I’ve really struggled with basket bags over the past couple of years… there’s no doubt about it, they are the “it” bag of the summer, they have been for a while, and I don’t see them going anywhere soon. Because of this, and because I’m such a lover of fashion, I was keen to add one to my wardrobe – but only one – a staple piece, as such. I did have a go with the Celine basket bag for a few months, back in 2020, and as gorgeous as it was, it was just too big! Yes, they do a smaller version, but then that one didn’t have the large shoulder straps, worked more of a crossbody, but didn’t sit right on the body (for me) to really work well as a crossbody. There’s also the famous Loewe basket bag, the original, the one that kicked the trend off properly; but for me, it just lacked that something special to really warrant the price…
Now, most designers and high street offerings have some version of the basket bag, but again this is where I struggle – I’ve had numerous high street basket bags over the years, and they just don’t last beyond a summer, but in the same respect, I also struggle to spend that much money on a designer basket bag, when yes they may last – but are they really going to last forever? I’m not sure.
Anyway, that was until the Loewe X Paula’s Ibiza collab. As soon as I saw the Pochette bag, I knew it was the one. I’m just obsessed with it: the side placement of the logo; the smaller size, meaning the logo is not in your face and obviously “designer”; the white contrast stitching; the size and ability to wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag; the leather strap offering; and that material closure, made this a bag I haven’t felt excitement like it for, in a long time. Anyway, it’s all well and good looking very nice, but how does it stand up to daily wear? Well, if you do look at my blog from time to time, you’ll see I’ve just been in Rhodes – this was the only bag I took (aside from a pool bag, because I’m not spending that much money to douse it in suncream and chlorine, not a chance). Anyhow, it survived travel both ways (squashed into my suitcase), it survived baking hot midday walks to the amazing gyros pitta restaurant we were obsessed with, it survived evenings out, and it came back looking like new. It held a full size bottle of suncream, a facial suncream, a lip balm, my sunglasses and sunglasses case, my purse, my phone, and a bottle of water, and still had loads of space. It was extremely comfortable and lightweight to wear, and I didn’t feel I had to baby it at all. In terms of wear and tear, there is none – would this bag last 50 years being worn continuously everyday? Maybe not… but am I confident in it lasting with summer use? Yes, yes I am. It feels really sturdy, it’s very well woven together, and the material pouch closing also offers something more for the money, I feel.
The bag retails at ยฃ550, and after using it this summer, I honestly think that’s a really decent and fair price. Would I purchase this again if I lost it? Without a doubt? And it’s one that will be staying in my wardrobe indefinitely. Well done Loewe, a fantastic offering and one that really stood out in the market for me.
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