As a lover of bags and a girl who lives in New York City, I can't quite explain the emotional turmoil that goes into choosing which bag to buy. My closet is simply too tiny to house a true purse rotation. I'd own every style if I could, but living in a small apartment means getting downright savage about what stays and what goes. As I've mentioned before, I trust my coworkers' reviews like no other. So when associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia told me she was doing a wear test of Coach's Brooklyn Bag, my ears immediately perked up. The bag debuted two years ago, yet it still manages to send the fashion crowd into a bit of a tizzy. In the name of very serious fashion journalism, I sat down with her after the test to ask the questions anyone considering this bag actually wants answered.
It's no secret that editors are obsessed with this bag. What were your first impressions of it, and what stood out once you incorporated it into your daily routine?
Right off the bat, I was impressed with the sleek structure and silhouette of the Brooklyn Bag. The design is sharp enough to be dressed up for chic work events, and the quiet sprinkles of gold hardware add a touch of sophistication. Yet at the same time, it's understated enough to fly under the radar as my cool everyday bag—just one that receives a ton of compliments no matter where I take it or how dressed-down I am. I loved that it was just big enough to hold my book, wallet, a small notebook, and a mini pouch of makeup for post-gym touch-ups. (Yes, it works fabulously for the gym.) The hobo structure looks unfussy and cool when half-full and slouchy but still manages to look chic when stuffed to the brim. I personally detest carrying a canvas tote bag around, and this gave me almost the same amount of storage, just with a much chicer exterior. I give it 10s across the board.
How did you style the Brooklyn Bag?
Though I could dress this bag down with ease (the natural grain leather instantly elevates any outfit), I found myself wanting to pair it with more of my statement pieces: a boxy, drop-waist trench coat, an Edwardian-inspired jacket with leopard shoes. Its simple structure makes this hobo easy to slot into your wardrobe no matter what you're wearing, but I loved that the streamlined design grounded my more eccentric pieces. Since I wore the natural grain bag in Maple, I naturally gravitated toward warm neutrals—rich browns and caramels—when styling it. However, I love the idea of utilizing trendy color combos with this hue: blue sweaters with brown pants or pops of Kelly green balanced by the Maple Brooklyn. It's the perfect perennial shade.
Where did the Brooklyn Bag come with you most often, and did it feel versatile enough to use in various scenarios?
Though I love bringing this bag to events, the Brooklyn 28 was too tight a squeeze for my laptop. Instead, I relied on it for my full weekend days and for running around to events, dinners, and drinks with friends. It has enough room to store my Kindle, a hairbrush to fix my pesky bangs, a small makeup touch-up kit, my phone, wallet, and a portable charger—the necessities for a busy, long day in NYC. I can see why they call it the Brooklyn Bag—it makes schlepping chic.
What did you carry in the Brooklyn Bag most days, and was the size practical?
As aforementioned, I always carried my wallet, phone, headphones, and a small makeup kit with me. (The top clasps instead of zipping, so I like to make sure I won't spill a loose lip gloss or my headphones when I bend down to grab something.) Since the closure is magnetic, the inner fabric automatically wants to stitch together—but the steep cut of the lip ensures that the opening fits snugly under the arm and prevents your belongings from slipping out (or unwanted hands from slipping in).
Now that you've worn it IRL, did the Brooklyn Bag make your regular handbag rotation?
This bag had to do no heavy lifting to compete with my stacked handbag rotation. I've been in the market for a chic brown bag, and I prefer one with lots of room over anything on the miniature side. (Thankfully, that trend has passed.) It's streamlined enough to hide the fact that I typically fill it to the brim, and it looks effortlessly chic whether slung over my arm, draped over the crook of my elbow, or held from the bottom like a sleek clutch. The styling options are truly endless, so if you've been looking for a functional bag that serves not only your everyday needs but also your style game, you're in the right place.
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