10 Timeless Luxury Totes/Bags for Your 2022 Shopping List
December is that time of year when we start to review what has happened in the last 12 months and set goals for next year. A lot had happened in 2021 other than the continuing of Covid. Since I started to get back into a slightly more normal life schedule, I had to go through my wardrobe to donate a bunch of stuff and then buy something new that matched my current preference. While doing all the shopping, I took a leap and started my YouTube channel to document, share, and review items I bought. It is a whole new experience for me, and I love to take up challenges to learn new skills. Please consider hopping over there if you haven't subscribed to my channel. I appreciate you following along with my journey in self-rediscovering.
Personally, it is rare for me to buy flashy items in fashion. I love seeing my friends wearing them, but this style does not work in my favor. When I shop, I like to look for timeless pieces, buying items that I could use for at least another five years. If I get tired of it in 12 months, I will not drop cash on them. I like to observe trends but do not follow them closely. It is more beneficial to pick up items that work for me rather than copying somebody else's styles entirely.
After having tiny bags trending for years, it seems huge bags are coming back in style. It is understandable that once we get back to our regular schedule in life, we would need an oversized bag to carry more stuff we need throughout the day. In addition, I am holding up hope to do international travel again, and big bags are necessities when we run through airports. So here is a list of 10 luxury bags/totes I put together for my 2022 shopping if I won a lottery that I never purchased. Since I did end up getting my dream bag Louis Vuitton ONTHEGO, it won't be on this list for that reason.
Balenciaga Arbes Large East-West Shopper Bag In Black
Balenciaga Arbes Large Shopper Bag is made with 100% lambskin leather in Italy, not low-quality genuine leather like another company is using. The crackling texture of that Arena Lambskin leather is stunning! The stripes patchwork design is simple yet effective. It has two top handles, one for hand carry and another for your shoulder. The handles design is very similar to Louis Vuitton ONTHEGO, but the handles on this Balenciaga are likely to hold up better because the straps go all the way to the bottom of the bag. I wish the bag had some closure, but it is a wide-open tote. The only visible branding on the outside is a small logo printed at the center near the top. As long as the stitches are not coming off, you literally could use this bag for another ten years without worrying about the bag looking dated.
MCM München Tote in Visetos
I don't often recommend bags with monograms all over them. But, just like the LV monogram, the MCM logo has stood the test of time. It has been around for a long time now, and it is not going anywhere soon, even though they are trying to push for some new MCM patterns. But, looking at the new patterns they put out, they reassured me this classic MCM logo monogram lasts so long because the retro style logo pattern is more timeless than anything they put out for their seasonal items. I wished they still sold their north-south Visetos tote, but unfortunately, I could only find this east-west tote on their website. This extra-large tote is made from their long-lasting Visetos material, added leather handles, and trims to create a more sophisticated look. Other than the leather details, you are also getting a removable shoulder strap, a Visetos pouch, and their famous 24k gold-plated metal hardware! It is one of those bags that is totally worth the price tag!
Gucci Medium tote with Interlocking G
After watching the movie House of Gucci, I don't seem to get my mind off some of their bags! The Gucci Medium Tote features their most symbolic Interlocking G pattern; I like how the monogram pattern doesn't scream LOGOs when you look from afar. The logos' design and arrangement make the pattern look more decorative than making you look like a walking billboard. The tote bag is made using their GG Supreme Canvas, which they claim to have a lower impact on the environment. This classic monogram Gucci tote is a simple and durable bag that will blend with your outfit effortlessly.
Gucci Diana Medium Tote Bag
From looking at the bag's name, you would probably guess why this bag is so famous. Even Princess Diana used one, and you could see the bag from many paparazzi photos of her. This iconic handbag features unique bamboo handles, and they seem to add a burned effect to the handles. Along with the beautiful brown leather, this bag is so timeless that you could pass it down to your kids someday. However, something that puzzled me was the neon belt handle shapers that came with the bag. They seem out of place, and I wonder if I need to use them to keep the bamboo handles in shape?
Burberry Embossed Check Leather Tote
If I didn't tell you, you might not know this is a Burberry bag by looking at it. It is so understated with the design. The tote doesn't seem to have any logo on the outside, only having their classic house check pattern embossed on the leather. Even though it doesn't feature any shoulder straps or a crossbody strap, it would still be my first choice if I get a Burberry bag right now! This made-in Italy 100% calf leather bag is so gorgeous that I don't mind not having a crossbody strap; after all, fewer straps mean fewer things to break, right?
Burberry Monogram Recycled Polyester Jacquard Tote
Compared to the previous Burberry tote I put in this list, this Burberry Jacquard Tote is their modern take on the brand's identity. It has their new Thomas Burberry TB monogram, and they also use 75% recycled polyester material in making the bag. It is refreshing to see traditional fashion houses modernize themselves and invest in using more eco-friendly materials. Although, to be honest, the new TB monogram is not as recognizable, and it may be a good thing unless you only wear the bag to show off your wealth. Lastly, the tote features a beautiful detachable shoulder/crossbody strap. It is right up my alley, and I love this north-south tote!
Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Large Tote Bag in Smooth Leather
I know Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche tote has been a popular item for a long time. But today, I would like to recommend the Rive Gauche Tote in leather. For the price of the canvas version, I might as well spend a few hundred dollars more and get the full leather one. It is as gorgeous as the canvas one, if not more, and the leather will be likely to last longer if you are careful with your bag. I need to mention that the leather will soften over time and become less structured compared to the canvas version. Anyway, we bag lovers have a fix for every issue! A felt bag organizer will likely prevent that from happening, or you could even get a custom base shaper if that didn't work. This may not be the most practical tote without a proper shoulder strap or crossbody strap, but when something is that stunning, I just have to try it, right?
Givenchy Large Antigona Lock Soft Bag In Leather
I hadn't been looking at bags from Givenchy until I saw this large Antigona Lock Soft Bag! I love the design and thoughts they put into this bag. It has nice shoulder traps that look comfortable to hold and are likely to stay on your shoulder well. In addition, the bag has a zipper closure, so you don't have to worry about things rolling out like other totes. The removable padlock adds some interest to the bag without being overwhelmingly loud. Lastly, I love how soft the leather is and how the bag drapes when you carry it!
Large FENDI Sunshine Brown Leather Shopper
I kept saying I am not big on Logos, but this Fendi leather shopper is simply stunning even with its big logo, front, and center! This is one of those bags that, even looking at pictures, you could tell how outstanding the quality must be with that luxurious leather material. Also, the tortoiseshell plexiglass handles are genuinely one of a kind and stand out from other bags.
Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Eel Double Bag
I am aware that Tory Burch's Lee Radziwill Double Bag is often called a dupe for Fendi's Peekaboo bag, but I do think even though they are very similar, Tory Burch was able to put their spin on it and produced something stunning. For example, this Double Bag is made with eel skin leather, not something you would see regularly! Eel skin! I know it sounds gross, but looking at the bag, it is breathtaking! The color, the sheen, and the texture look out of this world! The more I see the pictures, the more I need this bag, period.
I hope these ten luxury bags pique your interest in shopping if you have felt uninspired lately. Most of the bags in this list are timeless in design and made with extraordinary material. So you don't have to worry about them maintaining their value, especially under the inflation rate we have at the moment. Enjoy shopping, always be kind, and have an excellent 2022!
