https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:57:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1167957 Sat, 15 Feb 2014 21:15:08 +0000 Mander 1167957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer fake leather because of the weight issue as well. My mom tried to give me a beautiful bag a few years ago but it was heavier empty than my other bag was when it was full of stuff including books and a water bottle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166812 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:11:40 +0000 ElaineSS 1166812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I drink my water hot too. Especially in the winter. I do think it is an Asian thing since I am Chinese-American and my mother and sister-in-law have always drank their water this water. Something about being less of a shock to the system.</p> <p>As for the multiple bags, I too have long try to deal with this problem. My daily commute consists of a .75 walk to the Metro/subway, 45 min Metro ride, followed by a bus ride and another 10 min walk. I use one stylish tote containing my wallet, cosmetics, dental hygiene stuff, headphone/iPhone, &amp; coupons. I use a second larger lightweight tote (Scout bag <a href="http://www.scoutbags.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.scoutbags.com</a>) to carry lunch, water, shoes, daytimer, kindle and a magazine. I am definitely loaded down and probably look like a bag lady.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166418 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 04:28:28 +0000 anne 1166418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh this is such an interesting thread. I am afraid that I too am in the bag plus reusable shopping bag camp at the moment. And the bag, which my mum gave to me in new condition only in July, is looking very shabby already.</p> <p>But I plan to get back to cycling to wor, so won't need a bag daily then. I do want to get a better backpack, with a fluro stripe or some other high visibilty decoration, and a waist pack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166408 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 04:09:05 +0000 Gigi 1166408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was my acupuncturist who told me about it...it's part of Chinese medicine. Is your dad Asian? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166406 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 04:08:08 +0000 DonnaF 1166406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny; you're so right about hobo bags!&nbsp; DD is 5'2" and has a slouchy pleather bag from Target that would probably be considered medium size.&nbsp; She calls it her Mary Poppins bag.&nbsp; She can't fit her laptop in it and doesn't have an iPad, but manages to pack a change of clothes, shoes, water bottle, and the normal purse stuff.&nbsp; I should really look for something similar because it is so hard to find something that holds quite a bit that is in scale with a petite stature. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166399 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 03:58:59 +0000 lyn* 1166399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dad says it keeps the "spirit" in good balance - I guess that's the same thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166373 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 03:29:40 +0000 Gigi 1166373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, lyn*! I think it's supposed to be good in general for the immune system...gives your body less to do (heat up the water) so that it has energy for more important things. :^) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166354 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 03:13:06 +0000 lyn* 1166354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to pipe in - I drink my water hot too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses/page/2#post-1166333 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 02:34:52 +0000 Gigi 1166333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, thanks for chiming in on this thread! I am only 5'2", so I have a lot of the same limitations. Style-wise, a medium-sized purse is about right; the larger ones can overwhelm my frame. And I have health stuff too--I am supposed to wear crossbodies instead of carry stuff. Plus, I like having my hands free. But I can make exceptions every now and then *if* the bag is not heavy! Someone else also mentioned that the leather bags weigh a ton even empty, so I will probably have to stay away. Plus, I would throw so much potentially messy stuff into the large bag (food, thermos) that I'd probably ruin the leather anyway.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this purse dilemma! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166215 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:50:47 +0000 shiny 1166215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm forever on the lookout for the perfect bag that works for 80% of my needs. </p> <p>It is big enough to include everything you might carry in a cross body or clutch (small wallet, comb, some basic cosmetics, gum, cell phone), plus a cardigan, scarf, gloves, hat, water bottle, pumps or ballet slippers (not sneakers), iPad, and 8x11 folder.&nbsp;If it is large enough to fit a laptop and sneakers,&nbsp;that is bonus points.&nbsp;</p> <p>It also has to be "to scale" because I'm only 5" here. And yeah, lightweight as well, because I have back problems and can't lug gigantuous totes. I just can't.&nbsp;</p> <p>There are options out there, plenty of them, but they are just TOO large, scale wise, for me. Even if they aren't too heavy (what is up with all this hardware? Adds weight!!) the scale is just too large for little old me. Fashion wise. Not to mention break-my-back wise.</p> <p>My current strategy is as follows:</p> <p>- Heavy employment of clutches, rather than cross bodies, because clutches can easily be tucked into a larger bag.<br />- Preference for medium size bags that are hobo style and uber slouchy. Because they "grow" according to how much you stuff into them. A hobo style works great whether you are carrying light -- or have stuffed it with hat, gloves, scarf, sweater, water bottle etc...&nbsp;<br />- Leaning towards non-leather options simply because they tend to be lighter weight. I have a preference for real leather -- and a budget for it-- but darn it, these more luxurious options just way too dang much before anything is added, especially if have heavy hardware. Looks awesome but so not practical. I would drop big $ on the right bag, but the big $ bags are all too freaking heavy. You bag designers need to employ ergonomics people. Grrr. Your target market is older, we have $ but we have ergonomic&nbsp;limitations. I am torn between fashion designers -- and what my doctors are saying. Please, designers, talk to some doctors! You'd make a mint if you did.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />- Petite realities: my oversized tote is a medium tote, which doesn't usually fit a laptop, but if I want fashion wise to have that "look" ... it's medium not large. What a conundrum. Or designer challenge, depending on how you view it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Okay I've gone on and on... but this is huge issue for me, and I'm super opinionated, because I can't find the right bags. *frustrated*</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166197 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:21:55 +0000 Mander 1166197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually carry a big bag, because if I'm leaving the house I'm usually gone all day and will be in the library as well as shopping and possibly the supermarket, so I know I'll end up with a ton of stuff to lug home on the train. Sometimes I carry a smaller bag but in that case I will fold up a cloth tote or one of those nylon grocery bags and carry that too in case of overflow. I have a fairly nice looking plain black bin tote that came with a luggage set I bought years ago that is ideal, because it is nondescript enough that I wouldn't feel embarrassed carrying it to work but it is super light weight and takes up no room at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166165 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 23:47:27 +0000 Gigi 1166165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This does seem to be a tricky situation! I do like the size of my crossbody purse, because I can fit only what I need in it and nothing more. I used to carry a tote every day, and like many of you have mentioned, it got really heavy fast, because I would throw stuff in that I would need for the day and then forget it was in there. When I would clean the thing out, I wouldn't believe all the junk I had been carrying! One time I even found a small appliance, I think...whatever it was, it was quite large, and I said, "No wonder this thing is so darn heavy!"</p> <p>I like the idea of a small purse plus a tote, where you can just throw the small purse&nbsp;in the tote and then take only the small purse out when you run into the store, etc., but I have to be honest with myself and admit that I can't fit my regular daily needs stuff in a small purse. I have some health problems and need to take snacks with me and other little things like that, and I know I won't be able to fit them all in a small purse (I need medium sized). This would mean I would have to take the tote all the time to deal with overflow. Hmm. Maybe I need to watch and see how often I use the extra bag? If I'm using it 75% of the time, maybe the best solution would be small purse&nbsp;plus tote every day. And I should watch to see if there are days/places where I use the "extras" (snacks, lip balm, etc.) more than other days, in which case I could change to a smaller purse for everyday and use a tote only on those specific days.&nbsp;Argh. Sometimes I wish I lived in a little hut in the back forty&nbsp;and didn't have to go anywhere. Problem solved!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166163 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 23:25:55 +0000 Gigi 1166163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn67, I drink my water hot because I have digestive issues, and my body gets a bit of a break if it doesn't have to heat the water&nbsp;up to body temperature. :^) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166061 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 21:03:49 +0000 Louise 1166061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>During the work week I'm generally a two bag woman. My handbag then a tote or shopper with my lunch etc in. On Mondays when I go to Zumba straight after work it's a large Paul's Boutique black tote which carry's my sports clothes other days it's a smaller bag. Generally if I've got a shoulder bag I'll carry the tote in my hand or the crook of my arm and if I've got a handheld bag then shoulder tote. I'm trying to walk to work most days, it's only 15 minutes either way but every little helps so I try to keep as light a load as possible as I gave a tendency to overpack!! Weekends and school holidays I generally use a smaller cross body bag, if I'm shopping I'll take a big tote with me to save on plastic bags x</p> <p>ETA I'd rather carry two smaller bags than a giant bag with everything in as it spreads the load. I have carried a huge bag before with it all in and got back and neck pain x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1166043 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:42:42 +0000 rebekahphoto 1166043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ah the 1/2&nbsp;bag dilemma...... I have found that I carry a small/medium size purse (satchel with crossbody strap) with my essentials: glasses, sunglasses, wallet, lipgloss, etc. And then I carry a tote for books, papers, computer, lunch, whatever else I need for work.&nbsp;</p> <p>then on the weekends when I dont need to carry work stuff I just can carry my purse. But this becomes more of a problem if I have to carry a camera too.....as I cant really carry super heavy stuff with my back. Then I am down to a tiny crossbody for the wallet, or the wallet gets put in the camera bag</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165999 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:55:45 +0000 carter 1165999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My handbag's pretty large, but it gets heavy very quickly. I tend to just keep the basics in there. I do. however, keep a large tote bag in the car where I toss water bottles, snacks, magazines, tablet, etc if I'm going to be out and about all day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165973 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:37:53 +0000 AviaMariah 1165973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading how everyone handles this is interesting because this has been an issue for me. &nbsp;For the last few years I have carried a very small wrist-let or cross body bag that basically fits my credit cards, cash, chapstick, keys&nbsp;and phone. &nbsp;Then I throw it in a larger bag for work along with larger items I needs to take to work. &nbsp;I can also throw it in my diaper bag when I'm out and about with DD. &nbsp;The theory is that I can just grab my smaller bag when I go shopping etc as I hate carrying a really large bag. &nbsp;But the reality is that I start getting lazy and throwing essentials in my big bag so I end up grabbing it anyways so I don't end up missing something. &nbsp;I haven't quite decided how to handle this but I'm thinking of trying out a size in the middle. &nbsp;But then when I have the diaper bag I will have two larger bags. &nbsp;Such a dilemma! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165927 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:54:16 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1165927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dad has one of those egg shaped hard shell cases and adds a clip to the end, or maybe it's a carabiner, so he can hook it to his belt loop or the strap of his backpack. Not the most elegant solution but at least it's not in the bottom of a bag somewhere. </p> <p>It's either LL Bean or Lands End that has recently come out with a nylon version of their iconic boat and tote bag. I think that would be a nice gym bag if you didn't need a separate compartment for your shoes, as specific gym bags often have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165889 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:31:08 +0000 krishnidoux 1165889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found my purse happy style through teaching. Yes! I discovered it is best for me to carry the tiniest cross-body (leather, preferably), where I put my cards, passes,&nbsp;keys, small change,&nbsp;one pen&nbsp;and possibly my phone. Barely. (I can't even put my wallet in there. Those bags are like little wallets themselves).</p> <p>Then I have my hard shell super light&nbsp;tote on wheels in which I carry books, binders and my other stuff .&nbsp;&nbsp;Teaching has taught me this, because I not only have to commute, but once at work I am constantly walking from classroom to classroom to offices which are generally at opposite ends of the college. Once&nbsp;the tote is parked somewhere, I still need a very basic amount of&nbsp;stuff on me&nbsp;to get around (keys, passes, id card, change...).&nbsp;</p> <p>I used to carry my life with me, just in case... and learned that in the end I seldom use nor need all that stuff when I'm out and about. It drains me of my energy more than it helps. There's nothing like the freedom &nbsp;from&nbsp;not lugging&nbsp;a tote, when possible.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for gym, I have the lightest possible duffel bag bought at Costco. It's the kind in nylon that is shapeless when empty. (This one exactly:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://adventuresofshrinkingerin.blogspot.ca/2012/01/whats-in-your-gym-bag.html">http://adventuresofshrinkinger.....m-bag.html</a>). I am VERY happy with it.&nbsp;But I do travel by car. If I were to go on foot it would be a back pack for sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>One last item I struggle with: sunglasses. I hate how their cases are always so huge and demand full use of two hands to manipulate, and don't fit in most of my tiny purses. One does need to be able to pull them out swiftly and elegantly, usually while ambulating, when hands are already occupied by other objects (car keys, shopping bags, mitts, etc).&nbsp;&nbsp;Still on the lookout for ideas regarding this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165813 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:32:46 +0000 Liz A. 1165813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I have to look decent at the gym now? Hello, wardrobe hole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165808 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:21:35 +0000 rute 1165808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't carry too bags, it doesn't look good. I have a big tote were I put everything and inside a small clutch to carry if I go out for a coffee or for lunch.<br />At weekends I wear a smaller crossbody bag&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165799 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:12:35 +0000 Suz 1165799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's crazy, isn't it?&nbsp;</p> <p>I do a combination of things, depending on the nature of the commute. First, I mostly just use shopper bags now. Shopper sized bags are about tote-sized on 5'4" me, proportionately. Unfortunately, while they'll hold a lot (water, lunch, extra layer, books, notebooks, kindles, etc.)&nbsp;they don't <b>QUITE</b> fit my laptop. So...I also have a bigger (genuine tote-sized) bag that I carry when I'm brining that...OR I do what Greyscale does and use a nylon shopping bag for some of my stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I carry my big bag, I'll sometimes add a clutch or a wristlet or a small cross body&nbsp;inside. This is especially great for travel. The big bag holds it all.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the gym, I have nothing decent. I'm in the market for that right now. Reading these replies eagerly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165790 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:55:08 +0000 Liz A. 1165790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha I was just thinking how ridiculous I must have looked going home last night with THREE bags: purse, gym bag, and laptop backpack. I only bring my laptop for working from home in case of inclement weather. So normally I'm a two bag lady, and I've never thought twice about it. My gym bag is a duffel, and I think it's fairly obvious to observers what's in there and that it's not meant for style.</p> <p>That being said I commute by car now. If I were commuting by bus like I've done in the past, I'd either go to a gym closer to home to avoid that issue altogether, or I'd switch to a utilitarian backpack with my regular purse inside. I'm very practical that way.</p> <p>And even so my regular purses are always large enough to hold my lunch. No daytime clutches for this girl. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165633 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 14:03:15 +0000 Laurinda 1165633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a duffle bag for gym gear, and a canvas&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.landsend.com/shop/for-the-home-totes/-/N-g3z?cm_re=NAV-_-home-totes-super">Lands End tote</a> for other larger items (not at the same time). If I am carrying a clutch I put it inside. Duffles are easy to find at thrift stores. If you are choosing a tote consider size, whether you want a zippered top, and I recommend an outside pocket. They come in all kinds of colors! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165617 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:34:18 +0000 doubleh 1165617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We sold these at a place I used to work. &nbsp;(arbitrarily chosen colors). &nbsp;The cross body is great- it is 3 sections that snap together (with the strap being attached to center one). &nbsp;A lot of women bought the cross body and tote together and tossed cb into tote when needed. &nbsp;The tote is super-light weight and even the smaller version holds a lot.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.annabelingall.com/collections/bags/products/the-jojo-crossbody-midnight">http://www.annabelingall.com/c.....y-midnight</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.annabelingall.com/collections/bags">http://www.annabelingall.com/collections/bags</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165598 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:07:38 +0000 Joyce B 1165598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also carry two bags for work and for travel. On weekends and evenings it's one bag. When it's two bags, it's a small to medium sized one and a tote to carry my cooler and work related stuff. When traveling it's a small cross-body bag with my docs and things to keep handy and a medium-sized bag.<br /> For the plane trip I have my "bags bag" where I put my regular bag plus stuff that I need for the trip, this way I don't exceed the two bags limit and if I need to I can always put the cross body in the bags bag. So yes, I like to have more than one bag many times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165566 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:22:45 +0000 lyn67 1165566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I ask why drinking the water hot?</p> <p>I also carry to much in my always bigger sized bags, and was&nbsp;schocked when noticed in a dressing room's backside mirror that my right shoulder is getting deeper&nbsp; then the other. No good, but can't help. If change for a smaller bag I always miss stuff that prouves to be&nbsp;indispensable in speciffic&nbsp;life&nbsp;moments:-(.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165560 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:13:12 +0000 April 1165560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only carry two bags when I'm going to New York or CT on a weekend: my handbag and a tote containing my Kindle, water bottle, a magazine, and whatever odds and ends I need for the weekend, sometimes spare shoes. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have found that when my tote is a statement, I do have to plan my other bag so I don't clash. &nbsp;For years, my go-to tote was a big&nbsp;emerald green patent leather structured bag from Talbot's. &nbsp;I adore that bag, but I do not like to carry it at the same time as, say,&nbsp;my cherry-red patent handbag. &nbsp;Ho, ho, ho, and all that. &nbsp;</p> <p>So yes, it's definitely easier, if your handbags are colorful,&nbsp;to have your secondary bag be something neutral. &nbsp;Right now I'm eyeing this one: &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.danier.com/leather-handbags-all-handbags-131011304-P8006.aspx?lang=en&amp;colour=824|979797&amp;mc=yes"><a href="http://www.danier.com/leather-handbags-all-handbags-131011304-P8006.aspx?lang=en&#038;colour=824" rel="nofollow">http://www.danier.com/leather-.....colour=824</a>|979797&amp;m</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165487 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 06:38:56 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1165487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try not to carry multiple bags either. If I need notebooks or binders or a laptop I prefer to carry a larger tote. I do put one of those foldaway grocery bags in my bag in case i go shopping. But when I had an office job and was commuting straight from door to door, as opposed to running errands, I would sometimes bring my lunch and that sort of thing in s second bag.</p> <p>But if two bags work for you, maybe you can just upgrade the second tote a little? I don't think there's anything wrong with canvas or nylon but I prefer not to carry handbags that look more like free reusable grocery bags than anything,else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-purses#post-1165470 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 06:03:49 +0000 Diana 1165470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I carry one larger bag that holds everything. &nbsp;I categorically refuse to carry multiple bags as I am pretty sure I'll leave one on the bus or something, and I am clumsy enough that I'd probably get two bags constantly tangled up and bumping against each other. &nbsp;I do usually keep a fold-up reusable grocery bag inside my purse to use in case of emergencies (or if I decide to pick up something at the store on the way home). &nbsp;</p>