Ode to: My 3 most used bags
Light and soft is what I love
I’ve been lucky to receive several bags as Christmas or birthday presents from family over the years — and even luckier that the gifts are to my liking.
Among those fortunate gifts are my three most used bags — go-tos for errands, walks, and casual outings:
Besides being in the general category of “casual”, these bags don’t look all that much alike at first glance. But thinking about it more, I know very clearly why these are the ones I keep turning to.
In my years of bag coveting, bag receiving, and bag buying, I’ve learned some personal truths about how I like them.
The first important factor to me is that the bag is lightweight — in other words, the bag itself should not be heavy. Examples of bags that I’ve been tempted by but have moved on from for this reason (in addition to the obvious deterrent of high cost!): Gucci Dionysus and Chanel Gabrielle — both of which are especially heavy because of their chunky chains.
The second key factor is that the bag is soft to touch (pebbled leather is my weakness). I remember having a phase of coveting A.P.C. bags like the Betty and Demi-Lune. But then I went into the store to check them out and even though I liked the shapes and simplicity of the designs (as well as the smoothness of the leather), the general rigidity of the bags turned me off.
Unsurprisingly, my go-to bags all have the two main things I’m looking for. They’re just the most easy and comfortable to use!
These “personal bag truths” are helpful to keep in mind whenever I’m looking at new bags. They steer me away from bags that I most likely won’t end up reaching for if I actually got them and toward the ones that will probably bring everyday joy. They’re a guardrail, a north star.
The half-dozen bags I did buy for myself over the last 10 years embody at least one of the two truths very well. My Tory Burch Half Moon crossbody has the buttery soft pebbled leather thing going on. My Marni Market tote isn’t exactly soft (it’s made of a flexible plastic) but it weighs practically nothing. (I don’t use it a lot, but I'm still pleased to have it because it exemplifies another personal truth applicable to my whole wardrobe, which is that I love a good color story!) The other four bag buys are all rather utilitarian: an Opening Ceremony canvas drawstring bag, an Adidas retro crossbody that’s perfect for keeping a passport close, and a no-longer-produced Everlane twill tote that I bought twice because I was using it every day for work.
Before I end this post, I also want to mention my in-bag MVP: Coach’s Mini Skinny ID Case. I’ve been tempted by various other cardholders over the years, but this one just does the job too well for me to actually change things up.
It’s compact yet has everything — card slots, ID window, key ring, and a zippered compartment (for coins, bills, and less used essentials like insurance cards). I got mine seven years ago and it’s still in great shape ;)
— Jenny