My Bag Collection

February 7, 2024

Outfit Bash Blazer Celine Bag

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. It’s been refreshed and updated with all my latest additions to my collection!

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.

Celine Box Bag | 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 Belt Bag I wit & whimsy

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 Triomphe Bag

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 Bag

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.

Paris Little Black Dress and Chanel Slingbacks

Saint Laurent Betty Bag outfit

Saint Laurent Betty Bag

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. 

M.M.LaFleur O'Hara Blazer Review Fall Outfit

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

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.

Vuori Joggers | Senreve Aria Bag

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!

London Spring Summer Outfit in Juliet Dunn Dress

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!

Spring in Paris Outfit I M.M.LaFleur Poplin Dress and Loewe Tote and Common Projects Sneakers

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! Hands down my most used bag of summer.

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

Poolside Essaouira Medium Straw Tote Bag

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

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.

The Daily Edited Box Bag

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 Sedona Basket Bag

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 Midi Dress and Raffia Shoulder Bag

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.

Longchamp Small Box-Trot Leather Crossbody Bag

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.

Fall Date Night Outfit featuring Faux Leather Pants

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.

Fall Outfit featuring Veronica Beard Blazer, Agolde Straight Leg Jeans, Manolo Blahnik Ballerina Flats

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.

Longchamp Mini Pliage Bag on Nantucket Summer Outfit

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

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.

Kate Spade Bejeweled Clutch

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 Voyage Top Handle Bag

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

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

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

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

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

Sezane Milo Bag

I love that the strap on this bag is adjustable so you can wear it shorter or longer on your shoulder. 

Chanel Medium Flap Bag in Caviar

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

Celine Cabas Phantom Tote Medium

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.

. . .

 

Shop My Bag Collection
 
Bags I am Loving

 

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comments +

  1. Sabrina says:

    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.

    • Meghan says:

      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!

  2. Julia Coney says:

    This was such a great roundup and very thoughtful in what you like about the bags. Thank you.

  3. Ciara says:

    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!!

  4. Jenn says:

    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!

    • Meghan says:

      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!

  5. Jazmin L says:

    So happy you got the Chanel bag! I remember chatting with you about this bag in 2020. Looking forward to seeing you wear it!

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