Following the positive feedback shared with my Favorite Shoes and Favorite Jeans posts, I’ve now got a post outlining my bag collection featuring my favorites and most worn bags. It’s been refreshed and updated with all my latest additions to my collection!
Plus I’m sharing bags on my wish list, too at the bottom of the post so be sure to read on.
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.
In fact, 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 and for a roundup of bags I’m currently loving at every price point.
Shop My Bag Collection
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.
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas Tote
I will admit I owned this bag for months before I actually started using it. I got it as my friend Helena raved about it and noted the price was half of The Row one I had been eyeing. Now, I can’t stop using it. It is roomy, slouchy perfection and the quality is so good.
It comes in a variety of colors, too.
J.Crew Berkley Bucket Bag
Another great bucket bag is the J.Crew Berkley bucket bag in leather and suede. Easy and timeless.
Manu Atelier Cambon Bag
I rarely buy things targeted to me on Instagram but after I saw this bag I knew it was going to be mine. I pre-ordered it the summer of 2024 and was delighted when it finally arrived. It feels like a Toteme or Khaite bag but is under $1000.
Related: Designer Bags Under $1000
Designed with suede leather, I like that this bag blends sophistication with practicality as it can accommodate a 13-inch MacBook. With refined contours, two top handles and a magnetic closure, it elevates everyday style to the next level and I can’t get over how much I love the gorgeous chocolate brown color.
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! Also, 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 Heidi 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.
In fact, 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 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 own and use the Lululemon Belt Bag on occasion.
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 two summers ago! Hands down my most used bag of summer.
If interested, would snag it now – it sells out often!
J.Crew Market Bag
Another great market bag. Simple and yet versatile.
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. I love the Cappuccino color I got so much.
I also really like the functionality of the dual length straps.
Sézane Justine Basket Bag
The perfect French basket bag. I love that the brand has released this bag in so many sizes and color options. It comes with a little pouch inside to keep your valuables tucked away and I love the multiple strap options built-in as well.
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.
It sells out every summer but usually does restock come Springtime.
Longchamp Small Box-Trot Leather Crossbody Bag
I love how darling this little classic square bag is from an iconic French brand. The strap is also adjustable.
Loeffler Randall Diamante Crystal Mesh Bag
This bag is so darn fun! Sparkly and slouchy and absolutely perfect to bring some subtle bling to a more streamlined outfit. A favorite evening bag.
Celine Canvas Wallet on Chain
This trifold bag is more clutch than it is wallet on chain in my opinion but I do like that it came with a crossbody strap that is easy to remove.
I’m not usually a fan of logo canvas prints but there was something so beautifully vintage-feeling of this bag that when I spotted it I knew it was coming home with me. It gets so much wear on casual outings.
One of my favorite purchases of 2023. Spotted a few used on Fashionphile, too.
Longchamp Le Panier Pliage Raffia Crossbody Bag
Meep! How cute is this bag!! A sweet friend gifted it to me and it got so much use last summer. Perfect for warm outings when you don’t want to carry a lot. It does come with a strap but I don’t usually style it that way.
Paris 64 Provence Woven Bucket Bag
Is this bag not perfect for summertime vibes? The woven fabric is beautiful in person and I just love how old school and charming it feels in its design.
This brand has a lot of beautiful bags that are well priced in their line.
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.
Sezane Mini Milo Bag
When Sezane introduced the Milo Bag I feel like it became an instant classic thanks to its timeless design. I own both the mini version and the full size (see below) and they are great, functional go-with-everything kinda bags you just know you’ll get loads of wear out of.
Sezane Milo Bag
I love that the strap on this bag is adjustable so you can wear it shorter or longer on your shoulder. You will see this bag all over Paris if you go.
Related: The Best Sezane Essentials
Chanel Medium Flap Bag in Caviar
I bought the bag I’ve been eyeing for over a decade in Paris in 2022 when the currency exchange and VAT refund were majorly in my favor. I had looked at this bag in person no less than seven or eight times.
It was a big investment purchase but one I have carried and cherished ever since I brought it home. I love that you can wear it crossbody for more casual looks but also on your shoulder either with a long or double strap. The bag is beautifully made and makes every outfit I pair it with.
Celine Cabas Phantom Tote
This beautifully simple tote had been on my list for ages and I finally bought it so I had a great work tote and a bag to use as my personal item during all my travel.
I bought the medium size which fits loads and makes it perfect as my travel carry on. There’s also a small size that I think would work well if you’re petite.
J.Crew Edie Shoulder Bag
I love the high shine leather of this bag and its on-trend shoulder style.
I also have the cute top handle style that comes with a removable strap.
Jenni Kayne Crescent Shoulder Bag
Made of buttery soft lambskin and perfectly sized to fit the essentials this is a great little bag for everyday wear. I like that it transitions from day to night easily and folds down nearly flat making it great for travel. It is handmade in Italy and features a leather-covered rope shoulder strap, zip closure, and interior card pocket.
Jenni Kayne Loren Shoulder Bag
Made from super soft and pebbled leather, this is a darling little shoulder bag. It’s made in Italy and features a suede lining and card pocket inside.
Saint Laurent Small Manhattan Bag
I had my eye on this bag for a while and pulled the trigger on it while in Italy when I saw this new color that launched Fall 2024. It’s unlike any other bag in my collection and I love how elegant and understated it looks. You can remove the shoulder strap to carry it as a clutch as well.
Demellier Paris Bag
How darling is this bag? With a slight vintage vibe and a unique shape, I adore a top handle bag for certain outfits and evenings out on the town.
. . .
Bags On My Wish List
You May Also Like:
- A Roundup of My Favorite Boots and Booties.
- Some of My Wardrobe Favorites Under $200.
- Capsule Wardrobe Basics: High Quality Items To Build On.
This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase something from an affiliate link, I may earn commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work!
would love to hear more about your colour selection in general and for the Channel. Your very beautiful bags are in neutrals and I would love to hear about that over a bold bag!
and then how you decide which channel colour to get.
I don’t really wear much color! My wardrobe is made of up neutral staples so I want my bags to be able to assimilate with those easily! I also personally don’t think bold colored bags have as good of a resale value nor age as well for years and years and years of use – but just my POV!
This was such a great roundup and very thoughtful in what you like about the bags. Thank you.
Merci, Julia!
Great roundup, and really good insight! I’d love to know more about the different ways to wear the Loewe basket bag with the adjustable handle – I have the same bag, and didn’t know about this!!
I will try and remember to do a video on instagram when it comes back out for the warm weather!
These are all stunning, Meghan! I would love to hear more about the VAT process. Going to Italy in a month and think it’s time to treat myself to a bag!
How fun! Google VAT Italy and a whole host of articles should come up but the best thing to remember is to go to the store with your passport and to leave plenty of time at the airport when flying home to ensure you can validate your forms!
So happy you got the Chanel bag! I remember chatting with you about this bag in 2020. Looking forward to seeing you wear it!
So sweet, Jazmin! Thank you so much!!