https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:38:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074777 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 07:54:15 +0000 rachylou 2074777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Janet has written the definitive manifesto!</p> <p>I personally would pass on all three. 1 is a tote but would not be large enough for my purposes. 2, the flap is too much work for me. 3, the opening narrows at the top, which Is something that frustrates me when using a bag.</p> <p>I’m ambivalent about linings. They have to be entirely affixed to the walls of the bag. I don’t like linings that flop around and hide things in the interior.</p> <p>... truth is, I reject most bags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074775 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:25:50 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2074775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I have an AllSaints bag that I got at NAS a couple of years ago. I love it. Mine is basically an open tote, I can carry it on my arm or over my shoulder, or cross-body. I like the options. It is open at the top, with a magnetic snap at the center of the top opening (I know a lot of people prefer a zipper closure). Mine is lined, and I do like lined bags. It is a workhorse for me. <br /></div><div>But what I really wanted to tell you: the leather is thick, and the bag is not light. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074719 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 20:04:58 +0000 Susie 2074719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I meant to add that I don’t care for a divided interior myself. And I like a bag that is big enough that it’s not necessary to replace things just so in order for everything to fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074718 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 19:58:22 +0000 Susie 2074718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar bag from Allsaints and it is an absolute workhorse for me. I find it to be the perfect size for an everyday work bag. I used to regularly change my bag almost daily but I use this one now more often than not. The depth isn’t a problem; I can reach anything by feel. There’s a nice sized skip pocket but I don’t often use it. There’s a strong magnetic closure that helps hold the shape. I regularly carry small wallet, makeup pouch, glasses, phone, key fob and a flat envelope case for papers. When needed, I can add my reMarkable tablet or a water bottle or snack etc. But it is structured enough to keep its shape with only a few items in it. The bag is lightweight and has held up extremely well to everyday use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074704 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 18:46:58 +0000 Anonymous 2074704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see the first bag as the workhorse. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074689 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 16:58:50 +0000 slim cat 2074689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinated info all around - I'm usually two bag person ( three in hold/rarely used ) who uses bags until they die (worn out, broken, color faded, torn by bad fall ).&nbsp;<br />Very much attracted to the beautiful color of a second bag and a nice shape/size. I'll try to remember about north-south, east-west terminology in a future shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074685 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:39:12 +0000 Angie 2074685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1 and #3.&nbsp;</p> <p>I find flaps a little impractical.&nbsp;</p> <p>#1 though is a hobo and unstructured - not my thing. I prefer a satchel and crossbody.&nbsp;</p> <p>#3 is my personal fave. Not too big and bulky either. And it MUST close on top. Seattle rain - big problem, and so is traveling.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074676 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:21:54 +0000 kkards 2074676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>north-south...the bag is longer than it wide, so it runs north-south</p> <p>east-west..the bag is is wider across&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074670 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:10:17 +0000 Peri 2074670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Fab friends! I'm not clicking that wisdom button lightly! You've given me a lot to think about. Some answers: <ul> <li>I really don't like to change bags on the daily so it has to be a workhorse. I will change for dressy occasions but otherwise I just never save time in the mornings to consider which bag and switch things out.&nbsp;Also, I get a new bag about every 8-10 years and carry it til it is shameful. Unthinkable to some!</li> <li><b>Bijou</b>, I like a shoulder carry 95% of the time.</li> <li><b>KKards and Sterling</b>, I don't understand what you mean by north-south! If I try to imagine what you mean, wouldn't east-west stick straight out from your body?</li> <li><b>Sterling,</b> which bag do you see as the workhorse?!</li> <li><b>Janet,</b> I fit my wallet, hat, gloves, etc, around a warm-toned purple bag last time and they are all still good, so that's why I'm going for purple, green or grey to not have to update all of that too. Just didn't see a purple or grey on this search that grabbed me.</li> <li>Also <b>Janet</b>, I think you are right about the flap. Angie asked me one time how I reach into it in a hurry, and I think the flap would make that hard one handed. My current one has a top zipper that makes it easier to stick one hand into...I probably should stick with that. Most of the time I leave it unzipped though, and maybe that is tacky.&nbsp;</li> <li>I guess too much internal structure could be as bad as none. I need at least a slot for my phone so it doesn't get scratched up running loose, a slot for keys so they are easy to reach, and an inside zip to corral papers, coupons, etc. I don't like to dig around on the bottom trying to find things, but I guess I also like room to hold my Kindle when I need it.&nbsp;</li> </ul> This is complicated when I don't want multiple bags! To find all this and in the right color is a real holy grail search.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074668 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:04:55 +0000 kkards 2074668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes to Janet's comment about always taking the stuffing out of bags and putting all my stuff in them when i'm looking in store. would you buy a pair of shoes if the store wouldn't let you walk in them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074663 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:54:17 +0000 Kyle 2074663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This Madewell leather transport tote (medium) ticks all my boxes:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/madewell-medium-leather-transport-tote/4456231?country=US&amp;currency=USD&amp;mrkgcl=760&amp;mrkgadid=3313969162&amp;utm_content=32036602285&amp;utm_term=aud-505812345501:pla-258511904294&amp;utm_channel=shopping_ret_p&amp;sp_source=google&amp;sp_campaign=662927182&amp;rkg_id=0&amp;adpos=1o2&amp;creative=145503089756&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjpTi0aXO5QIVgh-tBh0G4wkMEAQYAiABEgLoTvD_BwE">https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/m.....;currency=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074653 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:29:16 +0000 Janet 2074653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another note: I always pull all of the stuffing out of bags when I am considering them in store, so I can put my stuff in them and see how it fits and how it feels. SA’s usually understand! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074651 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:26:37 +0000 Anonymous 2074651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. &nbsp;<b>Janet</b>'s comment was perfect. She wrote what I think. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074648 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:21:36 +0000 Janet 2074648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the others. It’s a very personal preference but I’m going to share my thoughts on what makes a bag really great for me.</p> <p>- Like others have mentioned, I find deeper bags more difficult to use. It’s not a deal breaker for me, but something to keep in mind. It’s a trade off if you want a larger bag — most of them will just have to be deep in order to be roomy.</p> <p>- Openings. This one is important to me. I’m not super crazy about flap openings, especially if they are stiff and don’t stay open easily. I don’t love having to do and undo a clasp. I prefer a simple magnetic snap, or a zipper closure. </p> <p>Also, I don’t care for bags that narrow at the opening — I find them difficult to see into and to use. So I avoid those styles. </p> <p>- Stiff vs floppy. I have bags across the spectrum. But the really stiff ones can be a little tough to use and the zipper tops can scrape your hands. Conversely, the floppy ones will fall over and collapse if you sit them down. </p> <p>- Lined vs unlined. It’s always nice to save a little weight, but I don’t do many unlined bags. I have a summer tote that is finely perforated and unlined, and the inside is smooth so it’s easy to use. I have another unlined bag that has a suede-like inside and I don’t like that aspect of it so much — it gets sort of linty and dirty. I think a lining helps it last longer. I wish more bags were made with light-color linings to help make the contents more visible.</p> <p>- Size/shape/width/bulk and how it plays with your frame. Again all of this is totally subjective and a matter of personal taste and preference, but I shy away from bags that are bulky and stick out many inches from my hip when worn on my shoulder. I have ruled out many a cute bag because they visually add too much volume at the hip, where I am already voluminous enough, LOL. I’d rather have a slightly “flatter” bag, if you know what I mean. YMMV. </p> <p>- Handles. Purely a personal preference based on how you like to use a bag, but I tend to not bother with bags that i can’t somehow carry on my shoulder, even just if it’s while I am carrying grocery bags or the like. So I gravitate to totes, convertible clutch styles, or bags like satchels with a handle plus shoulder strap. </p> <p>- Interior compartments or pockets. I don’t particularly need a bunch of dividers and in fact prefer the open space rather than extra compartments. But I use a pouch for necessities so my bag contains: wallet, keys, eyeglass case, pouch, and phone. It’s easy to find stuff because there are not so many individual items. Plus fewer dividers means I can fit a book or notebook or ipad or bottle of water more easily if needed. </p> <p>- External pockets and extra pouches. I don’t care about extra pouches/wallets. They usually go into the donate bag. I like one simple external pocket I can slip my phone into but it’s not a deal breaker. </p> <p>- Color and hardware. I love a bag with no nameplates and no gold hardware, but that can be a tall order so if I otherwise love it, I’ll get the bag even with a touch of gold tone in a zipper pull or a little logo. Silver hardware is good for me, gunmetal also great. I like hardware that blends into the bag unless it’s really super well done (like my McQueen bag). Just a note to pay attention to your personal preference and what you like to wear. For an everyday bag I don’t care for a lot of embellishment and prefer to keep it simple. I have other more colorful statement bags for days when I want to use a bag to punch up a more neutral outfit, but I don’t think that’s what you want. Consider the color carefully with your wardrobe. I have a lovely grey bag that I never use because it’s a weird grey that never looks as neutral as it should when I try to wear it. I recommend a try on session with your clothes. </p> <p>I’m using all of these as examples so you can see my thought process. I hope this helps a little! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074637 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:57:25 +0000 Anonymous 2074637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always have an opinion on bags. &nbsp;As <b>KKards</b> points out, bags are such a <i><u>personal</u></i> decision and frequently that decision is based on how you expect to use. &nbsp;Will you be using it across all activities (work, errands, leisure)? &nbsp; </p> <p>I personally see two different types of bags here. I see one bag that is a definite workhorse. &nbsp;It will support your daily needs without any effort. Again, I agree with <b>KKards</b>. I like a tote that east-west rather than north-south for the purpose of being able to find things with ease. &nbsp;It just "feels" more correct to me. &nbsp;I would prefer lining but if it comes unlined I am not sure that it is an issue (no experience here). &nbsp;</p> <p>The other two bags are a bit less work horse and more dressy (at least in the pictures). &nbsp;I love both. &nbsp;The green is more interesting. &nbsp;Sometimes I want to leave my workhorse at home and carry a more attractive and interesting bag. &nbsp;But <i><u>even</u></i> that dressier bag has to able to accommodate my phone, wallet, keys, tiny notepad. &nbsp;Sometimes an iPad. &nbsp;So size and shape really matter to me. &nbsp;</p> <p>Can you provide a little bit more insight on how you plan to use your bag?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074624 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:11:00 +0000 kkards 2074624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bags are such a personal thing....i perfer bags that are shallower than #1 the AllSaints becuase i don't like digging for everything at the bottom, and for me, i've learned the hard way that that's a&nbsp;non negotiable, but again, that's a personal thing and YMMV. like Bijou, i like a bag that has multilple ways to carry, but for me its not as important as how the bag opens and how much it holds, and if its east-west vs north-south....<br />sorry i guess i'm not being much help....short answer, i think you need to get hold of each, or at least try a similiar shape/size in person, and but your stuff in and try it out.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074616 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 12:04:22 +0000 Bijou 2074616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like bags that give me options of how to hold them - so either with a handle and long shoulder strap or arm strap and shoulder strap. For that reason, I would prefer bag #1. However, if you only use shoulder or cross body straps, then the other two are both nice as well.</p> <p>I really like the colours of all three bags. Green is a great colour that works as a neutral with most colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074601 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 04:48:04 +0000 Anonymous 2074601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the first bag and have not had any problems with unlined bags. It looks like you can use it as a shoulder bag or carry it on the arm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-these-bags-1#post-2074595 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 03:45:33 +0000 Peri 2074595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The bag search continues. Feedback from bag experts/aficionados is very welcome, since I'm far from one.</p> <p>I like the look and color of the first one very much. I'm concerned about the unlined aspect...some of the reviews complained about that. Is that a big deal? One of my goals is to be lightweight, but I don't want to go into flimsy, esp for that price. And would that little pouch have any real use?&nbsp;</p> <p>The other two have more interior structure, which I would like, but at least in pictures they are both a step behind the first.&nbsp;</p> <p>Feel free to weigh in on pros and cons you see in them. Thanks! </p>