https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:02:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1352549 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:32:06 +0000 Aida 1352549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RA, I think that your colors all go well enough with each other that you would be just find finding the coat that makes your heart sing and the tote that makes your heart sing. They will go together if you stick to your palette :)</p> <p>That said, I would suggest a lighter/brighter color coat just because it's cheerier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1352487 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:17:21 +0000 Rambling Ann 1352487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CC: that is the most out-of-the-box idea I've heard for a tote. Genius! &nbsp;Even if it doesn't work for every trip, it's &nbsp;a good option to have in the arsenal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1352411 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:03:11 +0000 Anonymous 1352411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I carry a black quilted nylon Coleman insulated tote when I fly. It has a zipper across the top and a pocket on each side that closes with Velcro. I can fit my clutch in one pocket (you could stow a small cross-body there) and my cashmere scarf/airplane blanket in the other outside pocket. Inside I pack fresh food, usually enough for at least&nbsp;two meals.&nbsp;</p> <p>The tote was super cheap, they have two sizes of them at Walmart. I abuse it and sometimes end up resting me feet on it and it still looks great. I tried leaving my clutch at home and just putting my wallet and cell, etc. in the tote but I ended up feeling very discombobulated without an actual small purse to carry separately.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-24-Can-Quilted-Tote-Cooler/23427947?action=product_interest&amp;action_type=image&amp;placement_id=irs_middle&amp;strategy=PWVAV&amp;visitor_id=87006737043&amp;category=0%3A4125%3A546956%3A4128%3A5164&amp;client_guid=09a93399-8767-4ab8-b0b1-b8d5130d34b6&amp;config_id=2&amp;parent_item_id=23427949&amp;guid=2330b040-5175-4cea-b9f2-dc96aafc1c81&amp;bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&amp;findingMethod=p13n">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cole.....038;action</a></p> <p>So I'd go for a cobalt coat and a black tote. You're so smart to be thinking of one while buying the other! I usually don't remember how important the pairing of these things is&nbsp;until it's too late.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1352404 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:54:36 +0000 Anonymous 1352404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's hard to find the right coat in anything but a neutral. Unless you have a color in mind, I'd plan to go neutral with it and with color or metallic for the tote. Alternatively, you might want to match the tote with boots or booties.<br /> My pewter bags are a color that's always easy to use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1352398 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:46:03 +0000 DonnaF 1352398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My views are probably colored (ha, ha, ha) by the fact that I need Petite sizes so my selection is a bit limited.&nbsp; </p> <p>You will DEFINITELY be able to find a black coat because black is *everywhere*.&nbsp; The other neutrals?&nbsp; Probably gray; dunno about olive.&nbsp; Same with the accent colors.</p> <p>I wear so many neutrals (mostly gray and black) that I've gotten to the point where I've started to avoid black bags in favor of colors.&nbsp; My cobalt bag goes with everything; same with my plum bag; same with my lime/apple bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351993 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:54:18 +0000 Rambling Ann 1351993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems the advice is split between&nbsp;<br />-neutral coat/bright tote<br />-bright coat/neutral tote</p> <p>no wonder I can't decide!</p> <p>helpful and&nbsp;interesting is that hardly anyone is advocating for<br />neutral/neutral</p> <p>MissVee and&nbsp;Janet, I hadn't thought of a metal tone. That is an interesting third option.</p> <p>I'm probably going to go to Phoenix before long where I can visit some B&amp;M stores for totes. It would be nice to find it BEFORE I fly down but that's not likely. I guess I could carry my stuff there in a paper bag, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351986 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:48:08 +0000 Diana 1351986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another rec for the le pliage or similar. I actually have the Planetes, because I wanted all black, but it's the same shape. I carry my MacBook Pro in it inside a neoprene sleeve (which is great bc you don't have to de-sleeve it for us airport security). Anyway, the pliage comes in lots of colors, so I also recommend choosing a coat first and then getting the bag to go with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351959 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:09:37 +0000 Windchime 1351959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're getting lots of great advice and ideas; just chiming in to say I totally identify with analysis paralysis, but in the area of home improvement. I could spend years weighing options for a kitchen remodel, for example, and never actually do it. I need a YHLF (Your House Looks Fab) website! :)</p> <p>Have fun with the coat and bag shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351946 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:47:14 +0000 shiny 1351946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coat: Cobalt!! &nbsp;I have a Jcrew cobalt coat, still going strong for about 5 years. I am amazed at how well that coat has worked out. The color makes me so happy. It's not that difficult to coordinate with scarves &amp; bag &amp; shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Totes: Not stylish or fashionable, but works beautifully:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Large-Shopping-Tote_255&amp;sec=travel">http://www.briggs-riley.com/ca.....sec=travel</a></p> <p>That's my travel tote, after performing similar search last year. Originally I wanted something more stylish but practicality won out. The more stylish leather ones tend to weigh a zillion pounds --&nbsp;with nothing in them. This Briggs-Riley tote has a sleeve on the outside, which allows me to slip it over the handles of my luggage. It has a zipper so nothing rolls out. It's nylon so I do not worry about putting it on the floor. It fits a ton of stuff, including my laptop with no sleeve necessary. In fact, it fits a clutch or cross body inside, which is what I do.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said I would not in a pinch use this as a handbag at my destination - it's way too large, for one thing. But any of the fashionable totes big enough to fit a laptop are too large as well, for someone 5'0. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351943 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:42:57 +0000 HiggsMistress 1351943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my&nbsp;plum colored&nbsp;OMG by Lo &amp; Sons for travel and weekend jaunts. &nbsp;It can be used by the handles or as a cross body to free the hands. &nbsp;I usually pack a &nbsp;sweater in a&nbsp;medium size packing cube&nbsp;to separate it&nbsp;from a laptop,&nbsp;files, papers, etc.&nbsp;for the plane. &nbsp;It fits under that plane seat and has lots of zippers and compartments for your various needs.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.loandsons.com/the-omg">http://www.loandsons.com/the-omg</a></p> <p>They also have the T.T. for a more traditional style tote bag if that's more your speed. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351930 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:16:55 +0000 Janet 1351930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found that my silver tote is such a great solution for this kind of thing. It goes with everything! My coats and jackets are all different colors and styles, but the tote doesn't clash with any of them. Yet it makes more of a statement than black or grey (my other usual neutrals). So my suggestion would be a metallic tote. Then you can have fun with the color of your outerwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351921 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:45:16 +0000 Deb 1351921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about that cobalt blue in a coat and a neutral bag? You did write that cobalt is your favourite. A coloured coat is a lovely sight in an often seen sea of black and grey. A neutral bag would work with and without the coat. So long as you you pick the right neutral that will marry well with your other clothes. You could then tie in any of your other colours for your third colour. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351907 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:18:01 +0000 missvee 1351907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd start with a neutral tote, in black or another neutral like pewter metallic, in a style with a detachable strap to wear cross body when needed. As far as the coat is concerned it never hurts to have a neutral option that you can punch up with colourful scarves or gloves. But if you see one in a colour that makes your heart sing, then go for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351873 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 07:10:42 +0000 Alexandra 1351873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the recommendation for Le Pliage. It's a great travel tote and folds to really small when you don't need it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351867 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:29:42 +0000 Caro in Oz 1351867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree zips are a must have </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351843 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:38:09 +0000 rabbit 1351843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm nodding at your thoughts. &nbsp;I agree,&nbsp;if you found an awesome bright coat, by all means I'd want to&nbsp;jump! (there will be plenty of neutral options&nbsp;out there for back up).</p> <p>I'm a little unsure about the matching bag and coat if they aren't neutral. &nbsp;<br />The color, like you say, would have to work in all lights, and it would be hard not be the&nbsp;'blue lady' for example, unless you really wanted to emphasize&nbsp;a signature color.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351833 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:46:56 +0000 Rambling Ann 1351833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee-I've heard of the Le Pilage but haven't seen one. Glad to hear a testimonial.</p> <p>Caro-I have seen some totes with straps that I like. Most important is the zipper. I hate when I have to shove my bag under the seat in front of me on its side and my stuff spills out. But a shoulder strap is second on the list.</p> <p>With scarves and such being the easiest to change out, I'm thinking:</p> <p>neutral coat - bright bag - various scarves is a fairly bullet-proof formula</p> <p>_ but the opposite _</p> <p>bright coat - neutral bag -various scarves would work too, maybe harder to execute in real life. But a glorious blue coat? Which gives more&nbsp;options in case I need a second coat of a different length or weight? Heaven forfend.&nbsp;</p> <p>Would it bug you to have the coat and tote be nearly the same color, like both cobalt? It would drive me nuts if it wasn't spot on in hue (green-purple range) although dark-to-light variation would be fine.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351831 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:43:51 +0000 rabbit 1351831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also going to suggest buying the coat first, as that's the trickiest purchase and you might not find great fitting options in all your colors. &nbsp; </p> <p>If you buy the bag first, I'd go for something that really works with all your outfits, so either a neutral, or one of your brights, but not something that might end up clashing with work or travel wear. &nbsp; But I'd determine the design first.</p> <p>The other accessories should be easier&nbsp;(scarves, hats) and can be added once these other key pieces are in place.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351813 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:15:39 +0000 Alana in Canada 1351813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking along the same lines as Caro. Look and see what's out there in your price range--and in your colours. Then pick the best one. Then, you will know what you'll be doing for your coat. If possible, try and get a two tone bag.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351808 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:02:30 +0000 Caro in Oz 1351808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a hands free person too. For travel&nbsp;I bought a Michael Kors tote that is lovely but it drives me mad&nbsp;because it doesn't have a longer strap, I get sore shoulders if it is too heavy. I have since bought two Prada totes&nbsp;(a smaller one &amp; a larger one)&nbsp;that have handles &amp; a cross-body/shoulder strap. They work really well for me. This was a long way of saying I'd first make sure the&nbsp;style is right&nbsp;then I'd&nbsp;choose my colour&nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351788 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:23:32 +0000 Dee 1351788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like either neutral coats and fun colored accessories or vice versa. When they're both colorful, it can be overwhelming and too many neutrals can get boring after awhile. For your favorite color, I'd pick it for my favorite type of&nbsp;piece. Love scarves? Done. Prefer a bright handbag? Go for it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I love my Le Pilage tote for things like this. It doesn't have a laptop sleeve, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/totes-coats-analysis-paralysis#post-1351782 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:18:52 +0000 Rambling Ann 1351782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need a zippered tote that can function as my "personal item" on a plane trip, hold my laptop in a sleeve,&nbsp;and look nice in a pinch as a handbag at my destination. I've never used a tote as a handbag, I tend to prefer the hands free cross body, so one to start should be sufficient.</p> <p>My winter coat is due for a replacement at some point, but it's not a high priority. But when I do, it will be one of "my" colors from my palette below. The ease of shopping with a restricted palette has me hooked. Coat later, tote sooner. And of course winter accessories like hats and scarves!&nbsp;My bottoms peeking out from under the coat will mostly be the neutrals, whites&nbsp;or blue jeans.</p> <p>I feel like there must be a Chinese menu formula that will work, I just don't know it. Using my palette, with the black, olive and grey are my main neutrals and the accent colors blue, purple, coral and lime green (forget the white, I will never buy a white coat or tote, I'm not that neat), and assuming anything I wanted was in the market when I wanted it, how would you approach this? Is there a pattern that translates to any palette?&nbsp;</p> <p>Neutral coat, accent 1 for tote, accent 2 for accessory<br />Neutral coat, neutral tote, accent for accessory<br />Accent coat, neutral tote, accent accessory?</p> <p>Should each item be a different color? Or a grey coat and grey tote, for example. If I were to go bold with my favorite, cobalt, which piece?</p> <p>There was a time when I could have calculated in my head how many possible combinations there are, but not tonight. The mind boggles, and maybe that's why I'm overthinking this whole thing. </p>