https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:50:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286731 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:11:53 +0000 Sveta 1286731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quite a collection, Janet! I especially in love with your clutches (that BCBG white architectural beauty from Boston!) I myself have a very turbulent relationship with them: love how they look but find them awkward to use for my lifestyle :-(<br />Like Suz I am also a bag neophyte and have very few of them - but I tend to use all of them year round rather than per a season: is it a bag fashion failure? :-)<br />I am with Angie on letting go of #1 and 3 - they do not do your style justice. As for the metallic tote - I adore my Danier silver tone. It is very shiny mirror-like finish but in a bubble pattern with black so it is not overwhelming, it is quite structured&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(similar in style to a new&nbsp;tote Suz bought &nbsp;) and I find that it works with everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />As I am not a bag lady I always approach a bag purchase from the practical angle: if it does not suit my lifestyle and needs I will not us it - does not matter how beautiful the bag is. Maybe this is why I have so few of them...:-)<br />Sorry, I am not really helpful here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286640 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:04:57 +0000 Susie 1286640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this thread, Janet, and relate to a lot of your preferences like structure and minimal hardware. Satchels and clutches are my favorite styles too. </p> <p>You have a beautiful collection of clutch bags. I always seem to notice them in your WIW photos and think they really add something to the outfit. I think a replacement metallic one could be a good addition for you. </p> <p>I like the idea of a backpack for you. Cobalt sounds great! I also think a pattern in your cool tones in either a tote or satchel would work well. </p> <p>I've recently been thinking about a satchel in a camel/tan/saddle color. I don't wear brown but I like to see camel with black and also with white. Maybe NAS will have something for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286614 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:36:38 +0000 Angie 1286614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Order the Aimee and some back packs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286544 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:20:45 +0000 lyn67 1286544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your satchels and clutches Janet, thanx for posting them. I'm not really a bag girl as I have only a few for each seazon, but I've learnt a lot from Angie's short and to the point comment:-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286542 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:16:42 +0000 Anonymous 1286542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Janet!! &nbsp;What a great thread. &nbsp;First, I agree with you and Deborah&nbsp;regarding slouchy bags. &nbsp;They do look tired and sloppy. &nbsp;I need lines and structure to feel good about a bag. &nbsp;I also like something distinctive about the bag so that it stands out. &nbsp;In my case, I am going to experiment with color. &nbsp;Any addition of color will be an improvement because my entire bag collection is black leather (with minimal hardware). &nbsp;The absence of hardware was just luck. &nbsp;I don't ever remember making a conscious choice to forego it. &nbsp;</p> <p>I also agree with Angie. &nbsp;Be ruthless. &nbsp;You will not regret it. &nbsp;Get rid of most of the bags in pictures number 1 and 3 (although I very much like the grey and navy tote). &nbsp;The others don't look fab enough for you. &nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a website I am using to focus my search for purses/totes: &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2013/08/05/building-a-bag-capsule-wardrobe/">http://into-mind.com/2013/08/0.....-wardrobe/</a>. &nbsp;I am finding out that I need bags in&nbsp;two primary categories (totes for work&nbsp;and satchels for weekends). &nbsp;I am hopeful that I will find what I am looking for at NAS, however, I decided to list exactly what I want/need prior to the sale and refuse to compromise. &nbsp;</p> <p>NAS has a catalog? &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286532 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:07:03 +0000 Janet 1286532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found this backpack too -- nice structure, interesting style, and in cobalt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286230 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:25:12 +0000 Janet 1286230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, Angie, that's verrry interesting. Maybe I'll order that and the Aimee Kestenberg bag to check them out in person -- of course, neither one is available anywhere near me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286223 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:17:55 +0000 Jaime 1286223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet I loved this thread. I have been going through a bag evolution myself and could relate to a lot of what you said. I am definitely attracted to structure more and more (still prefer lack of hardware), although I am keeping my favorite hobos. The one is #3 that I do love is the reptile print with funky handles - is that the Cynthia Rowley?<br />I recently discovered white bags in particular work brilliantly to brighten up some of my darker looks. So my eyes were immediately drawn to your white and black satchel and the Milly backpack<br />Generally I don't carry clutches but structured cross body bags are my substitute.&nbsp;<br />Hmm, I am not really giving you advice - but Angie has that covered already! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286199 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:06:45 +0000 Angie 1286199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The back pack is also available in white.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286193 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:00:55 +0000 Janet 1286193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, you are seeing what I'm seeing. Photographing everything and looking at it that way has made me even more critical. </p> <p>I love that backpack -- too bad it's sold out! I like the shape and style of the satchel, but I'm not a fan of the jelly look -- I prefer leather or really good faux leather, or even fabric. But I will be doing some browsing and seeing what jumps out at me. </p> <p>NAS catalog came today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286166 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:30:39 +0000 Angie 1286166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, may I suggest being ruthless. Get rid of most off the bags in #1 and #3, and keep your eyes peeled at&nbsp;the NAS.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the meantime you might like these:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286108 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 23:44:41 +0000 Deborah 1286108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, enjoyed reading this. I recently purged my bags also in the realisation that while my style had evolved, I had not looked at bags and was finding they weren't doing what I wanted stylewise any longer.</p> <p>I agree with all your assessments here. The "wrong" bag can really let an outfit down. Even though I like drape and unstructured clothing, I generally prefer a structured bag to play off the unstructured look. Soft saggy bags often end up just looking tired and I hate they won't sit nicely on my bag shelf lol.</p> <p>A structured back pack would be fab in your wardrobe, and I love both bags you linked to. I have one similar to the bowling bag you show and it comes out whenI want to add a bit if lady like to my edge:). I like direction you are heading in:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286028 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:56:14 +0000 Suz 1286028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A structured backpack would be a fun experiment.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you're pretty clear on what you're tired of, and why, and should pass along anything you've considered passing along. There is nothing wrong with any of those bags, but it seems that bags are so personal, and if the thrill is gone, it's probably not coming back any time soon.&nbsp;</p> <p>I adore totes (or shoppers, which are tote sized on me, pretty much). It's funny; on her thread Ornella just expressed a dislike for them. I almost could not comprehend this! Which just goes to show you -- courses for horses.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you like them, I think a new one -- perhaps more&nbsp;structured -- would be a great addition, and I like the idea of a less shiny metallic. I also love the idea of adding some kind of subtle print to your rotation.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am a bag neophyte, so please take my words with a pinch of salt. I only have a few bags in rotation per season. In summer, I have a cobalt shopper (very structured -- I love this about it); a taupe tote (which I don't actually use or like very much because functionally, due to the lining fabrication, it is not structured enough, although in appearance it is); my new Danier black and bone colorblock tote; my hot pink clutch; my small black and white shoulder bag.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking of which, can you tell I <b>LOVE</b> colorblock bags? At least if they are black and white or navy and white.&nbsp;</p> <p>In all seriousness, that might be something else to consider. I actually think that Brahmin striped bag owned by Rae, Marley, Una, et al&nbsp;&nbsp;is the most awesome thing ever and wish I had bought one.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286020 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:44:37 +0000 Janet 1286020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, another thought. I'm kind of intrigued with the idea of a backpack style bag. I wouldn't want to spend a lot on it, because I'm not sure if it's a style that will work long-term for me until I try it. But it's something I'm thinking about.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286016 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:41:14 +0000 Janet 1286016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Kiwigal!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have three evening clutches, too&nbsp;-- I didn't include them in these pictures.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1286014 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:37:34 +0000 Sal 1286014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am no expert!!&nbsp;<br />In looking at your collection I think a light cool neutral could be what is missing, in a similar colour to the Zara bag. &nbsp;This could be a good basic and you have darker bags and colours already. Or maybe a grey?<br />I am not in a position to guide you on shapes and styles- I also like simplicity and ease of use and &nbsp;find a mid-sized bag that is easy to open and close suits me the best.<br />I am also looking to update - I tend to have only two handbags on the go (plus one tote) and this time I am going to go for quality. &nbsp;I will wear it most of the time.<br />I do have several evening purses and clutches as well!<br />&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-my-evolving-handbag-style#post-1285997 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:14:00 +0000 Janet 1285997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling's post from the other day (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-have-a-fetish#position-22">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....osition-22</a>) got me evaluating my handbag collection. I decided to pull them all out, photograph them, and take a good look at what is working for me and what I'm not reaching for.&nbsp;</p> <p>Caution: This is going to be long. I want to thin this collection and add new bags in a thoughtful manner, so if you actually make it through all of this and have any ideas, you are a true friend! :-D</p> <p>Here's the deal. I'm feeling a shift in my bag style.&nbsp;Lately I'm drawn to simpler shapes, less hardware, and more structure in bags. I like bags that stay standing when you sit them on a table or counter.&nbsp;The only slouchy bag I currently love anymore is the silver tote in #1. I *do* like something distinctive in a bag -- shape,&nbsp;texture, a *small* bit of hardware, or a color or print. I don't want so simple as to be boring. I don't want anything heavy or awkward to use. No buckles, etc.&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li><b>Totes:</b> I never use the straw one but I keep it "just in case" for the beach. Honestly though, the next time we plan a beach vacation I'll probably shop for a new one. I think I'm ready to pass along the light grey one with the studs -- the hobo style is too slouchy for me these days. So those two are on the chopping block.</li> <li><b>Satchels and the like:</b>&nbsp;Currently in use: the cobalt, black, black-and-white, mint green and stingray pattern purse. The red I still like, but it's a little slouchy. Same for the turquoise one. I'm kind of over that one.&nbsp;The white snake print Coach bag is possibly going to be sold -- it's one of those thin bags that does not sit nicely on a base. If it worked better as a clutch, I would keep it. I'm also on the fence about the apple green Coach. I like the shape, but I don't reach for the color much, and it has gold hardware, which is not my favorite.</li> <li><b>Wintry colors: </b>These are bags that aren't getting used because they feel too dark/heavy for the season. The dark green Coach bag is another that has fallen out of use. Again, gold hardware. I like the animal print and don't use it a ton, but I enjoy it when I do. I still like that navy and brown Cynthia Rowley and plan to keep it. The navy lace-up bag is slouchy, heavy, and a little boho for me now, but it was a gift from my husband so I'm going to keep it for now. The gray one has been in a holding zone for ages. It was cheap, but I like the color and the shape and I think that shape might be coming back. But again, it was very inexpensive, and maybe I should let it go and wait for a fabber one.&nbsp;</li> <li><b>Clutches: </b>I have been using the heck out of my clutches. All of these can stay. (One nice thing -- clutches barely take up any room to store!)&nbsp;</li> <li><b>More clutches:</b>&nbsp;Again, I get use out of all of these except that vintage one with the handles -- I've never used it (it was a bargain vintage thing). I might pass that along to my niece. Oh, and the metallic one in the top left corner has been used so much it's starting to look a bit worse for the wear. I might keep an eye out for a new metallic clutch.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <br />It strikes me that all of my Coach bags are potentially on the chopping block. Are they too conservative for where I am now? They're all between 2-7 years old.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ideas on what I might go for next: <ul> <li>I'd like to add another tote. I get a lot of use out of them. Maybe a more structured, subtle metallic than the bright silver one, so it will go with everything?&nbsp;</li> <li>Another satchel type bag, perhaps in a print that will go with my predominant color palette (blues, greens, neutrals in cool tones). See the Kestenberg bag in my Finds. Or something in a fun color but in that sort of bowling bag shape, which appeals to me, like the shape of the Zara bag below.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />So what is the shape of bags to come? Any ideas on what I've identified as potential tosses? I welcome your thoughts and ideas, and if you've stuck with me through all of this, I commend you and thank you! :-)</p>