Recs for 1st high end bag- practical and hands free

[millie39]

I’ve been on TPF for 15 years but have always got mid designer brands like Coach, MJ, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch. Today I listed all of those bags on Poshmark and am ready for an upgrade!

Now that I’m in my mid 30s, I’d like to get my first high end luxury bag. Something that will complement my outfits as I turn 40 and older. I’ve been spinning my wheels reading online but I haven’t thought about luxury handbags in years so thought I’d make a post.

Wants:
- Brown or black
- Comfortable!
- Hands free (crossbody preferred)
- No loud logos
- Can be used both running errands and going out to eat
- Durable (I have two large dogs)
- Enough room for at least a large iPhone, keys and wallet, chapstick, face mask, and hand sanitizer.
- I’d also like to feel like I’m getting value for my money, as much as you can with a lux handbag purchase anyway.

What I mainly use right now:
Lululemon belt bag
MK lambskin quilted black flap
Portland leather black bucket bag
Large leatherology tote
Ralph Lauren Marcy satchel for work
Madewell transport tote

I mostly work from home and wear neutral classics. Main outings are running errands, going to restaurants, trips to see family/friends, and some airline travel. On initial glance I was looking at the Gucci Marmont, Gucci Soho Disco, YSL envelope or College, and Celine belt bag. Also LV speedy b25 in DE but I could feel uncomfortable carrying it in certain social situations.

Thank you!

 

[millie39]

I recently purchased the LV Alma BB in Damier Ebene and I really think it is the best purse/bag I've ever owned! I saw someone say that it was like a "Mary Poppins" bag because it holds so much although it looks little and cute and they were right. The zippers allow it to open nicely and have easy access. I don't carry a ton of stuff in my bags but it easily fits my matching Victorine Wallet, iPhone 13 (would fit larger one, too), sunglasses, key pouch, several lippies, and there is still room for more. Adorable crossbody, shoulder or held by hand. Reasonably priced and durable! I love it so much I may get another in a different leather!

 

[janejane]

I recently purchased the LV Alma BB in Damier Ebene and I really think it is the best purse/bag I've ever owned! I saw someone say that it was like a "Mary Poppins" bag because it holds so much although it looks little and cute and they were right. The zippers allow it to open nicely and have easy access. I don't carry a ton of stuff in my bags but it easily fits my matching Victorine Wallet, iPhone 13 (would fit larger one, too), sunglasses, key pouch, several lippies, and there is still room for more. Adorable crossbody, shoulder or held by hand. Reasonably priced and durable! I love it so much I may get another in a different leather!

The DE alma bb looks like such a great bag and it looks like it would wear very well over time!

 

[janejane]

Ladies! My ysl came tonight and I was so excited I had to unbox and try it on with a bunch of outfits. I was also bad and ordered a Celine belt to try. My question for you all is- which bag? I honestly love both. Please excuse wrinkly clothes and visible bra straps!

I have to say, never felt this way about a mere bag before!

Mod shots below. I tried to do a variety of work, casual, dressy, and summery outfits.

 

[charlottawill]

Oh boy that's a tough call! They both look good on you. But you know your lifestyle and needs the best. I hope whoever you purchased from has a generous return window. Give it a few days to think about. I'd hate to see you have bag remorse.

 

[janejane]

Oh boy that's a tough call! They both look good on you. But you know your lifestyle and needs the best. I hope whoever you purchased from has a generous return window. Give it a few days to think about. I'd hate to see you have bag remorse.

Thank you! I ordered the black SdJ preowned so would have to resell if I changed mind. But after I ordered it, I saw a like new Celine belt pop up for a good price on Fashionphile and decided to get it to try since they allow returns.

Re: lifestyle. Both bags are a good size for my daily essentials. I wear a lot of black and camel so both colors work. The SdJ feels really sturdy, and with the feet and black grained leather I would not have to worry or baby it.

The Celine is a little more fiddly with the top flap, and with no feet and the lighter color I’d be more careful. I feel like it is a great summer bag though and adds femininity to an outfit. It works better with sundresses than the sac de jour.

 

[charlottawill]

Thank you! I ordered the black SdJ preowned so would have to resell if I changed mind. But after I ordered it, I saw a like new Celine belt pop up for a good price on Fashionphile and decided to get it to try since they allow returns.

Re: lifestyle. Both bags are a good size for my daily essentials. I wear a lot of black and camel so both colors work. The SdJ feels really sturdy, and with the feet and black grained leather I would not have to worry or baby it.

The Celine is a little more fiddly with the top flap, and with no feet and the lighter color I’d be more careful. I feel like it is a great summer bag though and adds femininity to an outfit. It works better with sundresses than the sac de jour.

I've resisted the belt bag for that reason. It's a beautiful bag but I know the flap would annoy me. Fashionphile is great about returns. They're the only place I feel comfortable buying preloved. You won't regret the SdJ, and maybe you can keep both. They're a nice way to start your collection. Enjoy!

 

[janejane]

I've resisted the belt bag for that reason. It's a beautiful bag but I know the flap would annoy me. Fashionphile is great about returns. They're the only place I feel comfortable buying preloved. You won't regret the SdJ, and maybe you can keep both. They're a nice way to start your collection. Enjoy!

Yes. Even just trying it on I got a little annoyed because it involved a top zipper, then tucking the flap under the ribbon and then using the magnetic closure. If I skip a step and tuck the flap over the ribbon, the ribbon partially covers the magnet and gets in the way.

I love the SdJ and am almost certain it’s staying. If I return the Celine, I will probably look for a smaller lighter colored bag for sundresses and sandals as the sdj doesn’t look great with those.

 

[charlottawill]

Yes. Even just trying it on I got a little annoyed because it involved a top zipper, then tucking the flap under the ribbon and then using the magnetic closure. If I skip a step and tuck the flap over the ribbon, the ribbon partially covers the magnet and gets in the way.

I love the SdJ and am almost certain it’s staying. If I return the Celine, I will probably look for a smaller lighter colored bag for sundresses and sandals as the sdj doesn’t look great with those.

This is a great bag, and no huge logo. It holds quite a bit. I have it in dark blush, a nice neutral color. You may find yourself falling down the rabbit hole of designer bag browsing

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/loewe-mini-flamenco-knot-leather-clutch-0400014221883.html?type=Featured Items