Every now and again, I have to pull myself deep out of a social media hole. Though I’ve tried to set a screentime goal for myself this year and stick to it, I still get caught up in the deep dark hole of fashion Instagram. It usually starts with seeing one item or outfit that I envy. From there, I’ll start clicking and saving and clicking some more until suddenly I’m looking at a random influencer’s friend’s cousin’s daughter who happens to be TikTok famous. I’m not proud of it, but during these moments, I find myself incredibly jealous of strangers on the internet and everything they have. Usually, I find myself the most enthralled by the bag collections of these internet-famous fashion stars. Occasionally, I have to remind myself to take a step back and remember that not everything you see on the internet is as it seems, but I digress.
When Did Fashion Trump Funtion?
Recently I came across a photo of an influencer’s handbag collection. It was chock full of tiny Chanel Mini Flaps, micro bags, and small shoulder bags. In passing, I quickly wondered what on earth could fit in those bags and where she stored her phone on nights (or days) out. I shrugged it off and didn’t give it another thought until today when it randomly dawned on me that it seems that fashion outweighs any semblance of function these days. It seems like designers are catering to the now and the wow versus what a handbag is really all about at the core: carrying your stuff from place to place. I got to thinking about the bags I own and the purpose they serve, and moreover, I realized (and I’ve said this here before) that I cater my things to my bags versus the other way around, and I wondered if I’m the only one who does this.
We give up a lot for fashion, and while I don’t think we should have to have to, I wonder if there really is such thing as the “perfect” bag. Maybe, we’ve gotten so used to our bags never being just right. I find that there is always some sort of pet peeve when it comes to the bag I’m carrying. Maybe the zipper is hard to get in and out of, or my things get lost in the bag’s big, open interior; maybe the bag is a bit heavy, or the strap is a bit too short, but I find that none of my bags are really completely flawless. What do you think?
This has the makings of a great article – but it feels a bit unfinished. Was there supposed to be more content under that second sub-heading? (Typos in the sub-headings too.)
The typos in the headers?… looks like a draft
The perfect bag has a phone pouch in the back, multiple carrying options (top handle plus shoulder strap or a chain strap that doubles) and looks small but is deceivingly roomy. And the leather isn’t too precious. My small Givenchy Mystic hits all these notes.
I think when it comes to a perfect bag, it’ll be the one most suited to someone’s aesthetic and lifestyle, with a bonus of being a chameleon to any other occasions.
I didn’t think perfect bag exists until I add Loewe puzzle bag to my collection! Honestly, the zippers are so smooth, it allows just one-hand operation when in a rush. Has a buttery soft yet durable calfskin (I accidentally had a pen mark on it that cleared up with just water, in a situation when I don’t have any leather cleaner around). The flap adds extra closure, most of the time I don’t need to zip close my bag. It has a zipped back pocket. I wear it mostly casual, but I know I could depend on it when travelling/going to fancy places/ formal occasions.
I’ve ventured to many other bags since but I know if I ever get tired of any other bags, I know puzzle bag would be the one I keep
Wow what a review. I have to admit this bag has been turning my head recently…and being Irish I love that it’s designed by an Irishman! Ive seen it in the wild and it’s beautiful but I questioned it’s functionality because the opening looks like it’s awkward. Good to know it’s quite the opposite.
To answer the question posed by the article; it needs to be neat but roomy with top handle and crossbody options.
I’d have to agree. Out of all my bags, the Loewe puzzle is the one I wear almost daily. The only negative is my husband thought I bought it at Target 😬
hahaha in my case it is the only bag that my husband cared to look and examine closely, probably because of the unusual design. But once I explained to him the intricate details the bag has, he is now also a fan!
May I ask … What size is yours ? i’m interested since the launching , I remember I saw one in orange and i thought , I’d love this bag in tan leather 😅 but one thing stopped me was the size and structured that the bag was
I have the small and used to have the large size as well. The larger size definitely allows the bag to turn to a puddle of leather for how soft the calfskin is. Personally, I’ve found the smooth calfskin in small to be the sweet spot, as it could retain some structure (and I actually love the slouch it gets overtime). I would suggest looking at fashionphile to get a picture of how the bag ages overtime and see whether you’ll like it 🙂
I agree with you @pheebsc. The large was too big and unwieldy for me, but the small is great for my 5-foot frame.
Yasss! The small is perfect for me as well (also 5-foot frame)
Loewe puzzle is really close to perfect in my book too!
The Perfect Bag for me, is when you ask a leather atelier to do a custom one made just for you to suit your wants and needs 🙂
My go to bag is the Hermes Evelyne 29. I use it for traveling and everyday. It has a pocket for my phone and reading glasses. and is roomy enough for everything else. Most important it is the right length for crossbody- so hands free.
The perfect bag to me needs 1) top handle, 2) shoulder strap, 3) back pocket. For that reason own 🤭three YSL College and one Chanel 19. Wish my Kelly 28 had a back pocket – she’d be “the one”. Why are there so few back pockets? 😭. I feel like they create design flaws on purpose so we are forced to buy more.
I agree with this post that the perfect bag is very hard to come by. If I could make the perfect bag, it would be the Birkin with a cross body strap. That bag would be almost perfect. Easy to use, high(est) quality, secure, roomy and that strap would make it hands free. Please let Hermes know about his idea. 😉
I bought straps for my Birkin online! They’re a serious game changer and the supplier managed to make the leather looks identical in terms of color and texture to my Bleu Nuit togo.
sounds like you want a coach rogue!
I love the Chanel medium flap and it’s the perfect bag for me. It fits everything I need for everyday carry (phone, keys, cardholder, kindle, lipstick, sunglasses) and it transitions well to an evening bag as well!
I think mine is too formal for every day wear. Maybe I’m thinking too small!
My Balenciaga City, Coach Cassie, and Coach Madison are perfect for me. They can be worn shoulder and crossbody (except the Madison-no top handle). All are in different shades of blue. I refuse to baby my bags and don’t have to with these.
Oooh I did love my Madison. So easy to get everything in and out of, not too heavy, still polished looking without seeming fussy
My (current) perfect bag is the Ophidia Small GG Tote with blue/red web. Durable, top handle, crossbody, the contents are visible/easily accessible, zipper on top plus it’s a neutral color. When I’m not concerned about durability, I can use a navy Trendy CC.
I couldn’t agree more and that’s all I have to say because you said it perfectly!
My Chanel 19 Maxi is the most comfortable bag I own. I’m not really a small bag person (with the exception of a Chanel Mini) so it just works for me. There’s something so comforting/low stress about it. Does anyone get what I’m saying? It’s just my perfect bag. The only note I’d make is that I need to swap my dark tweed version for a neutral leather, which will be a better option for me on the day to day. xx
Yes the Himalayan Dimond encrusted crocodile bag