There are shoe girls and there are bag girls. I’m a bag girl! I’ve loved them since I can remember. In college my favorite was a whimsical little D&B bucket bag from TJ Maxx. I carried it wherever I went and saw it as a statement of my personal style.
Ten years later, I still have a soft spot for beautiful bags. However because of the price I like to think of them as a ‘carefully researched’ weakness. 🙂 In a way it’s still a little absurd to me to spend the money some of us (ahem, me) spend on a single handbag.
Why do we do it? When I see an outfit I love, there’s almost always a beautiful bag somewhere on scene. I’ve realized over time that the bag is usually what makes the entire look come alive. It’s a statement piece that has a way of elevating everything else.
In the last couple of years I’ve added a few handbags to my closet. While I’ve loved each, some have been a better investment than others. Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions on my bags and since they’re mostly “classics” I thought I would share the pros and cons of each in case there’s one you’ve been considering investing in.
lilac sweater // white jeans (same brand/style without rips here) // loafers // necklace // suitcase
Louis Vuitton Neverfull (MM size)
PROS
This is my ride-or-die bag. If I could only have one bag for the rest of my life this would be it! It’s extremely durable and never ever gets full (put that to the test when we moved in January!). As a mom this bag has been extremely practical for storing mine and Juliana’s things. I have it in what’s called the “damier ebene” print but it also comes in a white and grey checked version (“damier azure”) and the traditional “monogram” that print Louis Vuitton is famous for.
CONS
If I let it get really full, the leather handle of this bag can dig into my shoulder a little when I wear it but I’ve noticed this only happens when it gets really heavy with stuff. The only other thing is that the lack of compartments sometimes makes me “dig” for my stuff. I keep meaning to get one of these Neverfull organizers to fix that!
Full Louis Vuitton Neverfull Review here
top // white jeans (same brand/style without rips here) // sandals // earrings
PROS
While I don’t wear this one as much as the Neverfull, I do get a lot of use out of it even considering its size. The small size is deceptive because it holds a surprising amount. I can fit my wallet, keys, phone and still have lots of room leftover. One of my favorite things about this bag is the quality of how well it’s made. I purchased it second hand on The Real Real (highly recommend this as a way to save on a designer bag purchases) and it came in excellent condition. As I shared here I accidentally left it overnight in the rain once (oops!) and it showed no signs of damage.
CONS
Sometimes I wish the tassel were removeable (it’s not) but this is really minor.
Full Gucci Disco Bag Review here
top // jeans // wedges // belt // earrings
jeans // sweater // sandals // belt
Prada Saffiano Cuir Medium Double Bag
PROS
This is my newest bag. When I got it, I was torn between this YSL bag, but I’m so glad I got the Saffiano because it is and always will be such a classic. Prada invented the Saffiano leather for extreme durability and it is just that! I love how I never have to worry about scratches, scuffs, or dirt marks because of how the leather is treated to withstand almost anything.
CONS
I don’t really have any cons for this bag other than the ‘classic’ colors (black, tan, beige) can be hard to find. (I found mine at my local Nieman Marcus but is’s sold out since).
PROS
I got this bag last Summer because I had been wanting a “damier azure” print for the warmer months. While I got it primarily for Summer, I was surprised how much use I got out of it this Fall and Winter. I’m in love with the look and design of this bag (maybe that’s why you have more comments and questions on this one?) I love that it can be worn with or without the strap for two different styling options.
CONS
Of all my bags this one is the least practical. I love the way it looks and wear it a fair amount (maybe once a week?) but I’m always always scared of getting it dirty. The gal at Louis Vuitton told me to be careful putting it against jeans due to color transfer. I haven’t noticed this, but I can see how it could happen with the light color.
Louis Vuitton Totally (PM size)
PROS
This probably the most practical bag I have due to the side pockets. It used to be my everyday bag and I loved how easy it makes accessing my keys and phone. I’ve had this bag for a little over five years and it’s held up really well through all kinds of events (Juliana spilling juice on the inside, me spilling coffee on the outside).
CONS
As much as I love this bag for emotional reasons (my first!) it doesn’t really match my style these days, which has changed since I first got it. In a way, I regret buying it for that reason (it sits on the shelf with my other bags but I always find another one looks better with what I have on), but at the same time I did get a lot of use out of it. Truth be told, I purchased it first for the brand and second for practical reasons (the side pockets) and I think that’s why I regret it a little. I personally don’t think it’s ever worth getting a designer bag primarily because of the ‘brand’. If you are going to spend the money, choose a design you love that fits well into your life and personal style.
Keep in mind too that if you want to own a beautiful bag but the hefty price tag isn’t in your budget, there are many great ‘dupes’ out there. These can also be a fun way to test a bag your are thinking of getting. The way I usually look for dupes is by doing a Google search for ‘x bag dupe’ and then see what turns up under the ‘shopping’ results.
I hope this review helped answer your questions on these bag, but if you have any additional ones feel free to send them my way!
Love always,
Terra