Suggestion for a work bag to get from a trip to Italy?

[mngtr]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum and also to the world of designer bags.

Long story short, I was promoted to a executive position in which I will rub elbows with more CEOs, directors, etc... I never cared for designer bags much before partly because I couldn't afford it, but I do feel like I need to 'dress the part' so to speak.

I'm going to Italy this summer (still ways to go, I know) and delighted to know that the bags are more affordable there than where I am (Singapore)

There are a few bags that I already plan on getting, mainly because I had eyes on it for so long which is the LV Neverfull (mono or DE) and Alma BB (DE). The Neverfull kinda has a sentimental meaning to me because as a broke college student I swore I will get that bag when I can afford it.

Anw, I'm looking for a workbag that's professional and classy in the $1k-2k range. Got my eyes on Prada double bag or galleria/lux, but do you have other suggestions? I like them because they have shoulder straps, which is super helpful when I need both my hands (which I do often) I'm getting mixed reviews on the lux so I'm kinda hesitant though...

I thought about getting Senreve because I like how functional it looks but I don't know if it looks impressive enough for what I'm going for ) And I want to avoid another LV mainly because I'm already planning to get 2 LVs.

Would really appreciate any suggestions!

(Oh and if you have tips for shopping in Italy I would appreciate that too!)

 

[IntheOcean]

I was going to suggest the Prada Galleria, aka the Saffiano Lux Double Zip Tote. But I see you already have it on your Wishlist. I can't personally speak for the quality of their recent Saffiano bags since the one I have is an oldie. But I love it even though I don't wear it all that often. It's a truly beautiful and classic bag. I know some people aren't a fan of the Prada lining, but I absolutely love it.

 

[mngtr]

I was going to suggest the Prada Galleria, aka the Saffiano Lux Double Zip Tote. But I see you already have it on your Wishlist. I can't personally speak for the quality of their recent Saffiano bags since the one I have is an oldie. But I love it even though I don't wear it all that often. It's a truly beautiful and classic bag. I know some people aren't a fan of the Prada lining, but I absolutely love it.

Thanks for the tip! I'm still on the fence between Galleria and Double... I think I'll decide when I see the bag!

Now I'm also interested in Goyard Artois... I mean both the Prada bag and the Artois seem to be similar price-wise, but Goyard seem to be on the rise as well... Also because Goyard is harder to find, I'm thinking it would be better for me to pop off to Milan to get it instead of Prada which I can get anywhere..........

What do you think?

 

[IntheOcean]

Thanks for the tip! I'm still on the fence between Galleria and Double... I think I'll decide when I see the bag!

Now I'm also interested in Goyard Artois... I mean both the Prada bag and the Artois seem to be similar price-wise, but Goyard seem to be on the rise as well... Also because Goyard is harder to find, I'm thinking it would be better for me to pop off to Milan to get it instead of Prada which I can get anywhere..........

What do you think?

I think Goyard is a much more casual bag. Not that it wouldn't be suitable for work, but I think there's a distinction between a shopper tote and a work tote, and the Goyard Artois, to me, falls firmly into the first category. Just my 2 cents. Although I do like the print.

Also, I'm not sure what you meant by being on the fence between then Galleria and Double Zip as they're the same bag I believe, Galleria is the name for the bag that's more common in Europe. But yes, sometimes, it would just be called 'Lux Tote'.

Also, take a look at the Bibliotheque and Deux bags, They're very beautiful too. If you like something more simple, there's the Cuir bag, Lux Tote (I think there's two under that name, with either one big opened compartment or a zipped section in the middle and two open compartments), Double bag (with the flap compartment in the middle).
Here's the link to the Bags section on the Italian Prada website.

 

[mngtr]

I think Goyard is a much more casual bag. Not that it wouldn't be suitable for work, but I think there's a distinction between a shopper tote and a work tote, and the Goyard Artois, to me, falls firmly into the first category. Just my 2 cents. Although I do like the print.

Also, I'm not sure what you meant by being on the fence between then Galleria and Double Zip as they're the same bag I believe, Galleria is the name for the bag that's more common in Europe. But yes, sometimes, it would just be called 'Lux Tote'.

Also, take a look at the Bibliotheque and Deux bags, They're very beautiful too. If you like something more simple, there's the Cuir bag, Lux Tote (I think there's two under that name, with either one big opened compartment or a zipped section in the middle and two open compartments), Double bag (with the flap compartment in the middle).
Here's the link to the Bags section on the Italian Prada website.

This is what I meant by Double I guess it's also called the Cuir? I couldn't find it using that keyword on the prada website though... I really liked the silhouette of this compared to the Galleria, but I also feel like Galleria is more structured somehow.

Thanks for all the suggestion! I'll look up those other bags as well

 

[IntheOcean]

View attachment 4689996
This is what I meant by Double I guess it's also called the Cuir? I couldn't find it using that keyword on the prada website though... I really liked the silhouette of this compared to the Galleria, but I also feel like Galleria is more structured somehow.

Thanks for all the suggestion! I'll look up those other bags as well

I just looked it up and I think it used to be called Cuir Double bag, but now it's just Double?? So confusing. Prada has never been good with bag names, as far as I can tell. Lots of older Prada bags and SLGs never had names.
But yes, the one with the open layout and a flap compartment in the middle! Compared to the Galleria, it's going to be a bit less structured, yes, since those two zipped compartments the Galleria has help with maintaining the shape quite considerably. But the Saffiano leather is pretty structured as it is.

 

[Carrots808]

View attachment 4689996
This is what I meant by Double I guess it's also called the Cuir? I couldn't find it using that keyword on the prada website though... I really liked the silhouette of this compared to the Galleria, but I also feel like Galleria is more structured somehow.

Thanks for all the suggestion! I'll look up those other bags as well

You can never go wrong with Prada. I’ve always loved their black and gold combination too. Congrats on your promotion!

 

[Lejic]

how exciting!!

I lusted after Prada saffiano modes *until* I saw them in person. Feeling them, I knew I just wouldn’t reach for that stiff a bag. I still think they look lovely, and professional. But at least in my experience it pays to get stuff you love using on top of looking good - uncomfortable straps, etc, will just make you look, well, uncomfortable and that’s the opposite of the look you want to go for.

Labels definitely go a long way, but most CEO-level people I happen to rub elbows with or be around usually actually are just carrying really good quality leather bags. Women tend to go a wee bit more trendy, but men (at least in Europe and US) either go full leather/Hermes sort, or LV DG laptop bag style.

With all that in mind, I do have a few suggestions that you can take a look at, and see if they’re for you:

- Garden Party by Hermes is a great tote around 2k, but passing straight by that since you’re getting the LV NF
- When I was in Italy, I saw several Versace bags that I hadn’t seen online, and some that were special to Rome, and I’m a sucker for limited editions. Definitely stop by there! They have a lot in 1-2k range
- My sister’s first work bag, similar situation to yours, was a Gucci bag. I think Gucci is a good mix of workhorse and recognizably fashionable. Since you mention both NF and an Alma I’m not sure what model/size you need, but Gucci has good comfortable flaps and hobos

 

[mngtr]

how exciting!!

I lusted after Prada saffiano modes *until* I saw them in person. Feeling them, I knew I just wouldn’t reach for that stiff a bag. I still think they look lovely, and professional. But at least in my experience it pays to get stuff you love using on top of looking good - uncomfortable straps, etc, will just make you look, well, uncomfortable and that’s the opposite of the look you want to go for.

Labels definitely go a long way, but most CEO-level people I happen to rub elbows with or be around usually actually are just carrying really good quality leather bags. Women tend to go a wee bit more trendy, but men (at least in Europe and US) either go full leather/Hermes sort, or LV DG laptop bag style.

With all that in mind, I do have a few suggestions that you can take a look at, and see if they’re for you:

- Garden Party by Hermes is a great tote around 2k, but passing straight by that since you’re getting the LV NF
- When I was in Italy, I saw several Versace bags that I hadn’t seen online, and some that were special to Rome, and I’m a sucker for limited editions. Definitely stop by there! They have a lot in 1-2k range
- My sister’s first work bag, similar situation to yours, was a Gucci bag. I think Gucci is a good mix of workhorse and recognizably fashionable. Since you mention both NF and an Alma I’m not sure what model/size you need, but Gucci has good comfortable flaps and hobos

Great tips!! Thank you! I think I’ll try on the bags before I make any decision to buy... you’re right — comfort matters a lot.

I think in Asia people are a bit more attentive of labels, I do find myself noticing the kind of bags/shoes/belt they’re wearing, and I see more Prada, LV, Hermes, Goyard everywhere

I definitely can’t pretend to be someone who can buy designer bags without a second thought, but I also don’t want them to look down on me, I guess?

The size I’m looking for is medium so I can shove my laptop in it if I have to. That’s why I was thinking of the Prada galleria & double, but I’ll look into Gucci as well! Thanks for the tips!

 

[Lejic]

If you don’t mind another shoulder bag, I’d say Hermes has the biggest label-impact, I imagine even in Asia. In Singapore I definitely saw a lot of Chanel but there’s something about the Hermes name, isn’t there? And ironically Hermes has many more cheaper bag styles than Chanel!

Barring that, Gucci is definitely a good choice for label visibility without breaking the bank.

good luck on your search!!

 

[serenityneow]

Fendi Peekaboo Selleria, or any Fendi Selleria bag that appeals to you. It's more than you want to spend, but as the owner of two Fendi Selleria bags, they are a great investment and you won't be disappointed.