When bum bags re-emerged as a trend a few years ago, I wasn’t sure if it was for me.  At the time, the ones I saw were too big and bulky.  Yet, the more I saw it on others, the more I was drawn to it.  Then, I saw a mini size from Amazon and decided to give it a try.  Once I started using it, I realized how wrong I was, and it immediately became my main sidekick.  It went with me everywhere and I completely fell in love with bum bags.  Because of that, I found myself searching for a higher-end version.  That’s when I stumbled upon the Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag on Fashionphile.  It stopped me in my tracks, and I couldn’t get it off my mind.  Last February, I finally got around to purchasing one at the LV Boutique in Santa Clara and today, I am breaking it all down for you; from what fits to how delicate the leather is.

But before we get into the review, a few notes on…

Why I Bought This Bag?

One of the biggest reasons why I wanted this bag is because of its unique style and design.  I have nothing like it in my handbag collection and I absolutely fell fast and hard with its adorable smaller shape.  

But aesthetics aside, the biggest selling point for me with this bag is the extra security.  Thanks to its design, it’s a bag that can be worn in front of your body.  Or to be exact, in front of your chest.  When worn this way, not only does it allow my hands to be free, but I love the peace of mind that comes with it knowing that my things are safe and secure.  Given that, it would make it extremely difficult for another person to get into it, so I never have to worry about pick pocketing.  To me, this is priceless especially when in a big city or crowded places.  

Lastly, I own several luxury designer bags, and most of them I bought pre-owned.  So, I considered buying my Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag secondhand from Fashionphile.  Unfortunately, the ones that they had available were priced higher than retail and I decided to buy mine new instead.  And, as a little cherry on top, I did not pay for this bag out of pocket.  Due to our move, I’ve been streamlining my handbag collection and selling ones that I no longer use.  For that reason, I was able to accrue enough earnings to fund this little cutie.  

That said, let’s move on to the size.

Size

It’s no secret that I am a mini bag kind of a girl.  Since, the LV mini bum bag measures at 5.75” x 4.25” x 2.75”, size wise, for me, is perfect.  It holds everything I need.  I can fit my wallet, phone, lip balm, pack of gum, and keys.  

Inside, the bag has one large main compartment with no interior pockets.  It is lined with microsuede which feels super soft and has a zipper closure.  So, it’s easy to get in and out of the bag.  Then, on the front of the bag, there is a small, zippered pocket that can hold cards, cash, or store the gold chain strap.

Functionality

When it comes to functionality, I’d say nothing beats a backpack.  Their ease of use and practicality is unmatched.  That is, of course, until before I bought the Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag.  Since then, I’ve quickly realized how much easier a good bum bag is.  Because unlike most backpacks, a bum bag can be worn multiple ways.  

The LV Mini Bum Bag comes with two different straps – leather and metal/chain.  Both are removable but only the leather strap is adjustable.  So, you can wear this bag on the shoulder as a shoulder bag, around the waist as a true bum bag, across the shoulder as a sling or as a crossbody.  Though, as I mentioned earlier, my most preferred way to wear this piece is in front of my body.  

Another huge plus is that the bag has a zipper closure for extra security as well as ease of use.  I absolutely love that I can quickly and easily grab items from inside the bag without having to dig around.  

And if that wasn’t enough, it is incredibly lightweight.  Even when full, it doesn’t feel heavy at all and comfortable to carry throughout the day.  

Color & Print

The Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag is available in different options like monogram canvas, bicolor monogram, damier azur, or monogram empreinte leather that made choosing a color and print difficult.  Truthfully, I was so close to getting this beauty in cream, but I held off because I wasn’t sure if the color was right for me. So, I spent countless hours mulling it over.  After considering the pros and cons, I realized that I wouldn’t necessarily wear a white bag as much as I would another color and chose to go with black.  That’s because, in this color, it really allows the gold hardware and embossed finishing to shine.  But, more importantly, it looks great casually with jeans or dressed up with a dress which ensures its longevity in my closet.  

Durability

I’ve had this bag for a year now, and, in terms of wear and tear, there isn’t much to say. Apart from the hairline scratches on the zipper pull, there are no popped stitches or visible marks on the leather.

Speaking of which, the Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag is made of grained cowhide leather.  It is incredibly well-crafted, unbelievably soft to the touch, has an embossed finished and the reason that the bag won’t show scratches or scuffs as easily.

Beyond that, I typically shy away from bags with heavy logos which is why I ended up choosing the empreinte leather versus the monogram canvas.  So, even though the bag is adorned with the LV print, it is more muted or understated and not quite as loud or in your face as its canvas counterpart.  

Drawbacks

I absolutely love my LV Mini Bum Bag, but I realize that this bag is not for everyone.  So, if you are thinking about getting this bag, there are some things worth noting.

Interior Pocket

The first is, there aren’t any interior pockets or built-in card slots for organization which means you’ll need to use a small wallet or zip pouch.  Unfortunately, this leads to less space for your belongings so something to keep in mind.  

Zipper

Secondly, because of the bag’s curved edges, the zipper closure can be tricky to close one-handed.  Generally, it requires you to use both hands to get in the right position to close the bag.  As a result, sometimes it takes an extra second or two and may not be optimal if you are in a rush.  

Strap Holder

Lastly, the 2^nd strap keeper (or loop) that help keep the length of the strap secure is not adjustable.  It is sewn on.  So, you are unable to slide it down and keep the excess strap in place which means that inevitably, it will flap around or curl up.

Final Thoughts

All in all, I am so glad to have the Louis Vuitton Mini Bum Bag in my collection.  The size is perfect for day-to-day and it’s a unique bag that is easy to wear.  From special occasions to casual events, this little cutie can do it all.  In fact, since owning this bag, I find it difficult to rotate my handbags because I just can’t get enough of it.  

What are your thoughts on bum bags? 

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  

**Additionally, some items linked above are not the exact item shown because it is either old or sold out, but I linked similar items for those that are unavailable.