I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a slow return of shoulder bags. What I mean by these are the bags with long straps with no top handle, that hit somewhere around the waist or hip. In the past few years, I’ve been seeing more totes or large bags take prominence. But now, it looks like we’re finally seeing the medium – smaller bags make a comeback.
I sometimes carry with me everything including the kitchen sink but I’m weaning myself off that habit. Its terrible for my back and my larger, heavier bags rarely see the light of day anymore.
So this year, while I was on a bag ban, I observed my bag use and realised I preferred something medium sized, preferably something that can be slung on the shoulder or a shoulder/handcarry combination. And for some insane reason, I was drawn to this one.
The Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic (I believe 11 means it came out in 2011) really grabs me, especially in a lovely bright colour like this blue calf leather one.
I first came across the Proenza Schouler bags with their PS1 satchel that for some reason, seems to be really popular. Perhaps its the satchel trend, but I never quite got into it. I had the opportunity to view it and feel it once and it just felt to thick and too heavy for my tastes. Just speaking for myself of course 🙂 But the PS11 is something that appeals more to me.
I like how its not too big. The dimensions of W11″ x H9″ x D4″ look about right to me and it doesn’t overwhelm the model either. Enough for me to fit my daily essentials and even a small camera in there. As I mentioned above, these medium sized dimensions are about right for me and if truth be told, fit my frame better than something larger.
I like the boxy structured shape. I have a thing for structured bags and this look structured but not too stiff, if that makes sense.
The hardware in the front reminds me of a car grille 😀 I know they don’t appeal to everyone but they do to me. I like car grilles 😀 The only thing I’m probably not crazy over are the buckles at the bottom. I don’t quite see the purpose except for decoration and that is unnecessary weight to me.
Which is why I prefer the look of the PS11 Mini Classic. However, I know myself and this is definitely much too “mini” for me.
Some of the new bright colours – red, orange, yellow, burgandy – that have come out in this design really do catch my eye but at the asking price on Net-a-porter of £1274 for the PS11 Classic and £1270 for the Mini Classic I will probably sob a little, tear my hair out and slink away quietly to admire from afar.
Do you like shoulder bags? Do you tend to go for larger bags or medium sized ones?
I used to find shoulder bags old fashioned because that was what my Mom used to carry. But fashion is cyclical and with the updated designs, suddenly they don’t look so old fashioned anymore 🙂 I likely won’t get me a PS11 right now (never say never though! I never know when a deal or a windfall may appear 😉 ) so I may look around to see if there’s anything similar that catches my eye. Hard to say though, once I’ve set my heart on something 😉
Paris B
Here in my place, I see young adults lean towards Cambridge Satchel for an affirdable option. I kinda like J. Crew Edie bag. You might want to check them out 🙂
I have the Cambridge Satchel too 🙂 Haven’t taken it out in a while because I’ve realised it fits too little for my everyday use unless I really go minimalistic! Thanks for telling me about the J. Crew Edie Effa. You just sparked another bag lust! Grr… 😉
I hadn’t thought about the Edie as an affordable alternative to the ps11’s ( which I love as well), but now that you mention it, the shapes are similar and they both come in a variety of fun colors. It could be a good substitute, at least for the time being! Bloggers Extrapetite, Fast Food and Fast Fashion, as well as Alterations Needed have great information about the Edie, which really bolstered its reputation as a good investment bag in my mind. All three of them are advocates of well put together and office appropriate outfits, so ultimately, the bag is high on my love list in spite of the drawbacks that they mentioned. It’s definitely worth a look!
I actually found out about J.Crew Edie from Extrapetite! 😀 They do come in fun colours but today I only saw black available 🙁 Maybe can ask them. Oh! Glad that I had spark you to another bag lust 😛
Yay! I read Extra Petite too! 😀 I saw black on Net-a-porter but am not sure about it because I can’t view it in person here. But who knows. Hopefully one day it goes on sale or something 😉
When you mentioned Extra Petite that’s where I realised I first saw the J Crew Edie! I love her style and I remember seeing her bag (No wonder the name was familiar! 😀 ) We don’t get J Crew here though so I’m a little hesitant about ordering it in without first taking a look at it. Still who knows. If I see it go on sale it might just end up in my hands 😉
I have both the PS1 and the PS11, both in black and my PS11 is a classic size. They’re my favorite out of all of my bags 😀
The size of the bag is just right and it hangs nicely as a shoulder bag with the actual bag situated around my hip. It’s not heavy and the buckles add insignificant weight. I tend to carry a lot and I have many big bags and clutches and my PS11 is the happy medium.
I also like the compartments, the front compartment takes quite a bit of practice to unlatch. But once you get the hang it you can do it quickly. The buckles and metal contraptions just hangs really weird.
Yay! Thanks so much for the quick overview from an owner! I still am not into the PS1 but I’m definitely thinking about the PS11 in Classic. I don’t even know if we have it here but I’m going to keep a look out for it. You do know you just made me really really keen?! 😉
Pretty bag but it looks like it is a touch too small for me. I like a slightly bigger purse.
I’m not sure if its too small for me either so I’ll probably have to check it out in person first 🙂 I used to carry larger bags but my back hates me for that!
I read in the papers a few days ago that a new Club 21 multi-label store was opened in Pavilion KL and one of the brands they carry is by Proenza Schouler. In the article, the mini version of the bag was shown. The article was published on 20 December 2012. Maybe, you can check it out. I know I will 🙂
Ooh I didn’t know this, thanks so much for letting me know! Guess I’ll have to pay Pavilion a visit soon 😀 I did call up the store to find out the price. Floored me 😛
I read in the Star on 20 December 2012 that a new Club 21 multi label store was opened in Pavilion KL. One of the labels carried is by PS and in the article the model was modelling the mini version that you mentioned. Maybe you can check it out. I know I will 🙂
Oops!! Double posting… Thought the earlier one didn’t get through as an error message was shown.
gosh! i wish i can own them! its so nice!
You and I both! 😛
I realized partway though reading this that you had put to words everything I had ever thought about these bags! I similarly couldn’t get into the ps1, it always looked to unwieldy and like it was collapsing in on itself. Comparatively, I much prefer the structured look of the ps11. The metal hardware also appeals to me, though I can’t really put my finger on why. I think the combination of the leather, bold color, and decorative metal shapes really updates the classic handbag shape and makes it young, though the black version still has the strongest hold on my heart 🙂 if only my cash flow would cooperate…
As a fellow petite, the reduced size is also a big plus, since it wont overwhelm, but I must say, I really like the convenience of a slightly larger bag that I can messily chuck everything into (currently looking into the Coach legacy duffle, the colorful updates made there are also fantastic, though I wouldn’t be much opposed to anything in this line. They all look great without totally breaking the bank!).
Ahh like you, it would be nice if the cash flow would be as supportive in my purchases hehe… I think the Coach Legacy Duffle is a very good choice for a larger, roomier bag. I love most of the styles in the Coach Legacy range, and the colours! Beautiful!
Me not a bag peson. But the colour of this bag looks chic. 🙂
Looks gorgeous right?! And as I tell everyone, we all have our vices 😉
Lol, carrying everything including the kitchen sink?! You’re just too funny 🙂 But I admit, I am guilty of the same, I carry a lot of things in my Coach Madison. If the bag was any bigger, I can even hide my mother inside my bag 😛 Like you, I think shoulder bags are old fashioned especially the square boxy ones haha. I have not fancied them except for Chanel 2.55 – talk about being biased 😉 But these days, shoulder bags are making a comeback.
PS11 looks very structured and sturdy, I like the colour and design. Though I don’t know your handbag preference, somehow PS11 is very Paris B, if you get what I mean. Oh, on a very random note, when I was out shopping today, suddenly I told myself, when I hit 35, perhaps I should buy myself a Speedy 30 Idylle!
Yes, sometimes it does feel like I carry the kitchen sink along with me … sigh… but I’m weaning myself off the habit 🙂 Old bones can’t handle that sort of stresses anymore. The Madison is a nice range! Roomy and stylish 🙂
I think the PS11 is very me too 😀 I suppose I could rock it till I’m 80 at least 😉 I think your goal is a very good and attainable one! I had that goal too and making good on it was a great achievement for me. I personally would not do the Idylle for practical reasons so wait and see if they do a Speedy Empriente 30. I think that would be a much better option 😉
Haha, I just reread your post “Bag Lust: Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25 Empreinte Monogram”. I think maybe 30 will be good for my height (1.72m). Better start saving up 🙂 Idylle is quite expensive considering it’s fabric.
Yes, and you know what fabric is like – nearly impossible to clean and it gets grubby after a few years no matter how much care you take. Speaking from experience here LOL!
I usually go for medium to large bags, not the really large ones! 🙂 As long as it fits and moves perfectly with me when I walk,! 😀
Merry Christmas PB to you and your family!
I think it very important that we wear the bag not the other way around, as an extra large bag would! LOL Hope your Christmas was a good one, Nikki!
I’ve been hemming and hawing over this bag for a VERY LONG TIME. I’m sort of over my satchel phase, that’s why I wasn’t keen on the PS1. Besides, I have quite a few satchels to keep feeding my longing for them each time it returns. The PS11, however is driving me insane! I often compare it to the Celine classic box. Because I’m limiting myself to only 2 bags in 2013, I can’t get both. The PS11 is a little grungier that I can still wear while I am young(er!) whereas the classic box (double its price :'() is well, classic without the grungy hardware I can carry till I’m 103. I’m going to have a play of the PS11 very soon and will make my decision. If the blue (you’ve pictured) is still available, I will probably swipe my credit card very soon…
Like you, I’m happy with the satchels I own and have no desire to own more. I do like variety in my bags and I don’t have a shoulder bag except for the C one, I think LOL! How’s that for justification? 😉 I think the Celine Box is gorgeous and they’re definitely going through a revival right now. I just called up the store locally and they carry it apparently, in orange and blue. So lets see what I think once I step in store 😉
The colors and shapes of these bags are incredible! I love semistructured totes and shoulder bags for everyday use and tiny cross body bags for shopping days. Large slouchy bags are cute but digging around looking for stuff gets old after a while and I only use them if I have to tote a sweater or other bulky object. Being petite, I prefer small to medium bags, the lighter the better.
I still can’t get into really small bags which is largely to do with my large wallet haha! But large bags, as you have pointed out at very useful for holding lots of stuff or bulky stuff and especially when I plan to go for a movie, because then I can stuff a sweater or scarf in there and erm… maybe some snacks too so I don’t have to buy overpriced popcorn! LOL!
PS!!!! I love PS1 and the latest PS11 in Peacock! 😀
What a pleasant surprise that you are lusting for PS11 too! LOL! *five*
PS11 classic and mini not much difference in price though. Do get the classic one 😀
By the way, have a Happy Christmas and Blessed New Year!!
xoxo
Haha are you lusting after the PS11 too?! I hear its available at the Club 21 store in Pavilion so I’ll mosey on down and take a look soon just to see how I feel about it. Not likely to get the Mini – too mini for my tastes! 😉 Hope you had a merry Christmas! 😀
Yes *five* lusting for it too in Peacock colour 😀
Oh, will drop by the Club 21 store in Pavilion if I get the chance 😀 But definitely will not buy from the Club 21 store because the prices there are far too pricey than getting it online though 😛
Let’s get the PS11 Classic in 2013! LOL!
Had a peaceful Christmas! Hope you enjoyed yours 😀
*hugs*
I went to see the PS11 in the Club 21 store at Pavilion KL over the week. They only carry the Classic Mini here but I think it gives a good idea of make. I still like the design and how it wears (so nice ok!) but I’m passing on it because I realised I was not as enamoured over it in real life as I was in photos. If you manage to take a look, I’d love to know what you think of it! 😉
Okie dokie. I will check it out in person when I get the chance 😉 Will let you know soon! 😀
Paris dear! I was at Club 21 yesterday afternoon. Apparently I think it’s the PS11 Classic they have not the Mini classic though :p I think I will just give it a pass too because the hardware looked kinda… unnecessary for structured bag of this design. I do love the design though.
Anyways, I just realised I am more of the PS1 person 😛 saw the crackle leather PS1…. Very enticing 😀
Like you, once I saw it I wasn’t too keen on it and the staff don’t seem to know anything which puts me off 😛 I too was sort of taken by the PS1 when I previously wasn’t. Haha! Great minds! 😉
LOL! Wise minds think alike 😀
Yeah, I told the staff that’s the PS1 in crackle leather, the staff kept telling me Cracked Leather!! LOL!! Well, nevermind, just give the staff a chance since my agenda was just to take a stroll 😛
The colour is lovely, but I’m not really too fond of the grill part, not to mention it looks too small for the stuff I carry around with me. Alas, my attempts at cutting down the weight of bag has not worked.
I used to think so too! But these days, I stay conscious about what I have in my bag and it helps to not carry unnecessary stuff. Wallets especially tend to weigh down with unnecessary papers and receipts and cards 😀 Then again, it helps that I don’t have to take public transport. I find when I do, then I tend to end up carrying more stuff. At least with a car, I can just leave whatever I don’t need in the car till I need it 🙂
cute bag, but too small for me! 😀 I have gotten used to shoulder bags, but they don’t draw me in like boston bags, etc.
Mmm boston bags are so cute! I have a soft spot for them too 😀
Before I got my PS1 I had the same idea as you. I felt it was like a school bag, it wasn’t structured, it looked too slouchy etc etc. but then I got it and it became such a staple in my wardrobe! I liked the PS11 as well but I was never too tempted to purchase for some reason.
Ah thanks for sharing your thoughts on the PS1 😀 I do love satchels but maybe I’m a bit satcheled out right now hence the disinterest. Who knows, I could very well start coveting it in time to come! I need to go and molest the PS11 in the store here and decide if I really want it 😉
this bag is sooooo stylish! I want it too!
That’s what I thought too! You can view it at Pavilion KL – I went to see it last week 😀
are you going to get one?? i am so in love with proenza bag!! but i can’t afford the price for the bag now.
I’m not, actually. I went to the store here to play with it and although they only had the mini, it gave me an idea of what the Classic would be like and I wasn’t in love with it when I saw it. It hangs beautifully and is well structured but something about it made me go meh. Maybe it was the thick leather or the quality of the lining. I’m not sure, but I’m passing on this. I still love the look of it though 🙂 I did see the PS1 and that feels nicer somehow 🙂