I am so excited about this bag! I have previously talked about this as a great dupe for the Celine classic box bag (and it’s also similar to the Hermes Constance, YSL’s Solferino – lot’s of designers make this style!), and I have been thinking about it for a while now. After doing a lot of research, I finally landed on trying this one, to see if it can scratch my itch for this type of bag, without paying thousands.
First Impressions
This is the APC Grace bag in the size small, I think and hope this will be an OK size for everyday errands and so, because it is definitely not big. But it’s the size I like the best, aesthetically. But because the bag is so narrow, this is typically what I fit in it: my phone, card holder, key wallet, hand sanitizer and a travel sized hand cream, as well as a tiny bit of makeup (lip balm, lip stick and a powder compact).
My first impression of this bag is good so far, it seems beautifully made: both the stitching and the glazing is really neat and clean. The bag is symmetrical and stands on its own very well, and the base is super strong and reinforced, especially the corners. The leather is really soft and I have a feeling it will scratch rather quickly. But that is also the reason I wanted this type of leather and handbag in this price range, rather than a high end luxury designer. The strap is a bit bent on the one side from the way it is stored, as you can see in the picture.
What you cannot see in the picture, however, is the slight dent that was in the flap. I did not see it in real life upon unboxing it, but it was visible in camera (video below). I assume this dent happened either in shipping or during storage, as it came out after sitting in my wardrobe for a bit. I have experienced this with some of my other bags when I accidentally store their chain straps in the wrong spot, so I figured it was worth noting!
The strap can be lengthened but I have not tried that yet. Firstly, I bought this to wear it as a shoulder bag and, secondly, it does not feel like it will be easy to switch between the two settings. It feels a bit “stuck” on the studs, so I have not tried yet. I am sure I will at some point.
Pricing
I bought this from the 24s.com website during their singles’ day sale, where I got 25% off any purchase over €250. I have seen these bags included in promotions before, so I knew I wanted to wait until I could get it at a slightly better price (originally it was around €650). I have seen other colours at even deeper discounts as well, but the black version filled the biggest need in my wardrobe for me. For now. Because those lush brown shades are calling my name as well now!
Have you tried APC before? I would be happy to do a proper review of this bag once I have used it some more, if you are interested in that?
