What is your ideal understated luxury bag collection?

[Hearts_arrows]

Hello ladies! I’m currently reselling almost my entire designer bag collection to make way for fewer, better quality and understated bags. I’m going to basically end up with four core bags which I think meet most of my day to day lifestyle needs:
1. Celine nano luggage in souris for every day
2. Miu Miu Madras Confidential black leather medium tote (small, discreet logo on one side) for my corporate job when I have meetings. Love this bag so much.
3. Ferragamo gancini quilted pochette with gold chain for evening occasions
4. Tod’s moccasino tan tote top handle medium tote bag for day to day work (they don’t make this model any more, but it’s just the best quality understated bag!

I’ll be selling my Burberry banner bag, a Gucci Marmont red tote, and several others that are too loud and flashy for my current lifestyle. However, I’m still considering new bags, like the Hermes Picotin or Delvaux Pin Daily, for eevryday wear. It would be nice over time to edit further and end up with a few, perfect all time bags.

It got me thinking. If you could start over and only have four core bags for your current lifestyle and which are understated luxury, (no budget, this is hypothetical), what would they be?

 

[jaskg144]

I love this thread idea! I love the Banner, but the panel on the side definitely gives away that it is a designer bag - so I understand why you are selling it. I couldn't choose 4... I had to choose 5 lol

My list would be:

1. Fendi Mini Peekaboo in Dove Grey - absolutely love this bag and it fits so much in for a mini bag and is perfect for day to day. The leather is beautiful and it looks so luxurious without being flashy.


2. Ferragamo Studio Bag Small - I have two and they are beautifully made and very understated. They fit a little more in, so I like using them when I need to carry a little more with me (like a small makeup bag or phone charger). They also come with a detachable leather pouch, which you can use as a clutch.


3. Goyard St Louis PM - This is my favourite tote for travel, or if I need to take my laptop out with me. I also love using it as a shopping bag if I am just going to pick up a few bits.


4. Jimmy Choo Titania Clutch - I have it in gold with a huge gem on the front and it is perfect for events like weddings, etc. - so classy and I always get compliments on it.


5. Aspinal of London Lottie - I love my Lottie and I use it for most evenings out. Perfect for dinners when you are wearing a little black dress.

 

[Hearts_arrows]

I love this thread idea! I love the Banner, but the panel on the side definitely gives away that it is a designer bag - so I understand why you are selling it. I couldn't choose 4... I had to choose 5 lol

My list would be:

1. Fendi Mini Peekaboo in Dove Grey - absolutely love this bag and it fits so much in for a mini bag and is perfect for day to day. The leather is beautiful and it looks so luxurious without being flashy.

View attachment 5387639
2. Ferragamo Studio Bag Small - I have two and they are beautifully made and very understated. They fit a little more in, so I like using them when I need to carry a little more with me (like a small makeup bag or phone charger). They also come with a detachable leather pouch, which you can use as a clutch.

View attachment 5387638
3. Goyard St Louis PM - This is my favourite tote for travel, or if I need to take my laptop out with me. I also love using it as a shopping bag if I am just going to pick up a few bits.

View attachment 5387637
4. Jimmy Choo Titania Clutch - I have it in gold with a huge gem on the front and it is perfect for events like weddings, etc. - so classy and I always get compliments on it.

View attachment 5387635
5. Aspinal of London Lottie - I love my Lottie and I use it for most evenings out. Perfect for dinners when you are wearing a little black dress.

View attachment 5387636

Your picks are truly *chef’s kiss*, that Fendi is a real stunner.

I’m headed to Paris with my husband in July, and hope to check out the Goyard Artois, one thing I don’t have is a travel tote ♥

 

[papertiger]

What's flashy in one part of the world is quite subtle in others.

There are plenty of nice all-leather or plain canvas bags from all brands.

I would have though the Goyard St Louis (although I like it) too "flashy". Perhaps that's just because who carries it where I live. It's just seen as the alternative to the LV Neverfull. Tods has the Timeless Tote and its newer Bag, Valextra has Boxy and Passepartout.

Maybe look at brands (contemporary of premier) that fewer have heard of too. Nothing is as chic as a hand-woven Sezane Paloma straw basket for the Summer or Peter Nitz custom.

 

[JenJBS]

It would have to include The Row double circle bag - small bag, and Polene Numero Dix - crossbody bag (I think any understated collection needs a Polene bag). And for a colored bag, Bottega Veneta Campana in MonaLisa - large bag.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Love this idea! Not sure everyone would agree with me that these are all “understated” but I think they are, and they happen to be my most used bags!

1. Celine Mini Belt in light taupe - this is the perfect everyday bag for me. I find that this particular shade of beige goes with so much in my wardrobe, and the shape lends itself well to carrying a TON (water bottle, full wallet, pouches, keys, snacks, sunglasses) without looking too bulky. The back pocket is perfect for sliding my phone or credit card in for easy-access on the go. I do find the closure mechanism to be finicky which is really the only downside of the bag IMO. [yes I realize my car seats are very dirty and need a cleaning but this is the only photo I had off-hand]



2. Goyard Artois MM in sky blue - Best carry-all/travel tote. I am obsessed with this color (not sure if it is actually understated though...) and it is by far my most worn and most complimented bag. I read a lot of reviews on Goyard's canvas before purchasing and feel like my experience has been fantastic relative to many others' experiences - I have put this bag through a LOT (probably worn over 200 times in the last 2 years) and it has held up amazingly well. Really the only "wear" is softening of the handles and some very light corner wear. I have the green version on my mind for a future purchase so this one can go in and out of rotation!



3. Chanel Reissue 226 RHW - perfect day-to-night versatile bag and probably my favorite bag in my collection. Can be cool, edgy, sophisticated, dressy, etc. depending on how it's styled. Super lightweight and easy to use. Leather is soft and supple but lends itself well to daily wear because of the distressing. I really can't find any cons with it - maybe wish the strap length was a tad bit longer as I'm quite tall and I don't tend to wear this crossbody because it sits too high.



4. Chanel classic WOC black SHW - best mini bag for a variety of occasions (nice dinner, sporting events, errands, airport crossbody, wedding clutch, etc.). I'm really shocked at how well this bag has held up. After some quick "calculations," I think I've probably worn it ~75 times since getting it in Jan '21 and in some pretty demanding settings where it gets bumped around, I need to get in and out quickly, or I scratch it accidentally while opening it. In my opinion, it still looks almost brand new. Some very light corner wear and light scratching to the hardware, but not noticeable without close inspection.



5. (Honorable mention) Kelly 32 Vert Cypress GHW - I don't wear this one as much as the others, but it's still in consistent rotation and the color is just stunning. It fits a ton, similar to my Celine Mini Belt bag, and is also similarly finicky to open and close. If I HAD to narrow down to 4 bags, this one wouldn't make the cut simply because it goes with less in my wardrobe, but it would be a tough decision!

 

[millivanilli]

Oh what a fun thread! Thank you!

As the title says " understated" Chanel won't work, I guess, as understated does also mean "not easy to detect as a high end purse"?

So these were my 5 bags:

Number 1, that's for sure, although not very unknown here: Birkin 40 cm ( I am tall and heavy, I need big bags, for a big girl lol) in bleu glacier Silver hardware



Number 2: LV City steamer (I know, it might remind you of a bag I just posted here on #1)


Number 3 YSL Sac du jour


Number 4 LV Neverfull in Epi Leather



Number 5 Botega Veneta pouch:






If I could choose 2 additional bags, I'd choose Celine Mini Belt and for sure the Polene bag, perhaps the one stud from Valentino.
Ahh too many bags too many choices too little money

 

[Hearts_arrows]

Love this idea! Not sure everyone would agree with me that these are all “understated” but I think they are, and they happen to be my most used bags!

1. Celine Mini Belt in light taupe - this is the perfect everyday bag for me. I find that this particular shade of beige goes with so much in my wardrobe, and the shape lends itself well to carrying a TON (water bottle, full wallet, pouches, keys, snacks, sunglasses) without looking too bulky. The back pocket is perfect for sliding my phone or credit card in for easy-access on the go. I do find the closure mechanism to be finicky which is really the only downside of the bag IMO. [yes I realize my car seats are very dirty and need a cleaning but this is the only photo I had off-hand]

View attachment 5387709

2. Goyard Artois MM in sky blue - Best carry-all/travel tote. I am obsessed with this color (not sure if it is actually understated though...) and it is by far my most worn and most complimented bag. I read a lot of reviews on Goyard's canvas before purchasing and feel like my experience has been fantastic relative to many others' experiences - I have put this bag through a LOT (probably worn over 200 times in the last 2 years) and it has held up amazingly well. Really the only "wear" is softening of the handles and some very light corner wear. I have the green version on my mind for a future purchase so this one can go in and out of rotation!

View attachment 5387702

3. Chanel Reissue 226 RHW - perfect day-to-night versatile bag and probably my favorite bag in my collection. Can be cool, edgy, sophisticated, dressy, etc. depending on how it's styled. Super lightweight and easy to use. Leather is soft and supple but lends itself well to daily wear because of the distressing. I really can't find any cons with it - maybe wish the strap length was a tad bit longer as I'm quite tall and I don't tend to wear this crossbody because it sits too high.

View attachment 5387714

4. Chanel classic WOC black SHW - best mini bag for a variety of occasions (nice dinner, sporting events, errands, airport crossbody, wedding clutch, etc.). I'm really shocked at how well this bag has held up. After some quick "calculations," I think I've probably worn it ~75 times since getting it in Jan '21 and in some pretty demanding settings where it gets bumped around, I need to get in and out quickly, or I scratch it accidentally while opening it. In my opinion, it still looks almost brand new. Some very light corner wear and light scratching to the hardware, but not noticeable without close inspection.

View attachment 5387808

5. (Honorable mention) Kelly 32 Vert Cypress GHW - I don't wear this one as much as the others, but it's still in consistent rotation and the color is just stunning. It fits a ton, similar to my Celine Mini Belt bag, and is also similarly finicky to open and close. If I HAD to narrow down to 4 bags, this one wouldn't make the cut simply because it goes with less in my wardrobe, but it would be a tough decision!

View attachment 5387711

Beautiful selection! The Chanel reissue is my favorite Chanel purse, how did you come to choose it?

 

[Hearts_arrows]

Oh what a fun thread! Thank you!

As the title says " understated" Chanel won't work, I guess, as understated does also mean "not easy to detect as a high end purse"?

So these were my 5 bags:

Number 1, that's for sure, although not very unknown here: Birkin 40 cm ( I am tall and heavy, I need big bags, for a big girl lol) in bleu glacier Silver hardware

View attachment 5387866View attachment 5387869

Number 2: LV City steamer (I know, it might remind you of a bag I just posted here on #1)
View attachment 5387870

Number 3 YSL Sac du jour
View attachment 5387873

Number 4 LV Neverfull in Epi Leather
View attachment 5387875


Number 5 Botega Veneta pouch:

View attachment 5387876




If I could choose 2 additional bags, I'd choose Celine Mini Belt and for sure the Polene bag, perhaps the one stud from Valentino.
Ahh too many bags too many choices too little money

The colour of that YSL is to die for - so chic!

 

[Hearts_arrows]

What's flashy in one part of the world is quite subtle in others.

There are plenty of nice all-leather or plain canvas bags from all brands.

I would have though the Goyard St Louis (although I like it) too "flashy". Perhaps that's just because who carries it where I live. It's just seen as the alternative to the LV Neverfull. Tods has the Timeless Tote and its newer Bag, Valextra has Boxy and Passepartout.

Maybe look at brands (contemporary of premier) that fewer have heard of too. Nothing is as chic as a hand-woven Sezane Paloma straw basket for the Summer or Peter Nitz custom.

I guess I want to check out the Goyard in person to see what all the hype is about, while I have the chance during my trip. Honestly, I love a plain black Longchamp Pliage for a travel tote as well, though it isn’t strictly speaking ‘luxury’. One of the bags I’m selling is a Prada tote, it is beautiful but the grain leather is so soft and slouchy and the bag so unstructured that it doesn’t look great with my outfits. It’s kinda floppy. I’m thinking the Neverfull in Epi black is going to be better in this respect because it’s stiffer. And the Artois has a botton and corners, I heard. I don’t think I’d get a straw tote, I love them for other people, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

 

[papertiger]

I guess I want to check out the Goyard in person to see what all the hype is about, while I have the chance during my trip. Honestly, I love a plain black Longchamp Pliage for a travel tote as well, though it isn’t strictly speaking ‘luxury’. One of the bags I’m selling is a Prada tote, it is beautiful but the grain leather is so soft and slouchy and the bag so unstructured that it doesn’t look great with my outfits. It’s kinda floppy. I’m thinking the Neverfull in Epi black is going to be better in this respect because it’s stiffer. And the Artois has a botton and corners, I heard. I don’t think I’d get a straw tote, I love them for other people, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

A black Epi NF sounds perfect

 

[Sparkletastic]

Are we considering understated to simply be no / small logos? Because Kellys, Birkins and Chanel classic flaps are some of the most recognizable and status screaming despite their color - even with non handbag enthusiasts.

I’d consider understated bags to be ones in a non patterned neutral-ish color, with no / extremely discreet branding and not in a highly recognizable silhouette.

I don’t think about whether my bags are recognizable so I don’t have many understated (by my above definition) bags in my wardrobe and I couldn’t make a collection out of them. But, here are my three lonely entrants.

Max Mara Whitney Tote

Fendi By The Way

Jimmy Choo Raven

 

[880]

i assumed we are omitting BKC and chanel CF and reissue (given their sheer iconic status) so

Custom, entirely hand stitched Buffalo Dalmatian bag by Duret.com

epsom mini Della cavalleria craie, PHW (last pic, third from left)

Victoria 35 etoupe (last pic, fifth from left)

silver chèvre chaine d’ancre clutch (second to last pic, center front)

 

[Hearts_arrows]

Are we considering understated to simply be no / small logos? Because Kellys, Birkins and Chanel classic flaps are some of the most recognizable and status screaming despite their color - even with non handbag enthusiasts.

I’d consider understated bags to be ones in a non patterned neutral-ish color, with no / extremely discreet branding and not in a highly recognizable silhouette.

I don’t think about whether my bags are recognizable so I don’t have many understated (by my above definition) bags in my wardrobe and I couldn’t make a collection out of them. But, here are my three lonely entrants.

Max Mara Whitney Tote
View attachment 5387896
Fendi By The Way
View attachment 5387897
Jimmy Choo Raven
View attachment 5387898

Love the Whitney in particular here, and it is definitely one of those handbags where, if you know, you know! Do you enjoy it?

 

[Hearts_arrows]

i assumed we are omitting BKC and chanel CF and reissue (given their sheer iconic status) so

Custom, entirely hand stitched Buffalo Dalmatian bag by Duret.com

epsom mini Della cavalleria craie, PHW (last pic, third from left)

Victoria 35 etoupe (last pic, fifth from left)

silver chèvre chaine d’ancre clutch (second to last pic, center front)
View attachment 5387911View attachment 5387909View attachment 5387910View attachment 5387908View attachment 5387907View attachment 5387915View attachment 5387905View attachment 5387906

That Victoria is to die for! Love, love, love this ♥️