Handbag spree - advice requested

My existing non-gear handbag collection is:

Small black purse with silver clasps. It's awkward to use and doesn't hold much.

Gold Madison Sabrina: I regret this purchase because the duffel shape just doesn't work for me. Since the zipper doesn't leave the whole top open, I have to root around to find anything and it's so big, things don't even stay in the same place I left them.
http://www.amazon.com/Madison-.....B00460166W

I think the key for me is to use bags that are flattish and rectangular so I can pack things within them. Also, for anything not tiny, I need a passport-size zip pocket and inside pockets for cell phone/ipod as well as a zip top for security.

Bags under consideration:

1) RULED OUT: Smallest shoulder bag to hold keys, wallet, cell phone and 2 out of ipod/camera/sunglasses. Would this KS bag (black with white detailing) fall under euro-chic? Also, is a 14" drop length too awkward? I guess it can't be worn cross shoulder. No returns if I choose to order this one.

http://www.katespade.com/desig....._color=274

2) Small shoulder bag that can hold keys, wallet, cell phone, ipod, camera and sunglasses. Maybe I can stuff a scarf and gloves on top if I need to. I found a white Kristen hippie on deep sale, which should be arriving soon. I suppose white makes it a summer only purse and I'd need a small winter purse as well?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....ie/3159279

3) Medium shoulder bag that can hold all items from first two purses, plus at least two out of (water bottle, small knitting project, scarf/gloves, superthin cardigan). I have a 10X11X3 gear bag which fits this description already but I want something that won't look out of place in Montreal/New York/London/Paris.

I sort of love the green and plum versions of this, although they would require some sale stalking. They feel a little too staid for euro-chic but they are really functional...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....bo/3159227

(Side note: I had a "medium brand" purse that broke in less than a year. I really need something that can handle everyday use for at least 2 years)

12 years ago

rute

Veteran

I vote 3! Fabulous and you can carry everything!

Sylvie

Thanks for the vote Rute. Do you like the green or the purple better?

I should add that I'm looking for one in each size category - smallest/small/medium. I'm open to alternate suggestions if the bag choices in each category don't work.

I'm always trying to minimize the weight that I carry, so I'd never use the medium size bag when all I need is cellphone/wallet/keys.

mamaKate

Something about the design of #2 seems more elegant to me than #3. I think the chains in #1 will go out of fashion in about 2 minutes. And I don't really gravitate toward patent.

Color: it sounds like #2 is already on its way in white. As an alternate, it is always nice to have a dark, non-black neutral purse. I find plum to be very versatile. Green is very pretty but less versatile - for me - because I wear a lot of red, burgundy, brown. Depends a lot on what colors your coats are.

I can say that the one handbag on which I spent 4 times as much $ as any other is the one I have used the most - At first I had buyer's remorse but in the long run it has ended up being the least cost per use and highest-value purchase!

As for size - I generally opt for the smallest that will fit the minimum number of things that I can carry - so that I always know exactly where I can find each item. For my part, though, as a working MOTG, that ends up being a pretty big bag because I need it to be big enough for a manila folder (to carry work papers), diapers in 2 sizes, a light sweater, an umbrella, snacks, water, and makeup bag (plus the usual wallet, keys, 2 phones, pen, flash drive, etc.)

My mom, however, has the same filing-cabinet philosophy, but she can get away with a much smaller purse with her lifestyle.

Happy shopping!

Vicki

(website)

Sylvie, excuse me for getting side-tracked, as I was off and looking once I saw your KS link! I'm back. I love the KS for your smaller-style needs and I really love the Kristen Hippie, as the design is beautiful. I sometimes have a little difficulty with hobo style, if there is a deep curve to it and then everything drops into the center. I like a bit more rectangular shape so everything stays in its corner. The weight of a bag is important to me, too, as I don't like anything too heavy overall. If you like #3, go for the plum. It's a beautiful color. Enjoy all of them!

@mamakate: Good point about chains going out of style. I didn't think of that, so I''ll pass on the KS.

@Vicki: The Kristen Hippie is returnable so I'll try loading it up with a few things and walking around the room with it to see if it works.

Thanks to you both!

missvee

I wouldn't choose #1 - patent leather is just too shiny and stiff for me, and I think it's difficult to wear casually. I really like #2 - it's a beautiful classic style. #3 is pretty special too!

Beth

I also love #2.

The Kate Spade is just too plain and boxy and I can't help but think flipping that big flap open every time you need something is going to get annoying.

#3 seems like it might be too big for what you want, and I think all the hardware and the different textures is a little too much going on.

#2 is sleek with a pretty shape, not overlarge and elegantly simple:)

goldenpig

I like #2 in plum the best! But if it can't hold all your stuff then I'd go with #3 in plum.

CocoLion

#2 in any color. Beware of white though. It will get worn looking very quickly unless you are one of those people who treats everything with extreme care and cleanliness. (I'm not, I am hard on bags and shoes. I like a bag I can put on the floor if need be.)

I like going with the smallest bag I can fit my stuff in. (Easier to find everything that way.) Lately that means I forgo a wallet. I have a little case for cards and the bills and coins go in the purse's zip pocket. I save a lot of space and weight that way.

ETA: I forgot to mention, I am impressed with your small bag collection!

modgrl

Any chance you could get to a store to try them on? I really like to see how a bag fits on me.

Didn't have much time for YLF over the weekend - getting back to reading your responses now.

#1 is ruled out of course.
#2 won't arrive till this Thursday but I'll be out of town! I'll try styling it with my various coats and post photos next week.
#3 I'm starting to sour on a little. It's the right size for a winter walking around the city all day bag, but I'm worried it will look frumpy to my eye in a few years.

I'm now considering this one in yellow, but am afraid the 5" strap drop isn't going to go over a winter coat. It looks like a great summer bag though if they'd just drop the price another 50%. *sigh*

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ma.....ag/3211624

@Modgirl, I did try on #2 and #3 in the store. I probably wouldn't have considered #3 except that it really worked on me.

@Cocolion: Don't be impressed. I have lots of "gear" bags taking up space.

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