Help me find the goth-hy purse of my dreams!
March 7, 2022 3:12 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for a purse/handbag recommendation that's all-black or otherwise classy goth-ish, big enough to fit a hardback book in, and that will last a good long while. If this describes a purse you've loved, please tell me all about it!
I thought I'd found my forever bag with the Killstar Darklands purse. I LOVE the satchel shape, that it's big enough to get a fat hardback from the library in, and that business goth dark plaid. Alas, Killstar's choice of vegan leather has not held up the daily wear, and now I'm looking for a replacement. What black purse do you carry and do you love it to death?
A few non-negotiables: needs to have a crossbody or shoulder strap and a secure closure, big enough to get a book or water bottle in, match an all-black outfit and be at least somewhat work appropriate, and would like to spend no more than $300 if possible. (If it's an expensive brand and I can track down a second-hand one, that works too.) Bonus points for the satchel shape, which I adore.
I thought I'd found my forever bag with the Killstar Darklands purse. I LOVE the satchel shape, that it's big enough to get a fat hardback from the library in, and that business goth dark plaid. Alas, Killstar's choice of vegan leather has not held up the daily wear, and now I'm looking for a replacement. What black purse do you carry and do you love it to death?
A few non-negotiables: needs to have a crossbody or shoulder strap and a secure closure, big enough to get a book or water bottle in, match an all-black outfit and be at least somewhat work appropriate, and would like to spend no more than $300 if possible. (If it's an expensive brand and I can track down a second-hand one, that works too.) Bonus points for the satchel shape, which I adore.
I like Patricia Nash bags in general but this one seems like it has business-goth potential. Warning: her bags are built from very solid leather, meaning that they get heavy very quickly. They’re also available sometimes in discount stores like TJMaxx, if those are a thing in your area.
posted by corey flood at 4:04 PM on March 7, 2022
posted by corey flood at 4:04 PM on March 7, 2022
No personal experience with it but I love this shop’s bat wing bags
posted by music for skeletons at 5:18 PM on March 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by music for skeletons at 5:18 PM on March 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I have an Ash bag that I got for $55 on Poshmark because it had a hole in the lining which was easily fixed. Here's an identical one that sold recently, so it's still possible to nab them if you're diligent. It absolutely rules: fits a book and a pocketbook-style wallet and my gloves and phone and spare masks with room left over, looks tough as hell on inspection but stealth enough for work (someone else's work; my work doesn't care). A lot of Ash (sometimes styled ASH) stuff walks the business goth line, and it's very expensive new but can often be found on resale.
posted by babelfish at 7:41 PM on March 7, 2022
posted by babelfish at 7:41 PM on March 7, 2022
No specific brand recommendations, but I see pretty interesting, goth adjacent black bags from time to time at TJ Maxx. It might be worth an occasional trip through the bag section to see if something meets your needs.
posted by JennyJupiter at 4:34 PM on March 8, 2022
posted by JennyJupiter at 4:34 PM on March 8, 2022
My mom gave me this Maya bag by Fossil in black leather this past Christmas. Nice quality, buttery leather, goth-friendly but minimalist in a way that’s both elegant and utilitarian. The hardware is substantial. (It is gold, but that doesn’t bother me.)
You might also look at similar bags by Vince Camuto on resale sites. Those might also have black or silver hardware.
posted by verbminx at 12:48 AM on March 10, 2022
You might also look at similar bags by Vince Camuto on resale sites. Those might also have black or silver hardware.
posted by verbminx at 12:48 AM on March 10, 2022
PS: Etienne Aigner has made a number of satchel/hobos in black in the last decade or so that were nice quality and have a similar design to your Killstar bag as far as the cut and the location of the pockets.
You’re right that Killstar’s vegan leather accessories have a really bad reputation for longevity.
posted by verbminx at 12:51 AM on March 10, 2022
You’re right that Killstar’s vegan leather accessories have a really bad reputation for longevity.
posted by verbminx at 12:51 AM on March 10, 2022
Response by poster: I regret/am delighted to announce that babelfish absolutely nailed it and I will be lusting after black leather Ash bags for the rest of my natural life span! There are some other great suggestions too. Thank you all - keeping the question open in case there are any latecomers but I am now happily spoiled for choice!
posted by WidgetAlley at 7:09 PM on March 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by WidgetAlley at 7:09 PM on March 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Alexander Wang has some edgier bags, too.
Here’s a 3.1 Phillip Lim bag
In general, I love TRR for this kind of thing. The search functionality is quite nice. (They even have a satchel bag category!)
posted by ancient star at 3:53 PM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]