TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
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.
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).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.