Recently during my usual lazy weekend round of window shopping, I popped by the Bottega store and one particularly piece caught my eye: the Candy Jodie. Now, while we have had a few pieces across our hands over the last few weeks, I never really had the opportunity to take my time to explore and most of my interactions were brief at best. That said, I loved how the piece felt wrapped around my fingers and how chic it looked. All it took was 15 minutes to make me fall in love. Sadly, I walked out of the store, hands empty as I realised that it might not be the one for me.
Of course, mini bags, wallet on chains and smaller pieces have still remained insanely popular. Not only are they less cumbersome to carry around, they are more affordable in terms of cost as compared to their larger counterparts of a similar brand. Additionally, they provide a breathe of fresh air to many attire combinations. Even on casual clothing, they add a very cheeky contrast to the otherwise boring white top, frayed jeans ensemble.
I even have friends that swear by them, abandoning the clunkier larger versions for their miniature counterparts. They say that they love how some of these bags dangle off their shoulder or how classy it looks when they carry them with their fingers. You can only really understand how dainty such a small piece can make you look and feel after you've experienced it.
For quick dates, or a short errand run, indeed, a small piece does it all; the aesthetic and comfort they provide is unmatched. Disclaimer, I still am a huge proponent for larger bags, especially tote bags since I tend to carry a lot of items with me (out of habit)
However, I feel that to a certain extent, many of the bags are going too far in the realm of aiming to be dainty. The issue with some of the current iteration of bags is that they tend to be really really small to fit the aesthetic, and you end up inconveniencing yourself. Case in point: I am an ardent supporter of long wallets (with my current favourite baby being the Andiamo large flap) and the smaller pieces just don't cut it. I always have to take out like my cards, notes from my long wallet and place it into a smaller one if I wanted to utilise my small piece. The lack of compartments also really do not help its case at all. After a phone and small wallet, small bags rarely have enough space for even the most basic of makeup kits.
Sure, some bags are super cute but I feel that there is no way that they are a buy unless you have a specific use in mind. For luxury purchases, especially bags, I feel that there needs to be a good mix of appearance and functionality.
Just to put it further into perspective:
An LV WOC ivy is 23.5 x 4.3 X 12cm (L x W x H) . A candy Jodie is about 7 x 18 x 11.
I use an Iphone 13 pro which is roughly about 14.5 x 7 x 7.5cm. My phone alone would take up easily more than 1/3 of the space of the former and more than half of the space of the latter. Not to mention that more often than not, you'll end up suffering from either the absence of an essential or the nagging feeling that you're missing an essential. For me at least, I feel that the aesthetic might not be worth it. I am the kind of gal that NEEDS to be prepared with my make-up pouch, inhaler, my daily planner, wet wipes etc etc. I'd feel so naked without them.
Of course, I do think smaller bags do have a place in your arsenal. Love the tote but why use a cleaver when a butter knife would do? I've found that the following 3 pieces fit perfectly in between fashion and comfort:
Prada Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon and Saffiano mini bag
Normally, I'm not that big of a fan of smaller pieces fashioned with nylon but nylon actually fits this piece super well. The piece looks super sleek, especially in contrast with the silver or gold adorning the piece. Sitting at a pretty 6 x 22 x 18 (L x W x H) it's small enough to sit snugly between your armpit and and large enough to pack all the essentials you need. Additionally, the nylon makes the bag resilient, making it a breeze to maintain while not compromising much on aesthetics. I'd say that's a win-win. For one of the main styles of the brand, the Prada re-edition is not too pricey; sitting at a cool 1930 SGD retail or at 1743 SGD from us.
2. LE 5 À 7
Coming in a multitude of leathers and variations, the LE 5 A 7 hobo borrows a lot of stylistic directions from its predecessors. It is simple and a very pleasant piece that grows more and more soothing to the eyes with every look and use. Additionally, it comes in at a cool 23 x 15.7 x 6.4, just the right size for every essential you'd ever need and with a good amount of space left to boot. My only gripe is that the YSL logo (which functions as a clasp) is too large, almost makes it seem like you're a walking advertisement for the brand. Other than that, the piece can be boring but boring is wonderful for contrast; allows you to pair with a variety of different styles. This can be yours at 3390 SGD retail or at 3220 SGD.
3. Antigona toy bag in box leather
While Givenchy is not very well known for its bags, more so its RTW pieces, the slightly bulkier body Antigona might change your mind. It's the biggest piece on the list, sitting at about a pretty 22 x 18 x 10. Its wide box dimensions might turn off some, but the colour combinations (red/black and red/pink) make the piece look very regal. The gold finish is a nice touch and its whole design and image is a throwback to the fashion era of the 1990s to 2000s. It's a little less pricey than bags in its range, costing 2350 SGD at retail (sadly we do not carry it currently, but stay tuned!) We do however, carry the mini version of the Antigona, priced at 2543 SGD. Granted, it's an acquired taste but fashion is all about experimentation baby!
There are many many other pieces that deserve a mention but the above are a notable few that I have had the honour to interact with physically recently. Of course, as always, feel free to remind me of any other pieces that you feel deserve to be put on the list. After all, all of us are students of fashion, and the pursuit of fashion is eternal and unending!
That being said, smaller pieces always do have a place in your arsenal. A switch-up in your style is always refreshing and experimentation is the mother of all inventions. Just make sure that the piece is worth your every buck (at least in your eyes).
Cher out!
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