Hi Katherine, I love your site and was wondering if could help me with finding an "in-season", comfortable, satchel style work bag! I am starting work in a new city and wanted to find a sophisticated black work bag I could carry to work with me. My budget is about $1270 and am deciding between an LV alma, YSL Muse, Marc Jacobs Stam, Tods D Bag, Mulberry Emmy…. But cant seem to decide so thought I would ask for your help cos I will be spending a lot of money on the bag!! Kind regards, Taskeen
Click on the jump below to see my thoughts, and for the chance to leave comments for Taskeen letting her know what you think she should buy!
I've had a look at the bags you listed, Taskeen, and have put their photos on this post, as well as including a few more alternatives that fit your description. Buying a designer bag, particularly for the amount of money you plan on spending, is a big investment, and normally I would deter you from buying an 'It' bag such as the 'Stam' by Marc Jacobs. These sort of bags can sometimes be one-season wonders, and we're yet to see just how long the 'Stam' can survive for, before we see it gracing the arm of Tara Reid, thus announcing its demise. I would tend to go for something more classic, that can look as fresh and in season 5 years down the track as it does now, such as the YSL 'Muse'. However, I know how addictive 'It' bags are, and as long as you don't fear being stuck with it after it's deemed 'out', then bags like the Stam, and Mulberry's 'Emmy' are perfect. The Louis Vuitton 'Alma' is a beautiful bag, however they only make it in brown, and at $2,100 it is quite a bit out of your price range unfortunately.
The Marc Jacobs 'Hudson' has been worn by the likes of Reese Witherspoon, and certainly won't be seen as 'soooo last season daaahling', due to its classic look. The Marc Jacobs label is getting stronger and stronger, so a bag like this is a worthwhile investment. It's just $1,225 over at Net-A-Porter. The 'It' bag of this season is also from Marc Jacobs, the 'Stam' has been seen on the arm of every 'sleb. My favourite is the one-pocketed 'Stam', at $1,210, however it does come with two pockets, for $1,235. My only concerns with this bag, as I said before, is that due to its 'It' bag status, it may not appeal to you in a year's time, thus making it an expensive loss. However, if you feel you love it enough, and will continue to do so for many years', then go for it, as it's a stunning handbag.
Alexander McQueen's 'Novak' bag has been huge for well over a year now, but has never quite gained the 'It' bag status it deserved, thus ensuring its timelessness. The rigid shape will look great in years to come, and at just $985 it is far cheaper than the other bags you're considering. Likewise, YSL's 'Muse' is a fantastic price I believe, only $1,295 from Neiman Marcus. For some reason this bag has remained stylish over the past 2 years, most probably due to its classic shape and no-frills features. This is probably my favourite from all these bags, and would be the one I'd go for in a flash.
You mentioned Tod's 'D' bag, which is a beautiful tote made from grained leather with a polished finish. Tod's is a great brand which has always remained semi-under the radar for some reason, but that doesn't make it not worthy of some big bucks. It costs $1,150, perhaps a little too much for what is in my opinion a fairly standard tote, however it is very classy and would look great with your work clothes. Dior's Logo Charms tote is very similar, however has their iconic silver hardware detailing, adding that little something extra. It's cheaper than the Tod's bag too, at $1,095, so you can spend the extra $50 on a nice wallet or keyring for the bag.
Mulberry's 'Bayswater' is a better buy than their latest 'It' creation, the 'Emmy', due to its more elegant shape and timeless appeal. It's roomy too, perfect for stuffing your sandwich for work in, and is even cheaper than the 'Emmy' at only $790. I would strongly suggest you buy the 'Bayswater' over the 'Emmy', however if your heart does pine away for the 'Emmy', it's still a lot less than the other bags, at $945. Mulberry is a great brand, especially as you live in the US, where it's still quite a luxury to own a little slice of Britain.
So what do you think Taskeen should buy? You know my thoughts now on all the bags, and whilst I'm leaning towards YSL's 'Muse', I'm sure Taskeen would love to hear what you think. Leave comments in the box below, and once Taskeen decides on a bag, I'll make sure to tell you all about it!
