favourite. Not fiddly at all. One hand operation, PS1 totally nailed that one.

Also own a Mulberry Alexa and Phillip Lim Pashli (both are also good choices too ) but their clasps are more difficult (especially the Phillip Lim, where two hands are required to open and close).

 

[A bottle of Red]

As i read your post i thought about the fendi peekaboo, but it's a bit more expensive . They came out w a new east/west version as well - the i see u.
Come back and show us what you choose!

 

[foxgal]

The clasp is a joy to work with! Super easy to snap open and close, and gives a nice crisp sound when snapping shut lol. I would say out of all my bags with buckles, the PS1’s is my favourite. Not fiddly at all. One hand operation, PS1 totally nailed that one.

Also own a Mulberry Alexa and Phillip Lim Pashli (both are also good choices too ) but their clasps are more difficult (especially the Phillip Lim, where two hands are required to open and close).

Thanks - great to know! Ease of use is so important to me.

I was just looking at the Alexa recently...they have some really cute versions with a twist top handle. But it looks like one big open compartment...no back pocket or anything. The organization of the PS1 is great!

 

[foxgal]

As i read your post i thought about the fendi peekaboo, but it's a bit more expensive . They came out w a new east/west version as well - the i see u.
Come back and show us what you choose!

Yes, I LOVE the Peekaboo. But sadly price is a bit of an issue. I’ve seen some on sale but those are usually seasonal versions, not the basic ones in neutral colorways Perhaps a preloved one?

 

[Beauty2c]

I’ve been through SO many bags, and researched SO many bags. But have yet to find THE ONE that actually fits my life. So I thought the great gals on tPF might be able to assist.

These are my preferences for an ideal bag:

• Top handle or double handles plus crossbody strap
• East-west orientation
• Mini/small size; 8-11” wide
• Casual vibe yet okay for nice situations too (ie. doesn’t need to be a true evening bag)
• Internal organization; at least inner pockets plus an outer pocket, or ideally an inner divider (ie no completely open black holes like a speedy)
• Minimal branding
• Quality leather
• Lightweight
• No more than $3000 MSRP; preferably less, contemporary and indie brands are good as long as decent quality
• Silver hardware
• Neutral mid-tone color like camel or grey
  
  Bags I’ve had in the past that have fit many of these things were the Givenchy Pandora and the Ferragamo Sofia. Willing to consider discontinued styles if it ticks most of the boxes! Do you know of any?

How about Coach Cassie? There are a lot of threads on tPF about Coach Cassie.

 

[IntheOcean]

Thank you both! YES, how did I forget about the PS1?! I’ve often admired PS designs online and in stores. This indeed checks all the boxes. Definitely am drawn more to the supple version and looks like the Tiny would be a perfect size!

Question...do you ever find the closure fiddly with the clasp and the buckles? Or do you just leave the flap unsecured?

I always close the clasp, it's very easy and not cumbersome at all. But I never fasten the buckles, I doubt anyone does when using the PS1.

 

[Evia]

Fendi By The Way? I don’t own it but I’ve always liked it, I think there’s a mini and a small version.

 

[foxgal]

Fendi By The Way? I don’t own it but I’ve always liked it, I think there’s a mini and a small version.

Thanks! I’ve always liked the look of that one...just don’t think it has much organization, like separate compartments. Will check again!

 

[foxgal]

How about Coach Cassie? There are a lot of threads on tPF about Coach Cassie.

Thanks...yes, I’ve read great things about Cassie, and just checked it out again. Looks very usable! Also thought about the Willis.

Looks like I’m late to the party, though...there aren’t any colors I like on the website. Might have to hunt a bit