Ask The Bagaholicboy #117 – A Bag For USD2000 Under 2 Hours And Other Bits…
Q: Dear Bagaholicboy, I need a new bag which will be great for casual and work situations. My budget is about USD2000. The catch is that I will be most likely in Singapore for only 2 hours… so I need to get it and get out in the shortest time possible. Could you suggest some bags that would be stylish and efficient as well?
I was thinking of the Balenciaga City but I don’t know how much it would weigh on my shoulders after everything is put inside. Like an iPad, my wallet, the makeup case. I don’t really want to be burdened with a heavy bag!
Ani Annuar
A: Dear Ani, thanks for writing in. I’m going to try my best with your query since you didn’t indicate what other brands you favour (besides Balenciaga). However, based on your inclination towards the City, I’m going to assume you’re also looking for a leather bag.
As long as you’re looking to get something in leather (along with the list of items you’re intending to carry in it), the bag is going to be heavy regardless. The trick is to look for something which comes with a shoulder strap that you can carry over the shoulder as opposed to it being hand carried all the time.
Besides the Balenciaga City (which is lovely by the way but make sure you get it with giant hardware), you could also check out the new Mulberry bags like the Polly Push Lock or the Taylor Satchel. Besides being in your budget range, the boutique is located in the same building as Balenciaga at Hilton Shopping Gallery.
If you’re still not sure, hop over to ION Orchard which is a stone’s throw away and check out the Burberry Structured Leather Hobo, a gorgeous leather bag that costs SGD2295. Colours to check out include Dark Tan and Mustard (shown above), one of the hottest colours for F/W11. While at ION Orchard, don’t forget to check out this structured handbag from Prada’s F/W11 collection, which comes in a wide variety of colour combinations.
Love, Bagaholicboy
And other bits
1. Ida, I would strongly recommend that you stick to the Stewie as it is purpose-built to be used a baby bag. The other bag you’ve mentioned is great, but you can’t tote it over the shoulder. Also, it does not come with extra compartments on the inside which could prove to be a hassle when you’re looking for something specific.
2. Dharma, as far as selling your pre-loved bags are concerned, eBay is one of the best options available. Also, check out the Facebook Marketplace, which I hear isn’t bad as well. You could also consider gathering a few friends and jointly hold a yard sale.
3. Eric, you will be spoilt for choice as far as F/W11 clutches for men are concerned. Louis Vuitton has some lovely pieces, and I also like the Burberry Small Leather Document Holder. Also check out Gucci’s foldable portfolio, or Prada’s simple Saffiano leather version with a shiny push-lock closure buckle.
4. Bronwen, have a look here. Most everything you need to know about Louis Vuitton’s new Menilmontant.
5. Adonia, if you’re looking for designer canvas bags with the leather kept to a minimum as much as possible, why not check out the Garden Party from Hermès?
6. Marcus, there isn’t really much difference. As far as loafers go, Tod’s is slightly cheaper, while the ones from Car Shoe are more comfortable. Just my opinion; go try them out for yourself.
7. Xiao Hui, click on this link and check out my earlier post on caring for leather. And if you have further queries on how to care for your leather bag, kindly drop me an email.
Image: Burberry
wow that was super quick and thanks for the suggestions!!! love the burberry!!!
No problem Ani! I didn’t know when you were coming so I figured I better reply ASAP.
i bought a secondhand LV neverfull st tropez edition bag, do you know how to tell if its fake or not? please help. so that i can return it immediately if it is.
Why GSH for Balenciaga City?
I didn’t specify any colours, I only mentioned giant hardware. And why not? I personally like GH more than RH on Balenciaga’s bags.
Oops! Sorry about the GSH,was reading from my tiny phone…
I thought there may be something about giant hardware or regular hardware that we ought to know…
Giant hardware does add a bit of weight, FYI. My 3rd Bal is going to be in regular hardware; as it’s the Hip crossbody I reckon I can do without extra weight on something so small.
Thanks Germaine for your reply. So far I have only bought Bal with regular hardware. I am seriously considering buying a Town which has the mini version of the giant hardware… if I can get someone or somewhere reliable to help me shorten the shoulder strap.
Hi BB! I would like to ask which chanel bag would you recommend to get for first purchase? I am so excited because my hubby will be getting one for me, and I am also thinking of getting one for myself (maybe in different colour, leather and size). Could you help me please?
If it going to be Chanel, look no further than the Classic Flap in caviar leather, in black with gold hardware. That’s as classic as it gets.
As far as size is concerned, go with the Jumbo or the Medium.
Hi BB, thanks for your reply! I am going to get the black jumbo with gold hardware. But I am not too sure about the leather though, is there a reason why you specify caviar instead of lambskin?
Both leathers are equally gorgeous in their own way, but for a first-timer like yourself I would recommend the caviar as it is more resistant to scratches and also hardier as well.
Got it, thank you so much for your help, BB!