The hunt
pic: louis vuitton
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a stylish woman in possession of a good fortune must be in want of Louis Vuitton S.C. bag. At least, I find myself falling prey to this thinking; but not possessing the requisite good fortune, I have been casting about for good-looking alternatives. Below, some bags sharing a similar profile and dimensions, in a variety of prices.
J. Crew Factory ‘Dorset’ Satchel
Gucci Vintage Web Black Leather Boston Bag (they win for longest bag name award)
Clare Vivier Duffel (large and small sizes, small pictured)
Brooks Brothers Calfskin Barrel Bag (currently on sale)
Charles Jourdan Sierra Satchel (not many of these left, might have to look on eBay)
Lotuff Women’s Unlined Signature Handbag
Madewell ‘Camden’ Satchel (these are close to being sold out)
Hulme ‘Small Sea Bag’ (the navy is on the soon-to-be-discontinued page of their website)
Honestly this shape doesn’t do all that much for me on its own. But combined with the right color and leather texture, like in the Madewell option, it makes my heart go pitter patter indeed. Thought you could probably take that same piece of leather and make anything out of it and I would want it. It’s the clear winner to me!
http://www.nomadicd.com
The Gucci and JW Hulme versions are my favourite – classic shape with enough interesting detail.
I also like (and own) the Drew satchel by DVF and the Make Me Smile tote from Belen Echandia, which have a similar shape. This is one of my favourite shapes, classic without being retro.
there are some amazing alternatives here – I want them all! oh to own a SC bag… *le sigh* I don’t suppose that it will ever be a reality for me!
I was very fortunate to find a great alternative in Zara a couple of years ago — I also happened to work for the company at the time so got a good discount on it. I use it all of the time and it’s lasted very well, definitely a very classic and stylish design!
The Madewell looks the best in my opinion, I like its “clean” shape, lack of unnecessary details.
What about the LV Speedy (not monogrammed) with the strap ?
I think what I love most about the SC bag is its luxurious craftmanship but it’s way out of my budget.
So I was very lucky and happy to find a worthy substitute in the Céline asymmetrical duffle which I got over the holidays.
A digression: I was eyeing a the Clare Viver mini sac as I’ve been looking for a small casual purse, and wanted to know how you’re finding your Clare Viver tote in terms of quality etc.
And I really love that SC bag although trying it on in the shop a couple years ago, I realise the bag doesn’t suit my habits much – I like bags that I don’t need to close and can reach in and out of easily and the opening of such duffel styles don’t really allow for that. But it’s a bag you don’t want to put down once you touch it, and the colour is a dream.
I’m still enamored with the C.V. messenger. The nubuck leather does scuff a bit, although most of the time you can run your finger over it, and it will disappear. I think eventually it will have a bit of a distressed look to it as it ages. The size, shape, quality of the leather, and the seams/fastenings are all holding up well (and sometimes I really load it up with papers and a laptop). I haven’t noticed either any denim transfer or dye transfer from the leather to my clothes, but then I have a navy bag and dark wash jeans (deliberately), so it would be harder to notice.
That’s a good point about the duffel styles being more complicated to get in and out of–I’m definitely more inclined to like to wear something that is convenient and functional, rather than complicated (such as a Kelly–well, there’s the price, too…).
I get the sense that the Mini Sac is quite small–have you seen any modeling pictures of it?
I have owned a CV foldover clutch for three years now as well as a CV messenger I picked up last summer. Her leather is terribly soft and very durable. I don’t think you can go wrong with the mini sac, as long as you are ok with the size. I thought of getting one in silver or red, but eventually decided I wanted something less casual and picked up a nappa box bag by Milly in the sales.
Thanks for the tips guys! Yep I know it’s small but I’m definitely in the market for small, so long as my wallet fits, and I think the Sac is fine.
Good to know the leather holds up. I’m not just not 100% about the hardware – I’d prefer it without the buckle in front but so far it has the most low-key hardware of all the purses I’ve seen. Apart from the Celine Trio that is, but that one is not in my budget now for now…
Have you looked at the petit messenger? It has virtually no hardware and is pretty small.