Small Leather Purses
for you to consider carrying your essentials in
Over the past year I’ve noticed I gravitate towards smaller purses, often opting to carry essentials and sometimes a book. I find them easier to pair with outfits and 95% of the time I only need keys, wallet, phone and smaller trinkets. So I was feeling extra giddy when I was asked to roundup small leather purse options. I’ve included a mix of purses I own and some I’d love to add to my collection!
If you missed last week’s mindful shopping guide that was prompted from attempting to write this, you can check that out here.
To make it easier to view all the options, I paired them by bag silhouettes or a distinct feature.
Phone Bags
These are purses for your phone plus a few small things.
Cuyana’s Concertina is basically a purse for your phone. Comes in a few colors and textures.
M.GEMI’s Anna Mini is perfect for carrying essentials during the day or night. Currently, you can find it at a discount.
Draw String
These are the purses that close via a drawstring.
Porto makes one purse in three different sizes. I think the most ideal size of the three is The Pouch. It fits your keys, wallet and your phone. Perfect for day to night. If you’re looking for something a little smaller they have The Mini and if you’re looking for something slightly larger The Novella is your best bet. The colors of the season are burgundy and cognac.
LeMiz has Mini Bowie that I’d categorize to be more of a vertical drawstring option that would hold your essentials plus a bit more. You can pick from 10 different colors.
A mix between a bucket bag and drawstring like option, would be Mariposa also by LeMiz.
A.P.C. makes my favorite bucket bag. If you’re into bucket bags and want one with a drawstring closure, Virginie Small bag is perfect. I fell in love with her while in Amsterdam and still dream of her.
Half Moon
These are the purses that are rounded and are often described as a half moon.
I would be remiss not to mention Polène’s Numero Dix even though I don’t quite think it fits the small purse category. She’s been on my list for over a year.
Songmont has a great option called the Luna. It can be worn in four different ways depending on how you decide to adjust the strap. It also comes in a slightly smaller style and has a vegan option.
A softer half moon option would be the Mini Hobo Bag by Maison de Sabré.
Crossbody
These are the purses that are predominately worn as a crossbody with no ability to adjust the strap.
Cuyana’s Mini Double Loop is perfect for a night and day. It has a snap closure so it makes it easy to get your essentials in and out while on the go.
If you love croissants and dreamed of wearing one, here is your chance. Lemaire makes croissant shaped purses and they are yummy (just like the real thing). When my husband promised me croissants for the rest of our lives, I’m hoping he also meant this purse.
Top Handle
These purses are held by their “top” handle (and can sometimes convert into a crossbody).
M.GEMI’s Francesca can be worn as a crossbody bag, but I’ve mostly seen it styled without. I’m also a little biased because this is how I tend to carry it as well. If you like the style, but are hoping for something smaller, you’re in luck because they have a mini version.
Another bag that has a crossbody strap but I think they look best without is Numero Neuf Mini and Beri from Polène. They both are unique shapes I don’t see often and they come in a variety of colors.
If you’re into bows and don’t mind an open bag, Cuyana has the Mini Bow Bag. They also have a Tiny version so you can twin with a mini version of you!
Cuyana’s Sculpted Handle bag is currently sold out, but a great option if you’re looking for something that’s more structured and textured. You can purchase a strap separately.
I own the Penelope bag by Wandler and adore wearing her. I often get compliments and in my opinion it’s an underrated option. If you’re looking for fun twists on classic styles, definitely check out Wandler.
Songmont has created a great on the go purse with Song. Note: they have an “old” and “new” version depending on how you prefer the closure strap. If you’re looking for something a little bigger you can find that too.
I recently saw my mom wearing a purse similar to this and I loved the shape. Maison de Sabre has their version, The Mini Tote – she’s edgy and cool.
Shoulder Bag
These purses go on your shoulder but come in different shapes compared to the half moon bag.
If you’re looking for a baguette option, Fréja has two options you can consider: Caroline which is reminiscent of a 90s style. If you’re looking for something a little bit bigger and more of a daytime option then Chrystie might be better suited for you. Both options are also vegan!
Fréja has a few more traditional options as well. If you want a more classic style, the Mini Shoulder Bag would be a good option. Lastly, if you’d like a rounded shoulder bag, then Roma is your girl.
Polène has a woven shoulder bag that would be perfect for a night out called Neiti.
If you’re looking for the iconic Celine Triomphe bag without the price tag, Grace by A.P.C is your girl. I like the Moon Grey and Vino options. If you’re looking for something more colorful, there are plenty of options currently on sale. Another similar option to Grace is the Astra bag. At a glance, much is the same except the closure clasp.
A more affordable option would be Songmont’s Tofu bag. She has a “fun” clasp to break up the traditional look.
Wandler gives a triangular look to the classic bag with Uma Baguette. I love the look of it and how at a glance it looks like a classic silhouette. I found my Wandler purse on major sale via Net-A-Porter, so I would check there first!
I’d love to know if you have small purses you love that I didn’t mention! Are we loving these articles? If you have other requests, drop them below!
xx Ofelia