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Dear Bag Snob (or Bag Snob readers)-
Normally I would go to friends for advice, but none of my friends are into fashion as much as I am. Anyway I need a new bag, something light that I can literally throw around when I run errands etc… The bags that I like the most are all older bags. Normally I would get a new bag (new for the season), but I just want something that I really like and will use a lot. I do not care if it is not a brand new design.
So I have narrowed it down:
Balenciaga Hobo (similar to the played out Motorcycle Le Dix but hobo shape) in Olive Green. Love the color and it is very light.
Miu Miu Coffer bag (on your top 10 list), in brown or white leather.
YSL reversible bag. Large size and black/silver color. Please help!!!
Irena
Hi Irena,
You certainly came to the right place to get advice on your new bag. After taking consideration of your needs, we’ve come to the conclusion that the Balenciaga Le Dix hobo would be best. Our main reason for picking this bag is your desire for a light bag that you can throw around. The Miu Miu coffer, a great bag, is heavy and not something you’d throw around. The YSL reversible tote is also fabulous but again, it is not as light as the Le Dix hobo.
We’ve trashed the over exposed Le Dix in the past but lately it’s becoming retro and vintage-y to us (I’ve recently pulled out my old dark brown le dix from 6 years ago!) Anything that lasts more than 5 years in my closet is a classic destined for the Bag Snob museum and the Balenciaga certainly fits the bill. I also love the olive green color, it will be a neutral in your wardrobe and be easy to use daily.
Let us know what you decide on!
xo
Bag Snob
P.S.(We’d love to hear what everyone else thinks she should get. Leave Irena a comment!)
I too like the Balenciaga hobo as it a great play on a classic design! But, if this is a bag you plan to carry day after day, and possibly for a long period of time, perhaps the Yves Saint Laurent may be best. If you ever fancy a change, you can simply turn it inside out, and voila! a new bag! Brook, London
How about a Goyard? So light!
Hey Irena,
I so hear what you are saying. I am not loving the new it bags myself. I so love the old Chloe bags (Pheobe Philo collections). I find it really hard to choose a new bag. I actually am wanting to just buy something and can find nothing.
I also share the same feelings about the Balenciaga as our Bag Snob (love her) feels. I own the Balenciaga Twegy in light brown and it is truly light easy to care for and I love it for the spring. I sort of was a little interested in the Miu Miu coffer bag as well, however I found it very stiff and bulky. They truly are all very nice choices. I just think what you are looking for the Balenciaga is the best choice. Have fun shopping.
a fellow bag snob
oh, great post! i’ve been looking for the same kind of thing….but i want it to be able to be worn messenger-style when necessary. any ideas???
Out of those three bags, I would go with the YSL.
Irena, buy what makes your heart sing. I’ve only recently discovered the Bag Snobs and they have made me rethink my purse choices. I trust their taste implicitly.
I agree with the Balenciaga. It’s a very light bag that’s very casual for everyday outings. You can always dress up the bag with scarves or charms to make it more “you”.
I can’t believe the Bag Snob is warming up to the Le Dix bags! lol
My darlings,
It’s because it is no longer the “it” bag that I am craving it again… what’s old is new for me as I have not seen mine in years! I am carrying it today and am really enjoying my old friend the le dix.
xo
Bag Snob
Bag Snob, once again you are reading my mind. Green is THE color for Spring and I will be calling you when I am ready to get mine. There is a Lanvin that I am dying for and you know how luscious their emerald green is.
Thank you so much Bag Snob- I agree with all of your opinions and your writing is very funny. This is my favorite web site.
Well, thank you all so much. You guys definitely helped. Maybe we could get a forum set up here so that we could talk about bags even more ….lol!!! In the true spirit of Bag Snobbery, I will purchase the Balenciaga today. I will wait a couple of weeks and then get the YSL. And when the Miu Miu goes on sale, it will join its siblings. (I hope my husband does not read this). Have a good night.
P.S. For the lady above who is looking for a messenger type bag… how about the Miu Miu or The Dior Cannage Drawstring Bag, The Bag Snob reviewed it a few months ago. (Oh no now I want that one too =)
All but the YSL are already on Canal street.
I don’t live in NYC, so I am not sure what Canal St. means. Does it mean that they are at discount stores like (Loehaman’s) or that they are copies / fakes? Because I do not like fake bags. Not sure why, but they make me sad…did anyone ever see that “Sex and The City” episode when Samantha buys a fake Fendi?
Irena,
The YSL bag is too flimsy for many tasks of every day living. I looked at this bag, but opted for the more sturdy YSL Severine instead. Since this is a very winter bag, and we are nearly into spring, I suggest the Balenciaga. The one pictured (white?) is not the same as my hobo, which is very deep and almost looks like a messenger bag. I got it in a sky blue, and love it. The only negative…the leather is very soft and a bit fine. My bag is three seasons old, and now looks it. The other bag that I have had forever, and will always love is the LV epileather fan bag. They will never go out of style, you can get it in green, and the larger size is great for everything, from the gym into evening.
Best to all my sibling Bag Snobs,
S
Hi there Bagsnob and fellow bag lovers!
I love the green balenciaga Le Dix too!
Light to carry and you’re so right it is very neutral!
Yes I remember that episode Irena – shame on Samantha, she should have known better!
Although fair play to her for using Lucy Liu’s name to get a Birkin for herself lol
Irena,
You gave me such a laugh! Why didn’t you give us the “E. All of the above” option??? Brook , London
Canal Street is where they have stalls of fakes, some better than others but still. Barney’s has a good selection in their off Barney’s store which are at the premium outlet malls.
One comment on the Balenciaga: If you are hard on purses, this isn’t the one to own. I think they look ratty after a couple of years of good use. I don’t know why they look so gritty in the city. Just me.
I like Michael Kors large satchel.
Happy pursing.
I would go with the YSL, in fact, i’m considering getting one myself in exact same colour. The beauty of it is that you technically get 2 bags for the price of one, since the style of the 2 sides are so distinctly different and could match with totally different outfit. The Balenciaga is great for the light weight, for a bag to run errand with and toss around, white is too subject to damage. I am currently using a white bag for that purpose and I cannot freely throw it around without worrying it being scratched or some other colour from dye of clothing migrating onto the leather.
Canal Street is where the fakes are for sale. This is not a secret in New York, and often, a hit bag will be for sale for $200 or $300 on Canal and suddenly, every girl in New York will have one. For instance, before they had Goyards, I never saw anyone with them. Now I’ll see one a week.
Some of the knock-offs are very good. But more to the point…if you don’t want to look like everyone else, it’s best to opt for a bag that is not being knocked-off. I think the Balenciagas are a fashion faux-pas at this point, because everyone just assumes yours is a fake. Fakes are ubiquitous.
I lucked out when I bought my real Balenciaga years ago, because I got a “bowling bag” which has yet to be carried by an Olsen. Nobody knows it’s Balenciaga, but everyone compliments it, and it was never knocked off.
On a related note, it has held up great. One of the tabs broke off the zipper in the first month, and I have a small tear in the back pocket, but the rattier it gets, the better it looks. Such is the Balenciaga bag. That’s the look.
Hi all, I had the YSL bag and think it’s a waste of money. Yes, it’s reversible. But it has no inside pockets and just a big old floppy top with a drawstring. I borrowed it at Bag Borrow or Steal to see if I wanted to spend the $$. I didn’t.
Balenciaga, without a doubt.
Dear Bag Snobs – has anyone logged on to the YSL website. Their Summer 2007 line is out. The bags are so cute and the red jacket with the tie back bow is adorable.
Hi Girls, You should do a ‘bag museum’ page as suggested in the reply to the email above. I would guess that #1. on the list will be Hermes Kelly or maybe the Hermes Birkin! I love you commentary on all the latest IT bags, but sometimes I prefer the old favourites.
I don’t particularly like the look of the Balenciaga, and its my opinion that most bags are only heavy because of what you put in them. So I’d go with the YSL. It doesn’t have enough hardware to be cumbersome, and i think it’s more stylish than the other two.
I have wanted the Balenciaga le dix for awhile… because it is classic and youthful etc…. basically I just love the design. But, obviously I did not get it because everyone in the world (& the slut pack) had it. As you said, it was so very, very played out. I have since been waiting for it to be “over” to finally get one. The fact that you, Bag Snob, are carrying it must mean it is in fact retro and safe to carry again. I have a spring fever crush on the small le dix in white…. but I am scared to buy it for obvious reasons. Is it really safe? Please advise! Anyone else’s opinions would be sincerely appreciated.
Thank you.
Balenciaga. For sure, 100%. In fact, you will be making me feel better because I just got the VERY, VERY last one in this awesome blue color at Barneys. Get it, love it, carry it for a long time, and it will look better as it gets older, too.
balenciaga.
it is timeless. and love the color. got myself one in white.
Dear Bag Snob,
I really need your advice. I recently graduated from grad school and can finally indulge my love of beautiful bags. I would like something that is or will become a classic. I need a daily bag, probably in black since this my “starter” bag, that has enough room to carry my wallet, PDA, etc. and is less than $3000. I like Balenciaga, but so far the comments I’ve seen deem them too trendy. How about Chanel or Lanvin? Is there a style in either line that will suit my needs and be classic enough to give to my daughter one day?
dear bag snob and fellow bag snob fans…
please help me to choose between YSL muse oversized or ballenciaga ‘the work’. i need a roomy bag that will be perfect for travelling, to be indoor as well as outdoor. stylish, chic but also timeless,and something that i’d throw around ( i dont go for nappa leather this time,coz i hv to handle them with extra care when i carry them)
thanks a bunch bag snob…love you guys