I’ve been pretty stubborn about what bag brands I’ve bought in the past, focusing almost solely on what I consider to be ‘classics’ (which more often than not has meant Chanel). The rationale behind this has been pretty simple in that I am prone to change my mind about bags a lot and I’ve never wanted to get stuck with a bag that has horrible resale value. In my experience, pretty much the only brands that are immune to this are Chanel and Hermes. Louis Vuitton does well also but not quite as well as the former. Of course, with classics seems to come epic price increases so I made it my mission to buy these sooner rather than later.
Now that I have the ‘basics’ covered, I feel like I am slowly becoming more open to other brands with a focus of what I will practically use on a daily basis rather than what I think my bag collection should look like. I’ve already earmarked one more Chanel purchase to use up some store credit but apart from that, it is unlikely that I will buy another Chanel bag for the foreseeable future. The prices are becoming a bit too high for even a bag-nut like me to stomach and if I’m honest, I have probably overdone it on the classic flap front – particularly for someone that claims they don’t like doubling up on bags. If something irresistible does come along (like the elusive Taupe Jumbo that is permanently on my wishlist), it will likely come at the expense of another Chanel bag in my collection.
So, with Chanel out of the picture, I’ve been having a look at other brands and specifically ones that I have until now dismissed. Among those that have caught my eye?
The Prada Double Tote
My current favourite. I’ve stayed away from Prada for so many years after two failed purchases but I really do love the shape of the double tote. It looks so much more modern than the Lux Tote and the colour combinations are gorgeous! I also love the fact that the larger ones all seem to come with a strap now – a must for any bag for me at this point.
Givenchy Antigona
I gone through a few phases with the Givenchy Antigona – at first sight, I loved and wanted it. I then got a bit bored of seeing it everywhere and dismissed it as a fad. I’ve now come full circle and am back to loving it again! I must admit I’m surprised at the longevity of the bag but it still seems to be going strong after several seasons. It looks gorgeous in the grey and the cream I think but the black is calling out to me most. Oddly enough, I don’t have a single large black bag in my collection – my Chanel jumbo is the nearest thing I have… I do wonder if this is an obvious gap in my collection?*
Saint Laurent Shopper Tote
If you have followed me for a while, you know how I feel about tote bags. So. much. love. I am of the opinion that the Saint Laurent ones are just more expensive (and not necessarily better) versions of the Tory Burch Perry totes but that doesn’t really stop me from wanting one – especially in this gorgeous dusty pink colour. Plus, it comes with a little pouch that somewhat justifies the price right?
Only concern: the leather looks like it might wear badly. If anyone has one, please feel free to chip in here!
Chloe Drew
This is the only mini bag on the list for reasons of practicality and lifestyle and to be honest, it only makes the cut because of how darn pretty it is. That said, I’ve heard so many mixed things about the Chloe Drew – some people seem to absolutely adore it whilst others complain about the uncomfortable chain strap and difficult clasp. It certainly is a stunning one though – I love it in the mini size and it somehow manages to blur the line between bags and jewelry to the prettiest effect. Only question: blush pink or taupe?
Celine Box Bag
I’m not going to lie, this is a token Celine gesture as I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been asked why I don’t own any Celine bags! I get how they are super popular and I can’t even fully pinpoint why, but the styles have just never appealed to me. If I had to choose, I would probably go for a mini luggage or a Box bag but as someone who is not really a Celine lover, I find the prices just too high. That said, I do think the Box bag in particular is beautiful, classic and oh-so-chic. I don’t think I could ever spend £2300 on it but I am happy to admire from afar 🙂
Tory Burch
I had never really considered Tory Burch before receiving my blue Perry Tote for Christmas but since then, I have been officially hooked! If you saw my recent haul on YouTube, you’ll know that I added another Perry tote to my collection in the ‘Deep Berry’ colour when I saw it in the sale. I resisted buying more from the sale even though the prices were fantastic and I really enjoyed the small Robinson bag when I tried it on. Their new arrivals are really lovely as well so I will definitely be keeping an eye on their Winter sale when it comes around!
Louis Vuitton Capucines
Although this is my second go-to after Chanel, I do feel largely LV-content. It is also a concern for me that I seem to tire of LV pieces quicker than I do with Chanel which makes me hesitant to add more from the brand to my collection (at least for the time being). For this reason, I’ve decided against going for the Retiro for now although I do still think the Capucines is a very lovely (albeit insanely pricey) possibility.
And those are the bags I am eyeing up! If you own any of the above, please let me know your thoughts on them! I am currently in full-on research mode so I would love any input 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by and tolerating my waffling 🙂
*Note: Obviously I know there are no pressing ‘gaps’ in my collection. When you have 20+ bags, you clearly don’t need more. So take all of this with a pinch of salt… 🙂
The Givenchy Antigona is a really beautiful looking bag! I know what you mean about "gaps" in a bag collection. I realised months ago that all my bags tended to be brown, and I only had one black bag for work (which was actually a laptop bag). So to rectify this problem, I picked up a Longchamp LP black shopper at the airport. Everytime I use it, I remember why I love it and why I hate it (black hole of doom!).
Anyway, love your bag collection! You've got a lot of neutral shades in this wishlist 😀
Have you thought about Mulberry? I know you had (and sold) the Bayswater – do you still have your Cara? 🙂
It's so funny how such an obvious thing like a black bag could go amiss! I guess I just always gravitate towards colours for most of my bags! I actually returned my Cara – I had to choose between my Fendi Peekaboo and the Cara (I couldn't afford to keep both at the time) and the Fendi won out. I reasoned that I could pick it up later in the year from the outlets if I still wanted it but to be honest, I haven't missed it so I think I made the right decision! I'm not too sure about the new direction that Mulberry is going in although I still have a soft spot for the Lily which I would consider if I didn't have so many Chanel flaps. It's such a pretty bag and looks pretty robust as well!
… I'm an idiot. I had a whole reply typed out and then I clicked the wrong thing! O.o
Anyway, I just wanted to say that this bag has made me go starry-eyed recently ~ https://www.mulberry.com/shop/family/black/new-bayswater-black-python What do you think?
Also, the Lily is beautiful and I'm saving up for one now (can't afford a Chanel flap)
Oh wow, it's pretty! Although the price had me gulping a little bit! The Lily is a beautiful alternative to a Chanel flap I think – equally classic and versatile!
Yeah, the price is somewhat insane! Though, if I'm lucky, it'll get into the sale/outlets at some point and then I can grab it 😉 I think for the all black look, the new Bays design actually works well.
Looking forward to more blog posts and videos from you 😀
Hello! I stumbled upon a few options that reminded me of this post! They just might satisfy your desire of a Givenchy Antigona!
https://www.tradesy.com/bags/givenchy-shoulder-bag-sand-beige-10527724/?tref=category
https://www.overstock.com/11877539/product.html?selectedOption=18763689
I hope you can access these in the UK!
-Cheers from the US!
I understand your feelings about not adding more Chanel to your collection but at least 2 of the bags on your wishlist I bought and sold (Chloe Drew and the Givenchy Antigona). They just didnt do it for me and the resale value was horrendous. If you must get those two, buy them preowned. The Saint Laurent Tote was also another on my list. I dont own any neverfull and the thought of spending that much on a canvas bag when there are leather options available was out of the question. I too worry about the wear of the saint laurent tote, so I am waiting for them to go on sale before I buy one. Which comes to the other point about bags other than LV, Chanel and Hermes. Buying them full price/new is not worth it since they go on sale and can be found a good price on the resale market. Just my two cents. Love your style, videos etc. Keep them coming!
Great insight, thank you! I do agree about bags that go one sale – it certainly affects the resale value quite considerably although I have also seen bags like the LV Capucines sell for pretty hefty discounts as well. I guess the pre-loved route is the way to go if and where possible.
I am going to agree with you on the ridic prices that Chanel now has on their bags. I realize that it's their way of maintaining status – in line with Hermes and the like, but i think it's a bit excessive. Supply and demand, I guess.
I have a love/hate relationship with the antigona. I LOVE the way it looks but have seen pictures of it when it's lost it's shape and it's not pretty. I was this close to buying the small grey and it's still on my wishlist but I haven't made the leap.
The Saint Laurent tote is LOVE! I am picking it up on my trip to Paris in a few months in the Grey color. I have 'fondled' it at Saks and the leather is divine. I agree with you that the wear on the leather might be immediate given how soft it is, but it's too pretty to be ignored. and YES on the pouch and that hanging YSL clochette is too precious. (i am clearly obsessed with this tote 🙂
ok, we can talk about bags forever. Keep these posts coming please!
Ah interesting, I hadn't seen any photos of the antigona losing its shape. My main concern is actually how boxy it is and whether the shape would annoy me over time. And I've never actually seen the Saint Laurent shopper in real life,so I need to track one down and try it on!
Hi Amie,
I have both the YSL tote and the Tory Burch Perry and here is my opinion:
The leather on the YSL tote isn't as delicate as it looks. It's not a completely smooth and soft leather — there's definitely some light pebbling and it feels a bit structured as well. The one thing that I don't like about this bag is that there are no pockets on the inside whatsoever. Even though it comes with the pouch, it would be nice to have at least one slip pocket. 🙁
All in all, I think the YSL tote is nice, but the Tory is SO much better:
– I like the feel of the leather much better
– I also prefer the interior leather of the Tory tote to the microfiber-y material in the YSL tote (the microfiber isn't even soft really)
– I use these totes as everyday work bags and the Tory is fits more and is much more comfortable on the shoulder when the bag is full and heavy
Hope this helps! 🙂
That is super useful, thank you so much for sharing!! I think the Perry is such fantastic value for money, glad to know that I'm not the only one that is a massive fan! I hadn't realised the Saint Laurent tote didn't come with pockets – that is annoying 🙁
Loved reading about your current wishlist! I really love the Louis Vuitton Capucines bag as it looks so classy and understated but I feel like the price is quite steep for Louis Vuitton. I also think the Prada double bag looks lovely but I have heard the quality of Prada bags isn't that great, not too sure though as I don't own one myself. Looking forward to seeing what your next handbag purchase will be =)
I've heard this also about Prada but then I also hear it about Chanel and LV and I can't say I've had any problems myself! I guess I will have to wait and see! And totally agree about the Capucines – I think I would have pulled the trigger a long time ago if it wasn't for the price!
I bought a Prada Saffiano gardeners tote and after a year of using it for work the corners wore out pretty bad. I definitely won't buy a Prada bag again after this. LV bags are much more durable and better quality. Anyways love watching your videos, keep making more!! 🙂
I have gone through my phases but am firmly stuck now in Hermes and Chanel territory – I like the odd Tod's tote and love Saint Laurent but the problem is that I get tired of them too quickly, and yes their resale value is not great. That tote is fun though, I considered it a while ago myself but for that price I was able to get an amazing preloved Hermes that covers me well.
I was all about the Capucines but having looked at it for a while I just don't feel I will love it long enough to justify the price.
As for the other brands – Prada, too many quality issues for the price, Givenchy, I feel not very practical as it sticks out quite a bit, the Drew (and Faye, and Hunter, ..), so many have it that it is boring by now, plus I don't think it wears very well for that price, the Celine box I bought several years ago and sold pretty much right away at quite a loss because too sensitive leather and so very expensive for what it is, and Celine quality is not great – I had problems with a few bags and now will not go near the brand,
but the TB I think is cute and great value for money, plus you won't be sad over not recovering that much once you may want to sell –
hope you don't mind sharing my honest thoughts – I feel for most of them unless they are really being used long-term, value loss is significant.
since you love totes have you ever thought about the Hermes Double Sens, yes it is expensive but amazing quality, plus you get two bags in one as you can switch it inside out – and they have gorgeous colour pairings (H is not just about the B and K :))
Love your honesty! I was like that for the longest time with Chanel but as I seem to only really like the flap styles, it seems pretty pointless to keep adding the same style to my collection – especially at the current prices which I just can't wrap my head around.
I looked up the Double Sens and it is beautiful! I can't quite get myself accustomed to Hermes prices though – I like the simple styles like the Garden Party but for me, they are just a bit too highly priced and a bit too simple in design for me to justify. That said, I seem to change my mind all of the time so perhaps I will rethink!
I get what you are saying – it is hard to fathom – I am mostly an H girl because the leather is amazing and because of the Spa factor – it allows you to restore a bag after so many years, which is why and how I can justify the prices. I think a Lindy or Victoria or Kelly would also really suit you well ;). I feel like the Capucines is a replacement of the Kelly, as the idea of the bag is almost the same, just that the Kelly has more staying power (which is how I convinced myself to rather save up for that and pass up on the Capucines)
Hi Amie! love your blog and youtube videos. Just wondering what your impression is of Mansur Gavriel? They have the tote bags with minimalist design. I love the black tote with the red interior combo (sort of looks like the Louboutin bag counterpart). They sell for about $500 here in the US. I think they Perry tote is beautiful and practical, I just cant get my head around the TB logo 🙁
Their bags are beautiful! I was actually just looking at their Circle leather tote and wishing I was a lady that lunched so that I could buy one and actually use it haha! I get what you mean about the TB logos – I'm not a fan of some of the other TB bags because I think the logo is too-oversized but I think it's much more subtle in the Perry tote so I'm fine with it 🙂
Really like the Chloe Drew mini too, but it is quite pricey…I can't help but feel I would be better off saving and putting that amount towards a Chanel instead, or at least a more practical everyday bag which is less of a 'showpiece'! I've also seen a review of the Givenchy Antigona – it gets scratched easily apparently 🙁
I heard this also but then someone I follow on IG said that hers doesn't have a single scratch and she opted for the shiny leather!
Hey Amie, just thought you should know that someone is using your IG picture on ebay (https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/top-preis-chanel-boy-bag-schwarz/494667140-156-982). Sorry I had to comment on this blogpost, because I didn't know how else to inform you. You can delete this comment after 🙂
Thank you for letting me know! Looks like the listing has been removed now, thank goodness!
I have had the YSL tote in Navy for about 4 months now and I love it! The logo is very subtle and it's great for work. Someone even spilt some coffee (ugh!) on it once at the airport and it wiped off easily. I haven't noticed any scratches yet and I don't baby the bag. I do wish it had some pockets though! Another negative is thst it doesn't stand up on its own unlike the neverfull. Other than that, I'm very happy with my purchase!
Great insight, thank you so much for sharing! So great to hear that you are loving it 🙂
Hi Amie,
as someone who has always a huge bag wishlist I really enjoyed going through your list! These are all nice bags. I really like the look of the Céline Box and have been sneaking around this bag for months, however could never pull the trigger as I think the price is simply not justified. Also love the Drew but also this one seems to be too pricey, especially for its size. I got the Marcie mini instead and am super happy with it. I think it's a great alternative for half the price and I also prefer the leather strap of the Marcie compared to the chain of the Drew. Tory Burch makes great bags and if you get them on sale they are really inexpensive. Usually I try to find classic styles, but sometimes I need something fun and then Tory Burch or Kate Spade are great options.
Can't wait to see which bag of the list you will get in the end. Have I mentioned that you have an awesome collection?
Ah thank you Jess! Totally agree with your points – and making bag wishlists is almost as fun as actually buying the bags IMO! I've never considered the Marcie before – will have to check it out! xx
Prada tote would be most suited to you out of all of these bags. Just looking at your list – this is why I still keep Chanel top of my list!! The Drew crossbody – see so many on the preloved market so it definitely makes me think that you would get sick of the style quickly. I have touched and toyed with the idea of the Saint Laurent tote – no regrets about walking away. No way is it well made. Your Perry tote is superior in quality of leather and how it is made… I would rather get an Oroton bag (Australian made) than the Saint Laurent tote. I do really love the look of the LV, however the price is $$$$… I don't know, If I'm going to be spending the big bucks – I head over to Chanel for a classic piece. This is coming from a poor SAHM that loves Chanel – every spare penny I have is for Chanel lol
I do get what you mean. Whenever prices go anywhere over £2000, I always compare to Chanel to see if I an justify the price. I think the capucines is beyond beautiful but for that amount of money, I do worry about how well it will retain its value.
Hi Amie,
I love the content you are creating in the luxury community, you are definetly one of my favorites youtuber and blogger! Good job 🙂
Said that, I would like to share with you my experience on the Capucines bags.
I got a Capucines BB in the color Galet with the Python handle. It has became my all time favorite bag, even overpassing my chanels Jumbo, boy and M/l flap. This is because it perfectly suits my lifestyle: I am 25 with a baby boy of 16 months so I need to be handsfree and with the strap you can carry it crossbody or over the shoulder. It is made with a gorgeous really luxurious and soft leather (also inside the bag) but it is not heavy at all. Even if it is a small bag It can carry all my necessities for a daily basis. I am using it during the day and also evening, the color suits basically every kind of outfit and the Python handle gives a really nice touch in my opinion. And also the price difference for the one with Python and without is not too much.
Instead, my mum recently got a capucines MM in burgundy color with the Python handle. It's a gorgeous bag, my holy grail bag I would say, but for me it's just too heavy, and it doesn't come with any strap, and I also think I wouldn't wear it for work, considering it too much luxurious. Even if with this size you can hide the logo putting the flap outside the bag instead of inside.
Have you ever considered the new PM size? It's in between the BB and the MM, so it's not too big or heavy, it's cheaper then the MM and it also comes with an adjustable strap.
They come in a lot of different colors, they are not so easy to find, but a trusted SA will be able to find the one you want 🙂
I know the price range is high and their resale value is not like the chanels, but I absolute love this model (in every size basically) and for the use I am doing with it, it is absolutely worth the money.
I hope in all this rambling to have given you interesting insights on this beautiful bag 🙂
Ciao from Italy!
Monica
Nice review, this is useful as I am a mum of 4, soon 5, and am always on the lookout for a practical luxury bag – perhaps I should rethink the Capucines BB 🙂
Hi Monica! thank you so much for sharing your experience (and sorry for the late reply!). This was so interesting to read! 🙂 I think if I were to go for the Capucines, it would almost certainly be the PM size. The BB seems a little too small and whilst I like the size of the MM, I had originally passed on the bag two years ago because I heard so many things about the weight. A strap is definitely essential for me because I commute with public transport and a hands-only bag just becomes so cumbersome! So good to know that you are loving it, it is certainly a gorgeous bag!
Amie! Have you seen the new Louis Vuitton Lockme Cabas tote? What're your thoughts on it? I immediately thought of you (since you love LV and totes) and wanna know what you think!
Ooh I'd love your opinion too on the Lockme Cabas too. I'm looking at a red Epi Neverfull but then I saw the red in this and fell in love. Anyway, would love your opinion also, thanks!
It definitely looks interesting! Very cute and quite different for LV! Only concern is that it doesn't look particularly wide – but I will certainly check it out when I next visit LV 🙂
You are killing me! I never thought I would want a Prada bag again (made the same mistake as you with the luxe tote/galleria, but I don't think I'll ever sell mine and it was my first designer handbag), but when you posted this I decided to go on their website and look at the different colours of the double. Wouldn't you know it, I now want another Galleria! But a smaller one, in turqouise! I was pleasantly surprised by their colour range, it's rare to see so many permanent colours.
My collection is much smaller than yours, but I'm working on it, and I'm mainly focusing on classics, but I did fall in love with the Antigona recently. It's probably not a bag I would use for ten years, but my main focus is always price per use, so if I get one and use it tons for a few years, it's not that big a loss when I no longer want it. Honestly, I would end up using a trendy bag more times in a few years that I would use a Chanel bag in a lifetime.
I couldn't agree more with your logic and it's something that I've been coming around to so much more recently. I've actually been thinking about doing a video on this and 'bag buying strategy'. I've been so bent on only getting classics that will hold their value which has led me to have a very beautiful but slightly impractical collection that doesn't get used much because I'm so busy! Cost per wear is so important to think about and you're absolutely right about resale value not being an issue if you use it enough. I genuinely would not care less if my Neverfull was worth nothing right now – I know I've more than gotten my money's worth out of it!
Hi Amie,
I read somewhere in the comments that someone was slightly reluctant to buy the Givenchy Antigona, because the shape of the bag starts to droop after a while. I own an antigona in the size medium in the calf skin and I have to say, after two years it has kept it's shape very well. I don't baby the bag, I've packed it to the brim, used it as a carry on for flights and thrown it around. Aftet all this time the shape of the bag still look new, the handles are stiff and still stand up. However, my friend has the antigona in the grained leather and hers has started to lose shape in the bottom of the bag where the leather has worn in. It doesn't look bad but gives the bag a more casual look. I guess it depends on the type of leather you go for in the antigona that might affect the shape of the bag.
A little tip to give would to be that if you buy the small antigona, it is a great size in term of bag space, but the handles do dig into your underarm whilst worn on the shoulder with the strap which can be annoying. On the other hand, the medium fits perfectly on the shoulder whith enough room for the handles of the bag to sit comfortably, although it can be a little big and knock into things and people if on the tube and such where it's crowded. All in all I would never sell my antigona its the perfect work, travel, casual bag.
This is great intel, thank you so much! I keep revisiting this bag and still can't make up my mind about it! Very helpful to know about the handles though, thank you!
Hi Amie
I'm a new subscriber and truly enjoy your videos. I'm wondering if you would consider doing a video on things to consider when investing in a Burberry Trench and perhaps combining with other items from the UK like Mason Pearson Brushes etc.
Thank You again for all the great sharing!
Hi Amie,
I have just come across your youtube channel and blog and I am loving them! I have a similar style but cannot quite afford retail yet. I tend to buy older/ vintage pre-loved bags and fix them up a bit. I am curious what your thoughts are on Ferragamo? We honeymooned in Florence and I fell in love with their leather and dainty and classic silhouettes. I have some vintage bags that are truly lovely and were quite affordable (I also have a bunch of shoes and belts as does my husband), but I cannot quite decide if a newer bag is worth the price, even on the resale market. I have made my hobby of buying and selling a bit of a side business and my new rule is "do not bring anything into the house that you cannot at least break even with selling. Clothes and shoes included." I did just splurge on a vintage classic Chanel flap, so I should probably chill out for a little while! Sorry for the rant, I am just curious what your opinion is on Ferragamo in general. Thanks for all of your great posts!
Hi Jessica! I only have one thing from Ferragmo (a pair of patent flats) and I can't say I've had the best experience with either the comfort or the quality. That said, I know the brand has legions of fans so perhaps I was just unlucky! Not familiar with their bags but I know they are known for their leather so I imagine they would be a fairly safe bet 🙂
HI Amie! Love your blog and youtube videos 🙂 I was wondering if you now would consider Dior purses after completing your Chanel collection?
Gretchen
Tokyo2parisinspired.wordpress.com
Prob a bit late for me to comment on, but I have the S.Laurent bag, but in a gorgeous maroon. i bought it for myself for Xmas, as like you, my husband does not buy my bags for me (ok, i admit, he has purchased 2 bags for my birthday in the 12 years we've been together, but i did go halves on 1 of them!).
anyway, with tote bags, i always expect the corners to wear away, but so far, mine is still going strong! the only small downside is the bag is not lined, so i purchased a bag organiser to keep it clean inside. And yes, i also used the spare zip pouch to justify buying it too lol!
Summer sale, i purchased a DKNY bag in beige, its the small Chelsea bag and its really adorable (it has metal feet on the bottom which all designer bags should have in my opinion!).
Hi Amie, I really like your blog and I found it has good tips and informations.
I just like your opinions about lady Dior bag size medium. Is it a practical hand bag and worth investment?
Thank heaps
Jane
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