I’ve been thinking of introducing these types of posts for a long time now. Many years before makeup took over my life (dramatic I know), I was an avid handbag collector. I’ve been collecting for close to 7-8 years now and have amassed quite a collection (I type like this is something to be proud of, but don’t worry, I have my head on straight!)
One of the issues I’ve run into over the last couple years is when I want to purchase some of my bags online but struggling with the lack of reviews or photos. In fact the bag that triggered all of this was the Rebecca Minkoff Camera Bag, as I’ve been on the hunt for a chic camera bag, but there are hardly any helpful reviews on this particular bag, and as it is not readily available in Australia I would need to do an order online. Something I’m not prepared to do without more information.
And so the idea of reviewing my own handbags was born! Hopefully by doing these types of posts I can help contribute to the community and help others make more informed decisions 🙂
I thought why not start off with my currently everyday bag and then move on from there. This is my Prada Saffiano Lux Small Tote in Black. I purchased this from a Prada store late last year as a birthday or Christmas gift to myself! I can’t remember now since my birthday is so close to Christmas!
Anyways, the reason I decided to purchase this bag is because my old everyday bag, the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 just wasn’t cutting it in terms of business. I needed something I could hold a full sized iPad, potentially some documents and something that appeared a bit more professional as my job requires working with many different clients.
As this is a very popular bag, there were plenty of photos online to help me with my decision. Not to mention, local Prada stores meant I could go in and examine the bag in person before making my purchase.
I’ve tried to provide as many photos I possible, demonstrating the size in comparison to an A4 piece of paper, how many things you can fit in it and even how it looks on someone of my build. For those curious I’m around 5’2 / 157cm and weight between 40kg to 45kg / 88lbs to 99lbs.
The photos probably speak more than words can! But what it can’t speak of is the quality. This is amazing quality, I’ve been using it almost everyday for around 9-10 months now and it still looks good as new. And whilst I do look after my bags (I won’t rest it on the floor when going out, tend to let it sit on my lap or behind me on my chair etc) I don’t baby them a ton either. I will fill this bag up to the brim where it can look like the leather is getting distorted (but not for weeks on end, just days), especially during more stressful periods at work. I’ve carried it by just one handle many times, I’ve swung it around etc. This bag has had its workout, and I’ve never seen any part of it loosen or give way.
I’ve not taken a knife to it, but it has brushed up against gravel or rough walls a number of times, and still not a scratch. The leather as well as the bag is durable, and being black means it helps maintain that “new” look for longer. It’s definitely a good work bag in terms of longevity.
If you work in the corporate industry where documents / meetings are a common thing then this may be perfect for you! I know plenty prefer the latest versions, I chose the smaller one because of my physical size. As you can see it suits my frame perfectly (the larger one made me look a bit swamped), but if you’re taller then I reckon you can get away with the larger version.
All in all, I -love- this bag! It’s perfect for everyday, it holds everything I ever need. It does come with an across the body strap but I’ve never used this for a number of reasons, I carry about 5-6kgs worth of items in my bag (I like to be prepared) and so with that sort of weight, a thin shoulder strap tends to get uncomfortable. I much prefer to wear it on my arm or handheld.
Let me know what you thought of this post, whether I could have included more information and if so what! Also I’d love to know what bags you’d love to see reviewed!
Lastly, I did feature this bag in a “What’s in my bag” video, which I’ll link below in case you’re curious 🙂
Oh yes, bring on the bag reviews! Being a bag lady myself, I too have, in my life, had more bags than makeup 😛
I love the Saffiano totes by Prada. I have the bigger version (incidentally, also my first and currently only Prada) and it holds everything but the kitchen sink. As much as I love it, I’d have preferred it to come with a strap like yours. Carrying that much junk with me doesn’t look good on a girl’s arm (hello red marks!) 🙂
Woot woot! 🙂 Bags for life! I’m loving across the body bags lately 🙂 Leaves my arms and hands free!
Hmmm, I really have loved this bag for a long time but I’ve been SO unsure about the quality. Some reviews have been scathing but some like this have been really positive. I’ve had one bad Prada experience and I’m wary! But now I might give it another try. 🙂 I’m shorter than you so this size would be perfect. I love my speedy 30 but it feels more like a weekend bag, if that makes sense.
If we ever meet up you are more than welcome to play around with my bag 😀
Love your bag review and would definitely love to see more of this sort of posts.
I definitely love the Saffiano and I got the bigger sister of your one. Moved off it though as it was starting to hurt my shoulder after putting so much stuff in it and slinging it on one shoulder. I need to learn how to cull my contents!
Thank you!! I’m so bad with carrying way more than I need too!
I’m curious what the dimension’s for your small lux tote is… I’m contemplating in buying the Saffiano Lux Tote Small but with with the center pocket/zipper divider instead of the double zipper….I have a speedy 25 now and its perfect for me in size since I do not carry much. Just don’t want to bnuy a bag that has more room than I need! Thanks!
Oooh! That’s a lovely bag, unfortunately I don’t have the bag with the middle zip, but perhaps try visiting saks.com, as they have all the measurements for the Prada bags online! Good luck!
Can you please tell the code number of the handbag..so I know which size to get…:)
It’s BN1801 🙂
Hi,
Just wondering what model is this? BN1801?
Yep, you’re correct 🙂
hi im a student and thinking of investing in a proper leather bag because none of the cheap faux leather ones i use can last. i tot the Saffiano was really pretty and i did save up quite abit, willing to spend more money on a bag that will see me into the working world and such. I do carry quite a load in my bag too and i dont want to buy a thousand dollar bag only to fit like a few papers inside.
can it really take the weight of a tablet and more? my tablet comes with a keyboard. so im guessing its about 500grams? i carry stationary and tons of papers and pouches ( i love em) but im afraid the bag will like, tear.
is the saffiano tough enough? am thinking about buying the one with strap cuz i usually use the small of my back (i sling my bag to my back) to distribute the weight on my body. Hope i didnt bore you!
Hi Audrey! It can definitely take the weight of a tablet! It’s very durable and I’ve abused this bag a lot! I’d say the saffiano leather is one of the toughest leathers I’ve used, similar to coated canvas. I sling mine a lot now with the shoulder strap and it works a charm! 🙂 I probably fill my bag with about 3-4kg worth of random junk now so a shoulder strap is mandatory! Hope that helps!
Do you think iPad 3 can fit in the bag?
I think you can if you don’t button up the sides, and so long as the case isn’t too big either. I’ve got an iPad 2 and mine just fits.
Thank youuu for the review lovely!!
I bought a red one recently but still haven’t used it.
Do you think it’s considered a ”neutral color” in the sense that color transfer could happen?
Thank you 🙂 🙂
My pleasure 🙂 Red in this style would be stunning!! Hmmm! I know color transfer is a big problem with some lighter designs (esp in patent leather), like beige and white. I think red should be fine 🙂
Just wondering how long have u had this bag. I just got mine this week & totally love it but am having my doubts because of all the negative reviews I’ve read about its quality- threads coming off around the zipper area, leather wrinkling around the button area. Have you noted any of these? Hopefully not!
Hi! I’ve had this bag for probably around 2-3 years now of very daily wear. I haven’t had any issues with the threads coming loose or the zipper. I have had a little bit of wear / scruff marks around the corners of the bag, and the shape is a little bit more relaxed now, not as structured as it was when I first bought it. But nothing too noticeable. No wrinkling around the button area either. Enjoy your bag 🙂
Thanks Celina! So glad to hear that. I’ve already received so many compliments on the bag 🙂
That’s awesome 🙂 So happy to hear that!!
Hi, what is the length of this bag
Hi, the dimensions of the bag are: 10″W X 7″H X 3½”D
Thanks for mentioning the dimensions.
hello, how heavy is this bag by itself? thanks