What to Actually Look for in a Bag Before You Buy

What Nobody Tells You

A bag is a bigger purchase than you think, especially when you plan for it to be your everyday carry. In a time of fast fashion, we love intentional purchases here at AALLYN. It's what we stand for, what we create for, and a huge part of why our brand came to be. 

A purse should be made of good quality, long lasting materials, like leather, canvas, or thick waterproof nylon. It should age with you, not fall apart after a couple months of use. It should be something you can trust won't just schlump off your arm on a random busy day. We deserve nice things, good quality things, not another purchase you can expect is headed toward the trash two months after you hit ‘checkout’.

Evaluating Lifestyle Needs

It's time to stop buying event-wear for occasions that take up less than ten percent of your year, and start buying for the other ninety. 

Think about what you actually carry to work if you work in an office. How do you get there: driving, public transportation, walking? What do you need with you, and how heavy is your daily load? Where do you need to go before or after work? Are you working from home? Running errands all day? Traveling often? Constantly grabbing the kids and bussing them from one appointment to the next? 

Mapping out your daily life and routine, and what you actually need to carry most days, is what determines the size of your everyday purse.

Once you know the size, think about how you like to wear a bag. On the shoulder, crossbody, or handheld? How accessible do your items need to be: a snap closure, or a full zipper? What colors best match your wardrobe, and does your hardware preference lean toward what you already wear in your daily jewelry stack? All of this matters just as much as size. 

The more a bag fits how you actually live, the more likely you are to grab it on your way out the door.

In Practice

Here's what that looks like in practice.

 If I were a working mom running a lot of errands before or after work, I would need a bag that could carry not just my essentials but extras: an umbrella, a computer, maybe an extra sweater. I would want something I could throw over my shoulder and go, without worrying about throwing it in the seat next to me. And while I was running around, I would need to find things like my keys, lip balm, or hand sanitizer without digging, which is exactly what the key leash and included nylon purse organizer are for. That would point me toward the Jolina Bucket Tote. If I leaned toward cooler tones and silver jewelry, I would pick  the Jolina in the color Wood Berry.

But if I were an avid traveler living out of a suitcase, wanting to pack light and save the extra space for souvenirs, I wouldn't want to be bogged down carrying a big bag around a foreign city. I would want something smaller that still fit all my essentials: a passport, hotel key, phone, wallet, pressed powder, hand fan, a lippie, maybe even a small digital camera. I would want to wear it crossbody and close to my chest on a long day out for a bit more security, on my shoulder for a casual night bar hopping, or by the top handle for a setting that is classier and more refined. That's the Elara Convertible Bag, a three in one bag built for exactly that kind of day. If I preferred warmer earth tones with gold hardware, I would go for the Elara in Tobacco.

Customer Favorites

If you're still deciding, here are a few of our customers' favorites.

The Marley Hobo -  is a great bag that's super easy to use, the perfect midsize bag for people who weren't bag people before. Slouchy without looking messy, with a thick zipper and a super easy adjustable strap. It's great in autumn, since it fits comfortably over thick sweaters and sleeves.

The Jordan Bucket Tote - is a great tote for people who don't like big tote bags and want one with a bit more structure. It can stand on its own and comes with plenty of pockets for anyone who prefers more organization.

The Lilly Satchel - is perfect for those who like a classier silhouette, especially in a handheld bag. It can be worn many ways, but the preferred method is by the top handle. In a time where crossbody pouches and totes are dominating the purse world, this handheld bag is for anyone who wants to try a different look. Classy, timeless, easy to use, secured by a thick zipper, and standing on its own with a structured bottom.

Choose the Bag That Fits Your Life 

At AALLYN, we built this brand because we were tired of buying for trends instead of buying for our lives. Every bag we make is designed to work for you, not the other way around, so you can stop chasing what's popular this season and start investing in what actually fits your lifestyle, your style, and your daily needs.

You deserve the bag of your dreams: the one you reach for without a second thought, no matter where you're heading. We believe everyone deserves that. Choosing intentionally isn't just about what you buy, it's about what stays with you. We know how overwhelming the search for the right purse can feel, and we hope this gave you not just a clearer sense of what to look for, but the confidence to buy for yourself instead of whatever the trend cycle is telling you to want.