Luna Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag
How much it should cost: $350-$395
Made by the same manufacturer as: Celine and Prada
Our review: This ultra-soft and smooth lambskin leather bag looks and feels gorgeous. With its textured, quilted exterior and a simple and roomy interior compartment, it's both a fashionable and practical bag choice when I go out to a nice dinner or want to look put-together as I travel. Gold hardware runs throughout, from the chain strap to the side buckles to the feet on the bottom of the bag that prevent the ivory color from getting dirty.
Based on its substantial feel and fashion-forward half-moon shape, I would've expected the bag to cost at least $200, but am eternally grateful that it doesn't. Since I usually only carry them on especially active days, all my crossbody bags tend to get a little worn down, but this is one crossbody I'll be sure to care for properly. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter
Claire Leather Double-Gusset Tote
How much it should cost: $785-$1,250
Made by the same manufacturer as: Prada and Miumiu
Our review: I was pleasantly surprised by how much I've used and loved this bag since it appeared on my desk a couple months ago. It's deceptively spacious inside, which makes it great for carrying to work, and I love that it has multiple handle options so I can swing it over my shoulder if I need a free hand.
The interior has two large, open pockets on each side with a zippered divider pocket in the middle. I can easily fit my 13-inch laptop, charger, and daily essentials in one side, along with a pair of flats, my lunch, and a small umbrella in the other. Honestly, I kind of feel like Mary Poppins when I carry it!
I got it in the dusty blue color (the picture above shows it to be a little darker than it really is), which looks relatively neutral even when paired with colorful outfits, but it also comes in black for a more basic option. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor
Fleur Leather Mini Backpack
How much it should cost: $580-$695
Made by the same manufacturer as: Celine and Miumiu
Our review: Since my main interaction with Italic was limited to targeted Instagram ads before testing this, I came into the experience pretty skeptical. Lots of new brands claim to bring you luxury at a fraction of the cost, but really only a few of them do.
However, after a few weeks of using the Italic mini backpack, I can say that the hype is worth it in this case. I was impressed. I've tested a lot of bags in two years at Insider Picks, and Italic's Fleur Leather Mini Backpack is one of the best in its quality and usability.
The leather feels supple, soft, and substantial to the touch, but frankly, it also just looks nice. It's the kind of nondescript black backpack that people bother to ask you about at happy hour. Simple, but can't-put-your-finger-on-it good: a phenomenon more commonly known as luxury. The price is still steep, but if it's a comfortable splurge — or you're thinking of dropping more on something similar from Celine or Miumiu — it's worth checking this out first. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter
