https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:12:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1287236 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 06:33:41 +0000 Ornella 1287236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somehow my previous response went into thin air... here we go again...</p> <p><b>One800mum</b> :: Thank you.&nbsp;These are great, but more gear-y than what I'm after at the moment.</p> <p><b>Marin</b> :: convertible backpack sounds great too.</p> <p>Thanks&nbsp;<b>Inge</b>, once again, for your effort and what a great brand. The more I look at suggestions and some of my picks (not all are posted), the more satchel seems like a a good&nbsp;option too.</p> <p><b>shiny</b> :: thanks for your suggestion and bag review :-). I will have to see if I can see Coach bags somewhere in brick-and-mortar store.</p> <p><b>Isis</b> :: I have rear rack and plan buy the basket too. The bag in your link is a great idea, but I need bigger one for all the (MOTG especially)&nbsp;stuff I often end up&nbsp;carrying around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1287055 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 00:05:39 +0000 Isis 1287055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have a basket for your bike?&nbsp; Or a rear rack?</p> <p>I love the po campo bags! Check this one out:</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://shop.pocampo.com/collections/all/products/six-corners" rel="nofollow">http://shop.pocampo.com/collec.....ix-corners</a></p> <p>Personally I just use "shopper" panniers on a rear rack and throw everything back there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286928 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:11:22 +0000 shiny 1286928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps not what you're looking for but this is my current go-to bag - in the blush pink:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Product-madison_small_phoebe_shoulder_bag_in_leather-10551-10051-26224-en?cs=litn2&amp;catId=5000000000000015034&amp;navCatId=7100000000000000597">http://www.coach.com/online/ha.....10551-1005</a></p> <p>And Coach is having a sale right now. I am actually seriously considering duplicating this in a brown or black for fall, I love this bag so much.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not sure it'll work for you since you probably want a zipper, in case the bag falls out of your bicycle basket. But it does have a zippered compartment in the middle which I find extremely useful when traveling - I put my travel receipts and passport and other important items there. It's roomy enough to hold a scarf, rain hat, cardigan, but the "small" version is scaled fine for someone like me only 5'0 tall.&nbsp;</p> <p>The leather is just luscious too. The bag was a bit stiff initially but has softened with wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally I'm loving Coach again, check out their other bags too.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286918 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:34:49 +0000 Inge 1286918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it too, Astrid. And for some reason I too don't always think to check out Matt and Nat, but they have great stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286917 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:33:54 +0000 Inge 1286917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few more:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fossilglobal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=36081&amp;langId=10&amp;catalogId=25005&amp;categoryId=331139&amp;cm_vc=331139&amp;pn=&amp;productId=22456433&amp;imagePath=ZB5486600">http://www.fossilglobal.com/we.....38;catalog</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fossilglobal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=36081&amp;langId=10&amp;catalogId=25005&amp;categoryId=331139&amp;cm_vc=331139&amp;pn=&amp;productId=22456382&amp;imagePath=ZB5464231">http://www.fossilglobal.com/we.....38;catalog</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286899 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:19:44 +0000 Astrid 1286899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Inge - I love the Matt and Nat backpack! Totally forgot about them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286893 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:12:07 +0000 Inge 1286893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW Ornella: I used to be able to fit a medium (fairly large) very structured handbag in my bike basket, so it's definitely worth a try:-) And I like the silver Esprit one, not too boxy at all to my eye, but then again, I like these types of bags a lot.&nbsp;</p> <p>Matt and Nat might also be worth a look. Most of their bags come in several colours, so be sure to check them all out.&nbsp;For example:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/brave-dw-taupe">http://mattandnat.com/shop/brave-dw-taupe</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/satchels/marlon-vn-paprika">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....vn-paprika</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/satchels/orwell-vn-glacier">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....vn-glacier</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/jorjalg-dw-taupe">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....g-dw-taupe</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/laika-dw-peach">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....a-dw-peach</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/minka-dw-taupe">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....a-dw-taupe</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/toujours-dw-black">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....s-dw-black</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/trench-dw-green">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....h-dw-green</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/mitsuko-vn-caramel">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....vn-caramel</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/crossbody/riley-vn-paprika">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....vn-paprika</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/totes/sid-dw-green">http://mattandnat.com/shop/han.....d-dw-green</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286872 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:43:45 +0000 Anonymous 1286872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about a convertible backpack? I have been thinking about this myself. I prefer to wear my bags as a cross-body but have situations that a backpack is MUCH more convenient. The finds are what I am dreaming about but I don't know if I can justify the cost. I have the tendency to trash my everyday MOTG bag.<br />&nbsp;<br />I have been eyeing this one on etsy. Not the most stylish but is looks super functional.&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181768913/cabo-convertible-backpack?ref=market">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....ref=market</a></p> <p>Maybe to hobo, not structured<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175135840/leather-backpack-convertible-backpack?ref=market">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....ref=market</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162502185/royal-blue-leather-convertible-backpack?ref=market">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....ref=market</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286853 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:20:04 +0000 One800mom 1286853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My son loves his Chrome messenger bag for bicycling to his downtown job.&nbsp; Are these too gear for your needs? <a href="http://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/womens" rel="nofollow">http://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/womens</a><br />I like the welded postbag for the structure.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286847 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:52:38 +0000 Astrid 1286847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, welcome to the Canon DSLR club then. And yes, even the bigger Esprit stores here in Berlin don't have all the bags they have online. I'm personally a fan of the B&amp;W, but the silver might be a better option if you want structure. I've had an Esprit bag in the past which I really loved and wore to death.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286839 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:40:42 +0000 Ornella 1286839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're wise Astrid :-)&nbsp;I'll keep an eye on the bag, thanks for introducing me to the line.</p> <p>The camera is the only thing I truly want when it comes to 'stuff' and I'll probably return to in around my birthday. Our finances picture will be clearer then after the move. I had Canon EOS&nbsp;33 and would probably look for its digital counterpart.</p> <p>In the meantime, I was browsing a bit.&nbsp;Esprit has great casual bags. They have such small selection in my local store, but on-line is a different thing. I actually like the silver one, it may have potential actually although it's a bit too boxy (is it? my eye may just need adjusting), and the B&amp;W is beautiful but perhaps not structured enough.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286578 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:40:10 +0000 Astrid 1286578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I can understand the saving up thing. I would love to hear what camera you are getting if you decide! As for the Toronto bag, it's one of their main lines they do every season, with maybe slight changes and in new colors. So there's no hurry if you really like it!</p> <p>ETA<br /> You could also wait to see if the red will go on sale too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286570 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:29:59 +0000 Ornella 1286570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking back to Suz and Janet's suggestions,&nbsp;there was a link from Mander (?)&nbsp;to a white backpack these days. I'll look it up as a friend is coming over from the UK and might bring it if it's worth considering... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286545 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:23:10 +0000 Anonymous 1286545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the bag Angie recommended. &nbsp;I will be looking into that one for myself. &nbsp;</p> <p>Let us know what you decide. &nbsp;I am always interested in the final outcome. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286537 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:11:38 +0000 Ornella 1286537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know. I'm just beginning the search and there is no pressure. It's a case of training the eye about what I really want so I can quickly recognise the right thing. (I also want to start saving towards the digital SLR, which&nbsp;with the move and additional 'little'&nbsp;related costs creeping up from everywhere leave me with the tight budget.)</p> <p>ETA: *plonk*&nbsp;That red Toronto is so beautiful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286516 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:21:21 +0000 Astrid 1286516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is also a messenger/crossbody version of the shopper above:<br /> <a href="http://www.jost-bags.com/de/women/taschen/toronto-m-l-100498.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.jost-bags.com/de/wo.....00498.html</a></p> <p>And another one:<br /> <a href="http://www.jost-bags.com/de/women/taschen/halifax-messenger-bag-m-109557.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.jost-bags.com/de/wo.....09557.html</a></p> <p>I can't wait to see what you'll end up with! Do you want black then? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286481 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:03:01 +0000 Ornella 1286481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all. I like the idea of <b>Angie's</b> structured crossbody a lot.</p> <p><b>Elle</b> :: Cambridge satchel is a great option too.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286464 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:38:34 +0000 Astrid 1286464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it's a shopper with crossbody strap, I added another picture above where you can see the size. </p> <p>Ornella, agree about the price! If it were not so expensive I might have already bought it, but I don't have that kind of money. Their stuff is rather longlasting, but I do think it's overpriced. There are always the gear brands of course if you want a backpack, but they are rather sporty in comparison.</p> <p><a href="https://crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=all-backpacks&amp;Dinky-Di-Backpack---L&amp;sprache=DE&amp;productID=8480" rel="nofollow">https://crumpler.eu/index.cfm?.....uctID=8480</a></p> <p><a href="https://crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=all-backpacks&amp;Private-Surprise-Backpack---15W&amp;productID=7704&amp;sprache=DE" rel="nofollow">https://crumpler.eu/index.cfm?.....4&#038;spr</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.dakine-shop.de/de/detail/index/sArticle/34705" rel="nofollow">http://www.dakine-shop.de/de/d.....icle/34705</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286149 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:16:48 +0000 ElleH 1286149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a style of satchel that is made for cyclists. It is a crossbody. There are different brands in varying prices. They are medium &amp; structured but not too dressy. Can anybody chime in to help here? This is the one I would get if I could afford it. <a href="http://www.loefflerrandall.com/rider-bag-collection" rel="nofollow">http://www.loefflerrandall.com.....collection</a></p> <p>There is the Cambridge satchel in Angie's picks. Comes in different colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286147 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:14:18 +0000 Suz 1286147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Astrid. Now I can see! It looks a bit like a shopper, actually, no? But maybe smaller? I find it hard to judge. Or maybe I do not know my bag terminology.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie is onto something with structured crossbody.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the backpack Astrid linked!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286093 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 23:37:58 +0000 Angie 1286093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about a structured crossbody?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286046 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 22:28:27 +0000 Ornella 1286046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz, Janet</b> :: the backpacks are a great solution, although it can be tricky to get the right size. The ones like what I have are smallish and therefore impractical.</p> <p><b>Astrid</b> :: that looks like&nbsp;one great backpack. And the size is perfect. The price tag though </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286040 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 22:19:01 +0000 Astrid 1286040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favourite practical backpack that also looks good is this one:<br /> <a href="http://www.freitag.ch/Reference/Backpack/COOLIDGE/pa/R521_00127" rel="nofollow">http://www.freitag.ch/Referenc.....R521_00127</a></p> <p>Love the silver! But it's also quite expensive. And rather big. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286030 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:59:31 +0000 Astrid 1286030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are pics of the third link... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286017 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:43:24 +0000 Janet 1286017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz and I are thinking along the same lines -- as I read your post, I was thinking perhaps the answer is another backpack style bag. Something well-made and nicely designed. Since they are trending right now, it might be a good time to find one you love. I'm actually thinking about bags now too (as you can see from my very wordy post today), and I am attracted to backpack styles lately too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1286012 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:35:24 +0000 Suz 1286012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't see the last link for some reason, alas.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it sounds as if you have found a style you might like.&nbsp;</p> <p>My thought is that if you cycle and you walk, you might need different bags for both purposes. I know you said you don't like a shopper. I can see that, for a bike. But I find them super useful for walking days. They are one of my favourite types of bag.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think a stylish backpack, structured, would be perfect for cycling days and days with both bicycle and walking. One similar to Angie's.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1285999 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:14:49 +0000 Astrid 1285999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's good to know! Sometimes it is easiest to make a choice by looking at what we don't want. #3 is my favourite too, by far. Love the dark green and purple options and it's on a big markdown. Great quality brand too and good for pear shapes. Too bad I don't need a new bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1285994 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:07:44 +0000 Ornella 1285994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank <b>Astrid</b>. This will be a tough search, I know it. But if I eliminate what's not an option, that will help me too.</p> <p>1.) Too hobo/unstructured.</p> <p>2.) Too shopper-y ;-)</p> <p>3.) Best of the bunch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1285991 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:59:40 +0000 Astrid 1285991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So maybe something semi structured to replace the black pleather crossbody bag? These all have a crossbody strap as an option and aren't completely inflexible. Or are they too dressy?</p> <p><a href="http://www.picard-lederwaren.de/new-arrivals/beuteltasche-moa.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.picard-lederwaren.d.....e-moa.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.picard-lederwaren.de/new-arrivals/shopper-sumatra.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.picard-lederwaren.d.....matra.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.jost-bags.com/de/women/toronto-cityshopper-m-108057.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.jost-bags.com/de/wo.....08057.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-finding-casual-and-structured-handbag-for-motg#post-1285967 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:40:08 +0000 Ornella 1285967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had a whole day of struggling with extremely impractical handbag, which led me to being 110% certain of&nbsp;what my&nbsp;latest wardrobe <b>need</b>&nbsp;is -&nbsp;a handbag that is of substantial size, but not too big, is&nbsp;structured and casual enough not to be an eyesore&nbsp;for MOTG lifestyle.&nbsp;</p> <p>If possible, I'd be one-bag-lady, but I have 4 in rotation at the moment, two being the workhorses:&nbsp;my black leather&nbsp;backpack, which is fun, super practical but sometimes too small, and my pleather black cross-body handbag which is practical and I love it, but is slowly showing signs of ageing. So, I know my backpacks and crossbodies, and would now like to expand my horizons a bit.</p> <p>The main dilemma?<br />I walk a lot and more importantly - cycle&nbsp;a lot. I don't like overly casual handbags.&nbsp;I also <u>love</u> structured handbags for various reasons, but one is especially important - practicality. It annoys me&nbsp;when the bag collapses&nbsp;while I'm digging through it. Yet,&nbsp;I cannot seem to think that&nbsp;overly&nbsp;structured handbag fits in&nbsp;the bike basket. Am I completely wrong?</p> <p>I'd mostly benefit from visual at this stage. I'd appreciate your help&nbsp;in kickstarting my search.</p> <p>Thanks in advance. </p>