Happy Tuesday readers!
Still trying to get acclimated to daylight's savings time over here! How is the start of your week going?
Still trying to get acclimated to daylight's savings time over here! How is the start of your week going?
Today I'm sharing a current wish list item: a new handbag!
Let me start with a little history...
Let me start with a little history...
You see, WAY back in 2008, I bought myself a gorgeous Kate Spade hobo-type bag, in an orangey brown leather. It was my go-to everyday purse, and I pretty much used it all the time for 5 years. About a year or so ago, though, it really started showing its wear so I set out to find a new bag. I wound up with the gray Kate Spade I use most of the time now. I scored it on major sale from the outlet and got it for around $115...a steal!
I adore the look of my bag: It is classic and neutral, but the gray color and tassel make it just a tad bit funky and modern. The only issue is that it's not my favorite in terms of functionality. The shape of the bag, makes it a tight fit for things and I find myself pulling out the old Kate Spade often for travel when I want to cram a lot of things into my purse.
That being said, I've been doing a lot of thinking about what direction I want to take for my next bag, and I want something that will last me 5+ years like the first one. I've been drawn a lot to both Gigi New York and Annabel Ingall bags. I've been especially eyeing their totes and think I'll save up over the next few months and treat myself to the chosen bag as a "Happy Summer!" present after school lets out. Here are the top contenders in my hunt...
I adore the look of my bag: It is classic and neutral, but the gray color and tassel make it just a tad bit funky and modern. The only issue is that it's not my favorite in terms of functionality. The shape of the bag, makes it a tight fit for things and I find myself pulling out the old Kate Spade often for travel when I want to cram a lot of things into my purse.
That being said, I've been doing a lot of thinking about what direction I want to take for my next bag, and I want something that will last me 5+ years like the first one. I've been drawn a lot to both Gigi New York and Annabel Ingall bags. I've been especially eyeing their totes and think I'll save up over the next few months and treat myself to the chosen bag as a "Happy Summer!" present after school lets out. Here are the top contenders in my hunt...
First up is Gigi New York!
I tried this one out at Monkee's over the weekend and the size was perfect!
It also had 3 interior pockets which you don't always find in a tote.
And of course, choosing a color is always tough. The Harbor Blue above is a definite frontrunner, but I am also loving all of these colors:
(I am drooling over this one!)
This bag is drop dead gorgeous.
I adore it and actually prefer it to the tote in terms of style,
however, I think it would be too big for me.
I also tried this one out at Monkee's and feel like I would
have the same frustrations with its shape as I do my current Kate Spade.
And then there's Annabel Ingall's Small Isabella Tote. I prefer the look of these totes to the Gigis, however, they are unlined and the leather looks rather flimsy. I also am not crazy of the interior pocket placement these. But they're just so darn pretty...
But these brights are equally fabulous:
And this one is just plain glam:
So at this point, I am thinking that I'm leaning toward the Gigi Small Taylor Tote. While I prefer the look of the Annabel Ingall, it seems that the Gigi is a better quality and price. And, let's be real, I'm slightly obsessed with their gold stamped monograms.
What do y'all think?
Do you have either of the totes I've posted about?
What would you choose?
What is your go-to handbag?
Have a great day!
What do y'all think?
Do you have either of the totes I've posted about?
What would you choose?
What is your go-to handbag?
Have a great day!
OOh, I love that last one, the champagne one. I would love a new bag too and typically buy one in the Spring. I'm typically attracted to the brighter colored ones, but the neutrals go with more so it's always a struggle. I have loved Kate Spade in the past.
ReplyDeleteI love the Gigi bags! Definitely on my wish list for spring too!
ReplyDeleteLove!! I would go with the blue Gigi one with your monogram. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI have that KS bag you have and I love it but it's waaay to small for me! I'm a bit handbag obsessed and I'm loving that cobalt Gigi NY for summer. My suggestion would be to get the pebble grain leather over the python. I have the python and I just don't love it as much as I thought I would but my sister has the Olivia shopper in the pebble grain and it's gorgeous!! The olivia shopper is gigantic so I would suggest the mini taylor if you want something smaller. That being said the leather on the Annabel Ingall tote is amazing!! It's so buttery and soft that you know it will really stand the test of time. If you use a bag for 5 years + I would say go for the Annabel Ingall and get some organizers to keep inside.
ReplyDeleteI love the cobalt and light blue Gigi totes!
ReplyDeleteI am a tote girl! And for spring, I love bright colors. I want a new KS bag, but I am obsessed with the magenta gigi tote! adore it! go for it girly :) xoxo, Ash
ReplyDeleteMichael Kors Jet set travel tote - I use it for work and travel/play - amazing
ReplyDeleteI am having the same dilemma with my current Kate Spade. It is cute and a classic but holds nothing!! I love the Gigi new york totes and agree it would make a perfect end of school treat!
ReplyDeleteI love a big purse! I have a KS that is pretty roomy and I adore being able to throw everything in it. Sometimes, I get tired of lugging everything around, so then I just have a wristlet. I love your new contender!
ReplyDeleteI'm also thinking of purchasing a new bag come summer (after this winter I think we deserve it!). I swap out my bags constantly between one with top handles, a bucket bag, and tote and, like you, always find myself going back to the most practical one, the tote. It just fits so much! So I think you're definitely right narrow it down to these two. I've always loved the look of Annabelle's totes too, the green is my favorite. But I have a Gigi clutch that's gotten A LOT of love and has held up insanely well, so their quality is amazing. I think in the end you can't go wrong with either option! Can't wait to see what you ultimately go with!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my GiGi large tote for sure. I'd go with GiGi or that gorgeous champagne bag ;)
ReplyDeleteI really like the first Gigi one in that light blue color!
ReplyDeleteKristin
thedixiedaisy.blogspot.com
I love my GiGi tote, it goes with everything and is very durable! But those Annabel Ingall options are beautiful too! Xo, Stephanie
ReplyDeleteI really love the Gigi New York Mini Taylor Tote in ivory pebble grain! My everyday purse is a Tommy Hilfiger patent leather handbag. I bought it last June and haven't wanted to switch purses once!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I have to first update my work bag before I get a purse, but I am in love with your selections. I can't wait to see which one wins! I switch between a few go-to bags: a gorgeous camel colored Michael Kors handbag and my longchamp le pliage bags in different sizes. They are perfect for me, just depends on what color I want! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI super enjoyed this purse, because I'm in the market for a new handbag, as well! I LOVE your KS - I hope my next bag is leather with a tassel - but I definitely understand your frustrations. I don't have experience with either of the brands, but I have a Gigi's clutch on my wishlist. Please keep us updated on what you like and what you end up buying!
ReplyDeleteXX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
I have the regular size Teddie Tote which I use for work and I am obsessed! I cannot wait to purchase another bag from GiGi NY. The quality is amazing and they have great pockets for keeping you organized. I get so many compliments and the gold monograms just pops!! I say go for the GiGi Tote :)
ReplyDeleteI love the GiGi NY bags and think they hold up really well. Definitely go with something that will fit more rather than less! Also be on the lookout for bloggers who have a discount code for them (or sign up for their emails and get a code) to save around 10%!
ReplyDelete