https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 09:14:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-732112 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:52:08 +0000 shiny 732112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann, a structured bag keeps its structure even if you only have a few items in it. Which, come to think of it, may be why I strongly lean towards structured bags.. hmmm. </p> <p>That said, some unstructured bags will do this too-- they just get more slouchy! </p> <p>But living in NE, many months out of the year we need to carry a "just in case" scarf or a cardigan. Even in summer, for going into AC. So that's what usually fills up the rest of the space. Most days this summer, I carried my slouchy white bag (below). Since there was plenty of room, I kept a 3/4 sleeve cropped black lightweight cardigan in it, just in case, but rarely needed it, since it was so hot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-732023 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:29:03 +0000 Jaime 732023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After staring at my bags hanging on a coat rack, I can say I am attracted to bags that are more leather than hardware. I have two oversized bags, one grey and one dark brown, and I love them the most. I also have a brown cross-body that is very practical for my lifestyle. And one black in an interesting shape. Three of these have no hardware at all. I have more but those are my favorites right now. I don't really use bags as an accent point (although I love this on others), but do enjoy carrying a high quality bag, and do feel it somewhat grows up my often disheveled look. Anyway those are my bag thoughts as a shoe woman. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-732013 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:20:12 +0000 Sona 732013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just my quick one er two cents:</p> <p>1c: I love 'changing' into a clutch for date night: always sets the mood and elevates it to 'date' somehow for me.<br /> 2c: changing handbags is a lot of work but it does elevate an outfit. It helps to have my handbags in the laundry room closet all on hangers: so easily visible and items in different pouches from etsy- so coll patterns and fabrics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-732002 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:11:34 +0000 Ann in New England 732002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Shiny, no worries! The bag I thrifted was a need -- I had still been using my black summer bag and needed an intermediate until I find just the right one.</p> <p>But here's another question: if you have a large-ish bag and not much stuff, is that a problem? I took out the paper from a new bag I bought, and after I put my stuff in (wallet, pen, lipstick, phone charger and iphone) it still looked completely empty. I do love that I can fit my iPad in the bag, but I rarely carry my iPad with me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731834 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:55:21 +0000 Susie 731834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I snapped a picture of a few of my favorites (current favs anyway; i tend to be fickle!)</p> <p>There is a black clutch that is covered with small squares of black with a silver stud in the middle of each. It's a good size bag so it works for daytime. </p> <p>On the right is the slouchy black. It is incredibly soft leather. It is trimmed with a couple of strips of suede and silver studs. This bag is very 'me.' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731824 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:42:08 +0000 shiny 731824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann: oops! Your new pebbled black bag may be just fine for you and your style! I should have worded that more carefully. </p> <p>Awhile back, when I first joined YLF, I challenged myself to stop defaulting to black shoes (exception: winter boots). I used to take a practical approach to shoes, priding myself on taking a man's approach, just needing one pair of black pumps, and one pair of brown. Goes with everything, right? But for me -- with my blonde hair -- this is not always the best strategy -- I discovered bookending is better (nude or metallic) and just as versatile. From there I expanded out to animal prints, red, etc. </p> <p>Once I learned how to add interest with different color shoes, I took the same strategy with handbags. Especially because I wear sooo much black &amp; gray! And discovered that the most versatile handbag color for me is not black -- it's cream or white. That is *my* neutral! You have black hair, so black may very well be your neutral. Does that make sense? </p> <p>However, there's always room for a black handbag (and black shoes) in any wardrobe. It was Angie who suggested that if you buy black, pick something with interesting textures, hardware, and details. So... here is the black handbag I settled on... it's also the biggest bag in my collection. I can't go any bigger than this without swamping me. I consider this bag my "serious career bag" and most often use it for work. But it also comes in handy when I'm traveling, or shopping, or otherwise need to stuff a lot of things into it. </p> <p>This was -- and still is -- the most expensive bag I own. Furla. It still looks like new; has held up very well. I felt very extravagant buying it. It was worth every penny. And, this is the bag that turned me into a bag snob. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731817 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:32:07 +0000 Laura 731817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would look at clutches and cross body bags for your style. I love the effortless way you can sling a cross body on and go, and the clutch just looks so on trend now. Oh, and saddlebags might be worth looking at too, although maybe that tends too boho for you? JCrew is making incredible handbags right now. Definitely would look at their collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731794 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:56:02 +0000 Lisa 731794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I swap bags but usually based on my mood versus on my outfits. I tend to use the same 2 bags per season and rotate on a weekly or biweekly basis. Activities on the weekends dictate if I swap out my bag again (crossbody is good for many weekend activities such as apple picking at this time of year whereas my work tote would not work as well.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731537 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:07:17 +0000 catgirl 731537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much good advice in this thread. It sounds like I just need to start trying things out here and see what works. I do have quite a few bags, some expensive, some thrifted, so will have to see how they go with different styles.</p> <p>I don't carry a lot of stuff around, actually - just wallet, keys, phone and lipstick, pen and small notebook. I'm sure if I carried a bigger bag that would change! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories/page/2#post-731529 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:54:29 +0000 unfrumped 731529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rae, I like the idea of combining the high-low within the same handbag, not just the outfit. For example, I have a bronzy-coppery sparkle-leather suede bag witth studded shoulder strap--may sound weird but the soft texture is divine, and it was love first and then figure out how to use it--that is relaxed, almost hobo-ey. So it gives me way to indulge what Angie calls the magpie gene--I have had a less lady-like term for my tendencies--but with the more casual shape and neutral color, I can add sparkle to more casual occasions (though evening) and I get more use out of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731506 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:34:39 +0000 rae 731506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sort of skipped to the end without reading the whole thread, but for me, bags are no different than any other article of clothing. I have to think about the overall look to know if I want a bag that is more relaxed, more ladylike, more edgy. Or, if I plan the outfit around the bag, that will determine what top, pants, and shoes I wear. The color, size, and shape of the bag definitely makes a statement. </p> <p>As for which statement is made with which bag? For me:<br /> Crossbody = utilitarian, no nonsense<br /> Super small = low-maintenance, unfettered<br /> Slouch/Hobo = relaxed, casual<br /> Structured/satchel = ladylike, structured (duh), buttoned-up, serious, formal/reserved</p> <p>These elements combine, too. For example, a my snakey crossbody satchel says to me, "no nonsense, slightly predatory, reserved lady." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731478 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:17:28 +0000 Anonymous 731478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sure it's all been answered here, but I don't have time to read through all the comments. I change my bag out all the time, I could never be a one bag girl. I like a contrasting bag that looks like it belongs with the outfit. The shape, structure and size all matter, everything has to look intentional without trying too hard. Does that make any sense at all??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731351 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:24:58 +0000 Preppy Pear 731351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann (and Shiny), I think that's a really good point. I don't have a lot of purses, but with the exception of my basic black one (which is pebbled!!), they are all brightly colored prints (Orla Kiely). In fact, I last wore the black one to a memorial service. I know conventional wisdom would say to buy basic, and my style is pretty minimal, yet I reach for the fun prints most of the time, and I think they go with almost everything. Whether it's bright colors, or sexy hardware, or unique shapes, I think interesting is the way to go, despite what I said in my earlier response about neutrals.</p> <p>What about seasonal purses? I think I'd feel more limited by purses that seemed locked into a particular season (straw, linen, wool, red tartan) than I would by bright colors or trendy details. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731306 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:18:02 +0000 Ann in New England 731306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny wrote: "f you're going with black for a purse, it's like shoes: find something interesting. No flat black pebbled leather -- boring."</p> <p>Oops. Wouldn't you know, that's exactly what I bought at the consignment shop yesterday! This has been a very valuable thread. I am now on the hunt for the perfect red bag, and probably a few others, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731197 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:54:19 +0000 DonnaF 731197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After joining YLF, I started to buy a few more bags. I am 5'1", and most bags simply look too big on me. About the biggest I can go is 12" - 13" in side-to-side so that the bag isn't carrying me. My daughter (close to my size) has a Mary Poppins bag about that size that can hold a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, and a water bottle because it is a hobo bag that expands out. If anyone sees one, let me know! She got hers at Target years ago.</p> <p>To me, refined finishes and structured bags are dressier than pebbled one and slouchy ones. And structured bags hold less! I struggle with finding bags that are neither too refined and girly/ladylike versus too much in the opposite direction. I think I've gotten over cute: I used to have a silver bag shaped like a teapot. I tried tried to haul too much weight. so of course it broke.</p> <p>I have figured out (the hard way) that function for me trumps form, and that I like to get into my bag while it is on my shoulder -- which basically means cross bodies and no flaps. Shoulder bags are okay -- but if they are too wide, they fall off my sloping shoulders.</p> <p>I also learned that my royal blue bag went with more things than I ever thought possible. Duh! I have too much black, charcoal, and gray, with a little orange and green. I think my new yellow green bag will go with as many things. My fussy feet don't allow many (pretty, colored) options, and at least bags don't hurt in the same way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731102 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 02:21:00 +0000 Susie 731102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with almost everything Shiny said.</p> <p>I used to prefer slouchy shoulder bags with a single strap but for the last several years I have favored more structured styles, usually satchel style with two handles. Most of them are a good size without being huge. I've never chosen cross body bags. I do have several clutches as well as some nice evening purses.</p> <p>To me, it's not a big deal to switch bags. But I usually use the same one for at least several days at a time, unless it obviously looks bad with an outfit. </p> <p>Like shoes, I prefer variety in my bags and I have a pretty good collection. Current favorites include a deep purple satchel, a super soft black slouchy, and a yellow pebbled north south style. Favorite clutches are tan woven and a pewter woven. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731042 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:50:23 +0000 shiny 731042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. How do you decide what bag to carry each day?</p> <p>Often the bag tends to be the last decision I make, to add a little something to the outfit. However, my outfit will sometimes be influenced by the day's agenda. Like, if I know I'm going to need to stuff scarf/cardigan/water bottle/umbrella in my bag. </p> <p>That said, I do often go on "jags" and carry the same bag every day for a week on end, and challenge myself to build outfits around it. I have been doing that lately with my cobalt bag. </p> <p>2. Should a bag match or contrast with an outfit? </p> <p>I prefer contrast, which is probably why I have so many white or cream bags. That said, my cobalt bag jag lately has me doing a lot of tone-on-tone. </p> <p>3. What's a casual vs. dressy bag? </p> <p>For me, a casual bag is slouchy, whereas a dressy bag is more structured. In fact, I have been on the cobalt jag because I've been dressing more casually this week. I would like to add another casual, slouchy bag to my collection but haven't found the right one yet. </p> <p>4. Does size matter (HA!)? </p> <p>Absolutely! This is my number one bag frustration: finding one that is proportioned just so, for my 5' frame. I do like the oversized bag look, but what is oversized for regular sized people is ENORMOUS on me. This is true when it comes to clutches as well. I'd probably own a lot more purses if they made them in "petite" options. </p> <p>Other thoughts: </p> <p>a. I do not like heavy purses. Makes me tired to lug around a heavy purse. I don't like shopping online because I can't feel the weight of a bag. There are some really heavy purses out there. </p> <p>b. I do not like a hardware that goes clang and ka-ching ching. I do like the look of a chain purse but that would just drive me NUTS. </p> <p>c. FEEL of a bag is very important to me.. and on this, I've slowly gravitated towards higher end prices ($300-500 range). I will still buy what I call "fun" bags in lower price ranges, but I prefer real leather. I love a luxurious linings. I love a quality zipper. And for this reason, unless I'm familiar with the brand, I just can't shop online. I need to touch and pet the bag. </p> <p>d. Consider hardware when making your decision. The most versatile is bronze or pewter rather than silver or gold. Or if you wear more of one metal than the other, stick with that. Or, look for purses that have very little obvious blingy hardware, so it doesn't matter so much if you mix-and-match your metals. (I know lots of people mix-and-match, but this always bugs me for some reason). </p> <p>e. Carry-ability is important! Again, this is hard to determine when shopping online. I can't stand it when straps won't stay on my shoulder. How long is the strap and does it hit just right, so that the bag rests nicely at your side, rather than banging at your hip, or too close under the armpit? If it's a clutch... I insist on having a wrist strap. This comes in handy when you are going to the restroom, trust me. Do you like cross-body straps? I don't. I never use the optional ones either. If the bag is meant to be held in your hand, or looped across your forearm, not on your shoulder, is it comfortable to carry that way? These are things you need to test drive!</p> <p>f. I'm not as picky about pockets and places to organize items within the bag. Although it's nice to have an interior pocket big enough for hygiene products. And I do like purses that have a pocket that is good for tucking in a cell phone so it's easy to find. </p> <p>g. If you're going with black for a purse, it's like shoes: find something interesting. No flat black pebbled leather -- boring. Crackled patent is awesome. Or other detailing. </p> <p>h. Look for metal feet on the bottom. This will keep your purse clean. No matter what you may imagine, there's always that occasion when you may have to set it on the ground. Yuck. </p> <p>i. Color: I think it's kind of like shoes... everyone has a standard "neutral" that works. For me, it's cream. For you, it very well may be black or a rich deep brown, to go with your hair. </p> <p>j. Everyone must have a red bag -- it has to be "your" red. It took me forever to find my perfect red bag, in my preferred shade of red. </p> <p>k. Lately I've been matching bag and shoes a lot. I haven't done that in forever, but suddenly it seems fun to me. </p> <p>l. If you buy a clutch, make sure it fits everything you want to carry in it. I had to release a bunch of clutches recently that do not fit my cell phone or wallet. I used to take money and cards out of it, and put it into the clutch. Too much hassle. There are a lot of cute clutches out there that aren't large enough even for my phone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-731006 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:07:05 +0000 fern 731006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>for Mochi: I don't see the green anymore :(<br /> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109944580/chocolate-brown-leather-messenger-bag" rel="nofollow">http://www.etsy.com/listing/10.....senger-bag</a><br /> He seems like a real hippie though, so last winter he wasn't sure he could get more green leather, and I just checked to see if his shop was open again, because he went on vacation for a long time, etc.<br /> But I like my bag! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730960 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:31:47 +0000 soobee 730960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh my favourite topic! Down here we call a handbag a handbag and a purse is a ladies wallet. I'm not sure about size - I like a substantial size (that's what she said) as I'm kinda amazonian but I also have a fair amount of stuff to drag around with me, although I would love a few of those gorgeous envelope clutches that are so "in" at the moment. You definately need an insert that can go from bag to bag in a matter of seconds. My purse (wallet?) doesn't fit in the insert, but it only takes a matter of seconds to take out the insert and purse and put them into another bag. That's also why I need a decent sized bag - so the insert will fit. The kangaroo keeper looks great - I might look into that one also! I think it's entirely up to you and your style whether you want to be matchy or contrasting. As my environment dictates casual dressing, I'm of no help with what is a dressy bag - where I live, all of my bags are dressy, lol. I "need" different bags to add to my outfits as I don't get to wear jackets/scarves/coats/boots more than say one or two days a year, maybe you don't "need" to have more than a few in your climate, but it really is so much fun to have a few to choose from. I can totally see you rocking loads of different bags - so many UWP bags out there that would suit your style. As for deciding which one to use each day, some days I work an outfit around a bag, some days I work a bag around an outfit. I might choose a bag to go with shoes, or a watch, or a necklace. Lately I've been choosing a bag to be more "tonal" with an outfit. It's all up to you! (Sorry for the novel!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730913 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:48:26 +0000 unfrumped 730913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>blonda, you're channeling my thoughts. Or some in-between zone--just "several" handbags I really enjoy and use throughout the year, as opposed to some items that became one-oufit type purchases. Need to shop smarter. YLF has helped provide some focus and styling ideas, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730904 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:42:01 +0000 MsMary 730904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ellie, I use the Kangaroo Keeper in tan and I love it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KANGAROO-KEEPER-Tan/dp/B003XF8RWC?tag=vglnk-c899-20" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/KANGAROO.....nk-c899-20</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730902 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:38:32 +0000 D'Ellen 730902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The bags I've had that I've loved and used were large, tote style, with no bling and minimal hardware. At one time I had two such bags - one brown, one black. Now I have a bunch of "cute" bags I rarely use. I'm thinking of going back to the brown tote/black tote world. Maybe I'm bag-norant too. : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730859 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:10:07 +0000 Beth 730859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore bags, but I'm still a one-bag-at-a-time kind of girl for several reasons:<br /> 1. I like smaller bags, but they're harder to find.<br /> 2. I'm lazy and not likely to often switch a bag out to match an outfit<br /> 3. Once I find a bag organized the way I like, I get very attached.</p> <p>But I do love seeing great bags on other people and they definitely finish off an outfit:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730847 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:56:09 +0000 Ann in New England 730847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was always a one-at-at-a-time purse person, too. I'd change my bag with the season. I always thought that the bag had to "go with" my clothes, so it was always black in the winter and lighter in the summer.</p> <p>As I started thinking more about fashion, bags puzzled me. After all, I thought, who really sees it? Unless you are shopping at the mall, most people don't see you with your pocketbook (as we say in New England). But then I had an a-ha moment. My job involves visiting customers in their stores. That means I put my bag on the car seat, yes, but it also means that almost *everyone* I know is seeing me with my bag. Suddenly those posed shots with bag as accessory made more sense to me.</p> <p>So I'm slowly changing over. My biggest problem is that not all of the bags that I like work with my two main requirements: must have a zipper close (I often travel to NYC, but also, things can fall out in the car if unzipped) and must have some kind of front pocket so that i can easily access my phone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730838 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:50:01 +0000 deb 730838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always had multiple bags I jist did not know how to change them to work with my clothing. Then I posted this... <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bag-question" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....g-question</a>, and my bag world changed. I ordered an organizer from Amazon and I now change bags almost daily. And I love it. Not only has it improved my style but I am getting good use out of my bags that I have spent hard earned money on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730836 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:48:45 +0000 ElleH 730836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK what purse organizer do you use? I used to be more like you Alaska &amp; am transitioning into switching bags more often but find it a hassle to make sure I switch what I need &amp; not what I don't &amp; then end up with bits of stuff in many different bags. </p> <p>I am choosing function foremost but also fashion. I need my bags to be big enough when I need big but smaller when I don't, the color needs to work with my outfit, not necessarily match the outfit &amp; it needs to be crossbody or shoulder strap or convertible to do both so I can be hands free. I only use a clutch for an evening event. </p> <p>I prefer slouchy hobo &amp; duffle styles or messenger styles to suit my casual lifestyle &amp; wardrobe. I prefer vintage style bags, even if they aren't vintage. By vintage I mean 70's fringe &amp; slouch &amp; messenger, not the more ladylike bags from the 50s etc. If I got an office job or corporate job I might buy a more structured satchel style bag but it would have to also have a shoulder or crossbody strap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730827 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:31:39 +0000 catgirl 730827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love seeing all these bags Texstyle, I'm in love with that brown bag! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730817 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:19:57 +0000 Mochi 730817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, fern, that etsy bag is beyond awesome! Would you mind divulging the name of the seller? Thx!</p> <p>ETA: here is my all-time favorite bag out of my very small collection. I have a red bag and hardware fetish (it's the one at the bottom):</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/guess-the-handbag" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....he-handbag</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730812 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:16:20 +0000 texstyle 730812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very on topic for me since I've been shopping bags for a while lately. I have several bags, but only a few I really like. I used to buy a lot of crossbody bags that were sort of deep - since I've learned I much prefer a wider bag with less depth. I also prefer not to have a zip at the top because I find it hard to zip with one hand and I always seem to have my hands full when I have my bag.</p> <p>I've always thought a bag says a lot about the carrier but until YLF I didn't think so much about how to work it into my outfit. I guess I always tried to buy something classic in style and "neutral" in color, and then assumed it worked with most of my clothes. I was wrong. </p> <p>My bags now are more thought out. Not just in function but in style. Many of them are still fairly neutral but I'm much more likely to look at how it might work with the rest of the outfit and either change the bag or what I plan to wear that day. I still buy mostly second hand bags because I like real leather, good quality and decent size - all tough to get at the under $100 or under $50 budget. I love my "new" Dooney and Bourke navy/tan bag #1. The navy is really more like denim in color and it looks great with jeans and my BF shorts. It's been a wonderful summer bag. </p> <p>My next "new" fall bag (on order #2 below) is a chocolate brown leather with brass details that give it just a slight western edge. I saw a bunch of similar ones for $$$ at the Ralph Lauren site and then found a bargain on etsy. I bought it because I love to wear chocolate brown boots and my dark brown leather jacket. In this case I didn't want contrast, I wanted a very subtle, matched look so I can showcase my brighter colored autumn clothes. And I didn't want a bag that would show dirt too easily since I spend a lot of time outdoors in the fall/winter here in Texas. </p> <p>I also ordered a small black evening clutch (again used) for the few times we go to dressier events and I need just a little place to keep lip gloss, hair brush and money.</p> <p>My lifestyle is very casual these days - but I do have a couple of more "professional" bags I can use if the need arises. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bag-norant-need-education-on-handbags-as-accessories#post-730811 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:14:22 +0000 unfrumped 730811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm almost totally bagnorant in terms of style, but as a coping mechanism I have thought some about strategy so thinking about that may help you achieve your style goals:</p> <p>I hate changing over from purse to purse, so minimizing that is a goal.<br /> I hate digging around for items and thinking I've lost them or left them at home. Have tried various inner purse organizers; some work, some don't .<br /> I don't like looking poorly accessorized or frumpy (if I can tell!) , so want to TRY to accessorize a bit better, feel it would be better for me not to invest in a large number of handbags--got too many already </p> <p>My purse "stuff" falls into 2 categories:<br /> "minimalistic stuff" that is small and easy to duplicate that I I don't like to be without:<br /> Tiny comb, tissues, travel contact solution or eyedrops; maybe 1 or 2 others.<br /> I keep a set of these in a small makeup zip case. </p> <p>"Serious stuff" that I need if driving/paying, plus stuff that I use often enough for extended errands &amp; shopping and isn't as easy to duplicate or move back and forth --wallet, checkbook, receipt file (trained self to keep all receipts in one place--key for YLF returns!) , reading glasses (well, I do have dupes of those) ; add phone, keys, lipstick du jour.<br /> I keep all of that in the purse of the year or whatever--everything is where I can find it easily.</p> <p>So, I mainly step out with a change of purse for some date nights, concerts, ladies' night out, sometimes church. I can keep my "serious" purse in the car and toss my zip case inside the "fashion" purse, add phone and keys.</p> <p>The 2-or 3 season change of purses that some people use seems do-able, where you find your fab bag in say, cream or tan or taupe for summer and black for winter, or whatever. I would use the same approach as above but make a seasonal change, and then use "fun" handbags just a few times a month.</p> <p>Also, a worthy goal to me is to identify, not just one fab purse, but sort of the purse wardrobe that's most useful based on one's wardrobe. okay, that sounds obvious, but I mean, the categories: the creamy/white purse to pop against summer colors, the patterned or animal print purse to liven up solid colors, the sparkly or shiny purse, the fab purse with denim, the dressy clutch and so on. I think I would do better thinking in these generic terms and then update in a given category.</p> <p>I think that's what I've almost got now, but I still find that I might get dressed and think, I don't like any of the purses I've got, with this outfit. What's with that? </p>