Is the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag Worth It? Our Honest Review After Buying It
If you’re eyeing a luxury handbag that’s functional, beautifully made, and still under $600, this review is for you.
Over the past few years, Demellier London has earned a loyal following and for good reason. The brand has carved out a spot in the mid-luxury handbag space, offering bags that feel high-end without the $4,000 designer price tag. Demellier handbags are designed in London and handcrafted in Spain. Demellier bags are elegant and made with quality craftsmanship. It was founded in 2013 with a mission to marry modern design with social impact, and it has since become one of our favorite brands in the space.
After seeing it pop up everywhere from street style photos to polished office wardrobes, we finally got our hands on the New York Shoulder Bag to see if it lived up to the hype. Here’s our honest take from first impressions to real-life function and whether it earns our SG stamp of approval.
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If you’re considering the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag, this review breaks down everything you need to know before purchasing.
First Impressions of the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag
Our first reaction? This bag is chic meets functional which is our sweet spot. The long arm strap is a practical win, especially for those of us who like the option to sling a bag over a heavier coat or a chunky sweater without it feeling tight or awkward. It also works well as a top-handle. We wore it all day in the city and it was PERFECT. The strap did not slip off. We find that some bags slip off the shoulder, making them a nuisance. This one was perfect.
Visually, the horizontal, east-west-style silhouette looks elegant and keeps you on-trend. The zipper glides smoothly which is a detail that can be overlooked in many bags. This bag is and makes this feel secure and travel-ready, perfect for a full day out.
The one we didn’t quiiite love was this specific color. We ordered the green shade expecting something deeper, either a forest green or an olive. What arrived was more of a muted, earthy green with warm yellow-gold undertones. Think antique brass meets moss. It’s an uncommon tone, not quite sage, not olive, not forest, which makes it unique, though we could see it being a personal preference issue depending on your wardrobe.
Functionality: Is the Demellier Bag Practical for Daily Wear?
The functionality of this bag is what makes it such a standout. The wide, low-profile structure means you can see everything in your bag at once, no need to dig around around or blindly reach for your keys. You can see everything laid out perfectly. It is SUCH a good day bag for brunch, errands, and a dinner date. You can see everything laid out, which is the best part. The open view and secure zipper make it easy to carry almost anything
What Fits in The Bag?
- Phone
- Slim charger with 2-3 in charging cable
- A 3.5 x 2.5 inch wallet
- Classic Purell
- Travel Hand Lotion
- Eye liner, concealer, Lip Liner
- Pen
- Purse hook
- Mini Perfume
- Powerbeats headphones
We also love the generous strap drop. It actually stays on your shoulder! Tried and tested! If you’re not in the mood to go hands-free, the top-handle design looks polished and intentional.
It’s fits a lot but it’s not meant to be a work tote. Instead, this is the bag that adds the perfect trendy touch to a casual outfit, A true grounded luxury piece.
Improvements: What Could Be Better
There are two features we wish had been included, especially given the bag’s price point.
First, a discreet back pocket would’ve been incredibly useful for quick phone access.
Second, we don’t love the lack of metal feet. However, the leather IS a nice pebbeled leather which will sustain wear and tear. The mental feet were just worth mentioning. After a test run, we didn’t have issues, but flagging for those of you who have that preference.
Neither of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for something ultra-practical.
Price Point: Is the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag Worth the Price?
At just under $500, this bag might not be an everyday impulse buy but it absolutely earns its keep. When you consider the cost per wear, especially if it is your go-to bag, it’s a no brainer.
Keep in mind that similar designer silhouettes can run anywhere between $1,500 and $4,500, while this Demellier bag delivers the same sleek structure and premium craftsmanship at a fraction of the price.
The leather feels substantial and the hardware is just right. We love the minimal branding which means you’re wearing the bag, not the logo. That’s exactly the kind of subtle luxury we stand behind.
Pros and Cons of the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag
Pros:
- Zipper closure: Keeps everything secure and in place
- Structured silhouette: Looks refined and won’t tip over
- Price: Luxurious feel without the $1,500+ markup
- Strap drop: Actually works over layers or jackets
- No loud branding: Understated elegance, always a win
Cons:
- No metal feet: Increases risk of scuffing on lighter colors
- Color expectations: The green is unique, but not what we anticipated (check swatches closely)
- No outer pocket: Could’ve added quick-grab convenience
- No inside pocket with zipper: Would have been nice to tuck in cards or sanitary products
Buy It If / Skip It If
Buy it if:
- You want a polished, elevated everyday bag that feels luxe but grounded
- You’re building a minimalist or capsule wardrobe
- You appreciate subtle design, clean lines, and secure closures
- You prefer understated luxury over loud branding
- You want something that’s versatile enough for brunch and evening plans
Skip it if:
- You need something large enough for a laptop or planner
- You rely heavily on external pockets for your phone or keys
- You want a cross body bag — this doesn’t have an extra long strap
The bag comes in a few different colorways:
See Also: Alternatives You May Love
If the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag feels almost right but you’re still weighing your options, here are a few polished alternatives worth considering:
The Stylishly Grounded Takeaway
Final Verdict: Is This Bag SG Approved?
Absolutely.
The Demellier New York Shoulder Bag is functional and chic! We love how many compliments we got on it, how much fit into it, and how the strap didn’t cause any issues. (Our pet peeve is when straps slip off our shoulders. This one didn’t!!)
At Stylishly Grounded, we’re constantly evaluating whether a bag is just “pretty” or if it truly earns a place in your wardrobe. This one checks all the boxes. If you’re curating a wardrobe around timeless pieces that add polish without pretense, this is a solid yes.
Next Steps
1. Want to discover which handbags are worth it?
→ Browse our Handbag Edit
2. Mid-luxury doesn’t stop at bags.
→ Explore our favorite mid-luxury shoe brands
3. Follow us on social media.
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Why Trust Stylishly Grounded
Stylishly Grounded is dedicated to providing honest, well-researched recommendations for footwear that blends comfort and style. Our editorial choices are guided by our mission to help readers find high-quality, wearable shoes that truly fit their needs. We are committed to curating content that prioritizes thoughtful insight and practical value, ensuring every selection aligns with the preferences and lifestyles of our audience. Transparency and trust are at the core of everything we do, and any future collaborations will always be clearly disclosed.
Polished Comfort, Perfectly Curated.
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