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

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Decided to check out Rebecca Minkoff this morning and found the small Darren messenger. Functionally exactly like a PS1, and on sale for $170 Cdn! Some may call it a PS1 knock-off, though I’d use the term “homage”.

I’m partly looking at this bag for an upcoming long-term trip as I don’t currently have one bag that fits all the bills and can’t bring a variety with me. So the less I spend, the better, and I wouldn’t have to sell any of my current collection. I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with RM bags for the price. But then I think I should just shell out for a better quality, premier bag:confused1:

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True. Small Chloe Marcie? (Has a separate front pocket)

Yes, love the Marcie too, and always had the same questions about internal organization! It seems websites rarely show good pictures of the open bags. I should check out the Chloe forum...I’m sure tPF members have done “what fits” posts!
 
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:amuse:

Check out this thread.
 
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Decided to check out Rebecca Minkoff this morning and found the small Darren messenger. Functionally exactly like a PS1, and on sale for $170 Cdn! Some may call it a PS1 knock-off, though I’d use the term “homage”.

I’m partly looking at this bag for an upcoming long-term trip as I don’t currently have one bag that fits all the bills and can’t bring a variety with me. So the less I spend, the better, and I wouldn’t have to sell any of my current collection. I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with RM bags for the price. But then I think I should just shell out for a better quality, premier bag:confused1:

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That RM looks fabulous, and I bet it would be great for travel! :love:

You should never "just shell out" for a premiere bag. You should only ever buy a premiere bag out of a sense of giddy happiness, not out of a sense of obligation or resignation. (Also quality is relative, i.e. premiere bags are by no means immune to wear and tear.)

I have a few premiere Bottega Veneta bags. Sometimes I travel with them, but if I want to to travel without having to worry about coddling my bag, I carry a Madewell Zip-Top Transport Crossbody. But maybe I'll have to get that RM bag for travel too...
 
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 , the Fendi BTW in the small size has an internal zipped divider; the mini is just one open space, I think. Low-key, lots of great color combos, and beautiful leather!

Here is a good overview https://www.bragmybag.com/fendi-by-the-way-bag/

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What about Strathberry east/west? their bags are very lightweight and nice quality. I just got another model Stylist and I love everything about it.

Yes, I’ve checked out some Strathberry. This particular model is lacking a top handle which is a must for me. But I’ll have to go back to their website to review their top handle models - thanks!
 
@foxgal , the Fendi BTW in the small size has an internal zipped divider; the mini is just one open space, I think. Low-key, lots of great color combos, and beautiful leather!

Thanks - I didn’t realize this! Do you have one? Can you fit those top straps in the crook of your arm?

I tend to prefer bags without internal organization, so unfortunately, the middle divider was actually the dealbreaker! When I tried it on, I was able to fit it partway up my forearm, but I feel like it's mostly carried crossbody or in the hand. I've attached a pic of Eva Chen and pics of the small BTW as debuted on the Fendi 2014 runway show, both showing it carried on the arm/wrist.

If you need something that goes up fully to the crook of your arm, I'd say probably a Balenciaga first (I extended the strap with some chains from a craft store to make it fully crossbody)

Thanks for starting this thread, btw, it's super fun to see the suggestions!
 

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@foxgal , maybe an alternative could be a black-hole bag with an organizer inside? In addition to the usual suspects, I've also seen the Stashio (modular organizers) highly recommended in this forum, and it might give you a little more flexibility regarding how you want to set up the interior of your bag?
 
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@foxgal , maybe an alternative could be a black-hole bag with an organizer inside? In addition to the usual suspects, I've also seen the Stashio (modular organizers) highly recommended in this forum, and it might give you a little more flexibility regarding how you want to set up the interior of your bag?

Thanks! I had used a Chameleon insert for many years when I used to carry more and it was super-useful in bags like my Wang mini Rockie (which is a small duffel with big top flap which functionally is kinda like the Wonton we’re discussing in your thread!). Lately I’ve been using mini bags with internal organization so I don’t need an organizer and everything is still really easily accessible.

Beginning to think that instead of buying a new bag, maybe I should pull out my Chameleon and use my Rockie for this upcoming trip. The only drawback with the Rockie is it’s so dang heavy! But other than the lack of internal organization, it exactly fits all the criteria from my first post...and it’s already sitting in my closet!

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@cczh Also thanks for the tip on Stashio! I have a bunch of little things that I like to always carry - lip balm, swiss army multi tool, portable pen, Rolaids, gum, antibac gel - that I was looking for a SLG for. Maybe a Stashio will work!
 
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