Following the positive feedback shared with my Favorite Shoes and Favorite Jeans posts, I thought it high time to put together a post outlining my bag collection featuring my favorites and most worn bags.

My Bag Collection

Accessories is the place I first started investing in when it comes to my wardrobe. The right bag or shoe can elevate any look. And I really try to hone in on classic, timeless styles. 

I want to caveat this post with saying that I am in my late 30s and I didn’t buy my first designer bag until my 30th birthday! I tend to buy myself a pair of designer shoes or a nice bag only for special occasions – usually my birthday or as a reward to reaching a particular business milestone. 

I shop very thoughtfully for my purchases. I often study Instagram and Google Image Search to see how bags have been styled by others for over a year before I pull the trigger on it. Sometimes longer! And most of my bigger designer bag purchases have been made overseas where I’ve gotten the VAT refund back. 

Lastly, keep in mind that many of these bags have been with me for years and therefore they have gone up in price (sometimes significantly!) from what I purchased them for. 

Read on for more details on each of the bags in my current bag collection, the reveal of my newest bag acquisition and for a roundup of bags I’m currently loving at every price point.

Celine Box Bag

I loved this bag for nearly ten years before I could ever justify it. But when I heard the style may be being retired and the Camel color was being sold through – I purchased it in Paris in October of 2021 when I had made my revenue goals for the year for wit & whimsy.

It is currently one of my most worn bags and I love that the color makes it seasonless. It can be shortened to be a short or long shoulder bag and I often wear it crossbody as well.

For similar vibes at a more affordable price, I would look at the J.Crew Edie Bag and the A.P.C. Grace Bag.

Celine Mini Belt Bag

This was my first Celine bag! I purchased it in New York City in January 2019 following a successful 2018 with my businesses. It is roomy for throwing in a lot which makes it a nice bag for travel and I think this color is neutral perfection. It goes with everything I own!

This bag gets less wear these days with my not going into a work space (and therefore just carrying a lot less around!) but I still reach for it at least monthly. 

Celine Teen Triomphe Bag

I had been eyeing this bag for years and years. Long before it blew up and suddenly so many people were carrying it! But I kept loving it and so when I was in Italy in September 2022 and the Euro was equal to the Dollar, I snagged it. I saved $1200 by buying it in Italy vs. buying it New York City!

The size is perfection. It fits my card case, keys, lip product, phone and sunglasses and I love that it can be styled for an evening look or more daytime. It has gotten so, so much wear since I bought it.

Gucci Dionysus Super Mini Bag

Meet the most impractical bag in my collection – ha! It doesn’t fit my phone so I need to be wearing a coat with pockets in order to bring this little guy out but gosh it is just so beautiful. The embellished, Swarovski crystal stones closure features a textured tiger head spur closure which is a nod to the Greek god Dionysus. Made in resistant textured leather, this bag is just the perfect little teensy clutch. 

I’m not usually a Gucci girl (most of their bags are too branded or logo-filled for me!) but I do really love several of their Dionysus pieces). This is a good example of a bag that costs way more now than what I bought it for back in 2017 before Gucci once again exploded in popularity.

This bag also has a chain so you can wear it crossbody or over your shoulder as seen below.

Saint Laurent Betty Bag

Meet my first ever designer bag. I love how this bag came to be for me. On my 30th birthday I took the day off and went uptown to the Saint Laurent store off of 5th Avenue to buy this bag. But when I saw their inventory I didn’t find *the one*. Just a couple hours later I got an alert from FarFetch that a Betty Bag I had viewed online had gone on sale. The sale wasn’t much but as soon as I saw the photo of the bag they had – I purchased it. I knew it was mine.

I snagged it right away! I have never seen a Betty bag with the striking perforation of mine ever again and I absolutely love it. This remains probably my favorite bag I own because of the story and because it reminds me of a really transformational time in my life. 

No longer made, the Betty Bag was created by Hedi Slimane to initiate himself as Creative Director at Saint Laurent. This bag is said to pay homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s lifelong friend and muse Betty Catroux. I love the folded corners and the gold chain that make this the perfect evening bag. 

I was once in a YSL store and an employee gasped at the bag noting the gold chain and how it was one of the most expensive details YSL has done on their bags. I had no idea!

This bag remains very special to me. 

Senreve Mini Maestro

Senreve is a really great brand making designer feeling bags for under $1000. The Mini Maestra is the small version of their famed Maestra Bag. I think the Mini is the ideal size for a bag this shape personally. 

Made from Italian leather this bag is meant to be versatile. You can wear it as a backpack, over your shoulder, crossbody or hold it via the top handle. I think this bag is a great alternative to the Celine Belt Bag if you’re looking to spend less. 

Senreve Alunna Bag

Similar to her multi-tasking cousin Maestra, the Alunna Bag is a leather backpack and handbag, and just as versatile. Its slimmer profile fits up to a 6” Kindle, and features 2 interior pockets and an exterior cardholder. Wear it as a backpack, held by hand or over the shoulder, or as a crossbody.

Senreve Aria Bag

One of my go-to casual bags. Spot me in my neighborhood running errands and it is likely I have this bag across my body. It was designed to be an upgraded version of the fanny pack and can fit quite a bit. You can wear it crossbody, as a belt bag or use it as a clutch when you remove the strap. 

The bag is also able to be swapped out so if you want to make it more nighttime just add a chain strap!

I also have the bag in another color from their collaboration with a favorite brand of mine: M.M.LaFleur.

Mango Leather & Straw Tote

Don’t sleep on Mango’s bags! I think they make really nice bags that have a designer aesthetic at a much, much better price point. I used this little tote so much last spring and summer!

Loewe Small Wicker and Leather Tote

My favorite little summer tote. Perfectly sized to hold all of your daily essentials, this bag is trimmed with tan leather and the strap is adjustable so you can actually carry it three different ways. I was kind of amazed at it when it arrived! I loved carrying it all last summer and know it will get so much use this year as well. 

If interested, would snag it now – it was entirely sold out by the time summer arrived last year!

Poolside Essaouira Medium Straw Tote Bag

The perfect beachside or poolside straw tote. Or take it to your local farmer’s market! It’s a great summer carryall at a much friendlier price point than its designer lookalikes. I love that the bag is handwoven by female artisans and the straps are adjustable.

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Designed to go everywhere with you, this tote is so great. I’ve shopped Cuyana’s totes for nearly ten years now and they hold up really well. This is my current go-to carry on bag and I love the Cappuccino color I got so much.  

I also really like the functionality of the dual length straps.

The Daily Edited Box Bag

The brand stopped making this bag (if I had to guess I’d say its because it looks a whole lot like Marc Cross Grace bags!) but it is one of my most asked about bags. I love its briefcase like vibe and structured silhouette. It’s a great bag and I just wish it would return so more of you could get it when you ask me where it is from!

J.Crew Camera Bag

This is another bag style that’s no longer made sadly but it is a classic shape + size of a “camera bag”. I hope J.Crew will bring it back!

If you like the shape, check out the Madewell Camera Bag. Or this bag that is similar as well.

J.Crew Sedona Basket Bag

The thing I love most about this bag is that you can fit an umbrella in it for rainy summer days!

Sezane Victor Bag*

This is a great little crossbody bag. I love the textured leather and how much it holds while still feeling dainty. I see the Heritage Leather version on women in Paris all the time.

I also just got the brand’s Mini Farrow Bag* – but haven’t shot it just yet!

Caterina Bertini Woven Shoulder Bag

Caterina’s line makes beautifully woven bags and this one is no exception. I like the baguette shape and found it perfect to wear all summer long.

Kate Spade Bejeweled Clutch*

I’ve had this clutch for over five years and it is my go-to for formal affairs. I wore it to my brother’s wedding last year and have brought it to more events than I can count.

Kate Spade Embellished Clutch*

Another embellished clutch I find perfect for dressier events. I hope Kate Spade returns to making bags like this one day!

Kate Spade Voyage Top Handle Bag

I bought this little bag last summer wanting a white bag I could wear in Spring and Summer. It’s the perfect little top handled bag! I hope they bring the style back.

Naghedi St Barths Large Tote

A great carryall companion for vacations and everyday adventures this woven bag is super spacious and comes with a matching zipper pouch so you can put your valuables in there without losing them in the depths of the bag. 

DeMellier Florence Clutch

Another bag that gets a lot of wear come warmer weather is this beautiful crochet and leather clutch by the British brand DeMeillier. I don’t think they make this anymore so I’m glad I snagged it when I saw it. 

Wicker Wings Bag

A versatile summer bag that is made more elegant in black. Perfect to pair with all my black summer dresses.

Chanel Medium Flap Bag in Caviar

Surprise! Saved a little something for the last item. I bought the bag I’ve been eyeing for over a decade last year when in Paris and the currency exchange and VAT refund were in my favor.  I had looked at this bag in person no less than seven or eight times. It was a big investment purchase and I’m still in a bit of shock that it is mine truth be told! 

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Shop My Bag Collection

Bags I am Loving

 

You May Also Like:

• Things I Bought and Loved – 2022 Edition.
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