5 Best Small Designer bags worth investing in
These days small bags are all the rage, everywhere you look you see tiny bags: on the red carpet, during fashion week, and via street style photos just to name a few. Today, I want to talk about 5 of my favorite small designer bags that are worth investing in. For me, I love small bags, but let’s be real, I honestly love all bags.
When it comes to choosing a small designer bag you must be careful because you have very tiny bags that fit literally one key and then small bags that can fit a wallet and a phone. Living in Paris, I love small bags, especially crossbody bags that I can quickly and easily take on the metro. These days, I find myself only carrying around a wallet and a phone in my small designer bag.
I’m not sure if you remember but small bags were not always as popular as they are today. In fact, it was actually quite the opposite, big bags were super popular. When I say that my mind immediately goes to bags such as the large Neverfull with long straps, the Birkin 40, and so on. For me, I’ve always gravitated towards smaller designer bags because of my size (For reference I’m 4’11 or 150 CM). Nevertheless, I’m super excited that small bags are in style.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite small designer bags that are definitely worth adding to your collection.
Strathberry Nano Tote Bag
I’ve adored the Strathberry Nano Tote Bag since the day I saw it debut. I knew this piece would become an instant classic, and I was right. The Nano Tote Bag is considered one of the Strathberry staple pieces. These Leather bags often sell out quickly. I was able to get my hands on a white / gold hardware color combination. Currently this color combination has just been restocked on the website! When I say run, not walk to add this bag to your collection, I'm not joking it has been known to sell out quickly.
| Size | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Nano Tote Bag | 5.9″ x 7.1″ x 3.1″ |
If this is the first Strathberry bag you are adding to your collection, I would recommend going with a classic neutral color such as: white, beige, black.
Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette
Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 in a northern region of Italy called Vicenza. Bottega Veneta literally translates to “Venetian shop” The Classic Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette uses the handmade intrecciato weaving technique that made Bottega popular for years. Intrecciato weaving can be defined as the same size strips of leather interlaced with each other to form a weave pattern.
| Size | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Chain Cassette | 7.1″ x 10.2″ x 3.1″ |
The large weave pattern is what makes the Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette an instant classic piece to add to your wardrobe. I definitely think the Bottega Veneta is a Small Designer Bag worth investing in!
The best part is due to its popularity there is so many different types of leather you can get this bag in, from patent leather, to soft leather, and even exotic leathers. This is definitely one of the best designer handbags on the market today.
Chanel Wallet on a chain (WOC)
Okay before you “scream” at me, I know, I know the Chanel Wallet on a Chain is technically not a bag, and is considered a wallet on a chain. However, in my opinion it could easily be used as a small designer bag and for this reason it deserves a place on our list today. This Wallet on a Chain (WOC) is an instant classic piece and be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion.
| Size – Chanel | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Wallet on a Chain | 4.8″ × 7.5″ × 1.4″ |
With Chanel constantly increasing their prices, the wallet on the chain has remains a more affordable Chanel item that you can add to your handbag collection. Chanel is definitely one of my favorite designers!
Hermes Kelly 20 Bag
The Kelly Bag is my ultimate dream bag, ever since I added the Hermès Birkin 30 bag to my collection, I’ve been lusting after the small Kelly Bag. I love everything about this bag, the design, the ability to wear the bag as a crossbody, and finally the craftsmanship. If you are looking to add a super luxurious small designer bag to your collection then the Hermes Kelly 20 Bag is perfect for you.
| Size – Hermes | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Kelly 20 Bag | 7.8″ × 6.3″ × 4″ |
Prada Cleo bag
Back by popular demand the Prada Cleo bag is making its comeback stronger than ever. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around, the Prada Cleo bag is back. This bag was made popular in the 90s then faded in popularity but today it’s back and stronger than ever. One of the things that drew me to this bag was the fact that it was made out of brushed leather material.
| Size – Prada | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Cleo Bag | 8.7″ × 10.6″ × 2.4″ |
The Prada Cleo bag is lightweight, easy to clean, durable, and above all super chic. Nevertheless, the Prada Cleo bag deserves a place on the list of top small designer bags to add to your collection.
Recap on the 5 Best Small Designer Bags
Not only are small designer handbags in style they are also very practical, especially when you are traveling and exploring a new city. I find myself only packing small bags that are lightweight, easy to use, can fit many accessories, and chic.
In short, if you are looking to invest in small designer bags then I highly recommend one of the following bags to add to your collection: Strathberry Nano Tote Bag, Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette, Mini Hermes Kelly Bag, Chanel Wallet on a chain, and finally the Prada Cleo bag.
| Small Designer Bags | Dimensions (H x W x D) |
| Strathberry Nano Tote Bag | 5.9″ x 7.1″ x 3.1″ |
| Bottega Veneta Chain Cassette | 7.1″ x 10.2″ x 3.1″ |
| Chanel Wallet on a Chain | 4.8″ × 7.5″ × 1.4″ |
| Hermes Kelly 20 Bag | 7.8″ × 6.3″ × 4″ |
| Prada Cleo bag | 8.7″ × 10.6″ × 2.4″ |
If this is your first designer small bag, then I recommend you purchase a neutral color small bag, but if you have a bunch of neutral colors, then a vibrant colors are always a great option as well. It all depends on your personal style.
I’d love to hear in the comments below what is your go to small designer bag, or do you have multiple favorite small designer bags please let me know! As many of you already know I’m always looking to add new bags to my ever growing handbag collection.
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
