YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Handbags as fashion or function?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Handbags as fashion or function? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 18:03:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php yublocka on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58175 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:25:10 +0000 yublocka 58175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread!! I have about 20 bags, although over half of those fall into the "fabric over the shoulder bag bought on holiday and already worn to death variety". I have a couple of leather bags, though my 2 black ones get by far the most wear, even in our hot Aussie summers. Yes I still wear black then too. My bag challenge is to get a few more "sophisticated" bags that look less hippie-ish than what I currently have. I'd love to start off with a clutch as I don't currently own one! Kari on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58132 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:59:09 +0000 Kari 58132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is so interesting! I think most of the rest of you, particularly Shiny and Brianna, have much more specific criteria for what you demand in a bag as well as what you use them for than I do. Reading all of your comments was an eye-opener for purse-clueless me. Some thoughts now that I've reflected on this topic: 1. I probably carry too much stuff but I'm not sure how to consolidate. Wallet and cell phone are necessary, and I like to have my checkbook with me as a backup. I still carry a small paper planner and pens with me because my cell phone is an old-fashioned phone that doesn't synch to an Outlook calendar, so writing down appointments is more time efficient. (That may change since I'm getting a new phone soon - sleeker and smaller, but still not a fancy smartphone.) Lip gloss, small shea butter tin, and lotion are essential at this time of year, as are handkerchiefs, travel tissues, glasses cleaning cloth, and eye drops. Come summer many of these things will be replaced by sunglasses. The mp3 player (an old Toshiba Gigabeat - way heavier/bulkier than current Zunes or ipods) gets used almost daily in the car or on the bus. If I'm riding the bus I carry a book. It would be tough to cut down much farther. (A sidenote: Angie, your reference to students carrying overstuffed bags resonated with me. It's been a couple years since I was a student, and in college I was lucky enough to have a music locker that I could use to store heavy textbooks in, but I remember my mom having me weigh my backpack in high school and being shocked that I was carrying 25-30 pounds on my back every day, plus a musical instrument in my hands. That was about 25% of my body weight!) 2. I used to be kind of snobby about NOT buying into the designer handbag trend, but lately I'm seeing that many people spend the money because the style and features are exactly what they are looking for, and the quality means it will last for years. I like the idea of a smart investment bag, but given my financial limitations at the moment there is no way I could spend that kind of money on one piece - even at a discount. Still, it's something to think about for years down the line. 3. I do have bags that fit into Angie's "3 bag minimum" categories: Giraffe print bag for fall/winter, Lands End pink/canvas bag for summer, purple bag for a general purpose/everyday bag, Beijo bag or emerald clutch (or velvet or pewter clutches) for dressier events. I do have a bit of versatility, and my "everyday" bags don't clash with most of my daily wardrobe, so I guess I'm not terribly bad off. 4. Even looking at demo pictures, I just don't really understand how to match the size/style/material of a bag to what I'm wearing on my body. That's partly what I meant when I said I don't think of bags as "fashion" items. I may enjoy them and think they're cute, and if one outfit will clash with it (i.e. wearing a heavy print jacket when I'm using my zebra print bag), I'll transfer my stuff to a different bag that works better. I do the same thing with coats - if I want to wear a trench coat but I'm wearing my flame-colored pashmina, I'll wear my denim trench, not my forest green coat. I guess I should play around with purses a bit more, maybe even photographing them the way Angie does, to see how they change the vibe of my outfit. 5. Maybe at heart, like Shana, I am just not a bag person. That being said, I'm not giving up on them, and I'll definitely buy cute bags (like the giraffe print and purple bag that I've used most frequently this year) that are functional AND lift my spirits. I'll just try to be pickier about what I really need them for when I buy them in the future - which might justify spending a bit more than I'm used to. And who knows - maybe I'll become a bag girl some day after all. Believe it or not, I used to be just as ambivalent about shoes until 5 years ago, and now I can't get enough of them. Angie on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58105 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:39:25 +0000 Angie 58105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll add that because I can't have loads of fun with shoes, I resort to strutting my stuff with my handbag. I’m fine with this compromise :0) shana on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58103 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:31:41 +0000 shana 58103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am so not a bag person! Personally, I wish more clothes would have pockets so I could just carry around my essentials on my person. But now with keys, a cell phone, and then the random baby item, this isn't really practical, is it? I am always leaving my purse behind in restaurants and have really been lucky that I have always been able to recover it with everything intact. I usually just head into the coach outlet, buy one nice bag that goes with most of my clothes and then use it for a year or so until it gets worn out. A couple of years ago it was a very pretty dark red/burgundy bag and then last year I bought a black one. I usually spend under $200. Reading this blog and seeing Angie's posts with all her fab bags is making me a little conscious about bags as a fashion accessory and a fun bright bag (maybe turquoise) is on my accessory list for spring/summer. Ariadne on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58087 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:44:25 +0000 Ariadne 58087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread is fascinating. I don't like switching out my bags too often, but I do like them to go with my outfit. Currently, my two everyday bags are: - a black leather shoulder hobo-style bag with a single strap and some stitching detail that gives it texture (Lucky Brand)--this is not my ideal bag; I bought it (on steep sale) to tide me over until I can get my ideal bag (more on that later!) - a red patent tote with a detachable cross-body strap that I wear when I want more colour. I have three other bags that I plan to consign within the next few weeks because I don't use them and don't need them. I will not buy another bag unless it has straps that allow it to be worn both cross-body and over the shoulder. The cross-body option is a priority now because when I have a baby I'll need my hands to be free. I hate carrying bags in the crook of my elbow and not having free hands is not an option with the amount of walking and public-transit-taking I do. My ideal bags (there are 2) are both in the $300-$400 range. For my birthday I've asked for money to get one of them. I have a very, very specific idea in mind of what I want and what I plan to do is have a craftsperson I found on Etsy custom-make it for me. It will have VERY minimal brass findings, a combination of black cracked patent and black kid leather, zipper detailing, and the strap setup I mentioned (shoulder straps and a detachable cross-body strap). It will be fairly large. The other ideal bag is one I saw at a store near my house. It's chocolate brown leather (to go with my chocolate Frye boots) with the same strap setup I mentioned, and is a very simple but sophisticated shape with next to no hardware. I use my bags every day so I'm OK investing in one or two of them. For the beach etc, I use something canvas. I also have one vintage gold clutch and one large black patent one, for evening occasions. I hate carrying clutches, though, so these may not survive (might go for a wristlet instead--are there any other acceptable evening bag options?). My goal is to own the absolute minimum of things I need in order to have a satisfying and fuctional wardrobe. Elika on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-58015 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:55:39 +0000 Elika 58015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's so interesting to read how everyone has their own approach to bags! I absolutely believe that fashion and fnction can go together, but it really depends on your siituation and what you need to take everyday. Personally, I prefer simple shoulder bags and have by now collected quite a few bags which make me feel totally set for every situation. There are always more possibilities because I *love* bags, but that is only the *want* and not *need* category. Currently I have: Winter: -Black cracked patent leather mid-size bag with some chunky silver clasp detailing -Chocolate leather mid-size general bag Summer: -Off-white cracked patent mid-size bag with tiny bow detailing -Multicoloured hard plastic bag with leather straps (made from glossy magazines: this probably sounds weird but it's really cool and the bag always gets tons of compliments and questions because its so unusual :) General: -Red patent large sqaure shopper (perfect for groceries or weekends away) -Chestnut largish tote in gorgeous moroccon leather Fancy: -Silver clutch with rhinestones (cheap as chips) -Red patent clutch with silver clasp detailing The two areas where I might like to add some variety in the future would be texture -like a suede or otherwise interesting bag-, and colour -like turquoise or yellow-. But for the moment, I'm very satisfied :D Btw, the thinking in seasons is also very interesting. I only started doing that after reading about it here and it helps to explain why I used to not like certain outfits or combinations. Now I automatically incorporate some form of mental "summery" or "wintery" tags when I'm deciding what to wear. YLF is so great in helping you think about this stuff and getting a system in place! Eg, my bags are now actually stored within these 4 categories... shell on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57966 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:05:10 +0000 shell 57966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ im another budget bag shopper! i can't quite justify spending more than $20 on a bag, but that may be because i hardly ever use one! if i'm not hauling my backpack around, i'm usually stuffing my coat pockets. but, with just a slim phone, small wad of keys, and sometimes a wallet, i feel i can get away with it. :) when im not stuffing coat pockets, i generally just use my go-to purse, which is similar to these <a href="http://www.quixtar.com/Images/IWOV/vis/010-en/ProductImages/844/844519_B.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.quixtar.com/Images/.....4519_B.jpg</a> but the color is more of a burnt sienna (love my crayons!). i feel like that purse can pretty much do double duty - in warm or cold seasons, so i don't really have an "alternate". marianne on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57939 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:39:29 +0000 marianne 57939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am also trying to wrap my brain around the bag concept. I don't like spending a lot on bags, because I get tired of them, and it's just not something I could justify. I also find that my needs change quite a bit. I used to have one main bag for winter and one for summer, and a couple of small bags for going out. Then I started carrying a laptop to work, so that my main bag was a laptop bag, which I picked purely for function - it was the lightest I could find that was also sturdy. At that time I became even more reluctant to spend on other, recreational bags, since I would only be using them occasionally. Now that I am at home with kids, my main bag is a messenger bag. I got a new one in Canada last weekend, also cheap. Part of the reason why I don't want to spend much is that it feels like a big commitment, in which case I tend to play it too safe, and boring as a result. I think when I am working again and don't need to carry the laptop, I might get something like a Coach bag or a Hobo Intl (I like their bags). shiny on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57918 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:34:49 +0000 shiny 57918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, you have a lot of cute bags! I was like Antje, until recently. I am very very picky about bags and have a long list of requirements, which included a low price. I would tire of finding the perfect bag and end up settling for something so-so. I had a lot of so-so, inexpensive bags, that would inevitably break. Awhile back, I went through them all and did a ruthless purge. I would prefer to only have a few great bags, then tons of so-so bags. Which means I am spending more on my bags. I will spend Coach-type prices for a bag that will get a lot of use. The two bags I use most frequently (probably 80% of the time, if you don't count summer) are: 1) Black cracked patent Furla shopper (my most expensive bag) 2) Cream coach bag These two were expensive bags. I have used these bags so many times, they have totally justified their cost already. Next, I find my suede brown Nine West bag very useful for outfits that have browns in them and for which the cream bag doesn't work (for example, when I wear a white coat). That bag however is already falling apart!!! But I don't know if I would invest in a brown bag. Next in line are "fun" bags that are meant to give a pop of color. This includes my new yellow bag (I think I will be keeping it), and my red Nine West clutch. I try not to spend too much $ on this category though. I will, if I learn that a color becomes indispensible to my wardrobe. But I'm not quite there yet. I have a variety of clutches for formal occasions, none of which I spent very much on. This includes the fishskin bag from Iceland. Then there is the $10 light green bag I carry in the summer. I hope it makes it through another summer because it is HUGE and perfect for carrying all sorts of stuff for summer trips. My requirements for purses: 1) Scale has to be right. I don't normally carry a whole lot of stuff in my purses, but if I am going for that oversized look, it can't be too enormous because I'm only 5'. 2) Feel comfortable on my shoulder. I vastly prefer shoulder bags to any other style. I don't like bags that slip off constantly. I prefer single strap (though my Furla is double strap - the straps are thin and well made so they don't slide off). 3) Lightweight. This is the toughest part. A lot of bags have so much bling, they are heavy without anything inside them!!! That is my pet peeve. It's also why I find it hard to buy online. 4) Real leather. It's a "feel" thing for me. Otherwise, it's just one of those indescribable things. I will "connect" with a bag and it will call my name.... As for function, I don't need a lot of pockets and such. I use a purse insert which makes it easy to pop my stuff from one bag to the other. I am looking for a wallet right now - I want a thin, long one that fits a lot of credit cards, and room for bills (no coins, no checkbook). Most of the ones I see don't fit that many cards. It's not that I have a ton of credit cards, but I do have health care cards and loyalty cards and such that I need to carry. Finally, I think I prefer a "less-is-more" approach and I'd rather have few bags but really awesome ones, than tons of bags. My goal is to get down to: - black patent - cream - a fun color that works when those two don't - a clutch (maybe two) for formal occasions - a huge slouchy bag that works well for trips (my $10 bag qualifies here) I'm getting close. Oh, and I really like hobos. Slouchy bags are cool. Angie on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57915 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:27:09 +0000 Angie 57915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Form MUST follow function – there is no other way. Practicality remains an extremely important part of my style. But I enjoy being trendy too. The two can work hand in hand. I swap out my handbags frequently and it’s no effort at all – takes less than 5 seconds. (I’ve written a few posts about that too). I keep the contents of my bag very light. I’m not at school so I don’t need to carry books and lunch. I also don’t carry bottled water. Apart from having fun with handbags (I’m besotted with them and have an interesting collection), it’s unhealthy to carry a heavy bag day in day out, so it’s in your interest to carry around as few things as possible, which I know is impossible to do when you're a student. But when you start working, it’s a must. hanna on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57896 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:52:07 +0000 hanna 57896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i would like to invest in one or two good, classic pieces in the next year or so, but right now i am one of those people who treat handbags as an accessory and swap them out as it suits the outfit. they're a good way to add a pop of color, a little bit of funk, etc. i get bored using one bag all the time! colors in my (inexpensive) handbag collection: black, brown, tan, beige, yellow, navy, deep purple, turquoise, red, silver. my everyday use bags are all large and tend to be slouchy rather than structured, hobo and cross-body rather than any other type. i have 2 or 3 clutches to use on special occasions, but since i don't have that many of those, clutches are impractical for me and the ones i have were given to me as gifts. Kristen on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57894 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:46:45 +0000 Kristen 57894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As an addendum to your research, Kari :), I used to swap my bags out with every outfit, but that was before I made the Coach bag investments. I deliberately chose two that would fulfill all my purse needs: they're large, they're classic designs and colors and thus go with everything, and they're nice enough for work but also functional enough for everyday casual use. I just started carrying a tote as well to work, after reading about them for so long and seeing so many options here on YLF. Previously I would stuff my lunch thermos, shoes, and any other random needs into my bag too; told you they were large! You've inspired me to make my purses part of my closet overhaul; my tastes in bags have definitely improved over the last year, so it's time to cull through what will never get used, and what might deserve more usage. Like Antje, I am and have been on the hunt for a new spring/summer everyday-use bag, but in the interim I might be able to get away with using a forgotten favorite. Louise on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57892 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:36:13 +0000 Louise 57892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like them to be fashionable but functional too. I currently have 3 plastic crates (yes i know i need to have a chuck out!) of handbags and i can honestly say in the last 6 months i've only used 3 a tan colour, black & white and purple. All are fairly large but i've got out of the habit of making the contents fit the bag so only have minimal stuff in them. I like to swop them every few weeks or so x Maya on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57888 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:31:15 +0000 Maya 57888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Antje, I'm aware that I'm probably going to give Angie and a lot of other YLFabbers apoplexies with my total disregard for season. I apologize in advance Kari on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57887 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:31:10 +0000 Kari 57887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is interesting. I hadn't realized that there were so many "one bag at a time" users on the forum. For some reason, I assumed that most people swapped items out for different purses depending on the outfit, not just seasonal/event switches. Thanks for letting me know more about your purse use! It sounds like JewelryGirl and Antje are more into investing in the perfect purse and carrying it for a long time. I think that's smart if it's a very versatile purse that you'll love for a long time. Personally, although I try to be careful, I am kind of a klutz and would worry a lot about ruining an expensive handbag that I love. This is why the patent Beijo bag usually stays wrapped in its protective sack - I don't want to put any more scratches on it than it already had when I got it. I can relate to Kristen's shock at having a ridiculous amount of purses. Because I only use one for months, I didn't realize quite how many handbags I had until I pulled them off the shelf and photographed them here. (Actually, I have even more than I showed here - very tiny purses/clutches that were gifts that I don't really use. I'm planning on cutting off the yarn/cord straps and using them for travel pouches instead.) The only purses I have used in the past year are the 3 big bags and the Beijo bag (indoor weddings or formal events only). The giraffe print bag started cracking through one of the straps after 3-4 months of daily use, and need to take it to a cobbler to see if repairs are possible. I used to have another brown leather bag that I thrifted for $16 two years ago, and have just about worn it to shreds, so it's on the discard pile. I also have an apple green and white bag free from Clinique about 8 years ago, but it's so dirty and junky looking now that I use it only in situations (like going to the beach) when a better bag is likely to get beat up. I guess I should decide if it's worth keeping purses around that I'm not using at all - or else see if I can identify a function/occasion when I'm likely to use them (like Maya does with her bags, which sounds very smart.) I can see myself using the green clutch when going out with friends, and the pewter bag could be fun for dressy events if I can make the size work. As for the rest? I always hate to get rid of something I may want to use later, but if I haven't used them recently, they may not be worth using up valuable storage space. Antje on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57879 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:51:34 +0000 Antje 57879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kari, you have a great collection of bags! Super cute. I especially love the giraffe print one and the kelly green wristlet. I agree with Maya in that ideally my bag would be functional AND fashionable. I'm one of those people who carry around a lot of "stuff" - some I really need and some I just accumulate. My bag needs to be big enough to accomodate a netbook (very small laptop) plus small mouse, notepad, pens, sunglasses, phone, and various other items (and I really mean "various", like there are several little pouches of miscellenea in my bag every day, don't ask...) My preference would be to find a bag that I can wear every day with every outfit, rather than switching bags around depending on my outfit of the day. (Right now, I have several bags, none of which I "love", so I do switch them around a lot, but am often missing something that just happens to have been left in yesterday's bag etc., what a hassle...) Unlike Maya, I do think of bags in relation to seasons; my yellow bag just didn't feel quite "right" in November, and my black bag doesn't feel right in summer. So for me the season determines the color at least to some extent. For instance, I'm planning to embark on a quest for a great bag for this spring and summer, probably in cream. It'll need to be a bag big enough to fit all of the things above, and my hunch is that I'll carry this at least 90% of the time, during the day and even in the evening, just because it's too much hassle to switch bags. I would only switch bags for some special outings. I want that bag to be beautiful, functional (size, but also comfortable to carry), and good quality (nice leather or interesting non-leather material). And I'll be willing to pay much more than in the past, which for me has been more like $25-30. Haven't decided the amount yet, but will probably cap it at $200 or so. Hopefully that'll get me something nice, versatile and durable. Of course, on the other hand I really envy other women's bag collections (Angie's make me swoon) and I worry about limiting myself with the purchase of just one good bag. But then I remind myself that 1) Angie doesn't carry as much as I do in her bag, and 2) she built her collection over many years. For me, getting to the perfect 3 bags - one for spring/summer, one for fall/winter, and one for evenings - would be a huge accomplishment. Maya on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57864 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:42:03 +0000 Maya 57864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bags need to be functional and fashionable. I don't think these have to be mutually exclusive at all. I have the added limitation of not buying leather and I still find it very easy to find the right bags. I don't think you *have* to be a bag-crazed person though. Just like not everyone is into shoes, jewelry, or scarves, some people just don't care for bags. Have you seen this post? <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2007/02/28/the-3-bag-complement/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2007/02/.....omplement/</a> I don't care much for dividing up my wardrobe into seasons (I'm the kind of wretch that would (and does) totally wear a tweed bag in summer without a hitch). I'm much more concerned about size. Rather than a winter bag, summer bag, and evening bag, my basic bags are based on size. This is my small itinerary: -Yellow Mango tote from Angie. This is kind of a curveball for me but I couldn't resist. It was cute AND free. It's also huge so I can really pack in a lot when I need to. -Yellow frame vintage bag. This is my "fun" bag. It has a cute shape and a bright color that still goes with most of my clothes. It's small-medium sized which is my usual preference. -Aforementioned Pia bag. It's tiny. Just big enough for my wallet, lip balm, and phone. I like to travel light when possible. -Brown UO satchel. This is my go-to bag for the work week and other excursions to the city. It goes with everything but still has some detail and personality. -Black patent Matt & Nat tote. I used this while I was in school to lug around sketch pads, tracing paper, artwork, and other supplies. Now I don't really use it as much but I keep it around. It's a nice bag to have. So as you can see, every bag has a purpose. I do not buy bags because I feel like it. I buy them because I need them. I am just not a bag person. Kristen on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57847 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:53:37 +0000 Kristen 57847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG, I have come to realize I have a ridiculous amount of bags, and I really only use 2-3 per year. My gf works at Coach and so through her I have picked up a gorgeous brown patent hobo and a black satchel that I use pretty much constantly during the winter and fall. Summer and spring I tend to go for cheaper bags in a variety of colors and fabrics, but unfortunately they really *are* cheap and I end up not liking them much or not using them enough. I've been thinking it's time to invest in a good cream summer bag that I can use as much as I do my Coach bags. I also have several nice bags I got at the end of F&T on 90% employee clearance price: a brown satchel, a black patent bowler that I love for spring, and a huge anaconda satchel. I wish I had more colored bags though, and I really only have the black croc clutch for an evening bag. Hmmm, might be time to pull those F&T bags out. I'm ready to make a switch. Lee Hovey on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57844 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:48:26 +0000 Lee Hovey 57844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I am halfway between function and accessorie. I like to change up my handbag once a week or so, or per a specific outfit. Right now I am carrying a brown Coach bag that my best friend just gave me. It's a nice neutral color, with brown canvas, bronze leather and a pretty scarf, it seems appropriate for the in-between feeling of spring so far. But I have about 15 handbags in about 8 or 10 different colors. I have been trying to add more color to my handbag collection to better think of it as an accessorie. But I am like youl, I don't like to spend alot. Maybe I will do a handbag post on my blog this weekend, because I think this is a great thread Kari!! JewelryGirl on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57839 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:53:19 +0000 JewelryGirl 57839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my Kari, you have quite the collection! It looks like you could accessorize with your outfits easy as others do. I'm quite the opposite. I spend quite a bit on one & then carry it forever. My current black coach I've been sporting for about a year & 1/2 now. It's probably time, I just hate to shop for a new one cause I like a certain style (I guess it would be considered a hobo or a satchel - one strap & I prefer a little pocket on the outside for my cell phone). I feel funny if I don't have a nice one to carry (not sure what that's all about) & it seems like it takes me forever to find a replacement. I love how others sport them as accessories. I LOVE accessories but this is one I've never gotten into much believe it or not. I'll have to watch this thread & learn! Kari on "Handbags as fashion or function?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/handbags-as-fashion-or-function#post-57838 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:44:30 +0000 Kari 57838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This post is triggered by a comment Antje recently made about her reluctance to spend a great deal on handbags, and that most of her bags in the past were impulse purchases. I can relate, although from what I've seen Antje is much farther along on building a good handbag collection than I am. I also noticed that in Angie's sample photos for her spring accessory posts, she routinely changes up her handbags depending on what she's wearing, which is something that I don't really "get" how to do (except for changing between seasons or levels of formality.) I'd love to see a discussion about how to think of handbags as fashion accessories rather than functional pieces and see if I can change my perspective towards my purses. I tend to buy one or two cheap bags per year ($40 or more is an "expensive purse" to me) and use them until they fall apart. I carry about twice as much as Angie's normal purse contents, and I usually like to carry big bags in case I bring my bulky camera along. I guess I think of handbags as functional outerwear pieces that I use every day, not as interchangeable accessories, so I haven't posted any of them with my outfits. I do try to make sure my coat and shoes don't clash with my bag, but that's about as far as I go. (Same thing with eyeglasses - I rotate between two pairs of specs, but though I like my frames, they are everyday accessories that I need to function.) Are any of the rest of you in the same boat? For a better idea of what I'm talking about, this is what my purse collection looks like: Three large bags. I used the giraffe print bag in fall and early winter; the straps aren't terribly well made and one of them needs some repair. I'm currently using the purple one. The canvas and pink patent Lands End bag (a gift) is probably something I'll use for summer, although right now I use it for overnight travel. <a href="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu175/karilookfab/accessories/Picture124.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i645.photobucket.com/al.....ure124.jpg</a> A bunch of mid-size bags. In the lower right is a brown patent Beijo bag I got as a gift - I use this for most fancy events. The silk print bag in the upper right is pretty but doesn't get much wear because the print clashes with printed outfits. I've used the green bag in the lower left as a smaller summer purse. The two small bags in the upper left were bags I used a lot as daily purses when I carried much less, but I feel like they are out of style now. <a href="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu175/karilookfab/accessories/IMG_452.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i645.photobucket.com/al.....MG_452.jpg</a> Some small bags. The gold, pewter, and black velvet are relics from high school formal dances and I haven't used them in ages. (Maybe I should for weddings?) The blue silk bag was something I picked up in a market in London about 6 years ago because I liked the beading. The cord is too long, even for a cross-body bag. The emerald patent clutch was a more recent buy that I'll try to use this season (probably without the wrist strap) in situations where I only need to carry cell phones, wallet, and a few cards/cash. <a href="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu175/karilookfab/accessories/IMG_447.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i645.photobucket.com/al.....MG_447.jpg</a>