What is a "killer" handbag? - YouLookFab Forum

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What is a "killer" handbag?

Joy

Veteran

On the Forum I've seen people refer to a handbag as "killer" and realize that I have no idea what that means. When I look for a bag, I am horribly practical, looking at size, configuration of pockets and other features to meet my needs, and color. I am also looking for structure, quality and fairly simple lines. But I don't know that any would be considered fab by anyone else. Is brand/designer important? Price? What should I be looking for as I look to replace a couple of bags this year?
I change out bags a lot with outfits and use different styles from clutch to larger totes,
depending on what I'm doing that day.
Pictured are some of my most used bags. Which clutch is the better one on #1? Is 2 or 3 a better look?

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I am also a practical bag person, and don't really like bags with lots of detail or hardware, which seem to be the ones that most people ooh and aah over. So maybe I'm the wrong person to ask. All of yours look fine to me, although the hardware in 2 would be too much for me. Both clutches look good, and would suit different outfits. 3 could veer toward old-fashioned, maybe, but then all the bowling bags and structured 50s/60s era bags have trended back around recently, so what do I know...

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I'll be very interested to see what kind of answers you get to this. I've never been much of a bag person, I go for practical (for years I carried a canvas one that could get dirty on the floor of the car after hiking or mountain biking... that kind of practical - eek!) and I've never really "got" spending a lot of money on one, after all, very functional ones are available at reasonable prices. I also find I get tired of them and want to swap them out frequently, so like to feel I have that option, guilt free. And you may have noticed rarely are my bags part of my OOTD pics... it sits by the door, not in my room, and gets grabbed as I leave the house. I do have some nice statement ones, but I don't change them every day depending on my clothes. Esp in the winter, it's more about going with the coat. I guess in the summer months they are neutral enough this isn't an issue, but I would make a change if there was a clash.

However... I'm coming around. I absolutely see how they are an important part of an outfit, and fairly easily add another element. Esp "killer" ones :). And I'm finally figuring out what kind of bag works for me, so getting a more expensive one is becoming less scary.

So, to your question. To my mind, a "killer" bag is a real statement. Usually in a colour that stands out against the outfit, not brown or black, but fushia, citron, that kind of thing. And it would probably be structured, wouldn't look "worn in" even though I do like that look - it's just not "killer". It would be art, not just a purse.

Kim

Veteran

To me, a killer bag is one that SINGS to you when you see it in the store, and you don't know why, but you HAVE to have it. If you pass it by it becomes the one that you compare all other bags to when you are shopping for a bag.

It doesn't have to be expensive, (mine never are) but it does have to say "me", so I like structured, with a bold color, and a size big enough to carry the things that usually go with me in my purse (the practical part of buying for me REAL life.). It has to make me smile when I pick it up to use it that day. When the happiness factor is high, and it meets my real needs I've got me a killer purse!

Jennifer

I like Kim's answer. To me, "killer" is an adjective like any other - it is only a description and will vary from person to person depending on what each individual finds important. To one person, a "killer" bag may be a designer bag in expensive leather and the latest shape. To another person, who loves hobo bags and will never carry anything else, it may be a hobo bag in a colour that they can carry every day until it wears out. To a third person, it may be a very classic Kelly bag in dove grey that they have been searching for for years and is the Holy Grail of bags to them. The real answer is: a "killer" bag is the one that YOU (and not anyone else) HAVE to have.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Right now I think I'd say several of the new Coach bags, most of the new Furla bags and a few of the Danier bags look pretty "killer" to me. But I agree that it's subjective. I loved my ivory/cream bag from last summer but the dye transfer from jeans really left it looking tired after just one season. So for me "killer" would likely mean going with navy or black so that I don't have to worry about that again since I wear jeans a lot. Though I'd prefer a nude/gold color if I wasn't worried about that. I am going to try and clean that bag just to see if I can rescue it.

The Vince Camuto bag I bought for F/W has served me well, but I don't feel it was "killer." It seems to show wear too quickly for my liking. Some of the same problem with dye transfer, but also the piping edges seem to be not really leather.

Vince Camuto Robyn Satchel

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Keturah

Veteran

Yep, I have to agree with the others: "killer" is whatever makes your heart sing. If you left the store without it, if you didn't got back and purchase it, you would forever pine for it. (I sure do!)

I don't purchase expensive clutches or purses. I shop Target, a few boutiques, do some thrifting, and call it good. Sometimes the killer wears off, and the bag eventually gets taken to the thrift store. And that's okay. I generally get a year out of purse, sometimes more. Often there isn't even a lot of wear, I'm just ready for the next "killer" purse.

xoxo and lotsa of "killer"!

Astrid

Veteran

I don't think I'm a handbag person, because honestly, I've never seen one that "made my heart sing". To me they have to be practical first and foremost. And of course I want them to look nice and work with my clothes and style. But I've never fallen madly in love with one. With a piece of clothing or jewelry, yes. But not with a handbag.

catgirl

Veteran

I still can't figure out how a bag contributes to an outfit for me, let alone what would make it killer. I do like bags but it's more of an irrational thing. For instance, the bag that pushed me over the edge in terms of putting a halt to shopping was this Tory Burch fringe bag in taupe (and with a steep discount, but still...). Whaa....? I've been using it, and getting loads of compliments from bag-oriented women, but do I STYLE it? Or just schlep my stuff in it?

Following with interest!

http://www.toryburch.com/fring.....49896.html

minimalist

Veteran

These are killer!
https://www.guntotenmamas.com/.....ey=GTM0052

Anonymous

A handbag is "killer" if it takes my breath away. For me that means it has to be leather. The design has to be both beautiful and functional. It also has to make a statement about me. Some women can make fashion statements with shoes or other garments, I let my handbag do the talking for me.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Funny Amy K.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Interesting--I'm the opposite of Una or Elisabeth--handbags are always in my WIWs and selecting just the right bag is part of the outfit creation process for me.
To me, a killer bag is one that makes the outfit and one that is essential to your style.
It doesn't have to be expensive or designer, but it has to have that special something that makes you (and often others) go "Wow!"
And it has to be "you"--if it was just lying around and people saw it they would be "That's so GP". Many of my killer bags fit with my style persona--like my matchy matchy tendencies.
And I agree with Kim and others that a killer bag is one that you love and that makes you happy every time you wear it.
Though it doesn't have to be a bright color or impractical (even a diaper bag like #3 can be killer!). I consider my black studded satchel to be a killer bag and it's very practical and goes with everything--if you look at my 2014 WIW review it's in almost all the photos!
Of course, I have a soft spot for whimsical killer statement bags like my orange slice purse or the typewriter bag. There's a good chance it makes my killer list if it's a Kate Spade
And I do have one "conventionally" killer designer handbag--my red Chanel.
But I'm a handbag gal so I could never commit to just one killer bag! I'm so lucky to have a closet full of killer bags (in all price points from Target to Chanel!).

Hope this helps. I shop bags very emotionally so my handbag purchases are somewhat illogical (though I do tend to favor the satchel style over clutches, so I can carry everything I need to). Your bags look great Joy! I vote the sleek black clutch, and #2 over #3, it just looks more special and memorable to me.

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catgirl

Veteran

Natalie, you are the perfect example - I need to study these details.

rachylou

Veteran

Miss Mary Mac says: She like to buy bags and hates to carry them

I, too, don't understand handbags or what would make a killer one. There are some that sing, tho, I agree about that. Like Nat's Chanel.

Anonymous

The first thing I look for in a handbag is functionality. It has to be able to accommodate what I need to carry in it without getting lost - so certain items like keys, wallet, phone must be easy to retrieve.

Secondly, I look at color and how well is it made. It does not have to be the most expensive bag, but it must be stitched well and the interior must be well made.

Finally, it cannot be too heavy or I absolutely will not use it that much.

For whatever reason, I have always been attracted to Stone Mountain bags (since my 20s), but also own a few Coach, and Etienne Aigner (I used to work for them and stocked up) and all have held up quite nicely over the years.

I have contemplated buying what I considered " killer handbags", but in the end decided that I probably would never use them so I walked away. I wouldn't call the ones I own "killer", but "can't live without".

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I agree with Kim and Sterling on what makes a "killer" bag. And agree with Amy K. on the literal interpretation--LOL!
What I think of as a killer bag would perhaps go unnoticed by someone else. It is luxurious looking, functional, elegantly designed, and subtle. I am actually kind of pining for one right now, a brown and black satchel by Joy Gryson.

Joy, I think I carry bags like you do. Whatever works for the occasion, functionally and stylistically. My bag isn't something I want to draw a lot of attention to; it's something I want to complement the rest of my style.

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dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, you are the poster child for killer handbags, I like seeing the display here of your various "pets",

harmonica

Veteran

Interesting topic. I'm not sure what a killer bag is either, but I think GP is on to something. I'll come back a read later

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Goldenpig, I particularly like the shot of you with your baby in one arm and the phone & bag in the other...

The sticking point for me is that bags don't seem like accessories in quite the same way that shoes or jewelry do. I'm not always carrying them, and when I had an office job they spent 95% of the day locked in my desk, so people only saw them when I was coming and leaving. It's like a coat, I suppose, in that you want to choose one that coordinates with your outfit, but you wouldn't call it a fundamental part of your outfit (assuming you weren't dressing for an outdoors event).

unfrumped

Veteran

I am not a bag person, but I do like how a certain color, shape and texture work with an outfit. But like Laura, I am just not "with" my handbag enough to justify a lot or very expensive ones. I do not spend much time in "handbag outfits" even though , I can see how this one or that one one could be better.

So, for me I need to either not put much thought into it, other than nice-quality leather and convenient, usually a "shopper" type shoulder bag for errands, or a hybrid approach, figure out what elements I really like in about 3 bags--dark neutral/light neutral and maybe a wild card--and switch them kind of seasonally.
Clutches are similar, but different in that they are mostly, for me, for dressy outfits. So they might be part of the "bling". I still need them to hold a few things and found they can't be too tiny or too flat, but just right. Still with these I'm trying to avoid too much impulse and get a clutch strategy based on the types and colors of dressy clothes I have or am most likely to get.

I discovered Patricia Nash bags awhile back and was very surprised to see how much I am drawn to her richly colored leather prints. I have one and I still love it during summer. I am waiting for the right "next" color/design to speak to me.

retailgirl

Veteran

I am a bag person and the bag has to speak to me! I work in retail and we carry some nice lines, Coach, MK, Brahmin, Kate Spade, etc. every bag I own is one that, as I took it out of the box and stripped the plastic and tissue, said Buy Me! I don't think I have more than one or two that I got on sale. ( but I do get a discount.). I do care about function, if it's too small for all my "stuff", I'll pass, but weight, hand carry or shoulder, it doesn't matter to me. I can't wait for the new spring receipts!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am here to learn. I have traditionally been a very practical bag purchaser and usually only had one, before joining YLF I mean. I never thought about whether it went with my outfit. My collection now is small, mostly bought on sale, and still fairly practical, with none that I would consider "killer" but a few that at least coordinate well with many outfits/ coats and one or two that make a statement when I carry them. I hope to improve things from here on in. In the market now for my killer backpack.

rae

(website)

Veteran

To me, killer is an offshoot of to die for, as in something so great you would put life itself on the line to have it. So for me that means the whole enchilada: design, color, weight, functionality are all so fab that the bag is worth risking it all, lol.

Joy

Veteran

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies.
Natalie, I hoped that you would chime in. To me your bags are special because they are matchy with your outfits and each calls attention to the other.
I'm glad that I'm not alone in being practical first. I keep wondering if I missed the bag love gene.
Unfrumped, I took a look online at Patricia Nash bags. They are beautiful. Do you have one of the colored ones? If so, how do you care for it? Clear polish?