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Purseonals: Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review

I previously reviewed my large Proenza Schouler Crocodile PS1 and shared my love for the bag. While this Purseonals may seem redundant, there are a few reasons I want to share how my Medium Leather PS1 compares to the large. This bag, while the same design as my croc version, ends up being much different and getting much more use for obvious reasons.

If you’ve been wanting to add a Proenza Schouler PS1 to your collection, this review may help you make the the right size decision. Check out how my Proenza Schouler PS1 scores in our Purseonals ratings below!

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (2)

Aesthetics 5 Stars

This bag received a 5 star rating in my previous review and that stands. It can easily be argued that the PS1 was one of the most impactful new bag designs over the past years, bringing a look that wasn’t readily available in the market and can easily be spotted as Proenza Schouler. The design is casual and easy to wear, which matches with my personal style and needs.

If you’re looking for a structured work bag, this really isn’t it. I would say this bag is more of a throw over your shoulder, stick everything inside, and go bag. But that just means within the casual category, this is a superb bag. I still love the look of it and I’ve received tons of compliments on it, so that’s always a plus.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (3)

Usability + Functionality 3 Stars

This is the medium size PS1 and the tiny bit smaller dimensions end up making the bag much easier to use. It could also be the leather, as my large bag is made from a more still crocodile skin, but the leather is supple and the bag opens easily and shows me everything inside. Sometimes when a bag is a bit too big, you can’t quite find everything inside easily. As much as I love my crocodile PS1, I much prefer the medium size. I don’t think this size will look too big even if you’re petit and if you’re tall like me (I’m 5’11”) it doesn’t look to small. This is a case of just the right size for pretty much anyone.

Because of the well-balanced sizing, the bag allows you to peer in and find what you’re looking for while also fitting plenty of items. I rarely put the front buckle straps in their tab holder, as it makes getting in and out harder. I just unlatch the clasp and am inside of the bag quickly.

This is one of few bags that the outside zip pocket comes in handy. I put my phone in this pocket all the time and it’s really easy to get in and out of. Again, the pocket is large enough that your fingers are getting squished when you try to slide your hand inside.

One thing to note, the bag has double straps that can be slid into holders along with a clasp closure. You can see it in some of my photos but if the bag is a bit more empty, the leather pulls a bit around the closure. This can make it a bit harder to get open while standing. I don’t always put the straps into the little holders, but that would take a bit more time to do so, though it is easy to slide them out.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (4)

Quality + Construction 4.5 Stars

Up until recently, this white bag barely showed any wear, and that is quite the feat to accomplish. Eventually I made a mistake and carried this bag while wearing dark denim (it was also drizzling outside that night, so really bad decision). I am still planning to try a few options for cleaning, but that wasn’t an error on the side of the bag it was user error.

Before my own mistake, the bag started to show a bit of wear on the handles and where the hardware touched the leather. With use this is bound to happen, but the hardware definitely had a bit of transfer. The stitching has held up nicely and I haven’t seen any fraying, just overall bag use wear.

The interior has a black fabric lining which isn’t really high end, but it also makes the bag light and is easy to keep clean (unlike the exterior). There is a pouch pocket on the interior that features a magnetic closure, which is quite strong and sometimes hard to un-do when I’m standing and trying to get inside of that pouch on the go.

Otherwise, this bag really holds up nicely. When I get in the habit of really using a bag, I really use it. I fling it on my shoulder and go and the bag is in the car, at tables, being carried, opened and closed often. And for this being used for quite a while along with being white, I’d say it’s faring really well.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (5)

Value 4 Stars

The value category is my hardest to score. Bag prices have really skyrocketed and sometimes it is a little hard to stomach even for me, and my job surrounds bags daily. However, this bag is a pretty fair value at $1,780.

Majority of designer bags now cost over $2,000 and end up being close to the $2,500 range with the likes of Chanel and Louis Vuitton going well above that for their coveted leather bags. I feel like this is a fair price. Plus this bag has stood the test of time and been loved by many for a few years now, which makes it a safer purchase. There are a slew of colors, so you can find whichever color your heart desires.

There is a white version (silver hardware however) available on Neiman Marcus for $1,780.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (6)

Staying Power 4.5 Stars

The PS1 hit the handbag scene in 2010 and the bag was flying off shelves. The fact remains that 6 years later, this bag is still highly sought after and still a big design for the brand. I don’t think many people feel sick of it, and much of that has to do with the original design and fact that there are so many options when it comes to colors, materials, and sizes.

If a bag is still popular after 6 years, it’s fairly safe to say it has become a handbag classic.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (7)

Total 4 Stars

Guys, I really love this bag. I know some people don’t love a flap top like this but I have found it fairly easily to get used to using and I like that my contents feel pretty safe. The style is still very sought after and the bag has proven to have staying power. The medium size works out really well, and I’m not petite so I can say even if you are taller, you will be happy with this size. Buy via Neiman Marcus for $1,780.

Also wearing a top by Joie (version sold out but more here), old DVF shoes (similar here), and jeans by BLANK Denim.

Proenza Schouler Medium PS1 Review (8)

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