Is the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag Worth It? Our Honest Review After Buying It
Find out if this mid-luxury bag is SG-Approved
If you are familiar with Demellier’s original New York Bag, you already understand why it has become a fan favorite. It is polished, functional, and thoughtfully made, all at a mid-luxury price point that feels justified.
This article is not a review of the original. It focuses on the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag, the east-west iteration of the New York Bag, and whether it delivers the same balance of design, practicality, and quality.
We purchased and tested the New York Shoulder Bag to see if it lives up to the reputation of its predecessor. The short answer is yes. It retains the refined, everyday appeal of the original while offering a sleeker silhouette that feels particularly well suited to daily wear.
At Stylishly Grounded, every piece is evaluated through a quality and practicality lens. If a bag is trend-forward but not functional, it does not meet our standard. We look for durability, thoughtful construction, and designs that comfortably carry everyday essentials.
We carried the New York Shoulder Bag through real days in the city to see if it delivers on both polish and function. Keep reading to learn why it earns our SG stamp of approval.
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TL;DR: Why It’s Worth It
Price: The price point doesn’t break the bank. It is under $500 and the leather feels like it is high-quality. And there is no need to shell out $3,000 for a luxury bag.
Design: We love the east west silhouette, the structure (it doesn’t tip over). The pebbled leather is durable.
Function: The shoulder strap doesn’t slip and there is plenty of space.
You can also shop it at any of the retailers below,
Burgundy
Mocha
First Impressions of the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag
From the moment we unboxed it, we loved it. The east-west silhouette feels modern and elegant, and the long strap actually works over bulkier layers (no awkward slipping, even over a winter coat).
We wore it across an entire day in New York (brunch, happy hour, and dinner) and never once had to fuss with it. That’s the kind of detail that makes a bag instantly SG-approved.
Visually, the horizontal, east-west-style silhouette is trending right now.
Color Note: 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. If you love it, grab it in green!
Functionality: Is the Demellier Bag Practical for Daily Wear?
What impressed us most was the functionality. The wide, low-profile shape means you can see everything at a glance. There is no endless rummaging for keys or lip gloss. The zipper glides smoothly and keeps contents secure, making it equally at home on city streets or while traveling.
This isn’t a work tote (it won’t fit a laptop), but it’s an ideal everyday companion: polished enough for dinner, practical enough for errands, and versatile enough to transition with your outfit.
What Fits in The Bag?
It comfortably holds: an iPhone, Slim charger with 2-3 in charging cable, a 3.5 x 2.5 inch wallet, hand sanitizer, lotion, beauty essentials (Eye liner, concealer, Lip Liner), pen, purse hook, mini perfume and Powerbeats headphones. In short, all your necessities fit neatly and are easy to reach.
Improvements: What Could Be Better
There’s only one feature we wish would have been included: metal feet to protect the bottom.
That said, the pebbled leather is sturdy and resilient, the structure keeps its shape, and the minimal design outweighs these small misses. None of these are deal-breakers; they’re simply worth noting for those who love hyper-functional extras.
Price Point: Is the Demellier New York Shoulder Bag Worth the Price?
Absolutely.
Is it stylish? Yes. ✓ Functional? Yes (love the zipper) ✓ On-trend? Yes. ✓ Affordable and better than paying $3000? Of course. ✓ SG-Approved? Yes. ✓
Similar designer silhouettes can run anywhere between $1,500 and $4,500.
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)
Buy It If / Skip It If
Buy It If:
- You want a polished, elevated everyday bag
- You’re want to add a east west bag to your wardrobe
- You prefer understated luxury over loud branding
- You want something that’ll fit a lot.
Skip it If:
- You need something large enough for a laptop or planner
- You want a cross body bag
And try the regular New York bag instead!
Shop Alternate Colors
Alternatives You May Love
Shop Similar Brands
If the New York Shoulder Bag isn’t the perfect fit, here are some polished alternatives in the same east-west silhouette:
The Stylishly Grounded Takeaway
Final Verdict: Is This Bag SG Approved?
Absolutely.
The Demellier New York Shoulder Bag is functional and chic! Bonus: we have received a plethora of compliments we got on it. If you are ready to make a purchase, you can shop it using the link below.
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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