https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 04:50:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554738 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:03:40 +0000 Louise 554738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo the recommendation for a long champs style tote I have this <a href="http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Pauls-Boutique/Paul-s-Boutique-Betty-Black-Skull-Zip-Top-Shopper-Exclusive-To-ASOS/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1509396&#038;cid=2704&#038;sh=0&#038;pge=1&#038;pgesize=12&#038;sort=-1&#038;clr=Black%2fgrey" rel="nofollow">http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos......ack%2fgrey</a> I carry my regular handbag then use this for work stuff, as a shopping bag, on days out etc x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554711 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:27:06 +0000 Sveta 554711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for participating in my "aha" moment.<br /> It was interesting to read that I am not alone in my bag struggles: I guess I felt like a clueless bag freak in this YLF society of fab bag-educated ladies.<br /> Just for the record: I am using my red Chromia bag today as it was big enough to fit in my lunch, I don't need to lag a gym things with me today and I was inspired to use it today while perusing my photo archives for this post! :-)<br /> Manidipa, dressy evenings out are not a frequent part of my lifestyle &lt;sigh&gt; so my single evening bag comes out a couple of days a year aroung Christmas holidays. BTW if anybody knows a recipe to inject more dressy going out occasions into one's life I am all ears!:-)<br /> lyn67, my Monty's cousin does have a zipper on the top and two internal and one external small pockets.<br /> Lisa, you bag collection sounds perfect. I would love to see a visual representation for it for inspiration.<br /> Isis, my current lunch bag was a freebe from Yves Rocher and it is not the right shape to fit inot my new big bag. For now I am using a regular plastic bag for my lunch and stick it into my new big tote. I guess I have to work on getting a proper lunch bag now...<br /> Rae, I love that periwinkle color too! This is just a simple knit beret and I hope it does not look too weird with my short hair.<br /> Krish, I don't have a picture of my "cross-body wallet": it is not fab at all, just very convinient. :-)<br /> Diana, I may need to look into Longchamps bags too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554575 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:24:03 +0000 Diana 554575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, I totally hear you. I have pretty much exactly the same list of concerns for my bags. I also have a couple of additional requirement for bags, which is that they be hands-free (so shoulder or cross body) and zip closed (unless it is a flap top satchel that has a secure closure of some sort.) Magnetic closures are so flimsy and they don't work when you are carrying around a big giant full bag!</p> <p>I have a bunch of smallish handbags that are weekends and special occasion only and they don't get out much! I have to try very hard not to add to this group (because I DO love handbags even though most of them are impractical!) On the other hand, my few giant bags come out every day for work. I agree with Kirti - I got a Longchamps tote for christmas, and even though I'm not really a Longchamps kind of girl, it is SO useful, light, and fits everything under the sun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554547 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:11:39 +0000 krishnidoux 554547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great read! I have a hard time matching the pics with your descriptions (cross wallet bag?) Maybe I'm reading it wrong. </p> <p>I struggle too with my gym bag. I refuse to wear more than one bag, as I know I will most likely loose one (and it won't be the larger, bulky gym bag). I too do a lot of walking. For the moment I have found an extra light duffel style bag from "Foxy Jeans" that I found at Costco, of all places. I put my wallet and personal things in a pocket. It's very similar to this one:<a href="http://www.holiday.ca/index.php/view-by-brand/roots/details/roots-sport-bag" rel="nofollow">http://www.holiday.ca/index.ph.....-sport-bag</a>.</p> <p>But it is black and, err, well, bulky. Is there a way to avoid it? It is also black. I hate that all my outfits are destroyed by this big black bulkiness hauled over my shoulder and covering half my body everywhere I go during the day. </p> <p>I am still searching for the solution... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554530 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:48:58 +0000 Travelgal Nicole 554530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While reading this I just had an "aha" moment! You described me perfectly - walk to work, take a gym bag. I just don't know how to add handbags into my style. It just sits at my desk all day and even when I pop out at lunch I just take my wallet. On the weekends I'm running around with sports and I go for the hand free cross bag version.</p> <p>I am forcing handbags into my style and I don't think its working for me. I may need to reasses as you've done here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554441 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:08:28 +0000 Makrame 554441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post and great bags! I also came to the conclusion that I need a certain type of bag that works with my lifestyle, and satchel or largish shoulder bags just don't work for me.</p> <p>Since I don't need to walk far to get to work, I use small to medium sized crossbody bags most of the time, along with a colorful lunch bag and sometimes a laptop bag. I also keep my bag in my desk throughout the day, so it ends up not being an integral part of my outfit most of the time. My one concession to "a bag as an accessory" idea has been buying crossbodies in a few different colors and styles so that I can add a bit of variety, whereas before YLF I used to just buy one black bag and use it for 2-3 years without changing anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554397 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:08:33 +0000 Isabel 554397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post Sveta. The "stuff" that we use every day really has to work and fit into the circumstance. I think that is true for clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry.</p> <p>Hopefully now it won't be such a source of frustration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554387 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:56:18 +0000 Meredith1953 554387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are such beautiful bags! I love that first one so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554312 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:02:05 +0000 rae 554312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this post is about bags, but I am so in love with that periwinkle hat in pic 2!!</p> <p>Also, now that you know your requirements, you are free to fall even more madly in love with the next bag to meet all of them. Your new babies are all gorgeous! Glad you are keeping the teal satchel crossbody hybrid. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554301 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:28:09 +0000 Isis 554301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My bag needs are similar to yours. I also like a very small wallet-like crossbody that I use daily, and that I can fit into my bike pannier when I go to work. Or put into a gym bag when I go to the gym.....</p> <p>My current small crossbodies are from Fossil and Hobo International. They have soft leather, lots of compartments, and slots for cards and $$$..</p> <p>I love your new snakey tote! </p> <p>And I hope you have a fab lunch bag too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554300 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:22:27 +0000 Lisa 554300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great aha moment Sveta! I have found that I cannot keep only one bag in my closet either. Even if I only wear one bag most days of the week. </p> <p>For myself I use/need:<br /> 1. A work tote for work stuff, especially business meetings.<br /> 2. A crossbody bag for weekend errands/chores when I prefer to be hands free. This bag also comes on trips inside my carryon bag.<br /> 3. A small bag for when I am out with hubby or in the evenings. This bag gets slipped into my work tote for business meetings.<br /> 4. A mid size bag for days when I am out all day shopping or at an event, this bag fits my water bottle, sunglasses, etc. This bag becomes my carryon bag for personal items when I travel and fits bag #2 above.<br /> 5. A lunch bag. I keep my lunch separate because this bag is insulated to keep my lunch cool at work. I don't use the refridgerator at work, it's always too full.</p> <p>I do own a few satchel bags and I do like them. But when they wear out I do not plan to replace them. The size and subdivisions in the bags are not the best style for what I need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554296 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:08:31 +0000 Transcona Shannon 554296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great "aha" moment Sveta - I'm finding everything we learn here on YLF we then need to translate into working with our own lifestyle. These bags are great and good luck with your future searches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554290 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:38 +0000 Suz 554290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, you articulated my own bag thoughts perfectly; thank you! I need EXACTLY the same bag wardrobe that you do, and much as I like the look of more structured satchel bags, they are pretty much useless to me. I am now in search of a bigger tote and a medium cross body; my current cross body bag is too small for daily needs and I always end up stuffing it too full; not a good look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554280 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:48:53 +0000 Claudia 554280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1/2, 3, 4 are great bags and I agree with your aha moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554266 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:16:32 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 554266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta you just summed up my feeling about bags. I love to add the color and use them as accessories but no matter how hard I try, I am not a change purse daily kind of person. Thank you for articulating this so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554253 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:37:35 +0000 Sarah A 554253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i struggle with bags too! i love your well thought out logic and great bags! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554249 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:15:24 +0000 lyn67 554249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the new bag in animal(and all of your old ones, too)! Does your "Monty"having a zipper on top? I was wonderring if something like this will fit my style/and life, too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554244 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:02:12 +0000 Louise 554244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good on you for being practical in your bag choices x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554210 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:53:54 +0000 Deborah 554210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, I had to get past your fab outfits to then get to looking at the bags:)</p> <p>I wish I was an practical with my choice of bag! I really like your current range of bags. The new one is really lovely and so versatile. Your new cross body bag is fabulous and great for travel and I would suggest weekends. Now your beautiful red bag MUST stay in rotation.. if not you need to send it to me!! I think it's my favourite. The turquioise tote is lovely and the tan hobo a great casual bag. I think you have a nice variety here to cover your lovely range of outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554207 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:45:39 +0000 Kirti 554207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like how you think! Before YLF, I didn't have a lot of bags either, but now I have 3 great ones - one satchel for college, one cross body bag for a purse and one huge Longchamp tote which can fit a lot of stuff! So I guess my bags are similar to yours! :)</p> <p>I love the new snake print bag - so chic and the size looks perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554148 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:26:32 +0000 ManidipaM 554148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, thank you so much for this post. </p> <p>I always like to have a window into a stylish lady's thoughts, showing me how they arrive at their choices and combinations. And your carefully thought-out and beautifully articulated criteria, in particular, resonate with my lifestyle too. So it saves me some homework and lets me cheat a little!</p> <p>Congratulations on nabbing the Monty. He looks very wardrobe- and lifestyle-friendly! And I love that he can ride on your shoulders, like a real python. </p> <p>You already know I love your new teal; but I wanted to add that I adore your tan hobo too. I daresay if the turquoise tote and red Kate Spade are not in regular rotation, you could do with another bright colour in one of your three identified categories --- would that be right? Also, I wondered what you do for dressy evenings out --- if that is part of your lifestyle at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554145 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:23:45 +0000 christieanne 554145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your version of the Monty is incredible! Love, love, love.<br /> That new cross body is making me jealous as well.<br /> The red is really a terrific bag - you can use maybe on special occasions or when you don't have your hands so full. </p> <p>For someone "not into bags", you have a great collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554138 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:17:31 +0000 Jem 554138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love your new bags! It's great that you've figured out which kind to get that work for your lifestyle. I still have one. I haven't started down *that* slippery slope yet! lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554137 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:16:46 +0000 Anonymous 554137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you saying that it's important to make it work for us. You are so wise besides being beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554128 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:38:00 +0000 goldenpig 554128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how thoughtfully you have considered which bags will fit your lifestyle and which bags you need. I love all you bags, especially that red Kate Spade #4 (swoon!). Monty's cousin looks like a great addition to your collection! </p> <p>My bag revelation was when I also realized that I need larger bags. I bought a Fossil cross-body but then realized it's just not enough bag for me so I switched it for another Fossil satchel. Those are the perfect size for my work papers and computer. I have four Fossil satchels/totes now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554125 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:35:37 +0000 Anonymous 554125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Sveta, you are killing me with your fab style! I loved your long, juicy post! Thank you for writing it and what a surprise to see my name mentioned *waving back*. I see your very own Monty and I hope he is as versatile for you as mine is for me. It sounds like you've figured out what will be usefull for you and how to do it with style! I love all of these bags, especailly 3 and 4. They contribute so much to your style. And anything sitting on your desk all day definitley counts as an accessory in my book! Woo-hoo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-aha-bag-moment#post-554121 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:24:55 +0000 Sveta 554121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a bag lady. At all. Prior to YLF I was "one-bag-is-enough" lady. Now with Angie's influence I am starting to understand the role a great bag can play in the outfit. Since joining YLF almost 2 years ago I have added 2 bags (pic 4 and 5) to my single bag "collection" ( pic 6) I am checking bag section first when I come to the store and drool over great quality bags there. But...<br /> I have a problem and it is my lifestyle: it just does not have room in it for bag styles I love:<br /> - I walk to work;<br /> - I carry my lunch to work almost every day and gym things at least twice a week. It means I lag my purse, lunch bag and a big bag with gym uniform.<br /> - My bag is only a part of my outfit while I walk to work - at work it sits on my desk all day;<br /> - I am too lazy to switch my stuff from one bag to another every day so I end up with using the same bag over and over again;<br /> - outside of work my use of bags is limited: I prefer my hands free when I am out and about.<br /> So I had a revelation recently: I don't need a lot of bags but I need the right kind of bags:</p> <p>1.small cross-body purse - actually kind of cross body wallet for running errands, shopping, etc.<br /> 2. medium cross-body bag I can use for day trips and longer trips which can fit a wallet, small umbrella, camera, a water bottle and a guide book if required and still be small enough to carry comfortably around for prolonged long time;<br /> 3. large tote for work which I can carry on my shoulder as well and which can fit my lunch and my gym things in addition to my regular purse stuff;</p> <p>As much as I admire the look of a satchel bag and get drawn to them in stores all the time I just struggle to find the place for them in my life. I adore my red Chromia satchel but it is not big enough to use for work so I end up carrying it and my lunch bag together - not a fab look at all.<br /> So I am rebuilding my bag collection from a practical point of view now:<br /> 1. small cross-body wallet; I am using one now which I bought in Goodwill last year. I love the concept but want to find a more stylish option<br /> 2. medium size cross-body for trips - I hope I scored last weekend with this teal L.Credi one from TownShoes (pic.#3). It is the right size for what I need and it has the happy marriage of a satchel style I love and cross-body style I need. I hope the color will be versatile for me but I may be adding other colors in a similar style later.<br /> 3. large tote for work - I think I also scored last weekend on this one in Winners. May I introduce you to my very own "Monty" &lt;waving to Claire&gt;. It is Miztique brand in faux leather but I like the quality, it has a very nice feel to it. It is big enough to fit my lunch and gym stuff in and handles are long enough to wear it over my shoulder! I have been using it every day this week and really happy with it. It was the love from the first sight in the store - and Claire, you and your Monty were in my thoughts!</p> <p>I hope I can still find place in my life for my red satchel (pic 4), tan hobo(pic 6) and turquoise tote (pic 5) but from now on my new bag purchases have to fit my lifestyle as well as my taste.<br /> Thank you for reading this long "aha" moment - I just felt like sharing it tonight! </p>