A few weeks ago, I wrote this article on my substack* on a few handbags that I was debating.

Ultimately, I narrowed it down to two: The Bottega Wallace and The Row NS Tote. Two completely different bags that serve pretty different purposes, but it was those two that kept running through my head as I imagined how I’d wear them.

While it’s not to say that a Row Tote won’t make it into my closet eventually, for now, The Wallace came out the winner.

Why?

I already own the small Bottega Jodie (here’s my post on it) and it’s easily become one of my favorite and most worn bags. Bottega is known for their intrecciato leather and from personal experience, it’s the type of leather that just keeps getting better and better. I’ve said it before, but I’m not light on my things. When I wear something, I really wear it. I don’t really want to be careful, so if that’s a prerequisite of owning something, I’m not interested.

For a brief moment, I wondered whether getting another black Bottega was silly. Whether it made more sense to get something completely different than what I already own. But the more I thought about it, the more my inner monologue went something along the lines of: “I like what I like.”  I’m that person that has multiple pairs of the same shoes in different colors. I wear my Jodie all the time, but the Wallace serves a different purpose. It’s smaller, has an adjustable strap and works well for both day and night. I love that’s it’s understated enough, but still a timeless, luxury bag.

By the way: when I say that it works well for day and night, I personally wouldn’t wear it with a gown or something very fancy, but would wear it to to a cocktail party.

Wallace versus Jodie:

I owned the Jodie in the light blue color for a little over a year and ultimately, I ended up selling it. Mainly because the color, one I thought I’d wear all the time in the spring and summer, was one I never really reached for. Color aside, I like the Jodie shape, but after owning both, I definitely prefer the Wallace. It’s a little roomier and for someone who likes to carry a ton of stuff, it makes more sense for me. It’s also a bit easier to get in and out of the Wallace versus the Jodie.

What It Fits:

It fits all of my essentials and is even roomier than I thought it would be. I wore it to dinner last night and had a small wallet (not a cardholder, but an actual wallet), a powder palette, lipgloss, my phone and my AirPods with still room for more.

Adjustable Strap:

The Wallace has an adjustable strap, possibly my favorite feature of the bag. I love that it can be handheld, but if necessary, can be worn on the shoulder.

All In All:

I love it. I’ve only worn it a handful of times, but I can already tell it’s going to be one of my most worn bags.

If you’re on the hunt for a particular bag: several of mine, including this Wallace, were purchased via @innayourshoes at Bergdrofs! If you happen to use her as your Sales Associate/Shopper, you don’t pay any additional fees, unlike when using a third party that sources items. With a SA,  the customer gets a more personal experience, while also supporting someones business.

Side Note…..

*On my substack: 

I went into detail on starting one in this instagram post. In short, the blog isn’t going anywhere. However, I’m going to use the substack (aka newsletter) as a place for more personal rambles, both fashion related and not. The blog will still be my hub for outfits, reviews of any kind, beauty, NYC and all that stuff in that between, but I wanted something a little different, a little more personal?

I also do NOT plan to charge. If interested, please consider subscribing here.