Ask Angie: a grown-up purse and wardrobe

Hi! I stumbled across this site when searching "handbag styles". I desperately need to find a "grown up" purse. I've been carrying a little travel crossbody for years because I don't like regular bulky purses that I have to carry or keep hitching up on my shoulder. I feel like I've hit a bit of a glass ceiling at work, and have been looking at the way the women in higher positions dress... and I find myself lacking. I got stuck in the jeans-and-a-tshirt mode in college because I'm a bit hard to fit and on a tight budget, and those are the clothes that fit. Now however, my job is getting a bit more corporate as my company is being purchased by a large Italian company, and I want to both stand out and dress for success.
I'm a graphic designer, and spend most of my days in front of the computer. The only people who see me are the people I work with and my bosses, but of course they matter! I'm 41 years old and the mother of a teen daughter... don't have a lot of time or a large budget. BUT I need to dump the little nylon travel crossbody ASAP... It looks totally unprofessional and touristy! I've been slowly adapting my wardrobe... still jeans and a t-shirt but NICER versions. Dark skinny jeans, solid color knit shirts from the career department, and ballet flats instead of Converse. Also accessorizing with cardigans, scarves, earrings, etc. and traded in my long straight ponytail for a funky fun pixie cut.
So, my question is... what is a good handbag style to try? I don't like big bags, (neck and shoulder problems, LOVE being 40...haha) and I like my hands mostly free. I've been looking at large wristlet styles and backpacks... not sure though, is a backpack just as dorky as my travel wallet/purse??
Thanks!
MsP.

9 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

not Angie...how about just a nicer crossbody bag in (faux) leather? not sure what size or price point. so, at nordies...

small bags across price points...medium bags, ditto

from amazon...leather crossbody bags $50-100

crutcher

Not sure of your location but why don't you check out your local Target...There are a ton of cute bags, not expensive and some quite stylish...Also tour NOrdstrom online for a peak at what is current...Great sales there, too...How about TJ Maxx or Marshall...both have great bags at low prices...Not Angie but offering few suggestions...smile..

texstyle

(website)

I agree to look at more expensive ones to get a grip on the current styles, etc. then go to a discount place to find similar style bags at a lower price point. I like the idea of a lighter colored bag this season to offset all the dark colors of winter (since white is the new black and all ;-)) so maybe something in ivory or light taupe/gray would be available - possibly at a discount since the lighter colors are traditionally considered spring/summer.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

What are your transit requirements for work? Do you need to haul a bunch of stuff around (lunch, laptop, extra shoes etc.) or are you pretty minimal? If the latter, I would think a leather (or leather-look) crossbody would be a nice first step. Dressier than the nylon one you've been using but still the same style and hands-free. I have several convertible shoulder/cross-body bags from DSW which I love for an everyday purse. I agree that Target and TJ Maxx/Marshalls also have a great selection of purses at lower prices that still look very nice.

If you need to carry more, maybe a leather tote or messenger bag, with a smaller wallet or wristlet to take to lunch or out to meetings, etc? I think the key will be to find what format(s)/size(s) work for you and then find bags that fit your style.

My favorite online retailer for bags is ebags.com - they carry a lot of brands, their prices are reasonable, and there are great reviews and videos of a lot of their items. Zappos can have some good deals on bags too.

Elly

I think backpacks are great, and even the travel cross-bodies in the sleek styles can look great in the right color. I think the key is looking for details that take something from purely functional to "not a mom purse" like cool trim, zippers, a great finish or color, or really minimalistic.

The one below is from a company that does some cute stuff but is less expensive for a leather bag than Fossil, Frye, etc.

The large wristlet or clutch that comes with an inner strap is a great idea too!

Zappos

The Sak Silverlake Crossbody

$149.00

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DonnaF

What about a smallish squarish leather cross body bag? Macy's is always running sales, including their Columbus Day sale today. Note: I've noticed that in-store prices are sometimes lower than online.

dashielle (Ann)

Classic neutral colored structured bag that's a convertible crossbody will have the most versatility for your first grown up bag. Like this one but in a comfortable price point. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HRJFWJ6?psc=1. You'll want it to go with everything, so start simple!

Von

I'm a designer also, and I think my coworker has the bag you speak of! She likes her little crossbody, and I'd say if you DO love it, just upgrade the material.

I have this one in Green canvas - totally my weekend bag, but I love it so much. It's a great small bag that carries more than you'd think.

http://www.zappos.com/dooney-b.....er-carrier

If you search around online, you can find them under $100. I got mine on sale at Belks for about $40. This one is leather -- http://www.ilovedooney.com/ser.....Dx5_-fxORo

Slightly larger, I do like tote bags with cross body straps. That way you can get hands free if you need to.
http://www.ilovedooney.com/ser.....Dx64OfxORo

But, if you're a small bag person, no need in upgrading to something you can't think of filling.

mspcandoit

Active Member

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice! A very stylish friend of mine directed me to eBay, and I decided to try out a Dooney... called the "zip along" wallet, it's like a large ziparound wallet with a removable crossbody strap. The seller described it as "vintage all-weather leather and virtually indestructible". Exciting! I'm always concerned about the length of the crossbody strap, because I'm 5'10" tall and don't want it to look like I'm wearing a child's toy purse.

I really don't carry much... I've been getting by with my crossbody travel wallet and a canvas tote bag from LLBean for the overflow, like papers, sketchbook, etc. I don't like taking all of that with me when I go out for lunch or on weekends, so I just take out the travel wallet for that.

I bought this tote from Kipling, as my new "overflow" bag:
http://www.zappos.com/kipling-.....lack-combo

The advice to stick with my current preferences but upgrade the materials was really helpful! I was thinking a "grownup" purse had to be a big heavy leather satchel!

Lisa

I've got a tan leather Nine West handbag that came with a cross body strap as well as a shorter strap (which I've never used!)....this was a few years ago, but it's so handy.

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