Ask PurseBlog

Ask PurseBlog: First Premier Designer Bag?

First and foremost, I love helping people figure out the best bag for them! After many years of not just talking about bags, but also seeing many of them in person and trying them out, I usually have a good idea of which way someone should go based on what they’re looking for. Not long ago, I received an email from a reader, who says ready to purchase her first premier designer bag. Today, I’m here to help

Hi everyone,

I’m a software engineer two years out of college and I finally feel comfortable enough to treat myself to a new designer bag! I have various Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, and Tory Burch bags, but I have never spent over $400. I need a bag that will not appear super flashy while having a lot of function. The main use of this bag will probably be to carry basic necessities to work everyday (phone, wallet) and going out on the weekends. I am trying to choose between these bags:

1. Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag

2. Gucci Jackie Soft Shoulder Bag

3. Givenchy Nightingale

If you have any tips, that would be great!

Thanks,
I

Congrats on being out of college and having a great job, though I’m sure you sometimes find yourself missing your college days (I still do)! I should probably send Vlad your way; he studied Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in college, and I bounced around until I wound up in Psychology but started PurseBlog.

Your first big-ticket bag purchase is a big step and really signals a new stage in your life, and I’m so happy you came to us for help. I love the bags you picked and how different each one is; it helps me to give you a rundown on each and share why each would work or not work for you. It’s wise to find a bag you can carry all week and transition it to the weekend, as well; that’s important when looking for your first designer bag.

I’ve seen each of these bags in person and own two of them, so I know I can help.

Mansur Gavriel Lady Mini Leather Tote
$750 via Net-A-Porter

Mansur Gavriel Lady Mini Tote

I love this bag and I love that you picked it! Mansur Gavriel has had much success with its bucket bags and beyond, but I do think the bucket bag hit critical mass, so I like the idea of checking out other designs from the brand. I have the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag too, and it’s really great. (I’ve been planning on doing an unboxing video with it, so watch out for that soon!) The style differs from most bags on the market, and I am always drawn to a bag that offers a top handle as well as an optional shoulder strap.

At first, I was going to tell you the mini size may be too small, but that all depends on what you typically carry and how tall you are. The dimensions of this bag are 8.5” H X 12” W X 4.5” D, but there is a ‘regular’ size that is a bit larger and doesn’t go as big as the Large size, so that could be worth the thought. I’m 5’11, so sometimes when I get a mini bag it looks microscopic, but if you aren’t quite so tall and don’t plan to put anything too big inside, it will definitely do the job. Also, Mansur Gavriel bags are notoriously light, which is a major perk, no matter the size.

You’re still young and this bag continues to garner attention its stylish design and minimal hardware. I think if you got this bag, you’d be really happy!

Gucci Jackie Soft Leather Shoulder Bag
$1,409 via Gucci

Gucci Jackie Soft Beige Shoulder Bag

You picked three great bags, so your decision is going to be hard! This Gucci Jackie Soft Bag is a stunner, and I’m obsessed with it (and I have it in yellow). The leather is thick and soft, and the design feels timeless and sophisticated. I will say this bag is a bit slim inside, and I carry a long zip wallet that can fit, but once I get it in there, not much else will fit. That is the main thing to keep in mind with this bag: the interior space.

While the dimensions are 10.6″W x 7.8″H x 3.1″D, the interior is quite a bit more compact than your other choices. This is also where I wish I had a money tree, because I’d love for you to get this bag too, but out of your options and with what you’re looking for, it might not be as practical as the other two choices.

Givenchy Nightingale Small Satchel
$2,190 via Barneys

Givenchy Nightingale Small Satchel

If you click through to look at this Givenchy Nightingale on the model on the Barneys website, don’t overthink how full the bag looks–that’s just stuffing. No one really fills a bag to the brim that way in real life, and one of the reasons this bag is so nice is because its leather is slouchy, but not too slouchy, when the bag is filled normally. The Nightingale has interior pockets even though the inside is compact, but it still has plenty of room for necessities, with dimensions of 9″ H x 11.25″ W x 5.00″ D.

The strap has a 15″ drop, which easily fits over your shoulder but has the possibility of crossbody wear, though on my body, it would be tight. I like this bag for its casual feel. The Nightingale easily found a place among the classics, but is a much younger take on an everyday bag, which is why this bag is a great fit for you.

Over all, I think you’re better off with either Option 1, the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, or Option 3, the Givenchy Nightingale. If you went with the Lady Bag, you’d have enough money leftover to get another bag, save up, or even go on a little vacation! It comes down to your personal preference, and do share with us what you end up getting! Good luck and thanks for reading PurseBlog.

♥ Megs

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