https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:41:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065894 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 12:25:06 +0000 Aquamarine 1065894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love handbags but am very, very picky and buy a new one only every few years. I almost never toss them out, but prefer to put them in storage when I tire of them. I buy the best I can afford (which is different for everyone, obviously). I think scale is so important, too. A lot of online sites have a scale silhouette, which is helpful in seeing how a handbag will look on you. I am 5'4" and can be overwhelmed by too big a bag. I agree with all the advice about color here, too. Only you can decide your needs there. Generally, a dark one for winter and a lighter color for warmer weather is a good starting point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065839 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 10:44:27 +0000 Ornella 1065839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not much time to read other comments so please excuse if I'm repeating.</p> <p>First and foremost - consider your lifestyle. What exactly do you need the handbag for?</p> <p>When I was in full time job with car as the main way of commuting, the sky was the limit, or mu personal preferences. But, I did not worry too much&nbsp;about the strap lengths, closure mechanisms, for example.</p> <p>When I stopped working and moved to using bike on a daily basis, the crossbody bag was a life saviour. I need two free hands.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have the upscale backpack as Angie calls it.</p> <p>These fit my own necessities plus e.g. water bottle when I'm out with the child.</p> <p>Also, are you many-bags person or prefer to have less? In any case, you can't go wrong if you buy good, quality thing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065823 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:46:02 +0000 Neel 1065823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am just starting to build my handbag wardrobe. &nbsp;Since 95% of the time I lug kids around with me (and their diapers and change of clothes and food and water), I prefer huge bags to accommodate all of that and yet look trendy and polished.</p> <p>I have added a black studded tote, a white studded tote, a green oversized tote and an animal print shoulder bag&nbsp;to my collection (If that can be called a collection!)&nbsp;of handbags. &nbsp;I have a few clutches and one small burgundy sling bag (these get the least mileage as they come out for special occasions only). &nbsp;I am looking at adding a cognac handbag and a red handbag&nbsp;if I come across the right one. &nbsp;Then I&nbsp;think I am pretty much covered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065815 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:20:22 +0000 VernieJane 1065815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think its a good start to have at least one high quality leather handbag that is also roomy. But deciding between brown and black leather is not easy... If you invest in quality bags, say one bag per year, you'll quickly have a collection that you'll be able to use in rotation for the next 10-15 years. Bag trends do change, but a good, sharp leather bag will always look good. </p> <p>One site that has some <a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/bags-brand409.php" rel="nofollow">sales on bags</a> from time to time that I found...I love their new UGG Jane Shearling tote in both colours... That said, I don't think UGG's quality is worth the money... Nine West is a brand that usually has affordable pièces that will become old standbys. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065783 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 06:47:19 +0000 Jan 1065783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, that is true Ingunn. The youth have been hit very hard there too with terrible unemployment. I would visit regardless to see the beautiful Gaudi architecture.<br /> I will put Longchamp on my list to investigate.<br /> Amy, let me know how you make out in your hunt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065773 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 06:00:40 +0000 Ingunn 1065773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spent a lot of time finding a black leather tote last year that was no too big, and ended up with a Longchamp. It serves me well, and I love the neutral design. I paid enough for it, but it will last me for years. I recommend starting with a black baglike you said, and then add a lighter one next.</p> <p>Unfortunately, Barcelona has gained a bad rep lately because of all the theft and pick pocketing. I think it has a lot to do with the financial crisis in Spain, a lot of people there have nothing now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065769 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:46:23 +0000 minimalist 1065769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jan, I'm on the same hunt. Have already swallowed the price, but I want to find ONE, just one, high-quality, versatile bag that will do it for me.</p> <p>QFBrenda makes a really good point about color vs. neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065763 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:37:20 +0000 Jan 1065763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great bag Runs with Dolphins. Unfortunately, I hear more European travel tales including a theft of something lately. My daughter had her iPhone stolen in Barcelona. They now call it "apple picking".<br /> I think I need to start with a good black bag and. The shape is important. I have one too small and another that everything gets lost in.<br /> The Price is hard to swallow, but I think the bargain bags of the past have not met my needs. The hunt is on... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065651 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 03:08:16 +0000 Susie 1065651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my opinion, you can never go wrong with black :)<br /> But I am also very fond of my pewter, red, purple, yellow, and dark green bags too!</p> <p>I think you first need to decide what shape you prefer, how you like to carry it (on the shoulder, satchel on your arm, clutch, cross body) and what size. Years ago I preferred only single strap shoulder bags. Several years ago, I switched to satchels, collecting quite a few in different colors. It's probably still my preferred shape, but lately I am loving clutches and using them as everyday bags.</p> <p>Gosh the price can vary so widely. You can find a nice one for under $100, especially at places like TJ Maxx or ebags, on up to several hundred. </p> <p>We recently had a post showing our collections that would be fun to take a look at. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065551 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 01:32:48 +0000 qfbrenda 1065551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some things to think about, rhetorical of course :</p> <p>How do you like to carry your bag?&nbsp; This is will narrow your search considerably.&nbsp; </p> <p>Consider your life.&nbsp; What situations require a particular type of bag?</p> <p>What color(s) are neutral for you?&nbsp; Or what colors would work well with most of your wardrobe?</p> <p>Looking at bags can be overwhelming!&nbsp; There are way too many options.&nbsp; I was just at Zappos and they had something like 4000 bags... and that was just handbags.&nbsp; Yikes.</p> <p>I like to make sure I have the following:</p> <p>**a clutch for dressy occasions... don't need it often, but really need it once in a while<br />**tote big enough for a novel and water bottle<br />**cross body bag for quick shopping trips so I can be hands free<br />**straw-ish tote for summer</p> <p>Another thing to consider:&nbsp; If you really love to wear color, you might prefer a neutral color bag that goes with everything.&nbsp; If you love to wear neutrals, you might like colored bags to add interest.&nbsp; I tend towards neutral clothing colors, so I use my colored bags much more than my neutral black one.&nbsp; Your mileage may vary.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065550 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 01:32:17 +0000 RunswithDolphins 1065550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this question.&nbsp; I bought my first really nice handbag about 8 years ago at the urging of my daughter.&nbsp; I was going on my first cruise and decided on a neutral toffee coloured bag Christopher Kon bag. It's the softest leather and has a really comfortable strap that tucks right snuggly under my arm.&nbsp; It's just the right size, doesn't weigh me down but holds enough stuff.&nbsp; It cost between $250-$300.</p> <p>Well I learned a very important lesson on that trip.&nbsp; We went with friends and landed in Barcelonia and because our room wasn't ready we stopped at an outdoor cafe and took the group photo.&nbsp; Almost immediately a man came along and grabbed my friend's backpack which had their passports, credit cards, jewelry, etc.&nbsp; He probably would have got my bag too but I had the handle wrapped around my hand and kept in my lap covered up by a napkin.&nbsp; We spent the next day getting them temporary documents.&nbsp; I held my new bag close to me at all times and I now never take expensive bags with me when I travel.&nbsp; My friend's insurance covered her losses and when we hit Florence she replaced her jewelry at the Ponte Vecchio!</p> <p>I still love that bag and wear it a lot, especially in the warmer weather.&nbsp; My only regret is that I didn't also buy it in black.&nbsp; Here's a photo I just took - sorry for the flash strobe - I'm still learning how to take good pics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065503 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:09:14 +0000 Glory 1065503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did a post recently sharing our handbags - might &nbsp;be some fun ideas/photos in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065430 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 23:23:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 1065430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065423 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 23:15:10 +0000 Jan 1065423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you. I will be perusing those links! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065418 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 23:08:31 +0000 Caro in Oz 1065418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got some great responses to my bag question here:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-bags-do-you-have-how-do-you-edit-them">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-edit-them</a></p> <p>There are also some links, in the responses,&nbsp;that are really helpful </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065411 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 23:01:34 +0000 Anonymous 1065411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you can't go wrong with starting with a classic neutral in the best quality you can afford, but can you really ever have too many bags? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbag-wardrobe#post-1065404 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 22:55:44 +0000 Jan 1065404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, newbie poster here. I am wondering how/if you started a handbag wardrobe? I think I should start with a basic black for everyday. Any recommendations? Also what do you all think is a good price point for a good quality leather bag? Thanks. </p>