I got my first premium designer bag when I was in middle school. It was something I wished for, pined for, dreamed for and worked hard for. As soon as I acquired my Dior Mini Saddle Bag, all bets were off. I was hooked on bags for life. At the time I still rotated the usage of my beloved Dior with some of my other bags which included one Coach bag and a bunch of nylon LeSportsac bags—who remembers? Then in high school Rebecca Minkoff became popular and I acquired a couple of her bags as well which I worked into my rotation. Eventually, I got a second premium designer bag, an LV Speedy, and my collection sort of took off from there.
I found that the more luxury bags I acquired, the less attention I paid to my contemporary bags, even though many of them were great bags that I and others found highly covetable at the time. I guess the luxury of owning luxury—pun intended—took over in my early twenties, and even though my collection was a lot smaller back then, I only rotated through the few premium designer bags I owned and tossed the others aside. The last 4-5 years my need to carry certain bags only has worn off, and I’ve enjoyed diversifying my collection a bit more. I’ve added a number of contemporary bags to my collection (full disclosure: some were gifted and some were purchased), and I no longer favor premium designer bags over everything else.
Currently I live in a small NYC apartment, and my bags are stored in every nook and cranny of my bedroom. Some are underneath my bed in a box, others are on top of my closet in a plastic bin, and the ones I reach for most often are on the shelves built into my closet. With most of my collection stored and out of eyesight, I forget how much I have sometimes and a recent closet clean-out reminded me how grateful I am to have all of the bags that I do. Now more than ever I, like so many, am shopping my own closet and rediscovering many of my bags.
I thought it would be fun to discuss some of our lesser known and less expensive bags since we so often overlook them, both here on PurseBlog and in our day to day lives. Some of my favorite contemporary bags are from Mansur Gavriel, Senreve, Little Liffner and Manu Atelier, but the non-premium designer bag I use most is my Nunoo Gina mini bucket bag. This little Nunoo lady was gifted to me last fall, and as soon as it arrived I transferred my stuff into the bag. I don’t carry all that much and was easily able to put my small YSL card wallet, my cosmetics case, keys and iPhone inside and off I went. I got my first compliment on the bag that very same day when I walked into Reformation, which is a small store, in my neighborhood. It was love at first carry and I’ve used it as much, if not more, than some of my designer bags in the 7 months since I got it. My particular bag is no longer available, but you can check out more via the brand’s website or view select styles via Shopbop.
Which non-premium designer bag do you love most?
I’m kind of obsessed with my convertible Pacsafe backpack/crossbody. It’s so spacious and fits everything you need for the day, and it has so many clever little design featured to prevent theft. Plus it’s a cute design and I got mine in a pretty purple color ?
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Furla – Coach – Eric Javits – Liberty London – Aspinal of London
Still in love with all my Cambridge Satchels. Even with years of medium to hard wear and every inch stuffed with something they still look and feel ?
my longchamp pliage cuir satchel is made of the most divine leather, so soft and lightweight yet so tough. Every time I wear it, I get complimented and I feel so effortlessly elegant. Their bags are understated but those in the know recognize the brand heritage and ethos and are loyal.
I’m generally pretty obsessed with Longchamp.
Love Furla, Polene and DeMellier!
Lotuff Leather has the richest leather that I’ve ever seen, touched, and smelled. The designs are classic (to the point of being a little boring for me sometimes), but the absurd quality of the raw materials makes me want to buy everything just to hold and sniff. It’s full grain and veg-tanned so the few pieces I have have been aging well too.
I just ordered a backpack–can’t wait for it to arrive! Thanks so much for your post!
Those Lotuff bags are gorgeous and such a great price. Thank you for posting about them! I am now a fan.
Of course! I’ve been a huge fan of them for years. They’re not cheap but the quality to price ratio is excellent. Made is USA too 🙂
I just discover this Belgian designer: Lies Mertens. Love their Mariko.
I’m moving back into contemporary and also favoring non designer. My favorite at the moment is Decadent of Copenhagen’s feed bag style called Kylie. The leather is amazing, craftsmanship as well, and the price was totally agreeable. I’m tired of paying high dollar for mediocre quality, which seems to be the way most premium brands are going.
Kipling Eleva convertible tote is so versatile and organized with outside pockets for masks and sunglasses. Lightweight and holds a lot when needed.
Kipling is great! I like Kipling for shopping trips, travel and roadtrips. The bags are so lightweight, easy to clean and Kipling is often on sale so the prices are doable whatever your price range is.
Still ride or die with Rebecca Minkoff. I’ve also discovered Kurt Geiger handbags and own 3.
Kurt Geiger, Longchamp, Brahmin
I really enjoy my MZ Wallace small Crosby crossbody. Comes with 3 diff straps so easy to use no matter situation.
I’ve been quite impressed with Staud and Mansur Gavriel.
Marimekko has great and affordable leather bags. I own and carry a lot their textile crossbody bag since 2015 and it’s still like new. This year’s leather collection is very beautiful and at the price range of 250-400 € also very affordable.
Otherwise I love Italian Coccinelle and Kate Spade, still.
I’m enamored with Portland Leather Company. Their totes, crossbody bags and belts are simplistic, but well made and sell at a great price point!
Staud, Wandler, Vlieger & Vandam and just discovered Mehry Mu who makes gorgeous velvet bags!