Help with finding a replacement for this bag

I bought this Monsac bag a number of years (10?) ago at a consignment shop for $20. I have been searching for the last year or so for a replacement as I'm wearing less black these days. After a couple of missteps costing several hundred dollars each, I still haven't found a replacement that I'm really happy with.

Here's what I like about the old bag:

very smooth soft leather
simple design
medium size crossbody about 9" W X 11" H X 4" D
easy in and out but still has a center zip pocket for security
additional pockets inside for cell phone, and another zippered pocket on the back of the bag
strap length is adjustable
durable. The old bag has held up very well so far.
no large logo

I'm running out of ideas where to look so any suggestions are welcome. My winter coats are a chocolate down parka and a merlot wool, and I have rain coats in a heathered charcoal grey and olive.

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8 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I had several Monsac bags, then they disappeared out of the stores and I found out they'd gone out of business. Wish I'd bought more. I've been looking for something in a similar leather finish and shape but haven't found one yet. Perhaps someone can help both of us!

retailgirl

Longchamp and Furla are quality leather bags with no logo. Brahmin bags are nice (and great quality) but you need to like the textured leather.

Kathleen

Active Member

Thank you for the suggestions. Furla has some nice styles but I think Longchamp might be what I'm looking for.

SuzyQ2

Libaire Leather Handbags has very nice smooth leather bags. You pick the style and color and most are made to order in Berkeley, Ca.
I've purchased an orange tote and black shoulder bag. The only logo is on the zipper pull.

Jaime

(website)

If you would consider second hand, your bag reminds me of some vintage Coach that you could find on ebay in lots of colors.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I got an Olbrish bag from my favorite local boutique, and I love it. They are great quality and have some nice minimal modern styles, with no logo. Mine is below in finds, the Mona, in a slate gray color. It's best if you can find a shop and see them in person, because the website has little in the way of descriptions or photos.

Custom Find

by Firecracker (Sharan)

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kkards

try Etsy, but a quick warning if you haven't spent anytime there, its easy to got lost in all the offerings or at least i find it is, so be prepared to spend some time, and/or be prepared to visit a couple of time

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I am absolutely willing to consider a new to me bag. I have found a few on ebay and etsy that I think could work.

The new Libaire and Olbrish bags also look to be just my style. Hopefully I can either find somewhere local that carries them or find them on my travels.

Eliza

Your original bag reminds me of "Hobo" brand bags that are often in that style, with smooth leather and they are logo-free. Nordstrom has some currently but they don't offer ones that are similar to yours right now.

Here are two links to give you a starting point for checking out the brand:
http://www.zappos.com/hobo
https://www.nordstromrack.com/brands/Hobo

Good luck with your search.

Need some opinions on styles. I'm looking at several bags like the 1st one with the flap over and then they zip underneath. I also really like the 2nd one as it reminds me a lot of my old bag.

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I like the one with the flap but only if there is a zipper underneath. I just prefer the extra security.
Also today I received an email from Libaire with a few of their bags on sale.
http://www.libaire.net/sale.html

I ended up ordering this slightly different bag with a flap off Etsy. I may still look for a 2nd bag in a lighter color for summer.

A couple of those Libaire bags remind me of a bag I used to have that I really liked.

Jules

Your replacement reminds me of the Roots bags everyone I knew had in the late 80s and early 90s (it was the hot Canadian brand). I still prefer the same kind of style - simple, nice leather, cross body. I see the best ones at high end craft shows, so I agree with the etsy suggestion. But they do tend to be limited to darker colours and heavy leather, less summery.

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