Five handbags I would recommend and five I wouldn’t buy

by jazmineps

*A Note* I started writing this post in February haha. I take my time, okay! I added the photo and hyperlinks and posted this mid social distancing.

When is comes to fashion some people don’t like to plan for the long haul but when I think about my closet, and especially my accessories (bags, shoes, jewelry) I try to think about my purchases as adding to a curated collection of beautiful things. Material items are frivolous and fun and can often be expensive so I try to keep perspective while partaking in the joys of buying beautifully made things that you wear.

As such, I like to play around with a loose system to determine if something is worth buying. And just a note, I don’t do the buying luxury items as investments AT ALL- not knocking people who do, I’m just too lazy and too particular with my purchases for this to workout well for me. So let’s dig into five bags I would (probably) never buy and five of my holy grail handbags.

Neva Evas:

  1. Givenchy Antigona – It’s like a bowling ball bag. I should be clear, I’ve never tried it on but it just looks a little uncomfortable to carry and form what I hear it’s quite heavy and the last thing I need in my life is a heavy bag when it’s empty. Plus, for me there are so many other pretty handbags in this “size” class that I would much rather buy into.
  2. Dior Saddle Bag – This is a safe one. I think this bag is usually a 50/50 split. I’m in the camp of I love the bag and if I were a maximalist I would definitely buy one but in my current wardrobe and with my current lifestyle this one would really just sit on the shelf. My MIL has one in the classic navy oblique and I enjoy seeing her and lots of other fashionistas wearing this style but it would just be wasted on me.
  3. Chanel Classic Flap – Especially in black. “Sacrilege!” Please don’t stop reading now that I’ve confessed. But hear me out. This bag is SO not my style. It’s gorgeous, yes. But it’s so prim and proper and honestly, for me, it’s boring. It’s an expected star in most people’s closets and maybe I’m just being contrarian but if I’m going to add a Chanel stunner it’s going to be just that. A. Stunner. of a bag that’s unexpected and full of fire. *Whispers* I’m feeling the Chanel 19 collection.
  4. Louis Vuitton Never Full – I know. I know. “This bag is beautiful and super popular!” It is. But if it’s not clear, I’m not crazy about having a bag that all people think is a must have. I’m going to avoid going full-on rant but it doesn’t close and the lived-in slouchy look is not always my favorite.
  5. Anything Gucci Marmont – I’m not sure how long this style will be around but from it’s inception I just wasn’t into it. Something about the lines just felt… juvenile? Can I use that word without the Marmont lovers coming at me? But really, the GG logo and the overall feel of this was will always be a no for me.

Would Dos

  1. Celine Classic Bag – This used to be called the Box Bag but no matter the name it is a beauty. Timeless, understated, classy and “Rich Mom” goals (shoutout Chriselle Lim). I actually purchased this bag for myself last November when I was in Chicago visiting family and have been using it nonstop because it fits every occasion. And they launched a new size, Teen in 2019 that is also amazing.
  2. Fendi Baguette – I love the reissue of these bags. I’m most drawn to the original size and have been debating if I really need the white napa leather version in my life or if I can stand drooling from afar.
  3. Goyard Artois – This is a little bit of a random pick but I’ve got the MM size and use it as a diaper bag and it’s amazing. It’s got the things the Never Full lacks for me. It has a full zip closure and is just that little bit more sturdy than the Never Full so I’m not worried about it falling over or growing to look too slouchy.
  4. Saint Laurent LouLou – I love this range. I’ve been stalking the black LouLou medium puffer but have a thing about too many black bags. But I love all of them. I completely recommend that someone looking for one of their first designer purchases check these out. If I miss out on the puffer, I would seriously consider the small or toy sizes.
  5. Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini Backpack – I think these little things are so cute! I have the old style LV Monogram backpack in the GM size and I love it. Again, I try not to have duplicates, but I kinda like the idea of a mini backpack for when my little one doesn’t require I carry so much with me.

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