A little while ago, I was bemoaning the size of the LV Speedy 25. As the number indicates, it is about 25cm long and although its a good size, its just not quite big enough for my daily needs. Since then, I was gripped in a fever to get a similar handheld tote but larger. And one fateful day, my footsteps led me to the doors of the Gucci store.
Gucci, like LV and the many designer brands out there, is a very popular brand for the pirates. So, yes, the monogram of the interlocking GG does turn me off somewhat. But I also learnt that Gucci makes beautiful leather bags. They are pricey as per normal, but the quality is very good and if you ask me, they are quite underrated in this regard. I used to see loads of people toting Gucci everywhere quite a few years ago but now, I don’t see them around very much anymore. The young especially, seem to shy away, preferring to go for LV. Well, it might be a good thing because I’ve actually noticed some really nice new designs popping up in Gucci that I’d prefer not to share 😉
Oh and not forgetting the Gucci classic – the Boston Bag.
As I was saying, I walked into the Gucci store to look around and my eye was immediately and irresistably drawn to this on the shelf behind the very friendly and pleasant SA. I have a thing for handheld totes in this design. Its not only very practical – no space wastage and the soft leather means you can fit a lot in there if you have to – its also very classic and will not go out of style.
Do you go for bags in this design? Or do you prefer the hobo style shoulder bags?
What I liked about this Vintage Web Boston Bag (as the Gucci.com site tells us) is that it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Does this remind us of the LV Speedy Bandouliere that I lusted over before? 😉
The other thing I particularly liked about this specific design is that there was no logo. None to be seen anywhere on the bag. The only thing that tells you the brand is the little tab embossed with the brand name near the zipper, and the green and red stripe down the middle, which is the signature Gucci stripes. That’s it! If you didn’t know what that meant, it was pretty must just another bag and I loved that anonymity.
The leather is a soft calf leather which was absolutely gorgeous to the touch and pliable. Sizewise, it is markedly larger than the Speedy Bandouliere 25. On my 5’3″ frame, it did look a wee bit big. If I wanted, I could actually use it as a weekend or overnight bag if I didn’t carry anything too bulky. So that was what made me hesitate.
The interior too gave me pause, as it was lined with a rather rough weave canvas. I don’t know if it was what they originally lined the Boston Bags with but I was a bit torn about that.
The leather version came in black, dark brown and tan. I preferred either the tan or the black so that too gave me pause. Couldn’t choose LOL!
I can’t recall the price off hand for the full leather version, but it might be in the region of RM5,000 which I wouldn’t pay here, because I know its much more affordable overseas. I don’t know what’s with some of the mad mark ups we get. Luxury goods are supposed to be tax free here and yet, the prices are still stratospheric 😛
So, I may have found my larger alternative to the LV Empriente Speedy Bandouliere, and it too comes in full leather, with a much smaller pricetag. So whilst I will not pick this one up locally, I will do so if I see it on any of my travels. So long as the pricetag is lower than what I see here, it’ll be mine! 😀
Do you like bags of this shape and design? Do you own the Gucci Vintage Boston Bag and would you recommend a buy? 😉
I know many people tend to prefer hobos as they can also fit a lot and you can sling them on your shoulder without having to fuss about holding it. But I feel that there’s something quite elegant about a bag held in ones’ hands, or even in the crook of the arm 😀
Paris B
I have my eye on this as well, but as you said, too expensive here. I’ll just have to get someone to buy for me when they’re travelling.
Yep, preferably to Europe where it’ll be cheapest! 😀 Am keeping an eye out for one myself and if I can’t get anyone to get it I guess I”ll just have to go, don’t I? 😉
You’re right about the there’s something about this shape and design with the crooked arm and all 🙂 Yeah, other than the Speedy, Gucci Vintage looks like a keeper too! Maybe one day when I have saved up enough to travel to Europe, I’ll make sure I enjoy the full shopping experience of this beauty.
Oh when you make it to Europe, you will be spoilt for choice Jennifer! 😀
That is a great bag! What you and I both already know is that the Speedy has a saggy butt if we stack too much into it. Does the Gucci one solve this issue? Are you getting this bag? Aren’t we both on a bag ban? 😛
I’m in a doctor bag phase currently 🙁 I saw a suede one from Gucci (Lady Stirrup) that I’ve been hemming and hawing over and it’s no longer available. GRARRRRRR. There’s also one by Prada in a great orange (reminiscent of Hermes) but the lining was canvas (grrrr).
I’ve already used up 50% of my bag quota and it’s not even the end of January >< I'm thinking either the Celine classic box or Chanel flap in maxi this year. Thoughts? (Psstt.. Chanel's changed the design of their maxi and jumbo flaps slightly – they both are now double flaps with no change in price!)
Good question. I think the 2 strips of leather beside the green/red canvas bit helps the bag stay in shape better than the Speedy. That said, I didn’t stuff it in store so I can’t say. Somehow, by the time I put in my daily junk, the bag still looked so empty! It is a bit big, that was my concern but I’m getting it anyway 😛 Yes, am still on a bag ban, so I have to wait for someone to go to Europe (or unless I go) to get it 😀
Oh and I did see the Gucci Stirrup too and yes, I am also in lust with that one. Told you Gucci is seeing a brand new revival in interest from me so I’m very happy few others care about the brand. More for me 😀
And a for the choice, I’d do Chanel because you don’t have the classic flap yet (I think) and every girl needs one in their collection. I have to admit I’m not a fan of the double flap so I’m quite pleased to have one without 😛
I absolutely love Gucci bags, one of my first *grown up* bag was a Gucci one that I’ve worn to death. It still looks like it’s new though!
I’m not a big fan of the LV Speedy, don’t know why: probably because every girl in italy seems to have one, I really prefer the Boston Bag .
In general I love huge bags in which you can make place for pretty much everything but I agree with you, this kind of bag is way more elegant 🙂 xx
Ahh lucky you to be in the homeland of gucci! They make good leather bags although underrated. One of my first designer bags was a Gucci that I saved up like crazy for. It was a Boston Bag in a monogram canvas and although worn often it still looks good! I shall perhaps complement it with the leather version soon, hopefully! 😉
I more of a hobo/tote person but these bags are lovely.
I like a few totes but after owning a few hobos I realised they weren’t my style 🙂
I like the shape although not fan of the strips in the middle. You r lucky to get such a nice service! Here in Paris every time I go there they re kinda ignoring me… Thats a big turn off for me!
Grr I hate it when SAs don’t treat us well. We’re all potential customers after all! But I get what you mean about the stripe. It’s a bit in your face 😀
I love these style of bags. I prefer satchels to hobos because I like carrying them on my shoulder or hand. Beauty blogs not only get me obsessed with makeup and skincare, but now bags! Haha. I really like your posts where you show what’s caught your eye like this one. :]
I’m glad you enjoy these sorts of posts Janessa. I’m never very sure if people do, but I love bags and well, I guess I like lusting after them too! 😀
That’s a beautiful bag but Gucci never attract me to buy any of their designs. I don’t know why! It’s not my ‘go to’ brand. I love leather bags but since I don’t baby my bags, (except for my Chanel and Prada), I always prefer LV canvas bags. They’re light and I can carry them anywhere, under the rain or the snow without worrying they’ll be destroyed. I haven’t found anything I want to buy this year except for another Chanel (going to Paris in May!).
I think Gucci has a bit of an ‘old’ image to them 🙂 you’re right about how hardy the LV canvas bags are. Its one of those things that make sense although their price tags don’t lol! Which Chanel are you eyeing? If I were to visit Paris, I’d definitely do a Chanel too. It makes the most sense! 😉
It does look fantastic. I have one Gucci bag myself (not this one) and I love it a lot.
They are fantastic quality aren’t they? And a little more affordable too! 🙂
I own a few Gucci bags, and to be honest, I don’t find the quality all that great if you were to compare them to LV bags. The leather on my older Gucci bags have started peeling already, but I suppose I have to attribute that to daily wear and tear.
Have you considered looking for vintage versions of this bag on ebay?
Pricepoint-wise, I believe Gucci leather is a little lower than LV (although I could be mistaken!) The only LV I am familiar with is the Epi so I don’t have much of a basis of comparison with Gucci. The Gucci leather ones I have are still in pretty good condition thankfully! 🙂 I had a poor experience with Dior so I’m not going anywhere near Dior bags anymore. They started to peel and I just don’t expect it from something that expensive! I don’t usually do ebay but I suppose its a place to start 🙂
The brown one would age beautifully, I suppose? 🙂
The black one so just chic and classic.
Sigh… I love it but my wallet doesn’t >.<
Wow. Is this the Boston in medium or large? Very classic indeed 😀
I think its the Medium that I saw 😀
I have searched all over for this bag in tan. I took for granted that ithe “limited edition” would forever be available on the gucci website but it no longer exists. I like the brown one as well but that tan color is calling me! The longer it takes to find the more insane I become about finding it. I only came across this blog as I was engaged in yet another web search to find it but all I found was this blog instead:-(
It is comforting to know that someone else shares in my lust for this bag:-)
Good luck!
Sorry to disappoint you, Jen but someone mentioned looking on eBay but I’m sure you’ve tried that already. I prefer the look of the black so I’m afraid I’m of no help! Good luck in your hunt!
Its a gorgeous bag! I love it, and it would go with everything I own. Great choice, Paris! I’d absolutely buy one if I found one at the right price!
I also love Boston bags. I am hoping to get one this year ( the Monogram with blue and red stripes ). The Speedy Damier Ebene is worry free because you can bring it in the rain but the Bostons look more classy to me and not everyone carries it.
One thing that I also like about it is that it gives you the retro feel. Gucci with the signature stripes were so in back in the 70’s and 80’s. My Mum has 3 Guccis ( 2 Clutches and 1 Shoulder bag ) all three have the signature Gucci Stripes and they are still all alive and in good condition. The leather trimings are still in good condition, haven’t peeled at all and they are all 35 year old bags.