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The handbag search continues

Patience

Veteran

I found this on sale today:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7405479/c/14.html

I like it and that like is growing. It's also a great size on me. I do have a small concern that it's too plain. Opinions?

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

Plushpenguin

Plain in a very chic, and simple way. I like it a lot.

Plushpenguin

Oh it would be cute to get something similar in a color. Dark colors are easier then brights. Dark purple, dark teal, dark burgundy, and charcoal grey, are all versatile for me, especially in patent, on a simple style of bag. If you really want white maybe you can make it more interesting with patent or a textured material, but like I said, that bag is really nice as is.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure how big the mannequin is, because the bag looks huge on her, but the measurements seem reasonable to me, 12" X 12" would be a good size for you, I think.

Hmm...it is kind of plain, but you seem to gravitate to bags that have very clean lines and understated styling. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's not a statement bag, so it might limit what you wear it with. I have a very plain white tote that is my only white bag (so I have no choice) and I often find myself wishing I had a bag with a little more interest--quilting, texture, something--so I end up not carrying it that often unless no other color bag goes with my outfit. Does that make sense? It might just be me though, and my personal preferences.

What is it about the bag that you like specifically? If you're worried it's too plain, maybe we can look for those qualities in a bag that has more detailing.

P.S. Did you get the e-mail I sent Friday? I responded to Sarah, and I think you too, but I'm not sure.

Anonymous

I think it is simply beautiful. When bags were so gaudy for a few years I just couldn't buy one. I love the simple lines.

marianne

I think it's great. I tend to like plainer bags and I also prefer top zipper. Good size too.

Patience

Veteran

Thanks for the validation, San and Plushpenguin.

Ana, what I like about this bag (although it's not necessary to search for a similar style) are the clean lines, with the pleat and chain for interest, the color, and the size. My concern arises from the fact that I'd rather invest in a statement bag and I'm not sure this one is up to par. What makes a bag a statement bag? (Okay maybe this is a rhetorical question but any insight would be helpful.) It seems like I should be able to find a statement bag that meets my clean lines and understated appeal requirements. Although there has still got to be some point of interest as I don't really like completely plain bags either.

Lannie

I think it's very nice, and actually when it's paired with black (or even red) I think it would especially add some punch to an outfit. The chainlink detailing on the shoulder strap adds just enough interest to make it modern-looking, but it's still very clean. I like!

Anonymous

Does the statement piece mean you build your outfit around that piece? I guess I need to see if Angie has blogged about the 'statement piece'.

Patience

Veteran

When I say statement bag, I'm thinking along the lines of Angie's stylish mom post this week. This would be an everyday bag that contributes to the overall look of being pulled together. In Angie's example, no one piece really steals the show, I think, but they are all well chosen pieces put together well. Maybe there is some confusion about what being a statement piece means. I'm thinking it's the headliner in the show. But when it comes to statement handbags does it really have to be the center of attention or can it be a team player with the rest of the outfit?

Sihaya

Veteran

It'll be interesting to read Angie's response to it. In general when I buy a statement piece, it needs to steal the show and I tend to keep the rest of my pieces understated to give it (the statement piece) the limelight. This purse could make a statement when paired with the right colors - bright red, etc. But it does seem like it would be less statement-ey with day to day ensembles. But classic, clean, polished, and beautiful nonetheless. Perhaps some other questions to ask yourself Patience is how do you want to feel when you use your statement handbag? What makes you want to own a statement handbag? What's missing in the ones you already have?

shiny

Veteran

I love the understated lines and simplicity, and to me, that IS making a statement. It's just a different statement than a blingy bag with fringe and metal and studs and other do-dads.

However, I would want to see this bag in person and try it on (guess you can order and return). My concern would be the chain link handle. Most styles like this bug me because 1) the chain can be heavy; 2) it can make a lot of noise; 3) can sometimes be uncomfortable to carry.

San, I don't know if Angie has blogged about this, but it seems to me "statement" bag has been code-word in recent years for outrageously priced designer bag that is made of gigantic proportions (supposedly a bigger bag is supposed to make your butt look smaller). For example my girlfriend invested in a fendi ... and I have to say it's the ugliest bag I've ever seen in my life! It has fur and looks like she's carrying a dead animal. It's just the most bizarre thing I've ever seen. I get nervous when she comes over and puts it on my sofa, thinking it might bite!

Don't get me wrong... I do like some doo-dads too. I can go either way - understated OR overstated - just depends on my mood. My newest bag (which cost all of $10 and is made out of some synthetic material that is very lightweight) has fringes and a braided handle and pleating and it's very, very large and slouchy. It's going to be perfect for Paris - I tested it out the other day and I can easily fit in it an umbrella, my travel trench, a cardi and my rain hat if necessary and it still doesn't look stuffed.

Oops, I'm rambling and getting side-tracked!

Patience, are you finding it hard to commit? It's a lot of money to spend on a statement bag. I know last year I took forever and worried that I would never be pleased with anything. I get like that when I'm dropping a lot of money. Much easier when you're impulsively buying $10 knock-offs.

All I can say is, when I tried on my cream coach bag I knew *instantly* this was it. I didn't even look at the price tag. I knew generally how much Coach ran, but I'm just saying... when you know, you know. So keep looking if you're not quite sure.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I am in total agreement with Sihaya, when I think of statement piece, I think of something that is eye catching and you build your outfit so that the rest of what you're wearing is more understated. I think of your coral Kensie Jacket and AF blouse as both being statement pieces--the first one because of the color and the second the shape and length. Does that make sense?

I would maybe think about what you wear most often, and then choose a bag you like based on that. A statement bag doesn't have to have lots of stuff on it (the story Shiny tells about her friend's fur bag cracks me up). It could be plain, but maybe be an unusual shape, or the material could be textured in an interesting way (I saw a Chanel bag at NM a few days ago that looks like it's made of aged crackled porcelain--Amazing). Angie likes cracked patent, etc. Or it could be an unusual color, but have very simple clean lines.

You can return the bag if it doesn't work out, right? Maybe order it, and put some outfits together and see how you feel about the whole look, and if you decide that it really is too plain, you can just send it back.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oooh nice topic. Here are my thoughts:

o A statement bag has nothing to do with price and brand in my book. Antje picked up a huge yellow tote at H&M and it’s a great statement piece for 20 bucks (in more ways than one).
o Personally, I prefer clean, modern lines on bags. I’m into texture and shape instead of bells and whistles. Sometimes a simple and classy bag makes the best statement.
o I share Siyaha and Ana’s view point completely. When Ana wore her Chloe blouse with the red bag - it conflicted. Both are show stoppers, but it’s best to make one statement at a time. The eye is happiest drawn to one thing at a time. You are a walking work of art with ONE focal point. When Ana made the Chloe blouse her focal point, we all instinctively preferred the outfits. Has the penny dropped?
o The same statement bag can be the focal point in one ensemble, and a complementary puzzle piece in another. It depends on what it’s been matched with.

(Shiny you crack me up), and I’m with Shiny wrt to the chain detail on the bag possibly being heavy, Patience. But it’s a pretty bag and definitely a statement. You HAVE to see it in the flesh though. Bag photos are deceptive.

shiny

Veteran

That makes sense, Angie and Ana.

I saw this Prada Lace Bowler bag the other day ... (scroll down a bit)

http://fabsugar.com/fab?page=1

This is a drool-worthy statement bag. I could never afford it, and it's probably too oversized for me anyway, but wow. I'm not sure why it appeals to me though... I don't think I'm a lacey kinda gal... and I gave up on this type of style awhile back (the kind you carry on your arm, not your shoulder), but for some reason, it jumped right off the page when I saw it and called my name!

Tanya

Veteran

Swoon! Shiny, that bag is absolutely amazing! I love it too!

The bag I would buy right now if I could afford it is the Kooba bag below. It's big and black, has some interesting details but not too many. That's what I think of statement bag, well at least for me:

http://www.kooba.com/pd/p/96296.html

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Beautiful Kooba bag, Tanya.

Patience

Veteran

Thanks for all of the input, ladies. There's a lot to respond to.

About this bag in particular:
o Let me first clarify that I found the bag at the mall and purchased it because it was the last one and I wanted to see how I felt about it trying it on at home. I don't think I would have ever landed on it online. It's better in person. And it's a great size on me for a larger bag.
o I didn't even think about it being heavy and it's not-- it's pretty much the same as my other handbags.
o This bag is definitely growing on me. It just feels so me even though I'm kind of resigned to the fact that it doesn't really feel like a statement bag.
o I'm perfectly happy with my current handbags. I'm just trying to add to my collection and was thinking a show stopper might be a good addition. Thinking about it some more, I would say that I like to build a relationship with my bags and that just takes time. So I have a hard time of seeing a bag and thinking-- that's the one. (Okay now I have to pause a moment a laugh at myself for writing this lol!)

About statement bags in general:
I think I am understanding about the statement bag idea. And I agree with Angie's points. So maybe the plan is to keep my eye out for *the* bag and in the mean time go with what I like even if it's not a show stopper.

If I decide to keep the bag, I will try to work it in on Friday and let Ana and Sarah give their opinion first hand. (Sorry, I forgot to reply to your email Ana, but I'll be there.)

Tanya, that bag is beautiful.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Patience, if you decide to keep the white Donald Pliner bag, it would be a good bag to go with outfits that already have a statement piece in them. For example, I think it would look great with your Kensie jacket.

Hooray, I'm so excited you'll be there too! We'll definitely have to hit J. Crew, hee hee.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I'm certainly not a handbag queen, but I personally like the look of the bag from the photo. I'm still looking for a white bag (I always feel like I'm one season behind the rest of y'all). Looking forward to seeing it (maybe) in person!