Hi all, I had fun interacting with everybody after making a collection post a few weeks ago. Then the idea appeared for writing up individual reviews for each bag in chronological order. Let’s start with the piece that kickstarted it all: the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in Empreinte leather.

Pros: As a boston-style bag, the Speedy’s shape not only accommodates my daily essentials (iphone, long wallet, large assortment of keys, lip balm, and pen) but also bigger, lumpier-shaped items such as scarf, water bottle, and whatever small purchases I make from the bakery, pharmacy, and so on. The rounded, double handles feel sturdy to carry. The zipper functions without resistance or biting my hand. The Empreinte leather, smooth and pleasant to the touch, has gradually softened over the last 9-10 years to produce the soft slouch that comfortably molds the bag to myself when wearing it crossbody. Construction details that I’ve really come to appreciate are 1) the separate leather piece to which the bag’s four metal feet are attached, thus reinforcing the bottom and 2) the four small hardware discs against which the handles’ base can rest against when folded down.

Cons/Wear & Tear: If a bag’s dimensions allow for it, I load that thing up 😂Combined with the chunky hardware, hauling my Speedy around gets heavy. I also placed “slouches over time” as a pro, but if a highly structured bag is what you’re after, this is not it. The large, chunky hardware is more vulnerable to visible scratches, but that doesn’t particularly bother me either. Over the years, the bottom corners have picked up some wear and light rubbing, but that’s to be expected. All in all, the pros outweigh the cons.

Open to questions and observations that I probably missed!