https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 14:47:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375573 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:37:16 +0000 rosee 375573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a bag that caught my eye -- it's a messenger style with a more stylish look, but the measurements are 12" length x 12" height x 2" depth x 20" strap length. I think you would need at least 4" depth for your purposes though. A longer strap is better for easy access to the bag, and for it to hit at the right spot on the body (I'm 5'6" so I need a 19 - 20" strap). I like the brown tone, but you can find something similar in a brighter color too. Just posting the idea, realizing this particular bag might not work. Also, a bit pricey, especially with the higher shipping cost.</p> <p><a href="http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&#038;item=180559397380&#038;ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAP.....K:MEWAX:IT</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375449 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 04:22:26 +0000 Cilleena 375449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, looking at them again. Yes, 2 and 3 are too dressy. I see what you mean about the print on 1, so #4 is the best option in the army green. I am noticing that the straps look a little short in picture with the model. Rosee brings up an excellent point about needing it to be hands free as much as possible. This one looks like you may have to take it off your shoulder to access the contents, no? I'd like one that is either crossbody or I can pull one of the straps down to get to the inside.</p> <p>Carole- Thank you. Love my little furbaby. She gets so many compliments. Looks like you have cutie Sheltie too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375428 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:42:28 +0000 rosee 375428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the MKors bag! but all are good -- perhaps you could find something similar at a lower price point. The Fossil bag looks great but would be better if it was a solid for everyday use.</p> <p>My criteria for bags:<br /> - uber-practical -- hands-free as much as possible, fits a lot of stuff (especially binder or laptop if possible), large strap to fit over heavier winter coats<br /> - well-organized but simple design (some, not a lot of pockets internally, few outer details)<br /> - more structured or semi-structured (the "stand up" factor)<br /> - great color that goes with my wardrobe (1 reason why I want to redye the cognac 1 navy)</p> <p>I now have 4 bags -- 2 that I have acquired recently on ebay for relatively cheap:<br /> - cognac leather Roots tote -- could fit a 1/2" binder or small laptop in it (I think I want to redye it navy though, b/c it's looking a little worn)<br /> - red Coach messenger crossbody (new to me, on ebay) -- similar size to tote<br /> - olive Danier hobo -- fits a lot of stuff in it<br /> - espresso brown Fossil crossbody (new to me, on ebay) -- my relatively smaller bag, when I don't want a bigger bag with me (going out, etc.).</p> <p>With water bottles leaking /sweating and leather -- I have a great Camelback water bottle that I bought a few years ago (and haven't lost yet like I usually do), that doesn't leak or sweat in hotter weather, so no problem in a leather bag. You can get them at outdoor gear stores. </p> <p>It sounds like you know what you want in a bag, so now you just have to shop around to get ideas. It does sound like you want a crossbody as opposed to a tote or hobo, so consider this as an important detail. I'll shop around too and see if I find anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375389 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:51:59 +0000 Lisa 375389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another bag #3 vote, I like the size, the handles look like they would stay on the shoulder since they are thicker and the perforated detail is just fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375380 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:37:55 +0000 Carole 375380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too, I like the olive one, great neutral color. (ps. I love your sheltie avatar!!!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375378 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:35:45 +0000 Jonesy 375378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, I absolutely adore your taste in bags. My vote is for the olive one too. That is my kinda bag...just perfect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375290 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:25:12 +0000 Angie 375290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seee! Welcome to Team Handbag! </p> <p>Cilleena, the Fossil bag is sweet but the pattern is limiting. Pass. The LAMB and MK bags are divine, but probably a little too dressy. The Linea Pelle in olive green is perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375221 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:58:42 +0000 modgrl 375221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When your water bottle opens or sweats in the heat, it could ruin the leather on the nicer bags. It's a non issue if you're always going to have a separate diaper bag and can stick the water bottles in there. The darker colors would probably show less dirt if you are taking it to the playground, etc. </p> <p>I have this one </p> <p><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Tignanello-GLAM-RED-LEATHER-ICONIC-SHOULDER-TOTE-BAG_W0QQitemZ380313858605QQcategoryZ63852QQvarZQQcmdZViewItem#ht_5365wt_902" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/Tignanello.....5365wt_902</a></p> <p>It is an awesome bag, big enough to stick a few extra diapers in but classy enough that it doesn't feel like a diaper bag. I don't carry sippy cups in it though. Also I like the xbody option. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375205 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:45:07 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 375205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love 1 but possibly the print is too busy if it's your main bag...</p> <p>Love the others too - how much can you spend?</p> <p>I'm not at all a bag lady, but I ended up with nearly what Angie recommends, which is (from memory, correct me if I'm wrong...):<br /> 1 neutral (camel)<br /> 1 bright (bright pink)<br /> And I think I'm supposed to have a dark neutral too (black or navy blue) - that's the bit I've not managed yet.<br /> (I do have a couple of cheaper clutches too that are a bit of fun)</p> <p>Anyway - I bought my two on sale at the end of the season from Boden about ten years ago and although they show their age, because they are leather they have survived well and are battered in a sort of venerable way... (so I like to think...).</p> <p>This is not a recommendation, just sharing my experience!</p> <p>(BM I'm starting to need to see those bags of yours...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375178 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:51:21 +0000 Mo 375178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The second if price were no object - yum is right! I like the army green #4 next.</p> <p>EDIT: I was going to say the #4 is great in sand as well and noticed it's pretty pricey, too. yikes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-375173 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:46:44 +0000 Cilleena 375173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. This is more fun than I thought it would be. I think I am getting the bag love. What does everyone think of these bags? I am pretty sure I want a nice big tote.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/women/handbags/tote_handbags/key_per_shopper-zb4779p.html?parent_category_rn=30005&#038;departmentCategoryId=30000&#038;N=0&#038;Va=186&#038;Ns=p_wsc2" rel="nofollow">http://www.fossil.com/en_US/sh.....;Ns=p_wsc2</a>|0||p_weight|0&amp;pn=c&amp;rec=11&amp;imagePath=ZB4779133</p> <p>Pricey..and maybe not practical for me, but yum and I love the gray.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/l-a-m-b-tamba-malabo-large-glazed-leather-tote/3153442?origin=wishlist" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/l-.....n=wishlist</a></p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-large-leather-drawstring-tote/3123938?origin=wishlist" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi.....n=wishlist</a></p> <p>Probably the army green.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/linea-pelle-addison-perforated-leather-tote/3150272?origin=wishlist" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/li.....n=wishlist</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374482 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:23:18 +0000 Cilleena 374482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do know that I want it to be shoulder bag with the cross-body strap for versatility. It would be nice if it was big enough to accomodate a water bottle, a small book or toy, my large wallet, pocket for my cell phone, pocket for my keys, my sunglasses, a small snack, a diaper, small travel pack of wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Although I do usually keep a separate diaper bag stocked with a change of clothes, diapers, wipes and a changing pad for my little one in the car. So, I think I need a fairly large bag and definitely with a top closure. </p> <p> I have a straw tote that I have really liked this summer, but unfortunately, the thing is already falling apart on me. I'd like something that functions like the straw tote, but more durable and in a more "year round" kind of fabrication and style. It is slightly structured, stays up when I set it down, is fairly open at the top (love the easy access), but is deep enough that things won't fall out and it stays closed when on my shoulder.</p> <p> Celia, your description is spot on for me too. I like the bag you linked, but I don't think it's big enough for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374394 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:05:39 +0000 modgrl 374394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it going to double as a diaper bag -- this is my biggest challenge on the weekends. I need it to act like multifunctional gear but not look uber dorky. So far I've stuck to a north face women's backpack. It is gear but at least it is somewhat current, pretty and functional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374391 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:02:28 +0000 biscuitsmom 374391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE bags! I have several fancy MF ones that are almost useless, but are SOOO cute! I have found I really need a shoulder bag to feel comfortable/secure with. For YEARS I wanted a Brahmin bag, but always thought they were 'beyond' me....then I finally realized, if I REALLY wanted one, I should get one! So I did, and found I use the 2 I bought almost daily....so the price (hefty for me) boiled down to very little, considering Im on my 2nd yr of use and they still look like new! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374277 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:05:42 +0000 StacyJo 374277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are the criteria i use...hopefully they will be helpful to you: 1. Purpose - how will you need to use it? 2. Structure - what must the bag include that will make it serve its purpose. 3. Style - what style or look do you like? Will it be appropriate for multiple situations. 4. Ease of use - is The bag easy to use. Bags arr fun (or should be!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374264 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:50:22 +0000 Mo 374264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is a visceral thing for me to shop for bags. I don't own many, but love the ones I do. They are a gut reaction all the way. It helps that I instinctively like what's practical for me as well, pockets, zippers, compartments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374262 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:36:24 +0000 celia 374262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This one is just an example of what I would choose and why:</p> <p><a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/handbags/cross-body-bags/product/85321742-agra/65" rel="nofollow">http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-en.....42-agra/65</a></p> <p>1. The color and the shape atract me (and this has to be the first thing IMHO)<br /> 2. It has a strap that you can put to wear crossbody but you can also wear it without it<br /> 3. Exterior pocket foe keys and cellphone(usually my bags are fuller with dd stuff than mine so there are things that I need quick acess to (also I find that in snow weather this exterior pocket prevents me from frozen and get my hands totally scratched while I look for keys inside the bag<br /> 4. Stands up when you put it down and it doesn't open so much that you loose everything even if you leave the zipper open<br /> 5. Contrary to other people I'm not a big fan of many pockets because that only means more places to loose things.This one has one internal pocket where I could still keep mum things only and a space where I could put a couple of diapers,wippes and a small cardigan for DD in summer.<br /> 6. Big but not too big otherwise I tend to pile up things inside and it gets too heavy for my own good.</p> <p>I just wanted to share my process between wanting a bag and choosing one that I can wear.Hope it helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374248 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:46:45 +0000 Sparky 374248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cilleena, Angie's right. Do you want a crossbody so your hands are free for the little ones? Are you more comfortable with a shoulder bag? Since you have a young kid (kids?), I don't imagine you want a bag that you carry in your hand or the crook of your arm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374245 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:41:59 +0000 Angie 374245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is exciting!</p> <p>The first thing that you have to decide is HOW you want to carry your bag. Do you know that yet, Cilleena? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374226 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:10:42 +0000 Queen Mum 374226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cileena...<br /> I don't remember ever having a bag that I was truly happy with until I finally let go of the idea that I could only have one bag to carry at all times. I used to get paralyzed when shopping for a bag because I knew once I made the choice, I was stuck with it for at least 6 months. And I never ever ended up with a bag I loved, I ended up with bags that I thought would work. Once I decided I could own more than one bag, I could look at a bag and ask myself if I loved it and if it was functional, and did it work with my style? Right now I really only alternate between 2 bags, but they are both bags that I love.<br /> I'm not suggesting that you have to become a bag lady... I realize it's not quite as practical when you have young children... just thought I'd share my thoughts and my experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374208 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:38:27 +0000 rae 374208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a head start by simply knowing what you need out of your bag. Khris's suggestions are great for that! Have you taken a gander at TJMaxx or Marshall's? They always seem to have nice leather ones marked way down. I wouldn't buy one online unless you've already tried it on in-store and found the straps/weight/structure to your liking and you just want to find a lower price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374205 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:29:30 +0000 Cilleena 374205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Khris! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374202 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:26:08 +0000 chewyspaghetti 374202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find the only way to see if a shoulder strap will really stay put is to try it out. You want something more structured- that will keep it from flopping all over itself when you put it down (as opposed to a slouchy hobo). I find a bag that has a top opening is easier for me to get things out of, and a certain pocket arrangement is preferable for me (exterior zip pocket for keys, interior pocket for cell and interior zip pocket for lip balm, mints, etc.) I like The Sac, Lucky Brand, and Fossil for less inexpensive leather bags that hold up well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-pick-a-bag-anyone-want-to-help-me-shop#post-374198 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:18:41 +0000 Cilleena 374198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been trying out handbags lately as I move away from carrying a diaper bag. So far, I've had pretty inexpensive ones (under $40). I don't "love" any of them. Usually they are too floppy or the shoulder strap doesn't stay on well, or it's too difficult to get things out of them with one hand. I know a lot of you on YLF love bags and shop for a really nice one that you adore. How do you do that? Is it possible to pick one online that is amazing? I know my usual style is casual, needs to be durable, easy to keep clean, medium/large size, easy access and stays open, doesn't flop all over itself when I put it down to find something in it. What bag would you pick for me? I'm seriously lost. </p>