Help Me Choose a Handbag - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Help Me Choose a Handbag

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I am searching for an oversized handbag to carry my schoolbooks and supplies this summer. I'm trying to keep the price very close to or under $50.00. So, I've found a few and I need help choosing between them (or, if you have a better suggestion, I'm open). Here is what I've found:

http://www.fashionjunkee.com/I.....-2106.html

http://www.fashionjunkee.com/I.....-1654.html

http://www.fashionjunkee.com/I.....-2494.html

http://www.target.com/Isaac-Mi.....038;page=3

They're all white because I think that color would go best with most of the clothing I have.

Thank you!

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The first style is hands down my favourite.

Nicole

Veteran

They are all cute. Pesonally, I would have to handle each bag and check out how wide the opening is, what kind of external pockets it had, and then feel how it fit on my shoulder. I would think the size of the inner chamber would be most important since you will be carrying books and supplies in it.

Nicole

Veteran

Double post....

Tanya

Veteran

Another vote for the first one.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Dang...it sold out before I could even order it. I'm searching the internet for the first one and so far, no luck unless I want it in gold metallic. It looks like the second one is sold out as well. I really hate handbag shopping....

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I was wondering if you all thought ivory would be an acceptable alternative to white for summer? I found this bag on ebay and I'm thinking of bidding on it, but it's not white, it's ivory:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-big-ME.....dZViewItem

I also found this one, which is white, but I'm not sure I like the little things that stick out on the top sides:

http://item.express.ebay.com/N.....xpressItem

And then this one, because I decided I didn't like the Target one that well:

http://www.fashionjunkee.com/I.....-2494.html

Nicole

Veteran

I think ivory is actually better. It will last you longer into the season. You know what alternative to white I really love? Pearl.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Pearl is nice. I haven't seen any of those around though. I went to TJ Maxx and Marshall's today and didn't find a single large white tote. So, the search continues.....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ditto. I LOVE ivory or pearl. (I suppose I make that very clear in my posts). Good thinking Sherlock.

Super ivory/cream bag on ebay. Bid!

There is something strict about the last bag. This is for School. Go with the first one in the second batch of pictures because the other one is sold out. Fun and tailored.

Julia

Ana, how about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/White-Over.....m153.l1262

There are a couple of them for sale by the same owner and they have a buy it now price for $37.99.

Julia

I like this one too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/White-brai.....m153.l1262

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Julia, thanks for the links! The first one is a possibility. It says it's 12" high, but I think that's measuring the tallest part. It dips down in the middle and so I think my books would stick out the top. The second one is too small--I need one at least 16" wide to fit my books and things. See what a hassle this is? Those are good suggestions, though, I like the look of the first bag a lot. Thanks for searching!

Julia

No problem Ana! I'm looking for an everyday bag for Summer as well. My problem is that I can't carry a huge bag because of my petite frame. The second one might work for me but I'm still debating what color I should buy, and you're right about the hassle to find a perfect bag because it needs to go with most of your outfits.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I know what you mean about oversized bags on petite people. I'm only 5'4" and I actually think I will look sort of ridiculous carrying a huge, oversized bag, but it can't be as ridiculous and hideous looking as my dirty, beat up roller backpack is! My original budget for a tote was $100 which I was going to carry all the time, but Maya brought up a good point about having a "weekend bag" being more fun and practical, so I decided to split my budget in half, and spend $50 or so on a big bag for school, and the other half on a smaller summer purse I'll carry everywhere else.

What are you looking for? Maybe we can trade links since we're searching for the same thing.

Nicole

Veteran

Ana, I know you said your price point was $50, but I saw a really cute white bag at Esprit for $80.

I can't seem to get the link to open right to the bag.

It's espritshop.com under accessories.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Which bag is it? The Fancy Shopper?

Julia

I'm not sure what I'm looking for yet. I just started to put together my Summer outfits for my trip to Hong Kong (I posted a question separately for help.) Depends on what outfits come out of it, I need to pick a bag to go with it. A white bag is a safe bet so I might get one in the end. I wouldn't spend much for a bag I use during travel. I'll say around $50 would be my budget as well.

Nicole

Veteran

Ana, yes it's the first Fancy Shopper. It's $80 (the other one is $50). I just saw that you have certain size requirements. This may not fit your needs.

I don't know why Esprit gives the same name to different items. I was trying to differentiate between two V neck sweaters and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out any difference, other than color.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Nicole, the Fancy Shopper looks good, but I think it's rather on the small side for my purposes. I am also looking for a smaller white or ivory handbag to wear as my "purse" for when I'm not carrying the giant white bag (GWB). Thanks for searching though!

Julia, I will keep my eye out since we're probably looking for something very similar. Do you have a size requirement/limit?

Julia

Ana, I'm looking for a bag that is no bigger than 15' x 11' with a 9'+ drop. I'd like to wear it on my shoulder instead of having to hold it. Also a soft shell like the first one I posted would be better because it can hold more stuff. I want it to look as small as possible while holding a cardigan, two bottles of water, a camera, some snacks, a sunglasses case, a small cosmetic bag, a cell phone and a wallet. Also I'd like to have several pockets/dividers so the stuff won't be lost. Better yet it needs to be easy to open but still securely closed. Am I asking too much?

Julia

Sorry I meant 15''x11'' with a 9''+ handle drop.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hi All! I just wanted to give you an update on the bag situation. I lost out on the bag I wanted on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-big-ME.....dZViewItem

But I scoured the internet and managed to snag the last one on a website http://www.dollsbags.com (which I recommend if you're shopping for a bag--good customer service, you can pay with paypal, and free fast shipping). Anyway, I got the bag today and I really like it. It's also not nearly as big as it seems in the ebay picture (that girl must be tiny) but still big enough to fit what I need in it. There's only one issue. It's not nearly as light as it appears in the ebay photo. It's cream, but it's a lot darker, warmer cream. I've included some pictures I've taken here:

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....004-18.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....005-16.jpg

I checked the Melie Bianco website (the maker of the bag) and this is the only bag in this style available in this light ivory color, so I know it's the same bag. I'm not sure what's up with the ebay photo, but to be fair, it does appear lighter on the maker's website as well. I'm keeping it regardless, because I really like it and it will definitely be great in the fall and winter, but I was wondering if you all still thought it was a light enough colored bag to carry in the summer? Should I keep looking for a lighter, brighter bag?

Thanks!

P.S. Julia, are you still searching for a bag? What's your price range?

Tanya

Veteran

Ana, I really like that bag and I think it' s perfectly fine for summer, I have one in a similar color and it gets a lot of wear. But I guess the question is do you have your heart set on the true cream? If so, I would keep looking. I've done similar things in the past when I got something that wasn't exactly what I wanted, then later found my wish item and bought it as well, so the first one never got used.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hmm....that's a good point, Tanya. I don't really have my heart set on a lighter cream one because this bag is going to be for summer school to carry my binder in, and then possibly later on in the fall/winter as one of my regular, "non-school" handbags. I am planning on buying a smaller, bright white or very light cream one to carry as my "non school" purse for this summer.

I'm not too much of a traditionalist when it comes to "seasonal colors," I think it's more important what the article of clothing is made of. But with bags, a lot of them are leather/leather look, so color and embellishments become more of an issue. I guess I just look at the bag and it doesn't scream "Summer!" like white or wicker bag would, so I'm not *sure* it's summer appropriate. I do like it though and I think it's neutral enough to wear with lots of things.

shiny

Veteran

My only worry for the bag is how will it wear - and does it clean easily? You may find it gets dirty fast, especially if this is intended to be your workhorse bag for school.

For example I have an ivory/cream/winter white bag from Coach; I absolutely love this bag and it gets more wear than any other bag I own. So versatile!

But I am vverrrrryyyy careful with it!! I never put it on the floor. In bars and restaurants (and definetly bathrooms!), if I have to, it sits on my lap! And I'm not hauling around books in it either. I want it to stay clean looking. White/ivory/cream etc gets dirty very easily.

I do have leather cleaner and my bag is already due for a clean after only about 6 months (despite never ever ever letting it touch the ground).

Just be sure before you keep this bag that it CAN be cleaned. Prior to this bag, I had a similar bag that was from Target and it wasn't real leather. It got dingy fast, and could not be cleaned, no matter what I tried.

shiny

Veteran

I'm reading this thread backwards but, Ana - I think your new bag is Pearl!!

Julia

Ana, I love your bag a lot. I think it can work very well with the correct outfit, but I'm not sure if it will go with all or most of your outfits if it's intended as an everyday bag.

Yes I'm still looking and for the same reason I've decided to buy a white or cream bag since it'll go with almost anything I'll be wearing in Summer. My price range would be under $80, preferably under $50. I think that white bags are like white clothes, it's better to replace it every year so I don't see it as an investment piece. Please let me know if you see one fits my bill. Thanks!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the responses. I think I will keep looking for a bag for summer. I found a fairly plain bright white patent PVC tote at Macy's that I think will work just fine for school. There's also a large, light gold bag that I think would be nice, since all the colors I wear look great with gold (I'm not much of a silver girl). I might consider my options with those two.

I've never really been into bags or shoes, but since coming to the forum, I realize that the right accessories can add a lot to an outfit, and make it feel "complete." I'm just trying to figure handbags out right now. You all have been very helpful, thanks!

Julia, I will keep my eye out for you.

Patience

Veteran

Ana, I bought this one:

http://www.smartbargains.com/g.....316.prod.7

in white and I love it (and the price was right considering the brand.) It is really tiny; it only fits a small weekend wallet, cell phone and keys for me.

12