Need Help Picking My First Designer Bag!

[kt226]

After years of making “smaller” brand bag purchases and working on career moves I am finally in a place to purchase my first true designer bag. However there are so many options / mixed reviews I really need some help deciding!

I am currently loving the Gucci Marmont small shoulder, the Gucci Marmont small camera, the Soho Disco, and the YSL Lou Camera Bag

Since this will be a big purchase for me my main concerns are style longevity and quality. I want something that I can carry as a stylish everyday bag for years to come.

The marmont bags have been trending so much recently, I am afraid that in a few months something else will be the “it” bag and they’ll be immediately dated.

The YSL style is very classic but the reviews on quality are so mixed! I have seen several posts about leather peeling / splitting or tearing (also heard a lot of negative quality reviews on LV lately too ...)

Soho Disco definitely has a good reputation as one that can take a beating but again definitely trendy, and my least favorite style wise

My indecisive self is quite stressed over this! Would love to hear some advice / thoughts on the lifespan of these trends and any experiences with quality / durability (I would be looking at black most likely so concerns would be scratches / peeling / tearing / sagging)

Thanks in Advance!!

 

[Ashpera786]

I recently ordered ysl bag Lou Lou camera bag in navy and as soon as I received it I returned it . Quality in my opinion was really lacking . Leather was thin and cheap and nothing about it justified price tag.

Gucci on the other hand . I would highly recommend Gucci marmont . I have top handle style and it’s extremely durable . No matter what doesn’t show scratch marks . Holds up really well. Smells like leather and has a lot of room . They’re trending because they’re highly recognizable and functional. I don’t think they’re going anywhere soon. It will be around for a while .

the soho bag is also very functional good quality bag but kinda bag that’s casual that you can go to grocery store or classroom and it’s more subtle . Marmont is little bit more flashy and it gets attention . My marmont gets looks all the time so sometimes I don’t like to take that around. Soho is little but more casual and less flashy . More chill of all Gucci bags . I hope it helps )

 

[Grande Latte]

You need to think of the bags you listed in two simple categories: the mini crossbody and the small crossbody.

Examine how much you carry on a daily basis, and whether or not you can fit all your essentials into the mini. If not, then the small is truly the only option.

Then, you need to look into yourself and see which styles you really want. Do you prefer YSL over Gucci or vice versa. Do you really like the Marmont collection or do you prefer the Soho Disco bag.

I would start by just looking around. See what people carry around you, on the streets,...etc. What bag makes your heart sing every time you see it. Then the choice should be simple.

 

[angersauce]

My personal preference for camera bag is the subtle look of the Soho Disco. It is a great bag and you can make it work for dressier occasions if you have to. It also fits a big sunglasses case without looking lumpy, which I love. I tend to think that because it is simple in design, even though it is still kinda trendy right now it is more of a classic that I won’t get sick of for years. Vs the Marmont, which has a lot going on relatively with the stitching and hardware.

Of the other bags you’ve listed, the Marmont small shoulder bag is the nicest bag by far and probably something you’ll find more functional than the other two, especially as it’s your first big purchase. It just depends on if you want that style bag vs a camera bag. The shoulder bag just suits the Marmont style better than the camera bag version.

This is the Gucci forum so I can’t offer any comment on the YSL, people who have them love them though. When I think of YSL as a brand I just am not interested as all their bags look similar to or like cheaper looking versions of bags that I like better from either Gucci or Celine.

 

[stephnakagawa]

I bought a Gucci Marmont in Small as my first designer bag, you can buy it too because it's trendy and been around instagram and social media posts everyday. I can see other people liking it too and it also reminds me of Chanel Double Flap but in Gucci form and much cheaper.

 

[littleboss]

I’ve just bought the Gucci marmont in small and I love it. I think you can use it everyday but also for a formal event, dinner out, etc...
I’m sure that the black and gold won’t ever go out of style..

 

[Steph5487]

In my opinion you have every right to be stressing over your first big purchase! You are spending a lot of money so you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck so to speak.

I own a small Marmont in velvet (which I know is trendy). I love it, but due to it being velvet I don't grab it as often as I do my other bags. Overall, I do love that bag and think its a great size.

I bought the Marmont Camera bag in red last year and returned it. I just wasn't crazy about it.

The Soho Disco I love and have recently been looking at getting for myself. I love that it is casual and can be dressed up. And it can hold a ton!

Personally, I have looked a lot at YSL bags but never have bought one and I am not quite sure why I haven't bought one. I think the flaps mimic Chanel. And personally would rather have the quality of Gucci in a camera bag.

Good Luck with your decision! Keep us posted on what you get!