Is the Prada Chérie Mini big enough for daily use?

For a phone, cardholder, keys and a lipstick, yes. It will not take a tablet, a water bottle or a full-size wallet, so it works better as a second bag than as a daily work bag.

Can the shoulder strap be removed?

Yes. The shoulder strap is detachable, so you can carry it by the top handle alone. Reattaching it takes a little practice because the clips are small.

What material is the bag made of?

It combines genuine leather trim with nylon panels. The nylon keeps the weight down and wipes clean, while the leather sections give it structure.

Does it have an inner pocket?

Yes, there is an inner pocket for separating small items. The main compartment is otherwise open, so a small pouch helps keep things organized.

Is it a good first designer bag?

It is a reasonable entry point if you want a small Prada bag and carry little. If you need to fit more, a larger shoulder bag gives more room for a similar outlay.