https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 01:09:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561858 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:34:06 +0000 Sarah A 561858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alright! Getting my plan set... Thank you all for you input! Black crochet bag given to 3 yr old DD.. Check. Other small bags for evening use only...maybe try blue clutch for daytime but others off limits! Whatever doesn't ever get used/loved.... Well DD loves bags for playing dress up! Move credit cards, ID, etc to red wallet. Use crossbodies/red bag and evaluate functionality and feeling fab factor. Look for gray or metallic bag in the same size as red or tan bag. Go to high end stores and ogle... This may have to wait as our mall only has JCpenney, sears, belks and dillards. Will see, if not will hit nordies next time I visit parents. Yippee ! You ladies are the bestest ever!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561483 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:46:19 +0000 Fruitful 561483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that red bag looks fantastic on you in every way - colour, design, scale, position on your body, and shape! And the scarf is an adorable finishing touch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561422 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:38:38 +0000 christieanne 561422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seems like you have some great bases covered:</p> <p>Gear but fun styling on the totes which you need with little ones for sure. I sort of hate diaper bags (although they have much improved over the years - I think it's odd to see grown women with Winnie the Pooh bags....) but you have improved upon any of those. The colorblocking is very current. </p> <p>Cross bodies - all very practical but nice shapes and neutrals. What you might want to do is keep eye out for a great leather, colorful cross body to update one of those (trade in one of the thrifts for it from a closet perspective). A subtle, rich metallic goes with many outfits. </p> <p>The red bag you show with scarf tied on, is a keeper in size and color! Everyone should have a red bag. And again, if later on you find you want to stick with a red choice, upgrade it to a quality leather and it will last for years. </p> <p>Blue clutch could be handy (do you ever use inside the totes?) and red small bag looks like a wallet in proportion - keep those.<br /> The black croc, animal print and other two small bags seem dated. Too small for daily use. </p> <p>If you "need' anything ("need" being loosely defined), it may be a neutral bag along lines of your red bag. Either black or brown or gray (I use my gray bag more than anything). Or even a nice leather tote. </p> <p>Welcome to world of bags! It's a happy place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561373 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:27:35 +0000 Mander 561373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much practical advice, but my favourites are the bike bag (love!), the blue and gold clutches, the red wallet and bag, and the two brown bags. I have a black woven bag just like yours that I use sometimes when travelling, since I can keep my passport and stuff close but out of the way, but I think it is probably a bit dated in reality.</p> <p>Overall I think it looks like a good start! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561162 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:28:02 +0000 Elly 561162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It could be worse Sarah! We have 4 ADULTS and 2-3 separate households (including a much larger home) worth of stuff in the same space! I constantly battle the clutter. </p> <p>I try to keep the clutter down by asking myself a) if I NEED something (use it often, or would be "screwed" in a likely situation without it or a replacement) , b) if it is quality or fun--- is it something I am ENJOYING that gives me pleasure, c) if it is highly sentimental or a quality heirloom (I am the family historian, so I end up with a lot of family treasures-- they are almost always things I would never buy, but most have lovely memories and I try to treat them with respect and not clutter/crowd them, and display them to carry on the stories they tell). </p> <p>I will preface the rest of my post saying I am NOT a bag lady! I also tend to go for bags that have hardware or details or really nice leather and an updated shape--- I have a fear of purses that look anything like MY mother would carry-- who is the queen of the 90s mom bag that "you can wear with everything" but it might bore you to death, and it certainly won't actually make any outfit look better. It is a knee jerk reaction. </p> <p>I really like the blue clutch, the black bag and red wallet in 3, and the larger dark brown and red bags. Of course, everyone should also have gear-type bags, esp. with little ones in tow-- I just don't have a preference for one or the other of yours. I tend to like my bags to make a statement-- even if the only statement is "quality" --- so that might explain my preferences. The gold brocade is pretty too, and probably sentimental. The tan is pretty too, just not my preference. </p> <p>The large red bag looks like a good size proportion-wise for your body for a "daytime" bag. The leopard one looks a little dated, and a little small, except for perhaps a evening bag, with size in mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561080 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:16:58 +0000 Sarah A 561080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, do you mean the dark brown or the tan that modgirl likes too? Thx! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561059 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:54:31 +0000 Anonymous 561059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woo-hoo. They need to have a support group for us Sarah! Thrifting a bunch of bags like this is a great way to discover what you like/don't like in a bag. Some of your old hand bags (not the canvas totes) are really small and seem out of date and scale for your body. Unless it's an evening bag, a small bag can make the wearer look *too large* or just seem twee, like you took it from a pre-teen girl.</p> <p>The haul you got from thrifting is great! I really, really love the brown leather cross-body. The red bag is fun too, if you aren't taking the stroller out. You might be a cross-body bag kind of gal for a while for practicality, and hopefully they won't be any heavier than the little bags you were carrying before. Just don't fill them up and you'll be fine. You could also play around with the idea of a big hobo with room for wipes and a few diapers. Congrats on becoming a Bag Lady! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561056 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:51:56 +0000 mrseccentric 561056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice! k can shop has got it nailed - ogle the real deal in person, as much as you can. It's a process of educating your eye. The more you know, the better you will be at spotting quality pieces wherever they turn up. </p> <p>btw, TJMaxx has very good deals on gorgeous Italian leather designer bags. i have one down the street from where i live, that's how i learned! it's best if you can visit every so often as new stock comes in unexpectedly. Amazing details and truly unique pieces!</p> <p>another way to educate yourself is to enter "how to tell if XXX bag is real or fake" in a search engine. Here's the results for Coach:<br /> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6ohkqlx" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/6ohkqlx</a></p> <p>The specifics will differ from brand to brand, but on the whole you'll get a good primer on what quality craftsmanship is all about.</p> <p>Lastly, don't forget to find out what YOU like! Pay attention to things you love and appreciate about the bags you use, and the things you would like to see improved. This is so helpful in avoiding regrets.</p> <p>i love bags and i love shoes, too. a lot of the quality aspects apply to both. Have fun! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561031 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:16:51 +0000 modgrl 561031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The bike bags are awesome and useful! Love them! Also, the red and beige bags are beautiful. The others seem small and kind of dated. The animal print is a good, but the bag shape is not doing anything for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-561020 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:52:47 +0000 Sarah A 561020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thank you for all of your response thus far. this has really made me feel like i *can* do this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560880 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:59:41 +0000 christieanne 560880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many styles and brands - it is hard to know where to direct you without knowing what general use you need. Seems like you have the basics covered. Are you looking for something to have color impact? Or just a high quality basic? </p> <p>It would be great if you could pictures up of what you have. </p> <p>For ideas, Nordstrom or Zappos have good bag selections - you could just surf through and see what types of things you like - ebay is good for that too. Just random idea gathering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560839 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:33:18 +0000 K. Period. 560839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One great way to get an education about bags, if you feel comfortable doing it, is to go into a store where they sell nicer bags and really spend some time pawing them. I learned a lot about bags when I purchased my first Coach bag. Seeing what the quality of the leather was (for example, the colors are dyed all the way through, not just on the surface, and the leather is heavy and without flaws) and the finishing (stitching is straight, without errors, seams are hidden, thread is heavy-duty, they are never, ever glued, and hardware has heft to it) in person, hands on, really helped me understand what better leather looks like. I have lots of bags, and have had various quality, but I still have that first Coach bag and it still looks great. In fact, I had a lovely encounter with its second generation the other day at Nordstrom. There, sitting on the shelf was this year's version of my bag from 25 years ago. Wow! </p> <p>I've also shopped for and bought a LV bag. Unfortunately, they weren't nearly as helpful--or maybe I should say approachable--there. However, going in and feeling the bags, looking at the leather, really helped me understand what that next step up in cost got me. It was interesting. I'd suggest visiting Nordstrom or a similar store and looking through the bags. The bags are expensive enough that they know everyone who is looking at them isn't going to buy that day. However, they want to teach you about them so that you'll want to buy one. Even if you never, ever have any intention of buying from them, and would only buy at a thrift, consignment or discount store, you should get enough of an education from that store visit to know what you want in the future. Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560706 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:46:11 +0000 ManidipaM 560706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think like clothes, preferences and styles of accessories can be pretty subjective. Just as there are 'safe' formulas that Angie gives us, which we can build off, there may be a few basic guidelines on accessories that will work for most (but NOT all) of us. Beyond that, it is quite personal.</p> <p>For what it's worth, I think<br /> - most people have preferences across bag sizes and shapes for more structured or more slouchy; more neutral or more colourful; more streamlined or more embellished. Which are you more drawn to? (And there *will* be times when you suddenly feel attracted to this *one* piece that seems to go against the grain too!)<br /> - most people pay some attention to scale, compared to their own bodies in terms of height and width, when choosing a bag. Personally, I feel this is secondary to practicality --- but I apply this in a single direction rather than both ways: I won't carry a smaller bag if I have more things to bring than the 'perfect scale' bag allows, but I will carry a slightly larger one than I need if I fear it looks too twee<br /> - as with clothes, colour and pallor typically read warmer than dark neutrals; but also take into account fabrication (thicker hide, fur, suede vs straw, canvas)<br /> - again, like clothes, look at quality by checking for the materials (heavy brass hardware vs cheaper lighter chrome-plating; zippers that feel flimsy or plasticky or squeal like a stuck pig; magnetic closures that close silently are good etc) and construction (a lining is always good; one with reinforced seams even better; look for 'feet' or corner reinforcement in structured bags; look for a lining that is sewn down rather than loose as the latter tend to rip more easily; avoid things with a cardboard-reinforced bottom, typically found in some canvas bags, which make it a pain to clean without destroying)<br /> - for leather that wears better, thicker hides are the place to start. There *are* softer leather that wear well too. But since I can't recommend brands you will have access to, I hope others can help with that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560634 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:46:23 +0000 Tracy33483 560634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some like shoes, YOU happen to like bags - I say enjoy them especially if you're using all of them.</p> <p>I'm a bit clueless when it comes to a "good buy" for a handbag. I've been a Coach gal for eons and currently use two. One for everyday which is a neutral camel color in a tote style and one for evening in a black fabric clutch.</p> <p>I've been eyeing Louis Vuitton, but in a strange way i feel like I'm a sell out if I break down and purchase one. I know that sounds strange, but I live where it seems everyone has one and I'd rather be different than become the "norm". </p> <p>I say buy what speaks to you and makes you smile!<br /> xoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560632 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:43:30 +0000 modgrl 560632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why don't you post some pictures of you and your new finds? What kind of stuff do you need to carry every day? What are your primary styles and colors? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560627 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:41:51 +0000 Fruitful 560627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't post right now, subbing to read and comment later xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-for-handbags-101#post-560590 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:03:41 +0000 Sarah A 560590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So... I have bought 6 handbags in the last three weeks. This statement probably isn't Earth shattering except in the context that I have only bought 5 bags previous to that in my whole life... we are talking high school and everything here folks. I do confess I have used some gifts (maybe about 3) to get by along the way.</p> <p>All of the recent 6 were thrift finds and I didn't spend much since I am taking Ana's approach and seeing what I use and how I use it before making a big investment. But i have rapidly moved beyond Angie's three bag minimum complement, and I am starting to think, I LIKE bags.... so some education please, pretty please?</p> <p>I got a clutch, two smaller shoulder/arm worn bags, one larger shoulder/arm worn bag, and two crossbody worn bags. Would love to know if you typically wear the same style or mix it up -- for daytime, between days (outfits, seasons), for nighttime? </p> <p>Also about brands? Who do you like and at what price point? I feel like i couldn't even identify a "good buy" at TJMaxx or when thrifting. So I just looked for something I liked and preferably low wear and real leather... </p> <p>What else should I be asking that I don't even know enough to ask? I appreciate everyone taking the time to share your knowledge.</p> <p>ETA: Sorry, I ended up having to log off last night when I expected to have time to linger. I think after seeing how many bags I sudenly own I am feeling a bit of out control... Did I mention I just discovered thrifting? So much stuff... so cheap! I think I need to filter because by virtue of 4 people living in 1200 sq feet I must be a minimalist when it comes to clutter/storage space. Maybe reassurance that this is a perfectly reasonable number of handbags? LOL</p> <p>Photos:<br /> #1 Timbuk2's were previous workhorses (gifts from sis and mom respectively) Bicycle bag hasnt seen much use but was also a gift from mom.</p> <p>#2 Wallet on a a string is what i carry in a pocket or larger bag or by itself but it is starting to look a bit worn/stained and feels too casual unless i am dressed in gear. Considering moving my essentials over the the D&amp;B wallet in #3 (ha! which i only bought b/c this is a brand my mom mentioned), Black crochet bag (mom again) i am not sure i have ever used, blue clutch thrifted yesterday (zymo, genuine leather), gold brocade evening bag worn with wedding dress (from mom)</p> <p>#3 recent thrifts: black liz claiborne, red wallet dooney &amp; bourke (thrifted), leopard bag (chateau) </p> <p>#4 larger (but still small) dressier than messenger bags. Red (XOXO) thrifted last week, Brown crossbody bought in HS, Black crossbody (georgetown leatherworks, thrifted, feel like strap is dated but found a replacement on etsy thinking of buying for $15), tan crossbody (mondani, thrifted) </p> <p>I typically carry the wallet on a string, my cellphone and car/house keys. i try to keep diapers/wipes/snacks/drinks in car/stroller since i tend to have back trouble if carrying any significant weight. I am starting to get the feeling i maybe inherited this bag love from my mom...</p> <p>Much appreciated!</p> <p>ETA 2: WIW photos of me with a few of the bags. </p>