19 Big(ish) Bags you might want to wear
plus: how bags can make repeating outfits feel unboring, and some things to consider to make sure you won't regret a big accessory purchase
Today, I want to talk about bags - how I’ve gone from being someone who would tell you, “I don’t really care about bags,” to someone who appreciates the power of an accessory, and made a first time “investment” bag purchase this year. How, if you’re thinking about making a big purchase, you might go about it. And, I want to share a number of amazing bag designers and styles that I’ve discovered that should be on your radar if you love bags (especially bags that are on the larger side - we’ll have to cover smaller bags another time), but want to spend under $1k, and, in many cases under $500.
Around this time last year I started this series. In it, almost exactly one year ago, I shared a round up of bags and pre-fall items (gasp - I am not ready to look at fall things at all right now!) In it, I mentioned, “I’m not really a bag person…”
HA!
My my my. Times have changed in the past year. I have developed a much greater love and appreciation for bags. Not just bags, accessories in general, and the role they play in my wardrobe and in the overall feeling of an outfit. I’ve always “known” how much an accessory can add to an outfit, but I used to think of them a) more of an afterthought, and b) as items that need to be neutral so that they would “go” with all the other things I wear on a regular basis. You could have seen this in my closet - my bags were mostly black, brown, beige, and very simple (ps: want to be very clear that there is nothing wrong with this! I had bags like a Cuyana tote (this is the closest current style) that my mom gave me as a gift when I was starting a job after college and I still have it, and it’s great).
Through my own experimentation, practice & refinement of my personal style, as well as from following incredibly stylish women on instagram & on substack!), I’ve started to evolve and see that while my wardrobe as a whole tends towards mix & match and more neutral pieces, (not a rule, but I definitely have comfort areas and color preferences!) there is a ton of room for more fun with my accessories, and I’ll still get A TON of wear out of them.
I’ve noticed how a bag I love breathes new life into outfits. I’ve noticed how my bags have helped me feel like I am working through a permutation of outfits, as opposed to straight repeats. I’ve also noticed, perhaps most important, is how much a mood booster it is to reach for and carry a bag that I love - ESPECIALLY on days when I am the most focused on the functionality of my outfits (wanting to be comfortable when I’m out and about with my kids for a day, making sure I don’t wear anything too precious, just running around doing errands and general life administration monotony.) AND - it doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive. In general, I am interested in quality, craftsmanship, sustainability and brand story - but that doesn’t mean that every purchase has to be a major investment (the whole point of this is to share some amazing bags I’ve discovered that are under $1K, most under $500) - I bought this bag from Mango (the new colors are insane!!!), and I feel joy every time I wear it!
Accessories, honestly, ANYTHING in your closet that makes you feel excited to wear or actively seek out opportunities to wear — that is the litmus test for what you should feel the best about adding into your closet! This is all supposed to be fun and enjoyable, after all!
This year, I made my first “major” bag purchase when I got the JW Anderson Corner Crossbody as a gift to myself for my birthday. It was a bag I had been thinking about for over a year, and a purchase, I planned for for several months - setting aside a little money every month so that I would be prepared to make a little “splurge” purchase when my birthday came around.
I thought long and hard about this purchase. Obviously, I didn’t want to regret a purchase. I also wanted something I would use regularly. I picked the corner crossbody because I think it is unique and subtle (no big logo), and practical for my life. It’s not too precious. I can carry it to dinner, but I also wear it cross body when I’m out with my kids. I love the large buckle, it’s very unique. I love Jonathan Anderson, and a lot of my “someday maybe” pieces are Loewe, so I felt that connection there.
If you’re thinking about making a designer bag purchase, here a few things that helped me make my decision & feel really confident that I made a good one:
Give yourself time to make sure you actually want the piece, and it’s not just a passing infatuation. Probably at least several months. I put images of the corner bag on pinterest boards for at least six months, and my first screenshot of it was from almost a year before I hit purchase
Collect ideas. I have a lot of bags on my someday maybe list (some inspo here). They’re not imminent purchases, but it’s helped me see that I’m developing a taste and personal preference, and I know what to look for to make sure I don’t go on to regret a purchase.
Be clear on your criteria before you fixate/dial in on a specific piece. I knew I wanted a bag, but I thought about what requirements I had before I decided on my pick. I think this helped make sure I didn’t buy something that would either collect dust or I would be disappointed in
If you’ve seen the bag in person, consider resale sites - you might find an incredible deal. But, know that many times bags are final sale, so I think you need to have seen and handled the bag in person so you know you like the little details you only see in person
Google before you buy - I ended up finding my bag at a 20% discount from Farfetch.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice how quickly bags can become extremely expensive. There are drool-worthy, beautiful, piece-of-art bags that are, for now, outside my price range. I’ll admire them from a far. Don’t worry though - I have a great some-day maybe list - you can see parts of it in this post, and this one too.
I think there is a barrier for many to exploring how bags can change their outfits because the “cost of entry” for a “quality” bag is very high. For the purposes of this edit, I don’t have a very scientific definition of what I consider quality, other than - small(er) brands, with a commitment to standard of materials, production, fair pricing & fair labor. Please note I have not fact checked every brand’s website. I established a budget of under $1K for everything included in here today, which please understand I know is not inexpensive, but I did want to share pieces that I believe are crafted beautifully, ethically made, etc, and the price of the good is connected to that. In case you haven’t heard this recently - you do not have to be carrying a designer bag to have a great outfit. You can find cool and interesting bags from Madewell, J.Crew, Mango, etc. - I’m trying to show you options you perhaps haven’t seen before. PS: I also think exploring local stores and thrift/vintage shops are great ways to discover interesting bag brands/styles you perhaps haven’t seen before at a variety of price points. This is also a great way to test your style — do you still like it without the brand name - if yes, it’s probably something you ACTUALLY LIKE!
I’ve discovered so many incredible bags from endless rabbit holes, google searches, instagram ads, and other writers/curators here on Substack (shoutout especially to
who introduced me to several incredible brands that would have never been on my radar, and especially the marketplace W. Concept to shop many Korean brands it might otherwise be tricky to order from. If you’re looking for even more amazing bag makers you should be looking to Bailey because she is in the know).Today’s roundup is focused on large-ish bags - the types of bags that we reach for the most in our day-to-day lives, when we are shlepping things around like computers, tablets, phones, wallets, books, water bottles, kid paraphernalia, returns, etc. Some of these are totes, all look like they should go over your shoulder, many could hold a laptop, all could be carried everyday, to work, to special occasions, etc.
Just an FYI - I’ve created affiliate links for all of these items so that you can browse all the pieces here, but many are for tracking purposes only (eg: they won’t give a commission) so I can see who clicks a link. I probably won’t see if you go on to purchase, so if you try something, can I ask a favor - please let me know!!! What did you pick & why and how is it? I’d really love to know!
Let’s dive in.
Dragon Diffusion Santa Rosa Woven Shoulder Bag ($383) - Dragon Diffusion seems like the right place to start as this brand has seen some notoriety in the past couple years (a selection of ready-to-wear styles available on Net-a-porter, via Alex Mill e-comm this summer, Shopbop & Goop). I love the woven-look - very bottega-esque without being a dupe. It’s a Belgian brand. You can find a larger selection of made-to-order styles on their direct site (I really love the Nantucket style).
The Parker Thatch Jane bag ($750 - XL, $698 - M) comes in multiple sizes and has the perfect slouch (the silver!!!) You might also know this brand for their cool bag charms and changeable straps. If you’re looking for something smaller, I love the Charlie, especially with a super cool corded strap!
Paloma Tote by Freja NYC ($368) - This bag is perfect for work - it has a zippered middle section, and many compartments. It would also be perfect for travel. Freja uses vegan leather and is entirely self-funded. They offer a great guide to their bags here (I love this feature, would love to see more brands offer this!) Notable that all their bags can accomodate a 13” laptop. I really like the Tall tote as well!
Bembien Gabrielle Bag ($360) - A beautiful woven (LARGE!) tote. This is so functional because you could wear it for work, you could wear it to run errands, and it would also make a great carryon on a trip!
Wandler Marli Tote ($756, $390) - Wandler is a Dutch brand that produces bags in Italy. This particular bag is giving me that bucket vibe that we are seeing a lot of and is also super practical, but I also really like the top shape, the fact that it has a magnetic closure & an adjustable strap.
Aesther Ekme Lune Tote ($695, $417) I am a huge fan of Aesther Ekme bags (the green Lune is stunning.) - I find them to be so beautiful, with special details, but very understated/minimal branding. This shape is so unique. These bags are designed in Denmark & made in Spain.
Mismo M/S Mate ($508) - This is a cotton bag with a jacquard with leather trim. This is a great travel bag, or even work as a diaper bag. I think it’s so chic and looks really professional, but the fabric makes it super durable and practical (a full leather version is also available). Mismo is a Danish brand, and their bags are designed with an eye for durability and versatility.
Shimo Shopper ($385) - Ette is a Korean brand, available for order on W.Concept. This particular style (which is on it’s way to me!) Is sold out right now, but you can sign up for a restock. This bag reminds me of the Row’s Margaux, but isn’t a dupe or knockoff. I’m planning on using her for work! Keep reading for more from this brand that I love!
Evra Woven Tote ($389) - More woven leather, and I love brown - fun to dress it up or down, and easy to wear all-year-round. This is perfectly slouchy but also include practical inside details to keep your things organized and safe (zip-top, lip gloss holder, inside pockets, etc.)
Aesther Ekme Sak Shoulder Bag ($695 $417, only 1 left! ) - Another Aesther Ekme - in one of the most well-known silhouettes, I love the Sak style. You’ll have this forever. Available in a green exclusive to Ssense here (also on sale!) This ‘cappuccino’ colorway is beautiful.
Oliveve Taya Top Handle Strap ($434)- If you’re looking for something chocolate suede (or blue, cream, green - check all the colors!) for fall - this might just be it! If your budget is a big higher, this Brochu Walker is similar.
Ette Filo Bag ($385) - Another from Ette - this bag is so insanely beautiful. It evokes the Row N/S Park Tote, or even the Mansur Gavriel Cabas, but at a price point under $400.
Parisa Wang Carrie Tote ($355) - I love the rectangular shape of this bag, and the strap is adjustable so you can wear it high like more of a shoulder bag, or it can have a long drop, or you can add an adjustable strap to make it wearable crossbody. I love the circular buckle on the strap. The big claim to fame for this brand is that their bags are made at the same factories as iconic designer brands like The Row and Chloe.
Little Liffner Penne Bucket Bag ($650) - Little Liffner is a Scandinavian brand that has subtle style, understated features and little iykyk details. I love the Tall Sprout Bag (the color is seriously delectable), as well as the Sprout Tote - the chocolate is on my wishlist!
Fleuron Swann ($725) - Phew, this bag is gorgeous. A French brand, Fleuron bags are handmade in Italy, and sold directly to consumers. If you happen to be in Paris anytime soon, I would add the boutique to your list. I love the understated elegance of their bags, and if you’re a shoulder bag type of gal, don’t miss the Hortensia shoulder bag - the gold clasp is so beautiful!
Chylak Big Wave ($350) - I discovered Chylak from the iconic Kelly Rutherford’s instagram page and quickly became obsessed with their shell and big wave silhouettes. The brand is Polish, and their materials are sourced from Italy, and produced in Poland.
Hpai Yesod Tote ($590) & Medium Binah Bucket Bag ($490) - A brand founded by two women, dedicated to making goods with minimal branding. I love that the tote has a long and short strap, and the Bucket is perfect for everyday! The Julien bag is giving major Savette Pochette vibes!
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas ($695,$380 - blue) I used to have a leather bag from Baggu (they no longer make leather bags I was sad to discover when I googled) that I need to dig up from somewhere in the depths of my childhood bedroom. It was perfect, and nearly identical to the Cabas. Understated, chic, goes-with-everything, equally perfect for work as it is going out for dinner or running errands on the weekend. I also love the colors - you could choose something neutral or you could go for a fun pop of color (my baggu bag was raspberry :)) Also from this brand, I love this, especially the fact that it has a zip top (and on major sale).
I have even more brands and bags that I want to share, but this is getting long and I want to hear from you - what am I missing? What brands should be on our (collective) radars?
ICYMI: Some pieces you might enjoy…
The vacations I’d love to go on (and what I’d pack)
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Ok I’ve also become a bag person in the last year!! I guess babies do that to you 😂 love these
This post is dangerous for my wallet