A couple of years ago I bought a large metal shelf with wheels so I could stack my magazines on it for easy access when I would scan them for @glossyarchive, my Twitter archiving project. When I was done scanning everything, I started selling a good number of them to make space and raise some funds for personal needs. The issues I wanted to keep, I stored in a big box. And as for the shelf, I wheeled it into my room so I could deal with the Bag Situation—which was finding a way to store my bags that would be accessible and OCD-proof.
It's been a total lifesaver. I got these boxes that fit perfectly stacked two by two in the middle shelf, and they have front latches so it's super easy to take out the bags and put them back. Lots of space so nothing's sticking together, and they're safe from dust, and I put silica gel everywhere. Like I wrote before, I've been reframing my mindset so I'm less precious with them and I can enjoy using them like I should.
I've been really excited about this new development, so I decided to gush about the bags in my current rotation.
mango small saffiano effect shopper bag (left) and crossbody bag with pockets
When I first felt secure enough to buy slightly more expensive bags, I turned to Mango. Their bag line is full of quality basic pieces in sleek and simple styles that are just my type. I love anything with two front pockets, and it's something I reach for when I have a night out. At 10 inches the shopper bag is not too small or big, just the right size for a day where I'm on the go and I might have a lot on my to-do list but it doesn't really include lugging my laptop around. It doesn't have a clasp, just two easy-to-reach-in compartments with a zip-up pocket in the middle for the valuables.
Shocker of all shockers, I'm not really an impulsive buyer. I'm often in an infinite tailspin before I finally decide to buy something I've been eyeing. When I bought my Canon G9 X, my dad had thought it was out of nowhere, especially for such a big purchase. But he didn't know that I'd had it on my wish list for a couple of years, and only took the plunge when I realized it was about to be phased out and unavailable for good. The same has been true for these bags—I convince myself I don't need them several times until they go on sale and I'm like "Y'know what? Fuck it."
side by side mini-bag by j-hope
I'm not a fan of chain bags at all and I wish the strap offered more options for customization. I had to use my dad's pliers for a better fit, for one, and I got a fan-made version with the "Blue Side" cover art as the pattern and its strap is detachable with clasps that make it so much easier to adjust and store. There's another fan-made dupe that has a denim strap instead. But still, this bag will never stop being special to me. It's such a clear indication of known bag lover Hoseok's keen eye for detail, style, and design and it would be so exciting to keep seeing what he could come up with. (We need those fashion collabs or a full-on streetwear line!) I love the chic, dreamy tie-dye and the sweet little "made by hope" tag. It's compact but bigger than you'd think, and the front pocket is the perfect place to put your camera when you're traveling or out and about.
coach pillow tabby 26
When I first bought this I thought I was "settling" for it. We were at an outlet and it was the only color available, but I really wanted a Pillow Tabby so I couldn't pass it up. But it didn't take me long to realize how much I love this color. I'm immediately drawn to this shade now, especially Prada's Re-Nylon shoulder bag. My dad pointed out that my mom had loved it, and in my head I call it "Cinderella blue." Just so classic, charming, romantic. The dark metallic hardware and the softness of the bubbly padded leather are adorable to no end.
maverick & co. noelle boxy
I went through a phase recently where I absolutely needed a spruce green bag. Did you know you can filter for color on Zalora? I went on it and did just that, which is how I found this little darling. It was smaller than I thought and the strap is definitely not crossbody-length like advertised, but it's exactly what I was going for and it has all the space you need for essentials.
eve & adam hanni
I also stumbled across this style from a local brand during my spruce green phase, but when I first found it, the dark green was sold out. So I just decided to forget about it—until one day when I found myself looking at it again to check out the new pink shade and saw that they somehow have one available! Forgotten stock, maybe? Either way, I didn't hesitate. I'm obsessed with its shape and the texture of the vegan leather, and I can't wait to see what else Eve & Adam releases.
saint laurent baby cabas
kate spade boxxy
Okay, I swore I'd hit my bag quota when I bought the YSL, but I checked Zalora one day and found that a local retailer had the exact color I wanted in stock for a very reasonable price. (I had searched back in March and nothing had come up then!) And, well, I had been telling myself that it would be the final thing on my list, and I could rest. I'd had an eBay link bookmarked and everything, but it was located in New York and I just didn't trust or care to spend so much for international shipping. So really I would've been a fool to let this go.
And it's everything I ever dreamed it would be! Super cute and lightweight. There might not be a lot of space, but it's well-designed so it's easy to wear and actually use. A unique statement piece for sure.
donkie connie
I needed a dressy crossbody for traveling, and the day bag to end all day bags: the one I would reach for any day, any time, for any situation. "Expendable" thanks to its price but still a step above casual. After a search that's been longer than I care to admit, this style from Korean brand Donkie has finally given me exactly what I wanted. It's not easy to find an affordable leather(ish) bag with a strap long enough to actually be crossbody on me—the designer and more upscale ones have been more inclusive in that regard somehow. It's super soft and roomy, and it even has front pockets!
the ones i can grab and go
Continuing the "expendable" theme, these are the bags I would choose for grocery runs or a long, heavy day of travel. My favorites are dupes of Kipling's Ron, because you won't ever catch me spending P6000 on an original. Even if it's barely bigger than my palm, it has about six compartments that safely hold everything I need, including two cameras, and it never feels bulky or heavy. Other nylon sling bags of all shapes, sizes, and colors (mostly army green) go in this category, as well as a trusty Fossil bag that's been with me through the good times and the bad and was the catalyst for my dual-front-pocket obsession. Finally, a Marikina-made double handle crossbody in emerald green that cost me like P300 and has been a pleasant surprise, if only its edges were properly sealed. Still, it looks pretty good and I've been so much fun with it.
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