The first time we really took notice of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli satchel was while having lunch with the lovely Alicia Lund (the sweet, chic blogger behind Cheetah Is The New Black) who happens to own several Pashlis and wore one out that day...let's just say that we couldn't take our eyes off it. Since then, we've noticed the bag on the arms of countless fashion editors, personal style bloggers such as Susie Bubble, Chiara Ferragni and Hanneli Mustaparta, celebrities including Emma Roberts and Reese Witherspoon. And like any good 'it' item, the bag has also made an appearance on Gossip Girl, as well as in our own StyledOn community on stylish members AdoretoAdorn and ChanelFiles. The PVC Pashli once even broke the heart of our friend, handbag expert Amanda Mull over at PurseBlog.
The Pashli was initially inspired by the pragmatic design of motorcycle bags, where every detail served a function. "It goes back to the lifestyle of the Phillip Lim girl," explains the designer. "She is a working girl, she is real she wears things from day to night from day to day. For me it is really important for the bag to work for the wearer and not the other way round." Sounds good to us... but is the Pashli worthy of its 'it' status and rising popularity? Read our dissection below and let us know what you think!
Shown above on bloggers RichLilPoorGirl, Anabelle Fleur and Alicia Lund
'It' Item: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel
Price: $895 for the medium (original size) satchel in leather, $950-75 when color-blocked; $695 for the mini satchel in leather, $625 in canvas; $750 for messenger style
Where to Buy: 3.1 Phillip Lim; NET-A-PORTER; Moda Operandi; Saks
The Dissection: This handbag features a push-lock flap and zip gussets at the front, provide essentially two looks to one bag with ball-chain pulls at zips. Pinked edges and gold hardware. Button-tab secures rolled handles, which feature a 5" drop for the medium sized satchel. Lined interior features a single patch pocket. The medium size is large enough for most tablets and small laptops, as well as all of your other everyday essentials. The mini satchels features a removable, crossbody strap as well. Comes in a variety of colors and materials from the gray croc-embossed version seen below, to smooth white leather options, bags made entirely out of PVC, and floral printed canvas ones for Spring 2013. Hardware comes in gold, silver and gunmetal.
The Downfall: Perhaps it's a bit too similar to the Celine luggage tote in terms of the shape, which industry insiders are growing tired of even if main-street shoppers aren't. Other, more practical downfalls of the bag? There is no shoulder strap offered for the medium sized satchel, and there aren't enough inside pockets to keep smaller items such as metrocards and keys readily available.
Spotted at NYFW last February, on members AdoretoAdorn and ChanelFiles, and on another show-goer this September
What do you think? Is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli on your wishlist?