Spring bags: Bring forth the light!
"Carry a seasonal bag": classic advice, and if you are in the Passage, you may have changed your bag material of choice, as I have. Leather is luxurious but heavy, if I am going to tote it all day.
In today's windows, spring/summer bags that are not leather.
Nylon
Initially introduced as 'travel purses', this durable material has graduated to more colour and detail.
Left: MZ Wallace Downtown Crosby Crossbody (about $US 325), comes with three straps: a chic chain, a detachable leather shoulder strap, and a webbed-nylon strap. In a luscious rose-gold metallic, this one definitely does not say "tourist".
Centre: High Way bags' hallmark is the sophisticated palette (high-quality nylon, dyed in Japan). The "Teela" is a medium-sized bag; price $US 130. The all-nylon models are washable (in a mesh bag). I wash one that has no leather trim in the machine, in a mesh bag, on delicate. Huge fan of these—but they are on the sporty side.
Right: The roomy Everywhere Bag in sand, is from Away, the people who make those enviable suitcases. (It is also available in leather). It has wide strap (not shown) for use as a shoulder bag, and will hold a laptop or bulkier items like your shoes and a sweater. I'd love a nice carryall like this; many times, I need to carry more than the basics, and my canvas totes get ratty. Price, about $US 225/ $CDN 295.
Polyurethane, aka 'vegan leather'
'Vegan leather' is polyurethane bonded to a fabric backing. The higher-end looks good, though they do not wear as well at those crucial lower corners as a ballistic-weight nylon. However, there are times when a near-leather looks best, and these come in piquant spring and summer colours.
Matt and Nat's "Annex" backpack converts to a shoulder/crossbody with a detachable webbing strap; I've seen it and it's pretty! Price, $US 150; this "Liquid" is a beautiful and versatile blue.
Apricot is another good spring/summer colour, and it's hard to find. Pixie Mood's "Avery" bag combines two textures, has useful exterior pockets, and is a reasonable $US 85/$CDN 105.
At the higher end, Jack Gomme's coated-linen "Levant" tote with "vegetable leather" handles, the red lipstick of summer bags; price, $295.
Vinyl
Vinyl wipes clean so is always ready for fun. Problem is many look like beach bags, but this one rises above.
Ted Baker's small Wilderness shopper tote makes neutrals bloom. Not many women would choose such an assertive print on the entire body, but carried, isn't it cheeky? Price, $US 65; also made in a large size.
Shoulder your scarf!
You have a favourite outfit, but no bag that really works with it. Why not tie up a scarf, if you only need to hold a few things? This example from Hermès will make a small bag (smaller than the photo) from a 35-inch carré, or a larger size bag if you use a bigger square.
I showed mine in a 2014 post, along with a waist bag style. I would not carry it all day; it has no closure. (I put one of those small nylon stuff-sack bags in it for shape and security.) It's not meant for serious gear, but to hold a phone and keys when you go to a friend's for dinner, why not?
In today's windows, spring/summer bags that are not leather.
Nylon
Initially introduced as 'travel purses', this durable material has graduated to more colour and detail.
Left: MZ Wallace Downtown Crosby Crossbody (about $US 325), comes with three straps: a chic chain, a detachable leather shoulder strap, and a webbed-nylon strap. In a luscious rose-gold metallic, this one definitely does not say "tourist".
Centre: High Way bags' hallmark is the sophisticated palette (high-quality nylon, dyed in Japan). The "Teela" is a medium-sized bag; price $US 130. The all-nylon models are washable (in a mesh bag). I wash one that has no leather trim in the machine, in a mesh bag, on delicate. Huge fan of these—but they are on the sporty side.
Right: The roomy Everywhere Bag in sand, is from Away, the people who make those enviable suitcases. (It is also available in leather). It has wide strap (not shown) for use as a shoulder bag, and will hold a laptop or bulkier items like your shoes and a sweater. I'd love a nice carryall like this; many times, I need to carry more than the basics, and my canvas totes get ratty. Price, about $US 225/ $CDN 295.
Polyurethane, aka 'vegan leather'
'Vegan leather' is polyurethane bonded to a fabric backing. The higher-end looks good, though they do not wear as well at those crucial lower corners as a ballistic-weight nylon. However, there are times when a near-leather looks best, and these come in piquant spring and summer colours.
Matt and Nat's "Annex" backpack converts to a shoulder/crossbody with a detachable webbing strap; I've seen it and it's pretty! Price, $US 150; this "Liquid" is a beautiful and versatile blue.
Apricot is another good spring/summer colour, and it's hard to find. Pixie Mood's "Avery" bag combines two textures, has useful exterior pockets, and is a reasonable $US 85/$CDN 105.
At the higher end, Jack Gomme's coated-linen "Levant" tote with "vegetable leather" handles, the red lipstick of summer bags; price, $295.
Vinyl
Vinyl wipes clean so is always ready for fun. Problem is many look like beach bags, but this one rises above.
Ted Baker's small Wilderness shopper tote makes neutrals bloom. Not many women would choose such an assertive print on the entire body, but carried, isn't it cheeky? Price, $US 65; also made in a large size.
Shoulder your scarf!
You have a favourite outfit, but no bag that really works with it. Why not tie up a scarf, if you only need to hold a few things? This example from Hermès will make a small bag (smaller than the photo) from a 35-inch carré, or a larger size bag if you use a bigger square.
I showed mine in a 2014 post, along with a waist bag style. I would not carry it all day; it has no closure. (I put one of those small nylon stuff-sack bags in it for shape and security.) It's not meant for serious gear, but to hold a phone and keys when you go to a friend's for dinner, why not?
Comments
I've stopped carrying leather bags, for a variety of reasons, but will still wear leather shoes.
Hope all are coping with the strange new shopping errands measures...
I've also got a large dark red nylon hobo bag by Lipault, which matches my Lipault suitcase and allows me to be a bit matchy-matchy at the airport without looking as though I'm channelling Joan Collins.
Jane in London
Jane in London: Lipault make beautiful nylon bags; the Neo is not only current but not knocked off like the plain nylon Longchamps styles.
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It's pretty much bomb-proof in terms of being hard-wearing, holds loads without looking too bulky and again has great, chunky silver hardware.
Have you discovered Lancaster bags? I have to buy them online unless I go to Paris, as they have no shops in the UK. Their coated Ikon range offers an alternative for those who fancy a geometric design but baulk at Goyard prices (or are just sick of seeing so many Goyards around).
Jane in London