To my dearest:
Hello! I’m back with this beauty today! The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini. I’ve actually been in love with this bag since college days, which was probably when the design first came out. However, I never took the plunge to purchase it. Finally, this year I decided to cross this bag off my BAGS TO BUY-bucket list.
I always thought the design of the Pashli was edgy, chic, and fashionable so it would definitely be a fashion staple. However, I did not consider it a CLASSIC “IT” BAG that will never go out of style as well as retain value over time (eg: Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag, Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap, Hermes Kelly). To me, it fell more within the category of Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Loeffler Randal, or Alexander Wang. This is what we would consider contemporary designers. Usually for these type of designers, I buy the bags merely for style and every day practicality. Not so much of a bag that I’ll baby.
The Pashli mini is priced at $695 USD as of this date, plus NY taxes, which sets it at approximately $760 USD total. At that price, you can almost get yourself a Louis Vuitton Speedy for just a fraction more ($950 USD-$990 USD). And that is definitely on the list as a timeless Classic “IT” Bag. When I first got my Speedy 30, I remember it to be around roughly $800 including tax. The prices go up every year as per every designer brand with inflation or what not, so spending a chunk on a contemporary designer bag, which has a relatively higher price tag is always a big decision for me. And as I mentioned, since I think bags are an investment, the question is, would you rather get a cheaper Classic “IT” Bag in the lower price range or a contemporary designer bag in the higher price range? That’s a good question to consider before going through with a bag purchase. You don’t want to max out your cards just buying bags. They surely are an important aspect of daily life to many women, but they are also just an accessory.
To me, my decision to take the plunge on the Pashli Mini was mostly due to my love for the design. I truly liked the structured form, zippers, and click to close front lock. I guess it was just a design that caught my heart. And usually my taste changes every couple of years for these type of “styling bags”, but it did not for the Pashli Mini. I still liked it just as much as when I first saw it since the design hit the streets. And because of that, I’m sure I’ll still love it very much for the years to come. Not to mention, the design matched with my closet scheme. So matching outfits would be easy and simple. It would be an easy bag to grab and go. Another thing is the practicality and durability of the bag. The exterior of the bag is a very strong and hard embossed leather, which makes it sustainable against rain, snow, all kinds of weather and conditions, as well as scratches. The attached leather strap was also made with the same material as well as strong hardware. So this means the strap should hold up well against heavy items. The size (8 ½”W x 6 ½”H x 3″D) was also perfect for my daily needs. I youtubed and read many blog reviews before going through with my purchase. I found that it can easily fit an iPad mini, as well as my other daily essentials. Another point in my books! The weight was also acceptable at 1.3 lbs. While it may be considered heavier for a bag this size. I can understand the heavier weight as it is such a sturdy bag! This made the bag “worth the investment”, as I’ll get many wears with it through the years.
After using this bag daily for a couple of months, I’ll give an honest review about this bag.
PROS:
– It is a Stylish, Chic, Edgy, Versatile Design to go with any outfit choice!
– It’s sturdy and tough leather/hardware makes for high durability!
– It fits your daily essentials. Good to-go bag!
CONS:
– The weight is still heavy for the size of the bag
– It is much higher in price than what it should be.
This bag was truly everything I thought it to be. However, many who are considering to get this bag are concerned with the click to close front lock, which requires a small squeeze to the lock to open. The concerns were mostly the opening and closing of it – that it’s too much of a hassle to squeeze open, or too annoying to close since constantly searching for the “lock” position without putting much attention to it, might make scratch marks. However, although these were my concerns when I was deciding if I should buy the bag, these problems proved nonexistent to me after few months use. It was easy to open and my lock did not have any noticeable scratch marks.
Some people are also concerned with the little leather strap that holds the handles together being a hindrance. Some say you need to lock that for the handles to not droop and look good, but that’s not the case. The handles will stay up even if you don’t use that leather strap. It only adds to your bag’s security as locking it with the leather strap would be an extra barrier against theft, since the thief would have to first unlock the leather strap on the handles, then squeeze open the front lock to go inside your bag. This really isn’t such a big issue. I would consider it more of a preference. To me, none of the problems that many others pointed out bothered me at all.
Close up shots of Pashli Mini details
As to what I could fit into the Pashli Mini. I could fit all my daily essentials! Here’s a peek at what’s inside my purse!
- Celine Bi-color Wallet
- J. Crew Aviators
- A6 memobottle
- Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Cream
- Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen
- Dior Addict Fluid Stick
- Dior Nude Compact Powder
- Shuuemura Gel Pencil Liner
- iPad mini 4
- iPhone 6
- House Keys
- Apple Charger Cord
As you can see, the size is perfect for everything you need! And YES you can even fit a water bottle! I reviewed this awesome memobottle in my previous post and you can read and find out about it HERE.
Me wearing the Pashlli Mini. I am 5′ 2 and it falls perfectly at my hips.
I also like to hold it by the handle. It’s easy & comfortable to use.
Overall, I think the Pashli Mini is a great to-go purse! I would definitely recommend it. I got mine in a solid color called Ink, which is a navy blue color and I feel the style and color is versatile enough for all seasons, but best for the Fall. If you are thinking about purchasing this bag, definitely consider your patterns and color. This bag comes in a HUGE variety of options so be prepared to choose! I am more of a “classic” person so I stuck to my usual colors, narrowing it down to black, ink, taupe, nude, red, or cobalt. BUT there’s just so so much you can choose from!
What color would you want? After reading my post, are you interested in getting the Pashli Mini? Or would you rather save for a Classic “IT” Bag? Comment and let me know! 😉
For reference, I am 5 feet 2 inches. I typically wear XS/S or 0-4 for apparel and 6.5-7.5 for shoes.
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Where is your jacket from? It’s so beautiful! Loved the review as well. I think I’ll have to purchase this bag soon!
Aw. Thanks a bunch! I got it on sale online at forever21 a while back for like less than $15! And yes definitely get the bag! It’s a treat to have!
It is shame that the price is so expensive because the bag and the other bags are very beautiful. I think I would choose the rose gold one x