Since enjoying early retirement almost seven years ago, I no longer need to carry too much and my bags have shrunk in size. Fortunately this has coincided with the mini-bag trend and given me tons of options that didn’t use to be there in the marketplace. Being on a fixed income, my budget has also shrunk so most purchases have lately been contemporary brands with one exception.
So here is my current collection of minis, in no particular order, with a little review of each:
Saint Laurent Toy Loulou in Dark Teal - In 2019 I decided to put the majority of my very limited discretionary budget into one special bag, and this is it. For a premier designer bag, this is one of the best values - it is a classic quilted flap style, holds quite a lot for its size, the leather is very durable, and I think the Loulou style is on its way to classic status. It’s so easy to use and looks great day to night...I also have a silver chain strap to bling it up for evenings. Love this color and it goes wonderfully with my capsule wardrobe of olive, denim, cream and grey.
Coach Originals Turnlock Clutch in Yolk - IMO, deep yellow is underrated as a wonderful “neutral” bag...it looks great with almost any color while adding a pop of bright. This bag offers incredible value for the money. The glovetanned leather is AMAZING, thick yet soft, and bag is fully leather lined. It’s super-practical and functional with back slip pocket, inner card and zip pockets, and multiple ways to carry.
Staud Mini Bisset in Black - My newest addition because I was lacking a black bag and bucket style. I’d long admired the clean, structural lines of Staud. Then I found a great deal on this at Saks off Fifth...marked down to $80!!! I’m super impressed with the leather durability - even though it looks like box leather it totally resists scratches. Though it’s not easy to use the drawstring top, I’ve gotten more compliments on this bag than any other and am really enjoying it.
Alexander Wang Mini Rockie in Latte with Rose Gold - this is my oldest bag in rotation and came out at the very beginning of the mini bag trend. So even though it’s called “mini”, it’s definitely the largest of the bunch and can hold a lot. I still love the look of Rockies and think Wang made a mistake discontinuing it...IMHO it is a contemporary classic. It’s much lighter than the original huge Rockies and Diegos, and the fact that it can be carried so many ways means you can easily wear it all day without discomfort. While I haven’t used it a lot lately, I’ll never part with it.
Coach 1941 Tea Rose Clutch in Chalk - A bit of an impulse purchase because I adored the neutral colorway. It is gorgeous and well-made in full glovetanned leather but I find I don’t reach for it often as it carries so little. Because of the construction, anything with any width makes it bulge oddly and makes it difficult to snap shut. But if I only need to carry my phone and a card, using this as a wristlet or with my chain strap is an option.
Rebecca Minkoff Triple Zip Belt Bag - My only belt bag, and notable because of the screaming deal I got on it...marked down to only $36 Cdn brand new directly from RM!!!!! It’s actually a really great bag - the leather is nice and durable, the main compartment holds a lot and the front zips make for easy access to cards and cash. But...guess it’s just me being old-school (or just old!)...I feel kinda awkward slinging it across the chest - I love this look when I see it on others but feel weird trying to pull it off myself. Or when I use it around the waist it doesn’t quite work either...maybe because I’m a bit thick-waisted so it just looks frumpy. About the only way it really looks good on me is thru-the-loops on mid-rise jeans, T and an open jacket. But bonus, I got a nice belt out of it too!
Adidas Fest Bag in Black - a “filler” purchase to bring an order over the free shipping threshold, this is actually ending up to be a surprisingly useful addition to my collection. Especially for hikes or rainy days.
So here is my current collection of minis, in no particular order, with a little review of each:
Saint Laurent Toy Loulou in Dark Teal - In 2019 I decided to put the majority of my very limited discretionary budget into one special bag, and this is it. For a premier designer bag, this is one of the best values - it is a classic quilted flap style, holds quite a lot for its size, the leather is very durable, and I think the Loulou style is on its way to classic status. It’s so easy to use and looks great day to night...I also have a silver chain strap to bling it up for evenings. Love this color and it goes wonderfully with my capsule wardrobe of olive, denim, cream and grey.
Coach Originals Turnlock Clutch in Yolk - IMO, deep yellow is underrated as a wonderful “neutral” bag...it looks great with almost any color while adding a pop of bright. This bag offers incredible value for the money. The glovetanned leather is AMAZING, thick yet soft, and bag is fully leather lined. It’s super-practical and functional with back slip pocket, inner card and zip pockets, and multiple ways to carry.
Staud Mini Bisset in Black - My newest addition because I was lacking a black bag and bucket style. I’d long admired the clean, structural lines of Staud. Then I found a great deal on this at Saks off Fifth...marked down to $80!!! I’m super impressed with the leather durability - even though it looks like box leather it totally resists scratches. Though it’s not easy to use the drawstring top, I’ve gotten more compliments on this bag than any other and am really enjoying it.
Alexander Wang Mini Rockie in Latte with Rose Gold - this is my oldest bag in rotation and came out at the very beginning of the mini bag trend. So even though it’s called “mini”, it’s definitely the largest of the bunch and can hold a lot. I still love the look of Rockies and think Wang made a mistake discontinuing it...IMHO it is a contemporary classic. It’s much lighter than the original huge Rockies and Diegos, and the fact that it can be carried so many ways means you can easily wear it all day without discomfort. While I haven’t used it a lot lately, I’ll never part with it.
Coach 1941 Tea Rose Clutch in Chalk - A bit of an impulse purchase because I adored the neutral colorway. It is gorgeous and well-made in full glovetanned leather but I find I don’t reach for it often as it carries so little. Because of the construction, anything with any width makes it bulge oddly and makes it difficult to snap shut. But if I only need to carry my phone and a card, using this as a wristlet or with my chain strap is an option.
Rebecca Minkoff Triple Zip Belt Bag - My only belt bag, and notable because of the screaming deal I got on it...marked down to only $36 Cdn brand new directly from RM!!!!! It’s actually a really great bag - the leather is nice and durable, the main compartment holds a lot and the front zips make for easy access to cards and cash. But...guess it’s just me being old-school (or just old!)...I feel kinda awkward slinging it across the chest - I love this look when I see it on others but feel weird trying to pull it off myself. Or when I use it around the waist it doesn’t quite work either...maybe because I’m a bit thick-waisted so it just looks frumpy. About the only way it really looks good on me is thru-the-loops on mid-rise jeans, T and an open jacket. But bonus, I got a nice belt out of it too!
Adidas Fest Bag in Black - a “filler” purchase to bring an order over the free shipping threshold, this is actually ending up to be a surprisingly useful addition to my collection. Especially for hikes or rainy days.
