The main appeal for me here is how low-key and anti-status-y these bags are, and how durable too. This quilted one from Clare Vivier has such a good chevron pattern.
This is the ideal size (for me at least) for days I’m not shlepping the laptop, and it comes in a couple of good camo prints—and black of course—too, but I like this rich blue.
A Longchamp tote is a solid, classic choice.
This bucket bag has a utilitarian vibe I can get with.
And here’s one that would be suitable for the office, I think.
I just got a really cute little nylon cross-body from Dagne Dover in a fun spicy orange color for summer. I feel a little sheepish paying their prices for a nylon bag, but what can you do? Nylon’s so great for spot cleaning and so light to carry. One pandemic habit I hope to never double back on is giving up schlepping around huge heavy bags that leave my shoulders aching.
Totally agree Laura. Just looked at the Dagne Dover bags and they are really cool and (relatively) reasonable when you consider some of the alternatives. I started using a Think Rolyn bag last year and my shoulder pain has disappeared.
i was going to comment that my go to for nylon bags is WZ Wallace. the quality is great, the pockets are even better (IMO) and fun colors and prints
I own 4 MZ Wallace bags and they are the best!
Loving that bucket bag. I have my little Baggu crossbody bag that you featured, Kim, at least a year––maybe two years––ago which I love and it wears like iron. I recently hand washed it, hung it up to dry and it came out looking brand new. I want a post on all the jackets Pamela Adlon wore in Better Things––she had an awesome selection of jackets.
Oh yes, she did! I liked her whole look. And love the show!
Love that Staud bag with the little pull! Never heard of that line. Wish I had seen it earlier! I just bought a nylon bag for my Mom! Would love to see it on a model for scale.
I love Clare V. bags! But I’m secretly waiting for my youngest daughter to tire of her navy MZ Wallace quilted tote in hopes that she’ll pass it on. Does anyone else share wardrobe items with their daughters?
Yes, one of the selling points of kids – hand me ups
Yes! It is a family rule (2 daughters) that nothing is sent to consignment/goodwill until everyone has seen and signed off! My husband just rolls his eyes…
I have the Shorty Love bag and it is great — holds a ton, nice crossbody strap. Really good for travel/sight-seeing
Thanks for the endorsement, I’ve been eyeing that bag for ages…I have an old, perfect-for-travel Matt & Nat that’s starting to look a bit tatty. And the sad thing about vegan leather, or pleather, is that it’s not endlessly repairable the way leather is. (Ethical shopping dilemma, sigh!)
Regarding vegan leather, it’s my understanding that the production of it is terrible for the environment. However, I don’t know if it’s the same situation for nylon. When in doubt, buy from a company known for their good ethics or buy second hand!
You’re absolutely right on all counts! I’ve actually stopped buying pleather for this reason, it’s a petroleum product, after all.