A while back I shared a post on my most used handbags from over the years, and several of you mentioned you’d be interested in reading about the less used ones as well! I wrote this pre-quarantine days and have been holding off on publishing, since frankly, none of my handbags have seen daylight over the past weeks!
Regardless, I hope this can be a casual read and useful for anyone considering one of these bags. Each of these are still in my collection because they’re special to me for some reason, but just haven’t been very practical for my lifestyle in recent years. One of them previously got a lot of use though, so style needs change over time and it really just comes down to personal preferences.
My less used handbags in recent years
1. Celine Small Box Bag
Old review post: Paris bag shopping – Celine small vs Medium box bag.
It pains me that this purse is on this list, as in my mind, few bags rank as timeless as the Celine box. It’s also a great option for those who prefer minimalist non-logo bags. It’s beautifully made, and the strap is adjustable via a sliding clasp and also removable. After owning my small box for a few years, though, I just haven’t reached for it.
When worn as a crossbody, the capacity of the small box is notably less compared to my very frequently-worn Gucci Soho bag (which holds quite a bit for its size), and the box bag strap is not as pliable like the soho strap or chain bag straps. When worn as a clutch, the shape of the Small is a little boxy and feels more like a cube than a flatter envelope clutch. Note this is not a problem with a bigger box bag size, as the Small is 3″ deep while the larger Teen is actually only 2″ deep despite being bigger overall.
When I initially bought this bag, I debated endlessly between the small vs medium size (see comparison in this post), but now there is a newer in-between “teen” size which I think would be more ideal for someone petite!
2. Prada Medium double bag
Old review post: Prada Double bag vs Saffiano Lux bag comparison.
This is still a beloved bag in my collection and one that I’d recommend in a heartbeat to others. There’s lots to love, from the sophisticated shape and structure to the durable, low-maintenance and lightweight saffiano coated leather (much lighter than regular leather like on a Celine tote).
I don’t often buy multiples of one style, but this is a bag I wanted in ALL the neutral colors (black, brown, navy, grey, cammeo blush…). After I stopped working in a corporate setting, however, there have been much fewer chances for me to use it. I do love using it to polish up an outfit for meetings or presentations every now and then, but it’s a little too formal for my everyday life. Since the inside of this bag is divided into two compartments (which helps with the structure and prevents a saggy base), it’s a little more limiting compared to my most used totes with one large interior cavity. Along the same vein, my Tory Burch totes have also gotten minimal use after I left a corporate setting.
If you have a dressier or more business-oriented lifestyle, I still think this is a timeless bag. Or, my friend who tends to dress very casually has this bag but in a much smaller size that she wears crossbody-style.
3. Chanel petite shopping tote (PST)
(Super) old review post: Chanel PST and wallet on chain.
I feel inexplicably attached to this bag even though I haven’t used it in years! Perhaps it’s because it was one of my very first luxury purchases as a young professional. Or because it’s a discontinued style, one that I feel my older self would love down the road. As a toddler mama these days, I’m either rocking a smaller hands-free crossbody bag (plus diaper bag in tow), or a super light & roomy low-maintenance tote like the ones in my most used bags post.
There are plenty of Chanel Petite Shopping Totes and Grand Shopping Totes on the pre-owned market, so if you’re considering one, note these tend to soften in shape and structure over time if you use them regularly (as you should). The pebbled leather is thick and nice quality so it’s not a lightweight bag, but it’s also not too heavy compared to Celine Luggage totes in the same medium to larger size (which are pretty weighty, in my opinion).
Do you have any purchases in your closet that haven’t gotten as much use as you’d like? Do you sell / get rid of items when that happens, or have a tendency to hold on to them?
Hi there! I’ve been looking for a navy small Celine box bag for awhile – if you’re ever interested in selling yours (since you don’t reach for it as often as you thought you would!), please do reach out to me! 🙂
Hi Jean, the Chanel PST was my first Chanel purchase almost 8 years ago and I’ve only used it a handful of times. I feel attached to it, but I may consider parting with it one day if I don’t start using it more often. I switch between my LV Neverfull or MZ Wallace bags.
Hi Jean, I also a petite living in Boston! Would you mind me asking your opinion? I’m buying my first hermes bag, debating between Hermes 25, Kelly 25 and Kelly 28, in retourne style. Which do you recommend if just own one? My life style is similar, mom of 2 boys, working in a semi-professional career, not 9-5 office setting. 5’1″ tall, 93 lb. Thank you~
First time mom here and was wondering if you still carry any of your luxury bags after you had kids. My husbands allowing me to get a “push present” and I want to get a bag that I’ll be able to use often. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
I have a few bags that aren’t as loved because it’s not practical for my lifestyle anymore or its big. Like most, I was attracted to bigger bags when I began my love affair with handbags. But over the years, I realized I love mini or small bags the best, so I haven’t reached for them. I love the look of your Celine Box Bag. It was a bag I lusted after!
Maureen
Hi Jean!
Thanks for giving us a peek into your collection! I was wondering if you kept the vintage Coach you sourced from eBay? I used that post as a reference point when I purchased my first vintage Coach.
Actually I do! I left it at my parents house so it slipped to the back of my mind. I haven’t used my Coach pieces as often in recent years only as I prefer the styles of some of my other bags now.
Just curious – I purchased the Celine Mini Luggage a couple of years back, and I have loved it but I’m finally realizing how LARGE it actually is and am thinking about downgrading to the Micro… Do you know anything about consigning these types of bags? It breaks my heart because it’s such a beautiful bag, but as a soon to be mama to two, I realize how impractical it is… =(
It can definitely be sad to part with a bag! I know many people consign with @JuliaRoseBoston on instagram or Ebay and I’ve purchased from both. I don’t have any experience with sites like The Real Real but, while still high, I believe their consignor fees tend to be lower than local brick and mortar shops. I hope this helps! x
What color would you get for the smaller Kelly?
I have my eye on the neutral shades like gold, grey, taupe!
Hi Jean! I’m happy you shared this post as it is very informative!. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Chloe Tess bag you purchased awhile back? Did you keep it?
Thanks!
Hi Marian, I ended up selling mine to a friend because I wasn’t using it as much as I had hoped to.
It’s really helpful to hear about some of the bags that you haven’t found very useful/practical for multiple occasions. I was wondering if you’ve ever tried Dagne Dover bags? They just look so functional…
Hi Soumya, I hadn’t heard of that brand but thanks for pointing them out and introducing me to them!
You have a really nice bag collection!
Mireia from TGL
Love the looks you show here!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
Jean, the background looks new, are you guys buying a new home?
And a random side question, can you share what the shirt you were wearing in the About post? I recognize the bag as one from this current post:-)
Hi Cinny, you have a good eye!
The first photo is actually from an older post and was taken in an AirBnB during a trip to Paris a few years ago. The photo in my About page is from this post https://www.extrapetite.com/2017/05/gingham-peplum-top-for-work-to-weekend.html but unfortunately is a few years old and the top is no longer available.
mine’s the Chloe Drew Mini. The chain’s so heavy (and also broke once), the interior barely fits a set of car keys, and the body misshapens easily. Like you, I’m also fairly attached to it because it’s my first truly luxury handbag purchase when I first started working. What are some websites you’d recommend selling gently used luxury goods on?
Hi Alicia – A lot of people do consignment through @juliaroseboston or even Ebay, I’ve purchased bags from both. Another option would be sites like The Real Real, just be sure to check out their consignment terms and fees. The fees might be fairly high but are likely still lower than an in person consignment store.
I think if supermodels and pop stars can wear jeans and tees with their Birkins, regular gals can, too. 😉