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The Goyard Anjou Bag

Today, I wanted to share a new bag I recently added to which I’ve already been getting good use out of – the Goyard Anjou tote. I’d been eyeing the Anjou since it came out last winter, and loved the concept – the same size and dimensions as the classic Goyard St. Louis tote, but entirely leather lined, making it not only more sturdy…but (…..drumroll….) also reversible!

Goyard-Anjou-Reversible-Tote-Bags-600x335

I was torn over what color to choose for the Anjou – I couldn’t decide between the green, red, and navy. So naturally I copped out once I had to make a decision and got the black (who else can relate?) in the PM size. It also drives me crazy that Goyard charges 30% more for colors than it does for black. I’ve never heard a logical explanation for this. So the black was the economical choice as well, though something tells me I might be adding a color down the line anyway. Sigh.

Goyard Anjou PM

As those who are familiar with Goyard know, there are two standard black configurations – solid black, and black with tan. I chose the black with tan for the Anjou – I liked the visible contrast leather piping along the sides, and the tan leather makes it versatile for spring/summer.

Those who have the regular St. Louis bag might know that there’s largely two points of potential weakness on the bag – the corners, which can get scuffed and even wear away to holes over time, and the handles, which can break if too much weight is added. The Anjou seems to address this issue – there’s leather reinforcement along the sides and bottom (including the corner).

Goyard Anjou Edges

The handles are also thicker and sturdier than on the St. Louis, from what I remember (I used to have this exact combination in the St. Louis style). I compared my bag to my friend’s St. Louis, and the handles were a tad thicker.

Goyard Anjou Straps

The highlight of the Anjou however, and adding points for durability, is the gorgeous soft leather inside. Just look at all that luscious leather! The Anjou also comes with the standard small looped accessories pouch – perfect for holding keys, pens, or valuable documents while traveling (since the Anjou is a completely open tote).

Goyard Anjou Interior

Here’s the Anjou worn on yours truly – again this is the PM size.

And of course, the tote can be flipped entirely inside out. It takes me about 30 seconds to flip mine around. It was a bit nerve wracking the first few times I did it – there’s some serious manhandling involved to turn a bag inside out! But I’ve gotten used to it by now, and quite fast. By the way, the only advice the Goyard salesperson provided was to not to pull and yank the handles to turn the bag inside out – I guess some people were getting super forceful using this method and damaging the handles.

Goyard Anjou Leather Out

And….ta da! The Anjou, now leather side out. I love that little peek of the monogram Goyardine canvas inside too. The leather is so soft and has a great feeling against the hand…almost like lambskin.

Anjou Leather Out

Leather side out this time to show you – I wear this bag a lot with my Sabi shawl, the naturals colorway is a perfect match. Mine just pretty much lives in my Anjou.

Goyard Anjou PM What Fits Inside

And a quick look at what fits within. All the essentials, and some more. Quite a bit, and if you took out the lunchbox (my baby’s) and the magazine, a thin laptop could easily fit.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Anjou. It’s a wonderfully useful light tote, and I love that there’s always a special lining on the inside, no matter what side you happen to be using. It’s especially great as a casual “dump everything inside” bag, a diaper bag (which is what I use mine for), and an open work tote.

Cons? The price, for one – it’s almost double the price of a St. Louis. And of course, the open top for those who like a more secure tote.

A quick summary below, for those who just want their questions answered!

PM or GM? I got the PM size, since I plan on using the Anjou more as a day to day bag.  The Anjou PM has the exact same dimensions as the St. Louis PM – 19 x 11 x 6″.

Is the bag heavy? Nope, super duper light…barely more than the regular St. Louis, from what I remember. The leather is a super soft, thin layer.

What’s the price? 

Anjou PM, Black or Black with Tan: $2080
Anjou PM, Special Colors (anything but Black): $2700
Anjou GM, Black or Black with Tan:$2450
Anjou GM, Special colors (anything but Black): $3180

Where can I purchase it? Right now just Goyard boutiques (I’m unclear whether or not it’s at department stores yet, or if it’ll be made available there at all)

How long does it take to reverse the bag? About 30 seconds (or if you’re my husband, 10 seconds). PS, you can also reverse the St. Louis model – just check it out here (though the plain light canvas is more susceptible to staining, of course.

Is this model sturdier than the St. Louis? Yup…the leather adds another layer of reinforcement, and also makes the bag stiffer/able to stand up on its own. Handles are also slightly thicker.

What fits inside? See the picture above!

What are other similar bags? Before buying the Anjou, I had no idea there were other reversible totes out there. But there are some great options, including this beautiful large floral Gucci version, well priced at under $1400, a Longchamp leather version with three different color options and lovely craftsmanship for $520,  and a vegan version from Street Level with great reviews, for under $50 (a more streamlined version here).

22 Comments

  • Reply
    Sonya
    June 13, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Very helpful review. I like the navy the best, yours too!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 13, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Navy is beautiful! Why oh why do they charge more for it??

  • Reply
    Janice Shiao
    June 13, 2016 at 10:22 am

    What timing. I literally was about to call the boutique this week to order the PM black and tan St. Louis. Now I might change my mind. I have a white GM St. Louis which I love, but have worn it to death. Love these sturdy and gorgeous bags!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 13, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      I’d definitely consider the Anjou as an alternative! The St. Louis is much better priced though.

  • Reply
    Sammie
    June 13, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Great review! Love love you Lesportsac pouch! (Was it a recent purchase?)

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 13, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      It was from a year or so ago…Olympia Le Tan’s collaboration with them, if you want to search on eBay 🙂

  • Reply
    Yuet
    June 13, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Hi Katherine, I just notice your new look. I really like it and all the added touches makes for a really nice page. Love it and your awesome blog!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 13, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks so much, I’m going to be adding more (albeit slowly…)!

  • Reply
    Amy
    June 13, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    I LOVE your bag reviews, Katherine! 🙂
    I really like this version with the leather, and wish LV would consider this for their comparable Neverfull. The Neverfull is too expensive for what it is, in my opinion (which didn’t stop me from buying two, but oh well. I love them!). When I’ve seen Goyard totes in person, they have always looked very flimsy to me, but this leather version is quite interesting. There doesn’t appear to be a clasp that closes it?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 14, 2016 at 11:57 am

      No clasp…just completely open tote. The Neverfull is a great bag and honestly probably more sturdy than the Goyard.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 14, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Dear Kat,

    I received the Sabi Shawl in pink last week! Just want to drop a quick note that I love it!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 14, 2016 at 11:57 am

      So glad to hear this! Please enjoy 🙂

  • Reply
    Jen
    June 18, 2016 at 4:43 am

    I love my Goyard Artois bag in black with black trim. It has reinforced leather trim which allows it to stand alone and it has a zippered top closure making it very secure for travel. I had mine monogrammed with my 3 initials. It is only available from the Goyard boutiques but it is a very sturdy option and I switch between this tote and my neverfull totes. It isn’t leather lined but it is definitely going to hold up better than the St. Louis bag and I think it is more stylish.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 19, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      I love this one too! The zipper top is a great option.

  • Reply
    Wei
    June 20, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    Oh Katherine, you’re such a bad influence! ? I’ve been looking for another tote and I was trying to resist buying another goyard St Louis bc it’s so flimsy and haven’t really held up to rough wear and tear. I’ll have to look into this version!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 20, 2016 at 11:40 pm

      I’m sorry to enable but this bag is really good, especially for a mama!

  • Reply
    April
    September 15, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Hey Katherine! Thanks to you, I bought the Anjou GM last weekend and it will be hear on two weeks! I really appreciate your honest review.
    I am thinking about purchasing one of those purse organizers to protect the leather from all of my purse’s contents. What do you think? How has the non-goyardine side been holding up for you? Any other takeaways now that you e had the purse for a few months?
    Thanks!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      September 15, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Hi April, I did get a purse organizer – I think it was Bag to Go but I can check when I am home, and used it for a while, but I didn’t like that it ruined the beautiful leather look of the interior, ha, so I took it out. Both sides have been holding up so I kind up relaxed. The only parts that have gotten scuffed, but it’s to be expected, is the leather edges on the Goyardine side, since it’s what hits the floor when the bag is set down. Enjoy your beautiful Anjou!!

      • Reply
        April
        September 15, 2016 at 11:55 am

        Thank you, Katherine! I will take your advice and not use a purse organizer. If I could, I’d like to carry around a pillow to place her on – probably crazy, lol. Have a lovely day!

  • Reply
    April
    September 15, 2016 at 6:39 am

    Sorry I hate grammar errors – typing too fast! ?

  • Reply
    Curt Young
    October 21, 2016 at 4:16 am

    Just booking tix to NY for a business trip and *sigh* apparently now i will also be trekking up to 63rd St. Unless BG carries this now. I’ve had my eye on the St Louis for a while, but was a bit turned off by the slightly cheap look it has compared to say the Boeing duffel. And OMG yes I can relate about black vs color. The extra cost of color doesn’t seem to make sense, and I ALWAYS go in thinking “I’m buying color today!” and end up with black, at least in my big pieces. I go color crazy in the wallets, coin purses, bling bags, etc. BLACK GOYARD MATTERS! Hey quick question, I wasn’t able to determine from the post (prolly cuz I skimmed it, and/or was distracted by the pics!), what’s the diff between GM and PM on bag size?

  • Reply
    Jessica
    February 26, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    Hey ladies, 1) what is the width of these straps? 2) …thickness of straps? and 3) distance between the strap ends?
    Trying to figure out how comfortable they are.
    That would be very helpful.
    J

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