Finding the one (cont'd.)

An edit of great every day bags outside the high end designer bracket

Hi everyone,

Of late I’ve been making the case for spending more on certain wardrobe items. Tailored jacket, shoes and bag to be specific. In short, I like to buy the best I can afford in these categories and economise in a relative sense on the rest.

What is the best? This will of course be different for everyone depending on personal preference, lifestyle and budget. But I want to try and flesh it out in the context of an every day bag.

The ultimate best bag might look something like this incredible piece by Loewe -

Made from the softest leather, you can carry it cross body, on your shoulder, on your arm or as a clutch. Day, night, work, weekend - it does the lot.

At $6250 AUD ($4250 USD) it’s pricey but by no means the most you can spend. A rough average, if you like of where the top of the market is at the moment. If you’re in this realm then I highly recommend checking it out!

If not, the ‘best’ exists in every price range. To illustrate, I’ve put together a selection that sits just outside the high end designer category. Because there are so many options, I’m bringing some of them to you here and the rest in a week.

So - which bags make the cut?

Each one is -

• good for every day use

• cross body, leather and neutral - as discussed last time

• made in Italy, France or Spain - overall better quality and design

• under $3000 AUD ($2000 USD) - roughly half the cost of the Loewe. This seems to represent mid range now, or at least the upper end of it.

Over and above that, I aimed for each example to be visually appealing as well as practical and versatile. These are sometimes mutually exclusive but I try and find balance between them especially when investing in a key piece, bag or otherwise. In fact - this might describe the emblematic struggle of my wardrobe. Heart vs head to put it another way. Perhaps also a metaphor for life in general.

But let’s get to it.

Corner bag by JW Anderson - $1271 AUD ($865 USD).

Aside from black, this beautiful bag comes in a ton of other neutrals like khaki and burgundy. Its gently structured silhouette will look good with anything, especially slouchy or oversized pieces. Online prices vary widely but Luisa via Roma is the most competitive I’ve seen.

T-Lock bag by Toteme - Large $2150 AUD ($1500 USD)/ Small $1530 AUD ($1000 USD).

This clean and classic piece comes in large -

and small -

The larger version has a top handle as well as a cross body strap which allows for mixing up the way you wear it. Although the smaller one lacks a top handle it works especially well as a clutch.

Le Foulonne bag by Longchamp - $1145 AUD ($780 USD)

I like the way you can unfold the sides of this bag to reveal a completely different silhouette. Carry it on your arm or in your hand when you’re not in cross body mode -

Small GG Marmont Camera bag by Gucci - $2800 AUD ($1900 USD).

Ok this bag is high end designer, but it’s anything but entry level in terms of appeal. Perhaps unusually for Gucci, it’s understated but the sleek hardware and texture are all it needs. Although the proportions are compact, it will accommodate your phone, sunglasses and other small essentials.

PS1 Tiny bag by Proenza Schouler - $2730 AUD/ $1900 USD)

This classic satchel style bag has compartments to keep your essentials organised. Beautiful neutrals in leather and suede. Plus 15% off here.

The small ruched cross body tote bag from the same brand is also worth a look.

That’s it for now - I’ll send through the rest of the edit next week. Thanks so much for being here and for reading and commenting. Remember you can also follow the blog via instagram, I’d love to see you there as well!

x

Jennie