Unstuffed: Bag scale comparison

As requested, here are some pics of the Minkoff bag unstuffed and filled with my own stuff.  :) 

In the bag: Computer, phone, makeup case, glasses case, keys, journal or book, water bottle, wallet. This is my usual. 

It is another hot day here so I won't go as far as putting on full autumn regalia but I did manage to put on a jacket (as I'd usually carry it with at least that for outerwear) and also for one pic, a coat. 

For comparison, some of my other bags. The blue shopper is a good scale for me but doesn't fit the computer -- it's a summer time bag for going (literally) shopping!! And not much else. 

Colour block tote is what I carry in summer when I need the computer, or the navy Zara backpack, which barely fits the computer but does with a lot of wrangling. This is honestly my most used bag!! I could always get another one of these. :) Much cheaper.  

I used the Le Pliage a lot last fall and winter. I don't like how unstructured it is, though. 

Whether or not I look right with a big bag, I need a big bag. It's that simple. So the question is really what kind. 

Once again, the camera got confused by the Minkoff bag and went out of focus. It must be putting a spell on me.

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49 Comments

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    ETA: I just remembered that as an undergrad a thousand years ago I had a vinyl hobo in a similar colour to this!! Plus ca change...

  • Angela K replied 7 years ago

    I love the new bag--and I don't think it's too big for you.  The color is fab!

  • replied 7 years ago

    I love this bag. It looks better with your own stuff. The colour is great.
    I also think the backpack is super for your life and you might consider a nice one in burgundy if you don't like this one enough, for whatever reason.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 7 years ago

    It looks a lot better un-stuffed. How do you like the strap drop when all your belongings are right under your arm?

  • Eliza replied 7 years ago

    Agree bag looks better with your stuff. It reads flatter and therefore more proportional. I like be the bag's color, shape and simplicity.

    How do you feel carrying it? That counts.

  • Kristin SF replied 7 years ago

    What a difference. I really love it without all the stuffing.
    And I just love that color.

    It sounds like you need a bag this size, and that you will frequently use it. Seems like a very worthwhile purchase to me. :-)

  • Traci replied 7 years ago

    I love it!

  • Sylvie replied 7 years ago

    Given that you need a big bag, the Rebecca Minkoff bag is completely reasonable. It's not so big that it's wearing you, rather than you wearing it.

    It's obviously heavier than the Pliage.  How do you feel about the weight once it is filled with all your things?  Is there any risk of shoulder pain, etc, from carrying a laptop + waterbottle on one shoulder instead of two?

  • Traci replied 7 years ago

    Does your laptop slide easily into the side zipper?

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    I love it. Also, love your coat. You're sure tho the bag is not secretly annoying? I get mad at bags, so I have to ask and ask again...

  • retailgirl replied 7 years ago

    The new bag is beautiful, you'll find that color so versatile and it doesn't look too big. Hey, if you carry a lot of stuff, you need a big bag.

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    The thing about the Minkoff bag is that it seems like it ought to be smaller. And then we see it on you and it's surprising. There's nothing inherently wrong with it IMO.

  • replied 7 years ago

    Great bag!

  • replied 7 years ago

    Ummlila speaks for me too .  

  • Joy replied 7 years ago

    My vote is now to keep this bag. I like it much more with your stuff and the way it stays close to your body.

  • Diana replied 7 years ago

    Oh, it's much better without the stuffing!  And the laptop actually does not distort the shape too much, which is good.

    Personally, I still find that strap drop too short, but it comes down to whether or not you are comfortable with it.

    ETA: Or I should say the apparent strap drop.  I think it's more the design of the bag where the sides come up really high rather than the actual strap drop being too short. 

  • Gaylene replied 7 years ago

    Hmm, I see the problem--a bag big enough to hold your computer which doesn't make you look like you are planning a weekend getaway--or an Olsen twin (thanks Rachylou!)

    I think, for me, it comes down to the difference between a tote and a handbag. A tote just looks like--a tote, so it gets more leeway if it is oversized while a too-big handbag just looks like it is bossing around its owner. Some large bags seem inherently bossier than others--shape, color, handle, embellishments, or whatever--and seem to dominate smaller, or less forceful, women. Personality makes a difference.

    The Minkoff bag is borderline. I think you have the personality to put the bag in its place, but do you want a bag that requires that much tending? Backpacks and totes are an easier crowd, but if your heart is set on the Minkoff then wrangle it into submission by paying attention to what you wear it with and the attitude with which you carry it. Bonk anyone who dares to ask if you are heading to the airport!

  • Glory replied 7 years ago

    It looks great. I don't think it is too big, and certainly doesn't duplicate what you have. A good question above on whether it is too heavy once fully loaded? 
    It all comes down to : Do you love it?

  • catgirl replied 7 years ago

    I'm with Diana.  If the strap doesn't bother you, and if you need a bag this size, then this is as nice as it gets. :)

  • texstyle replied 7 years ago

    I love the color and I think the size is actually not "too" big - but I do wonder about how the shape could be stretched out over time with your laptop in it. That and how it feels under your arm if you will carry it that way.  A structured tote seems better equipped to hold a rectangular laptop on a regular basis.

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    Is it easy to get your laptop in the bag? I have to say, the sale prIce is very good...

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    Looks fabulous. LOVE. 

    Whether it actually feels okay, comfortable, and functions how you want it to is your call, Suz. Bag sizes and styles are very personal. Walk around at home with it for a while, maybe.

  • Greenjeans replied 7 years ago

    First, I love this.  Especially the soft shape that nestles so nicely under your arm.  It is also GIANT.  (I get a hit of small-girl carrying a grown woman's bag.)  But that is part of its charm, right?

  • jill58 replied 7 years ago

    I love it. I vote, keep. 

  • marianna replied 7 years ago

    I still like it. :) Looks even better unstuffed. The size doesn't bother me at all and I think it looks good on you.

  • Momo replied 7 years ago

    It looks beautiful. Just a question of whether you like it .

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    It looks great! Love the color! If it's comfy to carry you should keep it!

  • Muffin replied 7 years ago

    Looks great "unstuffed" but stuffed with your own things. Yesterday when you posted I must have missed that you needed a larger bag for all your work items, and I said that it was too overwhelming. Now understanding it's purpose and seeing it with regular contents, I think it's perfect (if it feels good, easy to access items). I like Angie's suggestion of wearing it around for a bit to get a better feel.

  • Beth replied 7 years ago

    It's a big bag, but it doesn't look too big on you. The color is lovely.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    You're the greatest. Super helpful and you ask such good questions. 

    I'm going to take Angie's advice and walk around the house with it. I still have mixed feelings. The truth is, I'm a satchel (with shoulder strap) girl with a tote sized life.  :)  

    On the other hand, this bag recalls that long-ago unstructured bag of my youth. Can I rekindle the flame? 

    It is easy for me to carry. I hear what Diana and others are saying about shoulder drop but it's actually comfortable for me, so I'm okay with that.

    Rachylou's question is a great one, though -- how is it getting the laptop in and out. Alas, those side zips are nonfunctional (so weird, but whatever) and so it has to go in through the somewhat narrow top. I put in vertically and then shift to horlzontal. It's not such a big deal, but how will it feel looking for my other stuff in there with the laptop in the way? That is the question. I think Tex makes a great point that the lack of structure could lead to wear over time. 

    Ultimately, Rachy hit the nail on the head again. "I get so mad at bags." Yeah, me too!! They have to be perfect and they so rarely are!! I'm not sure this one is, so wearing it around the house and pretending I'm out and about doing stuff with it is probably key. So often I've bought a bag and thought I would love it only to be furious with it within 3 hours of our new relationship.  

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    ETA in answer to Sylvie and in case anyone else is thinking of the bag -- one of its charms is that for leather it is relatively light. Perhaps that is due to the lack of structure? It's a bit heavier than the nylon Le Pliage, of course -- but the difference isn't as big as I expected. My Danier tote is a lot heavier. 

  • Cerinda replied 7 years ago

    Way better unstuffed! And I still don't think I've seen another this attractive (love the RM design doodads in general, really love these zips).

  • Deborah replied 7 years ago

    I love it Suz. Unstuffed you can see how it slouches perfectly. If it's making your heart sing I say keep it. Great colour x

  • Maneera replied 7 years ago

    I love it. KEEP!

    I have a navy tote that's exactly like this (same shape with those useless side zips too). It's *never* easy to find something quickly when your bag is full, especially when your is large and full of stuff. I use a pouch large enough to fit my wallet, phone and keys inside if it's too full of random stuff, or just slip my bag organizer inside.

  • gradfashionista replied 7 years ago

    Just chimed in to tempt you into trying the Le Pliage leather tote (on sale at NAS, too). I carry the same items as you and more, and have found Le Pliage to be the lightest and most versatile of my options. Unlike the nylon version, it's lined and contains a zip pocket on one side and an open side pocket on the other. It's been such a wonderful workhorse over the past year and has held up much, much better than any other purse or bag. And it doesn't look too big in the least.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    Gradfashionista, thank you. That's a good point. I think Diana also has it. Or was going to get it. I might take another look at it. 

    Maneera, Deborah, Cerinda  --- thank you!! 

  • Amy replied 7 years ago

    It's such a pretty color. I'm torn about the size because I've had neck/should/back problems and any large bag makes me cringe in anticipation of causing further aches and pains...so that's my bias. If you love it and it helps you tote around all your essentials, keep it. It coordinates well with your wardrobe.

  • dashielle (Ann) replied 7 years ago

    I love it too Suz, but do have to second the benefits of the leather Le Pliage noted by grandfashionista. Any Pliage really is a great option, as long as you get one with longer handles. I hauled my new leather NAS one around on a business trip last week and had no back or shoulder issues.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    I wish the leather Le Pliage had come in a colour that interested me. I don't want the bright blue since I have a bright blue bag and I don't want black because, well, black. 

    I'm really having doubts, not about the quality of this bag or even the size. It's beautiful and it fits my stuff. But I fear it's just too unstructured for me. 

    I also fear going yet another year without a bag that I love. I find it very frustrating. Last year was the best year so far because I could alternate the nylon Le Pliage and my backpack. But neither looked particularly good with my puffer coat and both were a little casual for me. Yet I've been searching for a bag to love for at least 4 years. Hmmm. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 7 years ago

    I still think it's gorgeous, and I like it much, much better for you, filled with your things. Big difference, to my eye. It looks quite similar to your backpack in size and shape, in these photos--which is to say, not out of place at all.

    Now that I've highly endorsed the RM bag, I will say I really love this vegan tote I bought a couple of months ago. It is reversible! I carry it nude-side-out or taupe-side-out, and like it both ways. It's easy to carry a laptop and other stuff in, it's lightweight, and so soft. No zip top, so maybe not as secure as you'd like; it has a magnetic snap. I got mine at a local store, but Nordstrom is carrying something that looks very similar--though not in the beautiful color of the Rebecca Minkoff bag.

    eta: look what I found at the website for the store where I bought my tote--it comes in claret/gray.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    And the price is certainly right, too, Sharan!! Maybe that is the way to go for now until I find a bag to love more seriously. Very good suggestion. 

  • catseye replied 7 years ago

    I have the black/cognac bag Sharon linked above. For a cheap bag, it is really good quality. I used it for work. It holds lunch, water bottle, books and more. I do like it.

    But the RM bag is so pretty.

  • Astrid replied 7 years ago

    I love the bag - the color is just fantastic. I had a similar bag once that I really liked. I think it looks great on you, but you have to feel comfortable using it too. How much organization is missing for it to be perfect? I guess with a certain size it's always at least a tad difficult to find things if you don't carry a highly compartmentalised backpack or bag. Finding one of those is difficult in any case, if you want it to fit exactly what you want to carry. I personally like my bags to be more flexible when it comes to load.

  • jenanded replied 7 years ago

    I too love/need a big bag so hearing you! Think it is sleek enough to work fine for you. The colour is so Suz! I do love your 2 colour block tote.... I would love one like that...

  • jenanded replied 7 years ago

    Kikki K the swedish stationary store had this amazing Stockholm style bag... it fitted everything, over your shoulder, distributed weight perfectly etc etc... and they no longer make the style (crying)... I think we need to petition them to bring it back... and in lovely colours.

  • Chris987 replied 7 years ago

    Suz is it possible for you to wear that new bag out and about just once without taking the tags off? (In other words can you hide them inside or something) ? If you could take it on a "trial run" maybe to a coffee shop where you pull out the laptop and use it, look for a lipstick....that might give you a better sense of how it's going to function.

    This discussion reminds me of my common fallback thought......"if I'm trying too hard to talk myself into it then it's not right". The higher the price and longer the expected lifespan the more important it is.

    Good rule for fashion items, and lots of other parts of life too!

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    I'd feel awkward taking it out of the house, Chris, but I can certainly pretend I'm at the library or coffee shop at home! I'll do exactly what you describe. 

    I have a feeling that it is probably not the right bag for me, but it's worth trying out right here. 

    Thanks for help, everyone, and Jen, I'm crying at the loss of that KikiD marvel you describe! 

  • Karie replied 7 years ago

    I've read a few of the other comments but not all, so please forgive me if I repeat something someone else said.
    Hmmm.....I'm not sure about this one (I'm more of a satchel / tote gal myself). I bought a big bag like this several years back and then never used it except when going on vacation because I felt ridiculous caring around such a large bag with very little in it. Anyways...

    • Do you have enough to put in it without you and your belongings feeling lost?
    • Whether it's filled with a little or filled with a lot, does it stay on your shoulder or slip off (this is my biggest problem with shoulder strap purses!)?
    • What are the uses for this bag: work/casual/traveling, and would it get enough use if it fit in just one of those categories? Does that matter?
    • Will you reach for it more than the color block tote or Zara backpack? It is a totally different style of bag than those.

    Also, sometimes I try to figure out how much use I will get out of something and sometimes I just throw caution to the wind and buy it anyway because I love it (such as the Boston BCBG blazer). Is this one of those purchases for you? If so, keep it and you'll get a lot of use out of it no matter what. If not, then deciding whether or not it will become an orphan is a tricky process...

  • tulle replied 7 years ago

    What a huge difference!  Now, without all the stuffing width, the bag stays closer to your body, and the weight of your own items pulls down from the handles, creating a much more manageable shape.  I hope you'll keep this gorgeous bag.

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