Suggests for a new black everyday leather bag, please (& what I've looked at).

[WintersBlue]

I'm looking for a new, large leather bag for every day (I don't change my bags out frequently). My daily wardrobe consists of scrubs, but I don't want the bag to look out of place if I need to occasionally put on a suit.

Not sure if a tote or crossbody where the strap could be shortened to make it a shoulder bag would be better (or with interchangeable straps). And would a hobo style drive me nuts or be good?
I would like:
- the top to close somehow - zipper, magnet, turnlock
- some pockets but am not opposed to buying a purse organizer
- larger size (I want to be able to throw a compact umbrella if raining or small purchase if out and about)
- no tassles or thin, hanging straps
- prefer not to have contrast stitching (white stitching on proenza Schouler White Label Baxter Leather Shoulder Bag in black was too noticeable to me)
- live in a climate that requires heavy winter coats this time of year

For crossbodies, I have been looking at Polene Numero Dix Hobo, Ferragamo Glam Hobo, Callista Saddle Bag, and Mulberry Iris Hobo. Would you recommend any of these? Not sure if a hobo style will drive me nuts. I have purchased and returned several totes that disappointed me and am worried I'll make another bad purchasing decision. THANK YOU!

 

[indiaink]

I'm looking for a new, large leather bag for every day (I don't change my bags out frequently). My daily wardrobe consists of scrubs, but I don't want the bag to look out of place if I need to occasionally put on a suit.

Not sure if a tote or crossbody where the strap could be shortened to make it a shoulder bag would be better (or with interchangeable straps). And would a hobo style drive me nuts or be good?
I would like:
- the top to close somehow - zipper, magnet, turnlock
- some pockets but am not opposed to buying a purse organizer
- larger size (I want to be able to throw a compact umbrella if raining or small purchase if out and about)
- no tassles or thin, hanging straps
- prefer not to have contrast stitching (white stitching on proenza Schouler White Label Baxter Leather Shoulder Bag in black was too noticeable to me)
- live in a climate that requires heavy winter coats this time of year

For crossbodies, I have been looking at Polene Numero Dix Hobo, Ferragamo Glam Hobo, Callista Saddle Bag, and Mulberry Iris Hobo. Would you recommend any of these? Not sure if a hobo style will drive me nuts. I have purchased and returned several totes that disappointed me and am worried I'll make another bad purchasing decision. THANK YOU!

A few questions first: Budget? What drives you crazy about a hobo? Would a satchel with detachable strap work?

 

[bagnut1]

I'm looking for a new, large leather bag for every day (I don't change my bags out frequently). My daily wardrobe consists of scrubs, but I don't want the bag to look out of place if I need to occasionally put on a suit.

Not sure if a tote or crossbody where the strap could be shortened to make it a shoulder bag would be better (or with interchangeable straps). And would a hobo style drive me nuts or be good?
I would like:
- the top to close somehow - zipper, magnet, turnlock
- some pockets but am not opposed to buying a purse organizer
- larger size (I want to be able to throw a compact umbrella if raining or small purchase if out and about)
- no tassles or thin, hanging straps
- prefer not to have contrast stitching (white stitching on proenza Schouler White Label Baxter Leather Shoulder Bag in black was too noticeable to me)
- live in a climate that requires heavy winter coats this time of year

For crossbodies, I have been looking at Polene Numero Dix Hobo, Ferragamo Glam Hobo, Callista Saddle Bag, and Mulberry Iris Hobo. Would you recommend any of these? Not sure if a hobo style will drive me nuts. I have purchased and returned several totes that disappointed me and am worried I'll make another bad purchasing decision. THANK YOU!

I recommend checking out the Gucci Aphrodite (there's a thread for it) - I just got one and am loving it. The only thing on your list that gives me pause is the "small purchase" - it's a flat design so will possibly bulge out - an umbrella should be fine, but something bigger than say a can of soda might make it unwieldy.

 

[WintersBlue]

A few questions first: Budget? What drives you crazy about a hobo? Would a satchel with detachable strap work?

Hmmm... budget would be under $1500 (preferably under $1000). I'm hesitating on the hobo because it does not seem to be my style. Definitely not tassels or things hanging off the bag. A satchel might work with a detachable longer strap. I like more structured bags (bags that don't completely collapse in on themselves when set down) but not so rigid that I can't throw a bulky item in. Maybe I just like the idea of the hobo shape, but not the reality?

 

[WintersBlue]

I recommend checking out the Gucci Aphrodite (there's a thread for it) - I just got one and am loving it. The only thing on your list that gives me pause is the "small purchase" - it's a flat design so will possibly bulge out - an umbrella should be fine, but something bigger than say a can of soda might make it unwieldy.

Gorgeous bag! I think you're right, though - might be too thin for what I need. But, I hope you thoroughly enjoy yours!

 

[Jereni]

What is large to you? Like in terms of ballpark dimensions?

 

[WintersBlue]

What is large to you? Like in terms of ballpark dimensions?

No smaller than 10H x 12W X 2.5D (inches), but preferably several inches more in each direction.

 

[Bag peace]

You've had some great suggestions already but I think the Coach Willow may be worth considering. As per your criteria:
Well under your budget
Nothing hanging from the bag
Internal centre zip compartment, plus two open compartments so things are organized
One side is a magnetic closure, the other is a turnlock
Around the same as the measurements you gave, could hold a small umbrella, water bottle and small purchases, I think
Both a shoulder and crossbody strap
Slightly structured but has some give, plus it has feet

The only thing is that I can't see a black option in this link, but I'm sure I've seen black in stores, so check your regional site or local stores for black.
There are other variations on this style if the size doesn't work- a slightly smaller bucket version and a larger tote. I find Coach bags are great for everyday wear and tear.

Willow Shoulder Bag in Colorblock

Not too big, not too small, Willow is the perfect go-anywhere shoulder bag with space for all of your day-to-day essentials. Crafted of colorblock polished pebble leather, it has an organized interior with one zip compartment, two open compartments and a snap pocket for small necessities. The...

uk.coach.com

 

[Jereni]

No smaller than 10H x 12W X 2.5D (inches), but preferably several inches more in each direction.

Ah thanks. I was going to suggest the Coach Soft Tabby but it’s smaller than that.

@jblended ’s idea of the Coach Willow is a really good one. They do seem to have black at least in the U.S., link here.

I also like the tote version of this line, if you’re open to a tote:



And if you like that, the Mulberry Bayswater tote is similar and more luxe while still in your price range.

Lastly, I might caution you against a hobo for this particular need you describe, for a couple reasons: (1) for me when hobos are large, they become a bit of a pit and you’re digging around to find what you want constantly, which annoys me but then again YMMV. (2) I find hobos to be an inherently super casual style, and if you want something that will look good with a suit they wouldn’t be my first choice. (3) They are super trendy right now and I don’t know how long it will last.

 

[Bag peace]

I also like the tote version of this line, if you’re open to a tote:

Ah, thank you! That was the larger one I couldn't find to link.

I find hobos to be an inherently super casual style, and if you want something that will look good with a suit they wouldn’t be my first choice.

ITA. I can't picture anyone wearing a hobo bag against scrubs or a suit...for some reason the mental image doesn't work for me.

(PS- @Jereni I haven't 'seen' you in a while. Hope you're well!)

 

[shopaholicious]

I've recently discovered Mulberry and their quality and price point is very fair. Although I do not have the Iris hobo, here is my thoughts on this design.

The closure is a simple magnet and concealed drawstring which is a nice touch. However you mentioned no tassel, so the drawstring hanging at the ends may bother you.

Hobo usually do not stand on their own. While the stock photo suggests that it would stand with the flat and wider bottom, I suspect it may fall over easily.

I would encourage you to visit a store to check out other styles as well.

 

[WintersBlue]

You've had some great suggestions already but I think the Coach Willow may be worth considering. As per your criteria:
Well under your budget
Nothing hanging from the bag
Internal centre zip compartment, plus two open compartments so things are organized
One side is a magnetic closure, the other is a turnlock
Around the same as the measurements you gave, could hold a small umbrella, water bottle and small purchases, I think
Both a shoulder and crossbody strap
Slightly structured but has some give, plus it has feet

The only thing is that I can't see a black option in this link, but I'm sure I've seen black in stores, so check your regional site or local stores for black.
There are other variations on this style if the size doesn't work- a slightly smaller bucket version and a larger tote. I find Coach bags are great for everyday wear and tear.

Willow Shoulder Bag in Colorblock

Not too big, not too small, Willow is the perfect go-anywhere shoulder bag with space for all of your day-to-day essentials. Crafted of colorblock polished pebble leather, it has an organized interior with one zip compartment, two open compartments and a snap pocket for small necessities. The...

uk.coach.com

Thank you for the suggestion! My tote that finally started to show too much wear was a dark gray Coach (they do wear like iron). I missed this style when I looked at them at the beginning of my search.

 

[WintersBlue]

Ah thanks. I was going to suggest the Coach Soft Tabby but it’s smaller than that.

@jblended ’s idea of the Coach Willow is a really good one. They do seem to have black at least in the U.S., link here.

I also like the tote version of this line, if you’re open to a tote:

View attachment 5673930

And if you like that, the Mulberry Bayswater tote is similar and more luxe while still in your price range.

Lastly, I might caution you against a hobo for this particular need you describe, for a couple reasons: (1) for me when hobos are large, they become a bit of a pit and you’re digging around to find what you want constantly, which annoys me but then again YMMV. (2) I find hobos to be an inherently super casual style, and if you want something that will look good with a suit they wouldn’t be my first choice. (3) They are super trendy right now and I don’t know how long it will last.

Good points, Jereni! I'm definitely rethinking the hobo idea. And you and jblended have encouraged me to take another look at Coach.

 

[WintersBlue]

I've recently discovered Mulberry and their quality and price point is very fair. Although I do not have the Iris hobo, here is my thoughts on this design.

The closure is a simple magnet and concealed drawstring which is a nice touch. However you mentioned no tassel, so the drawstring hanging at the ends may bother you.

Hobo usually do not stand on their own. While the stock photo suggests that it would stand with the flat and wider bottom, I suspect it may fall over easily.

I would encourage you to visit a store to check out other styles as well.

Thank you! May I ask which Mulberry styles you have?

 

[shopaholicious]

I bought a small Darley WOC/clutch.