The Bag List: Not That One
5 Cool Bags from Brands You've (Probably) Never Considered
One thing I know about myself: I’m a handbag girl, through and through. I have a deep affection for designer bags and a growing collection I adore. There’s room in my heart for every bag—even the ones I wouldn’t personally invest in—but not necessarily room in my closet.
Which brings me to what I’m going to call the It Bag Hamster Wheel. So many of us have been caught in the exhausting cycle of chasing the next must-have bag. I remember the Alexander Wang Rocco, the Chanel Deauville, the Gucci Marmont, the Chloé Paddington, the Céline Phantom...and more recently, the Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie. Once a celebrity go-to (Hailey Bieber carried it constantly in 2022), it’s starting to feel like it deserves a graceful retirement:
$2,800 (yikes). The It Bag Hamster Wheel is dizzying—and expensive. Sometimes, you just want to get off the ride.
These bags come and go, and there is always another one on the horizon. Right now, its the Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch ($2,950). And let’s be honest with ourselves—I’ll hold your hand while I say it—that Bottega clutch is not an investment. It’s a beautiful bag, and yes, it’s everywhere right now. But this too shall pass, and before long, it’ll be sitting pretty on a shelf…and staying there.
When it comes to trend bags, here’s what I’m looking for:
Affordable
Lesser-known
Playful (trends should be fun—we’ve got other bags in our closet for being serious.)
In that spirit, I’ve rounded up five finds that check all the boxes. These bags won’t break the bank, won’t show up on every other arm at Dudley Market, and will hopefully make you smile when you carry them. Let’s get into it.
The Mira Bag from Toshi Jewels
Toshi Jewels is a small brand I discovered on Instagram, rooted in traditional Indian design and inspired by (and in loving memory of) the founder’s grandmother, Toshi. Their collection features intricately crafted earrings, bangles, necklaces, rings—and yes, handbags. Each piece is designed with intention, creativity, and heart:
$120. Available in 13 colors, this bag is currently open for pre-order and expected to ship in May. While you wait, check out her hot cousin, the Aria bag (also $120 and ready to ship now).
The Classic Nica from NICASCONCEPT
At first glance, it might read as a Chanel dupe, but NICASCONCEPT bags are in a category of their own. Founded in 2019 by sisters Nika and Carolina, the Berlin-based brand creates sustainable, one-of-a-kind pieces from deadstock fabrics sourced from top European interior designers. Each bag is individually numbered, and a portion of profits supports dementia research. Prices hover just below $300, and the website is a treasure trove of classically beautiful purses:
The Classic Nica #1078 ($295).
One caveat on these: I’d stick to silver or gunmetal hardware, as gold hardware at this price point can lean a little brassy. But follow your bliss.
The jae Bag
Launched in 2021, jae Bags draw inspiration from the designer duo’s fondness for Bermuda bags. While I wasn’t familiar with the Bermuda bag style by name (apparently it was big in the 80s), the practicality instantly resonated with me. Bermuda bags like the jae bag traditionally feature wooden or bamboo handles paired with interchangeable cotton or linen covers:
The medium size bundle is priced at $329. Once you have your bundle, you can purchase additional slipcovers ranging from $80 to $140 to switch up the style.
While jae’s collection is still relatively small, I’m hopeful we’ll see more styles soon.
The Charming Mini Tote from Kooreloo
Kooreloo is an emerging Greek brand, known for its raffia bags adorned with playful fringe and colorful charms. Born from the imagination of creative designer Lelia Karr, Kooreloo “is for women who dare to be different and are not afraid to express it!” And their designs certainly reflect that bold spirit.
Each bag is woven of vibrant textiles, with a signature lining that features the Greek goddess Athena. The Charming Mini Tote, made from blue raffia, is a standout piece with a branded coin charm and a whimsical leather heart charm:
$362 (currently out of stock, but keep an eye out for a restock). Bonus points: Kooreloo offers free worldwide shipping and lifetime repairs.
The Louis Vuitton Sac Triangle Bag (if you can find it)
This one might be cheating since its Louis Vuitton, probably the most recognizable handbag brand in the world. It’s certainly not an unexpected source. But I think it counts, because no one seems to be carrying this style, and I’m convinced I’m the only one who knows about it.
East-west bags are peaking at the moment, and the trend is approaching oversaturation. If you bought a Freja New York Caroline bag a year ago, before this trend exploded, good on you. But for those who have not yet invested, I would tread lightly here.
This is one of my trend rules: if you’re not early, you’re late. More on that later.
But if you simply can’t resist the skinny silhouette, may I suggest the Louis Vuitton Sac Triangle Bag?
This now-discontinued bag was part of Louis Vuitton’s basic collection and first debuted in 2005. While the shape screams ‘It Bag,’ the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas adds a layer of timelessness. Sac Triangles are rare, underrated, and still reasonably priced. They range from under $500 to over $1,300—and seem to be creeping up in price. I found several under $500 here, here, and here. I'd scoop one up before prices climb any higher.
Honorable Mentions
The $350 Staud Harlow Raffia Bag in Mahogany (and yes—it has to be the mahogany); the classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote (go for the small with regular handles at $30 or the medium with long handles at $35, and don’t forget to monogram it); and this $118 J. Crew Como Woven Straw Tote (don’t sleep on J. Crew bags, they’ve been quietly killing it):
Love them all 🩵