YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you approach building your handbag collection?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you approach building your handbag collection? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:32:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Roxanna on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1699753 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:49:01 +0000 Roxanna 1699753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz and Smittie - the perfect puffer, wool coat and accessories for each are on my list this year. We should start a separate thread for this closer to fall - I'm sure there's gong to be a lot of discussion! Von on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1699206 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:09:12 +0000 Von 1699206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am always adding bags -- I'd like to say I have an end goal, but I just love bags, I change bags almost daily.  I tend to have two sets of bags -- work bags and weekend bags.  I carry a lot to and from work daily, and a few times per week so I have many tote bags and large capacity bags that can handle a spare pair of shoes if needed, lunch, breakfast, snacks, coffee mug, giant wallet etc. Though I SHOULD have the hang of bag changing by now, something is ALWAYS missing (I'm talking to you new lip gloss that I haven't seen in 3 months...).  Sometimes I need a change from leather bags and go over to my utility style and messenger bags, Timbuk2, waxed canvas, nylon and weather friendly, I mix them in with my biz wardrobe. My theory is "whatever matches, I can make it work"  I do tend to buy reds, oranges, greens -- bright colors in addition to the neutrals. Never know how I'm going to feel one day!  Monday, I realized I had two bags in two different styles of the exact same colors, purchased years apart. texstyle on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1699165 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:59:22 +0000 texstyle 1699165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm kind of an emotional handbag buyer the past several years - so I do tend to end up with too many. And since I don't like changing them out very often, I end up with too many sitting in the closet. What I've tried to do in more recent years is to buy one in spring and one in fall. Problem is that I haven't gotten rid of past years spring/fall bags. Right now I have a great navy bag and a cognac bag that are both pretty new and would be great for fall. And I have a taupe/gray bag that is still in good shape I got last spring. But I have a big *want* of a bright red bag after seeing the recent ensemble by Angie. Maybe I need a splash of color for my mostly neutral wardrobe. I know, this probably doesn't help much. Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1699017 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:01:20 +0000 Anonymous 1699017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm much more of a shoe person, too. nicoleb on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1698941 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 13:33:20 +0000 nicoleb 1698941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly i'm just really not a handbag person. Once and awhile i see one i LOVE but typically i feel pretty, "meh" about most of them. And i'm often too lazy to switch my stuff out to a different one. >_> Shoes however, are a different story. I'm definitely a shoe person. ;)  Chris987 on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1698929 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 13:17:45 +0000 Chris987 1698929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful information posted here. I feel the need to go through Angie's wardrobe refresher steps again and I will use all the info here to include a bag refresher as part of that. Suz on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1692276 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 23:48:19 +0000 Suz 1692276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha, Smittie, we can reconvene when the cold winds begin.  :)  Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1692236 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:20:09 +0000 Anonymous 1692236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Both bags look rather nice, *Chris*. *Suz*, going P&P shopping would be so much fun but it would be like the blind leading the blind as I am as confused as you are about what bag to buy! I think my main problem is that winter is a casual time for me, and that would warrant a casual cross body, but cross body over a puffer is a bit awkward. Anyway, I'll stop talking about puffers and let everyone get on with their summer! Chris987 on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1692232 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:01:26 +0000 Chris987 1692232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow. What an incredible amount of fabulous information. I'm quite overwhelmed! Thanks so much everyone I really need to go off and do some serious study of all these comments, which I promise to do and reply later in the week. In the meantime, posting this reminded me of a few bags I had in my donation pile that are closer to the size I want. I'm going to revive them for a while as part of my further investigation.  I added finds for them below. (apologies for the sloppy pictures with black hangers) - faux leather Franco Sarto "doctor bag" in cognac that I was going to get rid of because the black trim on the handles was peeling off. Instead I just cut off the bad part and just took a felt marker to it to mimic where the trim was, and it looks much better. I really liked this bag for a while  a couple of years ago. - a black DKNY bag that has major structural issues. The leather is beautiful but too soft for how the bag is constructed. The leather is pulled and stretched around where the handles attach. It also has two side pockets  along both sides of the entire purse, with zippers at the top of each side, and the soft leather kept shifting around near those zippers so I sewed both of them shut. Suz on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection/page/2#post-1692170 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 16:21:19 +0000 Suz 1692170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, we should go puffer and puffer bag shopping together. I am very unsure about what bags work best with puffers. I really can't figure it out.  Yet I, too, wish for outerwear perfection this year. I mean, it's how the world sees us most of the time, right? We might as well look good. But how?  Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1692140 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:49:08 +0000 Anonymous 1692140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had to think about this for a while. I think my strategy used to be, "buy when there's a hole". So if I didn't have a bag that matched an outfit, I would buy a new bag. The bag was always the last consideration. Now, like *em*, I consider my outfits to be a bit boring (I like them this way) and so my new strategy going forward will be to add statement bags...or bags with a bit more presence...to set the vibe of the outfit. The other "strategy" that I just thought of now is that want outerwear perfection this winter which means picking coat, boots and bag together. I have to replace my puffer this year. It's such a big purchase, and one that I will wear daily for months, that I do need to think about buying the "perfect puffer bag" to go with it. Finally, like *suz*, I need a backpack as part of my core set of bags, for lifestyle reasons. Helen11 on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1692061 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 11:29:21 +0000 Helen11 1692061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a one bag at a time girl. Which has obvious implications for any appearances of style! Taking notes here. Pleased to hear Rachy say she likes fake bags. I agree leather is heavy and I have, in the past, given myself neck pain by carrying a heavy bag! rachylou on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691887 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 01:27:51 +0000 rachylou 1691887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok. I didn't answer the question. So... I think Step 1 is assessing what you have to carry. Step 2 is assessing ergonomic and other requirements, like hands free, weight, etc. Step 3 is environments, level of formality and somberness. Step 4 is personal style and how much you value a bag in terms of your outfits. Step 5 is how much wear and tear you're likely to put on a bag. Step 6 is budget. Hmm. I'll come back if I think of anymore AJ on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691882 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 01:04:17 +0000 AJ 1691882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go about it similar to building capsule wardrobes. I think about the different types of activities or events in my life and try to buy accordingly. For my MOTG lifestyle: Everyday light: med size shoulder bags or med size satchels Everyday heavy: tote bags or backpacks Theme parks/outdoor events: lightweight crossbody or wristlets that are water resistant. Date night/evening party: fun clutches em on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691842 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 23:20:37 +0000 em 1691842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @tulle I think it is because my clothing preferences are so very basic, dull even. My statement bags become the "third piece" to my outfits. Except for the vintage Chanel 2.55. It dates from the late 50s or early 60s and so was once of the first SHOULDER bags ever made. And with that shoulder chain, Coco essentially freed up women's hands forever. Amazing. The bag is wool and has begun to wear at the corners so I am afraid to carry it. But for me it is a symbol of women's liberation. Shoes touch the ground and wear out, as do clothes. I tend to keep both until they are rags. But handbags will last forever, which is why I dedicate so much time and money to them. So they are something I can buy once and never ever have to think about again. Bliss. tulle on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691838 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 23:09:53 +0000 tulle 1691838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting, Chris.  Each woman's collection and method are unique to her.  I admire Em's determined acquisition of special bags, but my assortment has grown more haphazardly. I've realized that my height (5'2") and long arms make large or vertically rectangular totes and bucket bags impractical: they can drag.  So I look for horizontal totes with short, padded handles, and they MUST zip across the top. Leather ones are heavy and  wear out quickly, so I'm looking now for neutral canvas with leather handles. Mostly I carry  leather cross-body bags-- about the size of a hard-cover book--to keep my hands free and the strap from sliding off my shoulder.  I have them in black (vintage Coach) turquoise (contemporary Coach), tan (Kate Spade), and gray (ditto).  I'd love to have more clutches, but ones that look right and feel good in the hand are hard to find.  For now I have a vintage ink satin Koret bag with tortoise shell bakelite clasp, a summery red wicker J. Crew, and a white faux leather.  My oddball, and adored, piece is a soft Bottkier coral lamb leather satchel with shoulder strap.  I love to travel with it, because it holds everything I want to carry on a plane (computer, Kindle, cosmetic bag, wallet, glasses, passport, etc.) in pockets.  Then, when I get to my destination, the shoulder strap can slide under the bag, scrunching it into a medium-sized satchel with comfortable handles. Convertible elements like this, or removable straps that change a crossbody bag into a clutch, are big pluses for me. Angie on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691747 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 19:06:56 +0000 Angie 1691747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You build a bag capsule with lots of love and passion. These dear wardrobe pets deserve special attention.  rachylou on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691694 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 18:01:56 +0000 rachylou 1691694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to buy bags because I liked the way they looked, but then they'd go to waste. It was too much switching and I got tired of carrying things in hand. I really exist now on the two-bag complement: satchel, carried in hand for dressy casual occasions, and daily hands-free hip pack. Ok, I actually have three hip packs, one was a dollar store purchase, one is new, and one is almost dead. And I have a few smaller, more delicate bags in deep storage (like clutches), a computer backpack for on-foot commuting, and an office-appropriate tote. And my beloved Gucci queen mum purse, which I've taken out of daily use so I can have it forever, lol. It's perfect and I don't like today's offerings as much to be honest. Anyways, my satchel comes from Target. I really like Target bags because they're fun style wise, they personally last a long time for me, and don't make me sad when they go - and most importantly are FAKE. Yes, fake. I find real leather very heavy and it gives me headaches to carry heavy bags... Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691691 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:54:48 +0000 Anonymous 1691691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lately I've been pretty handbag-centric with my wardrobe.  I adore bags and will buy a great-looking one in an eye-catching color and then build an outfit to showcase it.  In other words, I'm letting my bags do the heavy lifting rather than my clothes.  Weird, huh?  I guess I'm a bit obsessed with bags, but there you go.  I just bought a citrus-red Cole-Haan bag at Rack and I've been having fun pairing it with stuff I already have.  It gives some of my wardrobe staples a new look.  Now I have my eye on a bright blue one.  Where will this end? Suz on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691690 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:54:19 +0000 Suz 1691690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't it interesting the way some women fall in love with bags? Angie is one. And clearly others here as well.  I am far more of a "bag lady" than I used to be, but still,  if I waited to fall in love with every bag, I wouldn't own a single one!! Bags and I have far more of a marriage of convenience than love, I fear!  But I do sometimes fall in love after the fact. Especially if the bag either fits every one of my practical demands OR adds something special and unexpected to outfits.  Barbara Diane on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691688 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:46:55 +0000 Barbara Diane 1691688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ em thank you for the information about Nordstrom adding feet and zippers. Feet would definitely help as I do tend to put my bags on the floor. And I have passed up many a bag due to lack of a zipper. Barbara Diane on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691687 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:43:52 +0000 Barbara Diane 1691687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I carry too much, so the bags I use daily are nylon Longchamps. I can fit in a book, notebooks, etc., when needed, along with a sweater, etc. This summer I am wearing a light slightly grayed blue that I bought a few years ago but didn't wear much then. During the winter I carried the black one I purchased at NAS a few years ago. It expands to a very large bag when unzipped. I have another one Longchamp in a beautiful bright navy with a bit of sheen that is the style where the handle and the bag are the same color. That bag I coveted at Nordstrom but finally found on sale at TJMaxx when I wasn't looking. When I take a walk I wear a LeSportsac crossbody. I have two purchased on sale. Those are what I actually wear. I have other medium size bags, mostly leather, and some clutches that get very occasional use, usually when I am dressed for a special occasion.  I keep pondering being someone who actually plans far enough ahead to change bags, and am also pondering being someone who carries less. Author Linda on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691686 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:41:12 +0000 Author Linda 1691686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love handbags and have loved them forever, so my collection grew organically. When younger I received great advice from a woman whose style I admired: quality leather if cared for properly lasts forever. I took the leap and bought an expensive-for-me messenger style black Coach bag I loved. Thirty five years later, I'm still using that trusty bag often and it looks like new. Its simple lines are timeless. Needless to say, that bag is the foundation of my handbag collection. My foundation bags (purchased over 30+ years, not all at once!) are beautifully crafted of leather in colors I know I'll use often. Some of my early purchases served professionally, are still working for me, and they complete outfits as beautifully as when I bought them. A bag had to make me long for it with a furious passion, and only then did I buy it. Though at the time I winced at the prices, I see how long they've lasted... heck, I think they're going to outlast me!  If you love handbags, do check out the Purse Forum. The forum is invaluable for learning about higher end bags and finding reputable sources from which to purchase them less expensively.  Other bags in my collection don't have to meet the same high expectations. They serve specific purposes. A recent purchase, a Kate Spade tote, is my favorite weekend bag for spring and summer (used it today, in fact). Thank you, YLF, because someone here gave me that heads up. Similarly, I buy clutches to add pops of color to favorite going-out outfits, but don't spend much on them. There's an olive green waxed canvas bag (7 years old) that I bought on Easy and which does duty on autumn and winter weekend outings. Naturally I have a laptop bag for when I carry my laptop to conferences. Oh, and a pretty, well-made fabric beach bag I fell in love with in a little shop in Sarasota 16 years ago, and still looks wonderful today. The bag collection is ever changing.  My decisions about when to keep or let go are visceral. If it's shabby, it goes. Some pricey bags have met this fate. If it's dated, it goes--I'm getting too old to wait for trends to come around again. LOL  If I no longer love it, it goes.  At the end of the day, I would say if you love it, really love it...if you feel that a particular bag completes you...if no other bag can possibly take its place...go for it if the $$ won't break you. Bags come and go, but perfection visits seldom.  em on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691677 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 17:19:27 +0000 em 1691677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow. I guess I have a problem. A handbag problem. Yikes. Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691670 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:58:24 +0000 Anonymous 1691670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, style, quality and function come first, as I need an everyday bag that I can fit my stuff in and that goes with everything in my wardrobe. I also like to have a clutch for times when I don't need a big bag. An evening clutch for formal events is nice, too. Beyond those 3 basics, I like to have a bag for travel. Right now I have 2 identical D&B handbags for everyday - 1 taupe for Spring/Summer + 1 navy for Fall/Winter. I have a taupe snake clutch, a fancy beaded silver clutch, and a deep green Tignanello tote for travel. Chris987 on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691666 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:49:28 +0000 Chris987 1691666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just found Angie's posting on "a two bag complement...." and am reading it now.. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/04/16/the-two-bag-complement-for-minimalists/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2015/04/.....nimalists/</a> thanks for all the replies so far...I'll get back later.   Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691652 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:28:19 +0000 Anonymous 1691652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember that this blog helped me a lot.   <a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/blog/2013/08/05/building-a-bag-capsule-wardrobe?rq=bags">http://into-mind.com/blog/2013.....be?rq=bags</a> I'll come back later and add to this post, but I have to run for now.   Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691645 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:11:02 +0000 Anonymous 1691645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When something speaks to you it speaks. I would say keep an eye out and wait till you come upon that one that you just have to have. If you have your basics look for something different and unique to add to your collection something fun and edgy. I make handcrafted leather bags from clutches to handbags to four ways so I do not shop for them anymore. So I don't know how helpful this will be but I hope it is jill58 on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691642 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16:00:05 +0000 jill58 1691642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love handbags and haven't taken a very methodical approach to collecting them. These are the handbags that are in current rotation. My favorite handbag brands are Fossil and Rebecca Minkoff, however for years I've carried a Kenneth Cole leather hobo bag. It's huge and I've gotten tired of always carrying such a big bag. I like satchels that aren't too large--the Fossil Sydney and recently purchased RM small black satchel are a good size for me. The small RM crossbody I use for slightly dressy occasions when I don't want to carry a lot of stuff. The RM Regan crossbody gets lots of daily use--I love to have my hands/arms free but can't always get away with that small a bag. It's a nice light color for summer (I can't seem to do white) and it works with everything I wear. The Lucky bucket bag also get's a lot of use because it works well with some sandals that I wear frequently and the size is useful. All of my handbags fill a niche in terms of functionality depending on how much I want to carry. They also range from casual to more dressy in style. I am very much a sale shopper and none of these bags were purchased at full price.  Anonymous on "How do you approach building your handbag collection?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-approach-building-your-handbag-collection#post-1691622 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 15:00:13 +0000 Anonymous 1691622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On a serious note - I don't buy bags with any sort of regularity. In fact, there can be entire years where I don't buy one. How many purses can one use anyways? I don't like adding to a collection of things that get used only once in awhile.  I either make a new one my go-to or don't buy now. I won't do a pattered bag or multicoloured bag, and prefer a mid-size shoulder bag or satchel with a shoulder strap that fits a big wallet, makeup bag, phone and my notebook/daytimer.  I'm all for dark neutrals, save for a baby blue shoulder bag bought last summer which has been a surprising smart buy. I wear it ALL the time in summer.  A bag absolutely finishes an outfit, and is part of your style message.  I think about what I buy very carefully now and do not mind spending as much as I can afford.