What kind of bag to you like to carry for a casual outing...

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My bags are usually on the mid to larger size with compartments like Maggie, Phoebe and other brands. I'm trying to pick out a bag for when I'm going to an arts & crafts fair or a wine festival or some other half-day/day event where I don't want to carry my big bag with everything in it, but still want to carry essentials like my wallet, phone, a few make-up items, sunglasses, possibly DH's phone and sunglasses, etc...

My favorite, light-weight, casual, versatile, small (but not too small!) bag is not a new style and it was not very expensive, and it is a signature bag (and I usually prefer leather) but I still haven't found anything to top my modest little black sateen Groovy 13833.

It is compact but holds a whole lot more than a swingpack. It even holds my mini-ipad with plenty of room to spare. You can wear it crossbody for hands-free comfort, or take off the long strap and wear it as a shoulder bag or handbag.

The black sateen is surprisingly sturdy and it is compatible with both casual and dressy outfits. I often use it for casual outings as you've described, and I frequently take it with me on business trips. It packs easily and works well in many situations.

Since it is not new you can't buy one from Coach, but you might find one at a reasonable price NWT from a reputable ebay vendor. Make sure that it has the long strap because I have seen some selling cheap but the strap is missing.

Coach has made many versions of the Groovy but I like my original 13833 the best because the front snap pocket holds as much as a capacity wristlet and it is easy to get in and out of it.

Here's a few pics below; she not too flashy but still a favorite! There's one on sale on ebay right now at the link below (NMA) but it is khaki with pink trim, very cute but I prefer my black bag because I use it for business as well as casual occasions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-13833...901?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4ace2e68dd

BTW, I am not sure but the vendor may be using Coach pictures for the ebay auction above; I would want to see lots of pics of the actual item before buying.
 

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My favorite, light-weight, casual, versatile, small (but not too small!) bag is not a new style and it was not very expensive, and it is a signature bag (and I usually prefer leather) but I still haven't found anything to top my modest little black sateen Groovy 13833.

It is compact but holds a whole lot more than a swingpack. It even holds my mini-ipad with plenty of room to spare. You can wear it crossbody for hands-free comfort, or take off the long strap and wear it as a shoulder bag or handbag.

The black sateen is surprisingly sturdy and it is compatible with both casual and dressy outfits. I often use it for casual outings as you've described, and I frequently take it with me on business trips. It packs easily and works well in many situations.

Since it is not new you can't buy one from Coach, but you might find one at a reasonable price NWT from a reputable ebay vendor. Make sure that it has the long strap because I have seen some selling cheap but the strap is missing.

Coach has made many versions of the Groovy but I like my original 13833 the best because the front snap pocket holds as much as a capacity wristlet and it is easy to get in and out of it.

Here's a few pics below; she not too flashy but still a favorite! There's one on sale on ebay right now at the link below (NMA) but it is khaki with pink trim, very cute but I prefer my black bag because I use it for business as well as casual occasions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-13833...901?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4ace2e68dd

BTW, I am not sure but the vendor may be using Coach pictures for the ebay auction above; I would want to see lots of pics of the actual item before buying.

Ooooh, I really like that! Very versatile and nice looking! Thanks for all the info. Will look into it. :smile1:
 
My favorite, light-weight, casual, versatile, small (but not too small!) bag is not a new style and it was not very expensive, and it is a signature bag (and I usually prefer leather) but I still haven't found anything to top my modest little black sateen Groovy 13833.

It is compact but holds a whole lot more than a swingpack. It even holds my mini-ipad with plenty of room to spare. You can wear it crossbody for hands-free comfort, or take off the long strap and wear it as a shoulder bag or handbag.

The black sateen is surprisingly sturdy and it is compatible with both casual and dressy outfits. I often use it for casual outings as you've described, and I frequently take it with me on business trips. It packs easily and works well in many situations.

Since it is not new you can't buy one from Coach, but you might find one at a reasonable price NWT from a reputable ebay vendor. Make sure that it has the long strap because I have seen some selling cheap but the strap is missing.

Coach has made many versions of the Groovy but I like my original 13833 the best because the front snap pocket holds as much as a capacity wristlet and it is easy to get in and out of it.

Here's a few pics below; she not too flashy but still a favorite! There's one on sale on ebay right now at the link below (NMA) but it is khaki with pink trim, very cute but I prefer my black bag because I use it for business as well as casual occasions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-13833...901?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4ace2e68dd

BTW, I am not sure but the vendor may be using Coach pictures for the ebay auction above; I would want to see lots of pics of the actual item before buying.
I was wondering what this one was called! It was my first Coach bag, hasn't seen much use lately, but worked well for me so long I can't get rid of it. I also like my Poppy Perri Hippie for casual use, as well as another vote for mini tanner (especially a saffiano one as they seem more durable). For all the items you have listed that you might want to carry, I would also look at the Coopers and Kelseys (haven't tried those myself).
 
morewineplease - What did you end up getting? :)

I've been wanting a small purse for similar purposes, and picked up a black mini Tanner (not saffiano) today at Macy's. It was 25% off, then another 25% off, then another 25% off for the pre-sale, so it was $108 total. I have to go back to pick it up, which is the only downside.

I'm hoping the regular leather will be durable enough since I haven't seen a saffiano version at my outlet. Does anyone have the regular leather version, and how does it wear?

Curious to know what you got!
 
The mini Tanner, the new Riley and the Kelsey are awesome for day trips. Those and the classics such as the east west hobo, the Patricia and some of the classics. I do love the crossbody feature of the Kelsey and the wide opening that you won't need to fight with. Good luck.
 
I actually like using the stewardess bag in British tan. I love classic coach. It never goes out of style and very versatile. I use my stewardess for casual and workday. I love that it's convenient and not too my compartments and frills.
 
I'm just like you OP. I own dozens of Coach, MK, Botkier etc and they are all ranging from a larger medium to LARGE bags. I do have a couple crossbody bags but they still are not small bags. I've been trying to get myself to buy a smaller bag for sometime now but I always gravitate back to the medium to large bags! I wish you luck finding something that suits you!!!
 
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