Gucci Reviews: Princetown Mule vs. Brixton Loafer + 1955 Horsebit Mini Bag

Staud dress xs, Blank NYC jacket xs, Gucci mules 35.5, Hermes belt

FAQ

Which Style Should I Get out of the 3?

It totally depends on your personal style, but here are a few factors to consider ~

1. Do you prefer an open back mule or a closed loafer?

If you prefer the look of mules, I’d go with the Princetown. Even though the Brixton loafer is listed as convertible (which sounds ideal in theory!), when the back of the heel is folded down it doesn’t look polished, like it’s being unintentionally smooshed down.

If you prefer a closed back loafer, I would go with the Brixton. I’ve read a couple reviews saying the leather on the Brixton is a little softer and more pliable than on the Jordaan, so is a little more comfortable.

2. What type of climate do you live in? What seasons will you be wearing the shoes?

Mules cannot be worn here in Boston winters, but I also don’t usually wear loafers in the summer.

3. Do you plan on wearing them for work?

For some business dress codes, shoes with a back are usually required (no mules). If you do a lot of walking, I find loafers to be easier to walk in for long periods of time without potentially slipping or shifting around on your feet.

What’s the Best Color to Get?

Black and mud (sometimes called “light brown”) were my top choices, and I ended up getting both over the years! Their other core color white is beautiful and fresh, but I already owned Sam Edelman mules in white.

Currently Mud is only stocked at Saks, and the white available at either Nordstrom or Saks.

Black – the most low maintenance, since the creases that appear across the top of the toe area are less visible on black, and it’s easy to get a color match to repair any scuffing down the road.

Mud – I personally love a cool toned taupe since it’s a leg elongating and looks best against bare legs with skirts and dresses (especially if you’re petite). I also wear a ton of white and light colors, which this taupe pairs great with. But note that creases at the top of the shoe from walking will be more visible on taupe than on black.

How Does Sizing Run?

Princetown mules – run a tad short & narrow. I’m usually sz 5 to 5.5 and a 35.5 in these fit me best.

Brixton loafers – felt TTS for me.

Jordaan loafer – listed to run about a half size big, but I personally haven’t tried these on.

Are they worth the price?

These shoes have gone through many rounds of price increases over recent years, and the current prices are pretty steep for mules and loafers even though they are well made. Personally, though, if I’m splurging on shoes these days I’d rather spend on practical flat ones like these than high heels like I used to! See the bottom of this post for a few more casual outfits I’d pair my mules with.

That being said, there are some good similar look for less options. I also own the popular Sam Edelman mules and closed back loafers and they look very similar and have held up well over time!

1955 Horsebit Bags

While at the Gucci store, these iconic top handle bags also caught my eye. They are part of Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 collection with vintage inspired details I love. Both the mini and small have a removable adjustable shoulder strap, metal feet on the bottom, and a double zipper top closure. I’m trying on the mini size below which works well on a petite frame!

Mini

In 8 color and material variations – beige leather is the newest addition. Available in solid colored leather ($2,200), GG logo canvas with brown or white leather trim ($1,980) or a summery straw material with leather trim ($2,100).

8″W x 8″H x 3″D

Small

In 5 color and material variations, including black or red leather ($2,690) and GG logo canvas ($2,350)

9.8″W x 9.5″H x 3.5″D

The Small (Left) vs the Mini size (Right)