You echoed my thoughts to a T! I had the same considerations as you with the Speedy. My height and masculine build (I used to swim a lot so I have a wide body with square shoulders) does not quite allow for a boxy bag as I found it seems to add width to my already wide body. In addition, if the bag is on me, I imagine it might be challenging to open the bag with one hand to get say, my wallet out. Strap comfort is also of key importance for me as I am developing shoulder problems from carrying too much so I really need to downsize.
I do have a backup plan though; the Empreinte twinset or twice crossbody bag. I am mostly in casual wear, jeans/jogger pants/shorts (I reside in a year round hot and humid country) thus I thought should the Speedy not work, this bag seems to meet my requirements in terms of no handles, ample space, looks good as a casual bag and can be dressed up by looping the handle under the bag or as a clutch.
I missed out the Saint Germain in my research. I just had a look at it after you mentioned it. It is beautiful and I like how the chain dresses up the bag and offers alternatives in wearing it. I have a soft spot for chain bags as I find them so elegant and chic, but I wonder whether it will look too dressy for my casual attire. No harm trying it on this Friday too, right? [emoji6]
Along with the DE mini pochette, I am also really liking the Empreinte key cles. I saw it in Earth during my last visit and can't seem to get it out of my mind. The new color Raisin seems very pretty too but I will have liked it more if it had more purple tones.
Meeting my SA is really icing on the pie. She is the sweetest, allowing me time to look at different pieces, showing me alternatives, sharing cons of seasonal pieces in terms of paint chipping off. She actually suggested that I go for classic DE instead of the LE mini pochette launching in Sept as she did not want me to go through the hassle of repainting every now and then.
Yes exactly, the boxy shape of the speedy sort of makes the bag only truly optimal for handheld use. I find with my canvas and empreinte speedys they are almost like toting around luggage if worn crossbody. They're very similar to carrying a weekender bag, but as a purse, which I don't really find to be ideal. Then, when you do carry them crossbody they of course slouch and it turns the once wide-base into a bottomless pit. So like you mentioned, when you stick your hand inside to retrieve your wallet or such, you have to do a little digging. It definitely takes two hands. Now handheld, I love the speedy for the wide bottom and also the classic shape. Crossbody, not so much, although I appreciate LV for trying to bring us convenience with the strap. The damier ebene strap is much less comfortable than the monogram canvas/vachetta strap. And the old model empreinte speedy has some glazing issues on their strap and handles because the old glazing is like butter. It has a much more glossy look and feel to it than LVs new glazing (the same glazing found on the empreinte curieuse). The old glazing is prone to cracking and also gets little dents in it very easily. I don't use my crossbody strap, but I have had no issues so far with my empreinte glazing on the handles- I do have to be extra careful not to hit my keys or ring on the glazing though. The new model speedy strap has only two pieces which kind of takes away the over-one-shoulder feature the old model had. But overall, the speedy looks and functions best handheld, in my opinion.
I was looking at the twice last month, considering buying one for my mom. I was thinking of the blue color (I think it's called denim) for her since that's her favorite color. I have yet to purchase a button-snap purse just because when you pull it open so many times, I do wonder if it will bubble the empreinte around the button evenutally (just as the leather on the empreinte speedys bubble up by the handles). I love all things zip-shut, and now that I'm getting familiar with their S-Locks (on the empreinte saint germain and such) I also love those. I think my favorite thing about the twinset is the middle portion that you can just drop your phone down in knowing it's safe there- such a convenience, but if the front and back pockets have stuff in them I wonder if that middle pocket would actually be of any use since the bulging of the front and back portions will pretty much defeat the purpose of the middle portion. The simplicity of this bag is what catches my eye, especially for my mom, I want to get it for her to be used as her everyday bag and I feel this bag has that look to it. It's understated with the smooth leather flap. I have a feeling this bag would be perfect for you
. There's no weight to the strap since there's not all the fancy hardware like on the old model speedy and such. I hope this bag works out for you when you try it on
. Also, definitely try on the saint germain. The S-lock snaps shut best when the bag has stuff in it because there's some "backing" to push the front tab into (for it to lock into place and snap shut). And of course, the S-lock is very prone to scratching from opening/closing it frequently, but it's so shiny that you don't see those hairline scratches unless you're up close staring at it. The empreinte key pouch in terre is gorgeous! I know you'll love it. My empreinte speedy is the color terre and I love it. I really like the chain detail on this key pouch as well (although I haven't had any luck getting this cles because they kept coming to me very flawed/scratched). Your SA sounds so lovely with how much she helps you! That's amazing. And I second her advice on going for the DE because it'll last you a good decade for sure
. It can't get dirty, it's pretty indestructible, I'd say. And it's great to pull out of your bag and use as a wristlet as well, especially since the DE matches every outfit whether casual or evening wear. Enjoy all your new goodies you pick up
