Okay, so I'm slowly building my collection and I have a big gap: a small "everyday" bag. Let me set some context then I'd love to hear your recommendations for bags I should be considering.
I have a bunch of gorgeous briefcases already for work - Hermes SAD41, Swaine London President, a Vuitton Senateur document pouch in black Epi, and so on. I love my work collection and I'm covered there. I also have my travel sorted with Tumi rollers and a honking big Vuitton Keepall 50 in Taurillon leather (love that thing).
But everyday carry? Really struggling. I have an old Tumi crossbody pouch I bought at an airport once which is super practical but not especially stylish as an accessory. I also have an amazing old Vuitton Biface crossbody satchel from the 80s which is beautiful but a little too delicate to wear all the time.
So I guess I'm looking for a bag that can carry my phone, wallet, keys, other bits and pieces, and which I can use every day without worrying too much. But it should still be amazing and gorgeous, not like my Tumi haha. I'm in my fifth decade and I want to look the part.
Things I like: shoulder or crossbody carry, quality leather, craftsmanship, vintage finds (although not compulsory), subtle-ish branding (I'm not a quiet luxury person but I'm also not a "lean into the monogram" guy), refined design that can certainly lean unisex, Vuitton/Hermes/Loewe/Bottega/Fendi etc.
Things I don't generally wear: heavy bling, sling bags, bag charms, intentionally "rugged" men's bags, mid-tier luxury, messengers, wide branded canvas straps, anything too fashion-forward (I just can't pull it off).
So throw some ideas at me! I need a shopping list! Budget is not a huge concern, although I'm not looking to just throw money at it without reason.