6.16.2014

wardrobe planning: the everyday + travel duffel


on my wishlist for some time now: a structured duffel that's put-together enough for a work meeting, roomy enough for everyday, and tough enough for travel.

finally: the perfect all-purpose duffel bag, found.

longtime readers may remember that i had posted a few years ago about my SC. it was beautiful, but alas, a bit too big and heavy for practical, routine use. so off to another owner it went. i hadn't seen any real contenders to replace the SC – until the Givenchy antigona.

via stockholm street style

the antigona meets all my criteria: minimal hardware, a secure top zip closure (the zipper is deliciously smooth and oversized), a comfortable shoulder strap, and a luxe leather that can roll with the punches (it looks like Hermes boxcalf but is extremely durable and scratch-resistant).

i checked out the medium antigona but found it much too big for my needs and frame (i'm 5'4). after searching everywhere, i finally tracked down the small version in the shiny leather (also in the grained leather here). Goldilocks no more!

what do you think? do you have anything from Givenchy?

23 comments:

  1. I wondered how you were liking your SC duffle! Glad to hear an update. I tried on the PM size, but found it to be a bit too boxy for my tastes. Even though I realize it's not for me, I still find myself drooling over it from time to time. I like the shape and size of the Givenchy, but dislike the visible logo.

    How are you enjoying your Kelly? Is it pretty wearable? I'm thinking about one down the road.

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    1. hello hello! i've also looked at the PM but haven't been terribly impressed with the leathers or increasing prices in recent seasons. the antigona is the perfect alternative for me.

      the kelly is still the grand dame of my collection and quite hardy! if you do go for it, i highly recommend getting a shoulder strap - it makes all the difference.

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  2. Haaaa. I recently bought the Nightingale for traveling when I don't want to lug around a backpack. Slightly more classy.

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    1. nice! a friend has had hers for years and it has survived all sorts of mishaps. can't believe it's taken me so long to discover the Givenchy lineup.

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  3. Sorry to the hear the SC didn't work out; it's such a gorgeous bag otherwise. I, too, have been on the hunt for a roomy, classic duffel that isn't too heavy and with the price on point. It does seem like Goldilocks-like search!

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    1. i highly recommend the antigona. the price is on point, and you'll probably be seeing mine a lot on LAM in the weeks to come... and the small ones are super rare for some reason! :)

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  4. Hmmm, this post makes me remember that my Bayswater is still sitting in my closet at my parent's house and that I should stop leaving my nice things there because I never think of them when I start hankering for another new bag!

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  5. Really nice! I love the slightly structured shape but that it still can lie against your body. The sc was so gorgeous but if it didn't work for you, that's all that matters. I finally tracked down a celine asymmetrical duffle and have been using it a lot. It's a bit too boxy right now, but it's breaking in nicely and I can see a nice slouch happening in the near future. I love it- duffles are so practical (fit so much!) while still looking polished. Enjoy yours and show us some action-shots :)

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    1. i love the duffel style too - definitely my favorite style. new lookbook post featuring the antigona now up :)

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  6. I absolutely love your blog and this bag looks classic. I read your blog everyday and have done since you first started (although I never comment). I had a question for you. I was wondering if you would consider maybe doing a post on what you dressed like when you first started out in the job market/at university. I am a 4th year university student and while I love all of these classic looks and have been able to afford them while living with my parents I know that I will not be able to afford these kinds of items when I leave. I was just wondering if it took you awhile to be able to afford these types of purchases and what you did in the mean time. I absolutely love classic pieces but I also know that I need to live within my means and that means spending money on clothes I can afford based on my salary! Thanks again -Lisette

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    1. hi LIsette! thank you for such a sweet comment and so happy to have you as a reader! this is a great question - stay tuned soon :)

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  7. Oh, what a shame about the SC duffel - such a beautiful bag.
    The duffel is my favourite shape - I think the DVF Drew duffel is a good alternative at a good price. I have had mine for a couple of years and still love it. Also like the Daria bag by Alexander Wang - the bubble leather is indestructible. That said, if I were to look for another duffel I would go for Lotuff, hands down. I own the Lotuff zipper satchel and from the leather to the hardware to the overall finish, it's a superbly-constructed bag.

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  8. I have been on the hunt for a duffel for some time.. I have toyed with the Clare Vivier- but the sizes are bit off for me- too big or too small, I love(and I am seriously considering) the Saint Laurent Classic Duffel right now.

    I have previously owned a Givenchy Medium Pandora- which I LOVED, but the color leather was very light and attracted dirt like a Hoover.. I sold it before I moved to Paris.. I have always loved the Nightingale.

    So congrats on your new Antigona

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  9. I was going to second Ammu and recommend the Lotuff zipper satchel #9. I'm currently saving to buy one. I have their small tote with shoulder strap, and the leather is out. of. this. world. Thick, slowly breaking in and softening, and feels like it will last forever (I think they also have a lifetime repair guarantee).

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  10. I definitely need a good (affordable) duffle and overall bag! The Givenchy one sounds amazing but sadly is not in my price range.

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  11. Oh how lovely! Givenchy is my absolute hands down favorite bag designer - I own a Medium Pandora in Burgundy Pepe Leather and it is the most versatile perfect daily/weekend bag and also a Calfskin 3D Leather Black Nightingale which I coveted for years and years before finding my perfect classic with a twist.

    Best bags ever and will hold up for years! Antigona is definitely next on my list in the Small size (medium is rather big I find!)

    Mod pictures please :)

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    1. i'm rather new to Givenchy but am roundly impressed by the antigona. new lookbook post now up! :)

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  12. Such a shame about the SC. I have always lusted over that bag, but simply cannot justify the price. As for the Antigona, how easy/hard is it to get in and out of? I've handled it quite a few times and carried it around the store floor, but I was always concerned about how rigid it is, making it hard to get in and out of it. That's not the case for you? I also found it rather bulky, that it was sticking out away from my body. Or maybe I'm just partial to more relaxed shapes for bags, like the Balenciaga Velo.

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    1. i think it's relatively easy to get in/out of. when i had my SC it was always a juggling act trying to unzip it while holding it due to the size of the bag, how it sort of buckled when i wore it on the shoulder strap, and the slim zipper. i find the oversized and super hardy zipper on the antigona is much easier to unzip while carrying.

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  13. That is a shame about the SC, I would love the PM in black. I have tried the Antigona recently, and it is really nice. I'm seriously considering the Saint Laurent Duffle 6 in black, out of the 3 the Saint Laurent is my favourite.

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  14. Hello! I am a new reader, and I have to say - I love your style. The Antigona is exactly what I am looking for in a bag, but out of my price range. Do you have ideas on where to find a "preloved" one, in either the small or medium size? Thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. hello there! thanks for your comment and i'm so happy to have you as a new reader! :)

      that is a great question, i think i'll do a post on that for my next #askLAM series. stay tuned shortly.

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  15. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine
    but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

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