Some bags I bought in Europe as an exchange student – Polène

One of the top items on my bucket list before visiting Europe was to purchase a bag from Polène. To me, this desire was just as significant as visiting Paris. I was willing to save money on other things to have the opportunity to choose a bag from the brand. I have been infatuated with Polène for a long time, largely due to the bags’ unique shapes, gorgeous colors, and impressive online marketing.

About the brand

Polène, founded and based in Paris in 2016, is famous for its top-end leather bags at affordable prices compared to leading luxury brands. The brand’s mission is to create an everyday bag between two extremes, as the founder once said: “When we started the brand, there were great luxury brands with great design and history, and then there were more accessible brands that were… I don’t want to say copies, but they were very inspired by the big brands. For us, there was a lack of creativity and quality.”

When you visit their website, you’ll notice that they don’t have too many products, but each one comes in a variety of colors and some have different sizes. On closer inspection, these colors always deliver a mild but luxurious atmosphere. Since this brand highly depends on e-commerce, it is very good at launching digital campaigns or collaborating with KOL all over the world. Therefore, it attracts many overseas fans with its playful shapes and interactive characteristics.


Why I like it?

What drew me to this brand was its bags’ aesthetic style, fluent shape, dynamic colors, and strong identity. If I had an unlimited budget, I would collect all of them! Besides, the products are handmade in Spain by artisans, and the quality is said to be comparable to some higher-end brands since everything is handmade. Quality and function are two of my priorities when I choose a bag. An excellent handbag can add value day by day if you take good care of it, and a practical bag can make your daily life easier and happier. trust me;)

When I visited Paris last year for the first time, I immediately went to their physical shop. (The store closes at 7:30 pm, and I arrived at 7:00 pm.) I still vividly remember that it was around Christmas, and the elegantly lit store’s entrance just deeply attracted me. Inside the store, the elegant and eco-friendly interiors and friendly staff welcomed me, and a Christmas tree made of sustainable material was in the middle. As you can see from the photos, the products were displayed and arranged neatly with their colors and styles, and the space was wide and inviting.


What I bought?

Before I went to the store, I had chosen either the Number One Nano or Number One Mini in gray or sand. I even posted it on my exchange Instagram account to ask my friends because I was so hesitated! However, I ultimately didn’t choose either because they looked too big on me. I am on the shorter side. At that time, I walked through the store, the Sept Mini, caught my eye with its clear lines and design. It is pretty different from the other Polene bags as you can see. It is made of smooth and full-grain leather with gold PVD guilding. Therefore, after discussing it with the staff, I decided to buy the Number Seven Mini!!! It might be a little bit of impulse shopping, but I didn’t regret it by all means.

Numero Sept mini

The dainty « Numéro Sept Mini » highlights the perfect duality of leather and gold. The fluid contours create a refined and timeless signature bag.

What I like the most is the clasp since it is the center of the design, which demonstrates a crucial role for the curved and straight lines, allowing the bag represents a timeless and refined appearance. Compared to other bags, it is more sturdy in taupe. and also, the long gold strap can be tucked inside easily and no need to take up too much space. Another thing I recommend this bag is its leather strip in the middle of the strap, which makes it much more comfortable. After organizing my photos from my trip to Europe, I realized that this was the bag I carried the most frequently, even though it was also the most expensive one I had with me.

Price

In comparison with those leading luxury brands, this bag is more affordable and can be considered a budget-friendly alternative to the Chloe Drew. Although it’s the most expensive bag I’ve ever purchased, I’m impressed with its style and quality. For those like me who are new to investing in luxury items, I would highly recommend it as a good starting point for your collection!

Capacity

When I bought the number seven mini, I was concerned how much I can fit in this bag. However, after I have been traveling for so many times, I found out it can fit most essentials such as the passport, power bank, keys, small wallets and two to three lipsticks. During the COVID, I had even been able to put a hand sanitizer inside as well.

Despite my initial doubts about the capacity of the Number Seven Mini, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it could accommodate more than just the bare essentials. Not only did it fit my passport, power bank, keys, and small wallet, but I even managed to squeeze in two or three lipsticks. Also, during the pandemic, I was able to stash a bottle of hand sanitizer inside without any trouble. It just goes to show that this little bag is a true marvel of space optimization:)

practicality

Initially, I was a little concerned about the durability of the smooth full-grain leather because I’m not always careful when handling my bags. However, after using it for over a year (and accidentally dragging my nails across it more times than I can count), I’m happy to say that it still looks perfect!


Celebs Love This Brand Too!

Princess Kate

In May 2022, she accessorized her engagement look with a Polène Numéro Sept bag in Blue. During the day, she donned a monochromatic blue outfit as a nod to the Scottish flag, pairing a re-worn Catherine Walker coat with a new Riley Funnel Neck Blouse. The elegant combination showcased her style and attention to detail. The bluedish bag suited her outfit pretty much!!! btw, I am a big fan of Princess Kate.


Emily in Pairs, Emily & Camille

I dont know if you notice, the beloved Netflix series “Emily in Paris” featured both the first and second heroine carrying bags from Polene on different occasions. The show’s fashion choices have gained a lot of attention and Polene’s bags have become a popular choice among viewers.

For Emily, proving her penchant for monochromatic dressing, she paired her light green wool blazer with a pastel bucket bag from Polène, which is perfect for summer as the mint green shade complements the scorching weather.

Following is Camille, she also carried the N1 mini trio and N6 ceinture noir in the season1. As you can see from the photo below, in one of the most popular scene in the season1, Camille had the black Number one mini. But I have to say, I really like the scene they presented, who can have a bed in the middle of Paris omg.

Anyway, I would definitely recommend this brand because of its chic style, practical characteristics and the affordable price. Furthermore, I cant wait for their new coming in. If I can only choose a new one, I am gonna buy number ten or beri. (or maybe both of them)

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