https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:35:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2407058 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:20:34 +0000 Karie 2407058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m more of a shoe person than a handbag person, but I recently went through all my purses and got rid of most of my inexpensive, no name ones. I don’t care about labels, but if it’s cheaply made/cheap materials/was showing signs of wear, it went either in the trash or in the donate bin. My better made, department store or name brand purses, I kept.<br /> I would have a hard time getting rid of my designer bags, like Coach or Kate Spade, mostly because of how or when it was purchased- it was a gift, or I bought it on a cruise, during a special shopping trip with girlfriends, something like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2407039 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:19:02 +0000 Angie 2407039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks,<b> LJP</b>! I'll order it soon.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jonesy,</b> thank you! Your own fun bag stash is full of playful personality! I can imagine they suit your KILLER style perfectly, and garner quite the complement as they stride along with your mane of gorgeous curls :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2407025 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:07:09 +0000 Jonesy 2407025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, no worries, and I hear you on the weight/shoulder issue! For the record, even <b>I</b> don't always carry my wallet :). Sometimes I carry a mini-wallet or just a crossbody phone case type of thing with slots for my ID and credit card. But I still use a spiral, notebook-type calendar for work and life, still take meeting notes with pen and paper, and still track my research by keeping process notes, etc. I am so old school, lol.</p> <p>Angie, that bag is 100% creamy, lovely goodness! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2407022 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:52:26 +0000 LJP 2407022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie that indeed is a gorgeous bag and will suit you well ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406988 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:43:10 +0000 Angie 2406988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And, good job sorting your bags to sell and pass on! You are going like a Boeing :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406987 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:42:16 +0000 Angie 2406987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP,</b> I know you'll appreciate this ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>All this talk of passing on handbags has made me lust after my next wardrobe pet purchase. SOOOO PRETTY!!! I have the major wantsies for this one. It will officially be my first Dillards purchase.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406984 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:27:02 +0000 LJP 2406984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also - I did a complete assessment of my bags yesterday and have created a good stash to bring to a local higher-end consignment store in my old neighbourhood. I think it will give me the best return . &nbsp;I plan to get there next week. &nbsp;<b>Jaime</b> - thank you for sharing your experience with consignment rates - I really appreciate that and was going to ask you !&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406983 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:20:34 +0000 LJP 2406983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thoughts shared here - thank you all.  </p> <p><b>Jonesy,</b> to clarify , *I* cringe when I see overstuffed wallets -  only because they look heavy and disorganized.  And I'm all about not toting around unnecessary stuff . I too love/d a full size wallet up until about a year ago when I got rid of my last two good ones. I used to alternate them seasonally, and invested in really nice ones !  As we age, it's so important not to carry more weight than necessary on our shoulders :). It's all personal and <b>I regret sounding judgmental </b>(although that's how I seem to write, I realize).  The older I get the less I worry about being diplomatic, which serves me well at work but less so online.  </p> <p>Here is a photo of my <b>new *wallet*</b> - a Christmas gift I put on a wish list.  I keep my public transit supplies (tickets, card, extra coins in case) in the smaller zip section and the rest of my cards in the larger one (which has slots) . It's perfect, lightweight, and can be cleaned !  If I was going out somewhere "nice" I'd switch to a leather card holder and leave half of the contents at home.</p> <p><b>Carla</b> - what cash?  Lol.  I haven't carried cash in years. In fact, I haven't used an ATM either in so long I probably forget how to use one.  My phone does everything for me .  </p> <p>I find it interesting that many of us/you still carry pen/paper and other little doodads.  If I need to remember something or want to note it, I take a photo of it, or use my notes app.  </p> <p>And lastly, there is clearly a difference between carrying enough supplies for a day out of the house and just what you need to run an errand or two/go shopping.  I'm not thinking about a day's worth in this post - that is tote bag territory for me:).  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406977 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:55:15 +0000 Janet 2406977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I still use mine plenty. A small wallet, keys, phone, a pouch that holds necessities like lipstick, tissues, etc, and two glass cases (regular glasses and prescription sunglasses), plus my little packable shopping tote… and my midsized handbag fills up. In fact I’m really enjoying my new Aest bag, which has just enough room for all that. </p> <p>That said, I am letting go of some old bags that I’m just not using anymore. My style has shifted. Some are too stiff, too bulky, or not accommodating enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags/page/2#post-2406976 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:50:15 +0000 RobinF 2406976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always been a small cross-body bag person. The few shoulder bags I have owned I use for a while and then go back to my cross-bodies. I don't have a lot though, I am more a shoe person than a bag person. I would say save the ones you still love and consign the rest. Someone will love them and you can get a little money back.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406967 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:15:55 +0000 Debbie 2406967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did cull a few. I honestly gave one to my daughter and donated the rest. I haven’t missed them but I stall have quite a few and can’t seem to part with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406963 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:46:12 +0000 Bonnie 2406963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a really good question. Mine are in two large baskets on the top shelf. I have more than I have shown below but they're not in my Finds. Last year, I tried to use a different bag each month but quit after about three months. I took the Zella back pack on a trip and it worked so well I jjust kept using it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406959 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:58:49 +0000 Carol 2406959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a "big bag" person, and also I have never owned a really nice bag. I admire them, but wouldn't be buying them unless I had the money.</p> <p>However, I also admire those "mid-range" bags. Someone shared a while ago a minimalist leather tote by craftsmen. I will probably get it one day--gorgeous, and easier to come by than a Birkin.</p> <p>Being a "big bag" person I really just use one bag all the time. Currently a black satchel, which I am very excited about.&nbsp; Unless I go out, in which case that is something smaller, at varying levels of formality.</p> <p>I would like to wear them more often, but don't suffer from museum pieces gathering dust. I guess my bag problem is that I just don't make myself use all of them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406957 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:37:13 +0000 Suz 2406957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla, </b>can't speak for <b>LJP</b>, but I almost never have cash with me any more. Even when I do have some, it fits in my little card case. Which is even a bit retro in itself -- most people are just using their phones these days.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did like my old wallet, though, as well. And I kept it. I just don't use it much at all.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lynette</b> -- I carry different things in my bag depending on the day. In two of my small crossbody bags I can just barely fit: phone, card case, a small pouch with lipstick/ concealer/ eye drops etc. in it, sunglasses, tissues, keys, a pen, and sometimes a small tablet or notebook and/ or a nylon shopping bag.&nbsp;</p> <p>My larger bags hold all that plus water bottle, notebook, the jacket or sweater&nbsp; I might want to remove, umbrella if needed, or sometimes raincoat, and on and on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406956 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:15:09 +0000 Carla 2406956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don’t have a wallet, where do you keep your cash?!!! :-D</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406954 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:41:03 +0000 Jonesy 2406954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would suggest selling the bags you no longer use (and don't feel attached to)! My perspective: I have quite a few bags, but they are mostly larger tote bags used for work. These are typically leather, with an open top. I also have cross-body bags and smaller handbags for non-work situations, and I find that I use them a lot. I also carry the larger totes for non-work--I always have stuff to put in them, and also don't mind if they aren't totally filled up.</p> <p>I'm chuckling over your comment about wallets being cringe-y, since I carry one! Happy to randomly cause secondhand embarrassment with my "old woman" wallet when I'm out and about :)! </p> <p>ETA: My current fave bags (all purchased secondhand): Dries van Noten, Dries van Noten, Emm Kuo, Marni, Max Mara, Opening Ceremony, Rachel Comey, Rachel Comey, Stand Studio. The Marni bag, especially, frequently provokes comments like, "What a cool bag!"</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406951 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:45:44 +0000 kkards 2406951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel you. Even my smaller bags feel to big these days. I want small and light but interesting and not what everyone else has. Anyway for the part I’ve still got my bags and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them.<br /> The 2 finds are what I’ve been carrying for the last 2 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406948 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:08:16 +0000 SW Ann 2406948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be in the minority, but that has been true for years about all kinds of things! Ha! I use my larger handbags everyday, and get compliments on them all the time.&nbsp; It is part of my "look" and I like that.&nbsp; I believe it is a good idea to adapt to our current needs and if handbags no longer work for you--sell, thrift, give away, or othewise divest like any other item that is no longer working.&nbsp; For me, I am a handbag woman! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406923 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:41:25 +0000 Star (Lise) 2406923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too only want to use a specific size bag now that is small-ish, and in a versatile, cool colour (a metallic, a taupe or cognac probably) so that I don't need to change it much. I already have a metallic olive ' just the right size' bag that is the one I use mostly. Actually it was this bag that made me realise I don't want or need a bigger bag or bigger variety. Two every day bags and one night/going out bag would probably be enough. I was never this person before. No advice just understanding where you are at. I did do a cull, not of the expensive ones though and I have 11 bags now and will not buy another in the near future. They do feel almost obsolete in my life. I am retired. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406920 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:09:00 +0000 goldenpig 2406920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Purses and bags are my downfall because unlike clothes, they don't stop fitting when you change sizes! I'm also a sucker for collecting multiple versions like Tokidoki themed backpacks and cute Kate Spade novelty purses and I love having just the perfect purse to match my outfit. So I'm never going to have a small purse wardrobe! I have given many bags away to my relatives (mostly the neutrals like black/grey/cream which are boring to me, but other people prefer!), but I still have a lot of bags. I only ever sold one purse, because I thought it was too expensive and I felt guilty about it, especially because I sold it for less than I paid. I regretted it though. I recently found the same purse on the used market, for even less than I sold it for. So I figured it's karma and the universe telling me I need this purse back in my life! So I am definitely not the one to be advising you on downsizing your purse collection, LOL! You could sell them to a consignment store or TheRealReal etc. if they're nicer, or post them for sale on YLF, or just give them away to your friends! If you have room, keep the best ones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406909 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 03:03:20 +0000 MsMary 2406909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through the same thing after COVID. These days I am using my nice handbags more. I was thinking the other day that my medium-sized bags are really the most useful, like the ones below. (You can't really tell from the phoitos but they're all close to the same size.) My phone is fairly large, also I like to carry at least one and often several pair of glasses (sunnies and driving glasses -- sometimes readers as well), plus I like to have a water bottle handy. I striggle with evening-sized bags. And on the other hand, my beloved Burberry tote often seems too large and businessy these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406896 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:46:00 +0000 Lynette 2406896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm this is interesting. It has caused me to wonder what you all keep in your purse/bag. I have cut way back from the amount of stuff I used to tote around but I am not as minimalist as you are Lisa. I no longer carry the huge wallet (why did we do that?!) and use a card case like you do. My new phone has a bigger screen which takes up a lot of room and I have to have my reading glasses! I also have a little pouch with things like lip gloss, ibuprofen, breath mints, and other small things. Then I like to carry a comb, a small mirror, and a pen in case I actually have to write! Oh, and pepper spray! All of this fits in a small to medium handbag. Am I the only one who carries this much? I'm wondering what Angie takes in her beautiful collection? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406888 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:32:49 +0000 MsMaven 2406888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Standing in line at the drugstore yesterday I noted that the woman in front of me was carrying a Chanel tote bag. I'm pretty sure it's real. She was well-dressed but casual, but her overall look was more grandmother than chic. She had a little girl with her I assume was her granddaughter.</p> <p>I have two Chanel bags, one 24 yrs old and one 20. I haven't used them more than once or twice since Covid. Now my husband finally retired means we don't get invited to client events or fancy dinners. I've thought about just carrying the smaller bag to see how it feels. We have some wealthy people in our neighborhood, and there have been incidents where women were attacked and their jewelry stolen. I'm older now and worry about appearing vulnerable. So I go back and forth.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most of the time I carry a $39 leather bag from Amazon. Light, easy to use, and I don't worry about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I gave my niece my two designer leather jackets a couple of years ago. She'd been waiting for them for 2-3 years. I've been wondering about giving her one of my bags.&nbsp;</p> <p>Between the drugstore woman, this post, and my desire lately to do something, I think I will use the smaller bag in the next few weeks. Just to see how it goes. So thank you for bringing this up, Lisa.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406886 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:29:06 +0000 Jaime 2406886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, bags are tricky. They always fit and don't wear out like shoes so what to do with the ones you don't wear? I have a ridiculous amount of bags and usually get analysis paralysis trying to decide what to do with them. My daughters have kindly relieved me of some but it is a drop in the bucket.<br />So I can only give theoretical advice. I would take the more expensive ones to a good consignment shop and let them deal with the hassle. Around me most shops give about 35% of the sales price, but one or two pay as much as 50% for more expensive items. But mental and emotional clarity is priceless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406880 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:53:39 +0000 Roberta 2406880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I kept two of my favorite large shoulder bags, purely for sentimental reasons. The others I sold on eBay or offered to friends. It's not like I had more than five or six. I sometimes think of using those bags when I fly, because they are so roomy, easy to access, and would look pretty cool on a plane. But in the end I always decide not to because they are just too heavy to carry during the actual trip. I have accepted that if I wear them even once a year, that is enough usage for me to keep them in their pretty dust bags in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406877 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:17:01 +0000 Angie 2406877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP,</b>&nbsp;that makes sense. Your needs have changed, and you need to adapt. You'd prefer something smaller. Or a fun tote. Then you know what to do! Pass on the too big bags :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406876 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:12:28 +0000 Suz 2406876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a true handbag person, but I do still like the ones I have. True, I rarely get to use them -- I use my backpack for work commutes and travel, and on my walks in the suburbs I take only my phone -- but neverthess, I <b>do</b> use them when I go out on other types of outings and when I travel. So...I just keep them, and rotate them as I like.&nbsp;</p> <p>Of those I use mainly for travel -- the Minkoff hobo, Minkoff backpack, Got Moon nylon bag, and Le Pliage tote -- I only use the Minkoff hobo, at home as well. It collapses into the body so even if I am not carrying a lot, it strangely works. These bags hold a water bottle, notebook, tablet, sunglasses, a layer I might take off, some shopping, etc. They are still useful to me!&nbsp;</p> <p>There are 3 small crossbody bags -- they don't hold all of the above but do hold phone, sunglasses, card case, etc. I usually bring one of these along when I travel for going out in the evening, or half-day trips to museums, etc. I can use these bags when riding my bike -- they go into my panniers and I take them out at the destination.&nbsp;</p> <p>And then a medium satchel and shoulder bag, which have a bit more wiggle room but not enough for holding a sweater or jacket. </p> <p>I feel like this is the right number for my needs and I'm satisfied with this range. I did get rid of everything else -- I just donated it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406874 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:40:43 +0000 Dee 2406874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a handbag person, so no advice from me. I'm a dedicated crossbody bag lover, they're just so practical and I really have only 2 or 3 that are my go-to's depending on the season. I cannot be bothered changing bags to suit my outfits. I pretty much stick with either black, or navy for the most part. I do have some older crossbodies in a holding zone, nothing expensive or designer, so they'll likely end up being donated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406864 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 21:45:08 +0000 LJP 2406864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina - I have found canvas/twill totes really useful too . Last summer I used a printed twill bag from Le Bon Shoppe in lieu of a purse and loved it . Looked more modern and relaxed too than dragging around a heavy leather purse . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-we-doing-with-all-of-our-handbags#post-2406863 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 21:42:05 +0000 LJP 2406863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - I understand your point about retirement opening up more opportunities to use bags , but I still carry so little now ( as compared to even 5-6 years ago ) that all I want is a couple of special smaller bags . Any evening occasions I’m covered for , and super casual nylon / Uniqlo type crescent bags I have a couple of also . I don’t live in a walkable city so am not toting around water bottles and hats and sunglasses and other ephemera . </p> <p>Kate - glad to hear I’m not alone . I know nothing about selling on eBay but am not motivated to commit to packaging up and getting to a post office or UPS depot for every bag . I just don’t have the time or use of a car often enough for it to work . I hope you are successful though ! </p>