Ask Angie: Tailored neutral (but not black) handbag? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Tailored neutral (but not black) handbag?

mamark

Have you seen a structured tailored type handbag that you wish you'd bought? If so would you share a link with me? It seems like everything is slouchy now and I just don't think it looks right with my work clothes.

I'd like a bag that's big enough to fit my essentials and maybe my Kindle, but it doesn't need to be big enough to fit a laptop or a pair of shoes. Also, it needs to have long enough straps to wear as a shoulder bag.

Budget is up to $400. Any suggestions?

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from Rosie

mamark

oh, by the way, the handbag I'm carrying today is about the perfect size - 16" by 10".

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you seen Kate Spade's new collection, mamark?

Rosie

Veteran

It seems that with summer around the corner "tailored" doesn't seem to be in the stores too much! This is one of the few bags at Nordstrom that sort of fit the bill, but it is a bit over $400. It might be too classic or boring for you, I don't know, but personally I find Longchamp's simplicity elegant.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....0&P=1

Rosie

Veteran

In the brown, not the black.

mamark

Thank you Angie and Rosie.
I will check out Kate Spade's new collection. A friend invited me to the grand opening of her new store in Marin county so maybe I'll tag along. (Tim Gunn is going to be there!)

I have one Longchamps bag and it's very nice but it's black so I don't use it ofen. Maybe I'll hit Nordstrom and smell that one. - I have to smell bags, I don't know why, which makes it difficult to buy them online. The shape also reminds me of a small Jack Georges laptop bag I have, also in black, which I really like.

I'm excited to go bag shopping!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm excited for you! Keep us posted and have fun at the event.

mamark

Hmm,
I like this one
http://www.katespade.com/produ.....36.3881513

and it's from the sale section. But it's not exactly a neutral! If it were a slightly less bright orange....

MNsara

Veteran

mamark - I have email that everything on katespade.com is 30% off plus free shipping for Friends & Family, but today is the last day (Saturday, April 24th). (no pressure there!)

I really like the purse you picked. I have a Goldenbleu patent tote in a similar coral color - maybe even brighter (buying it over the phone, the sales lady warned me it was not for the faint of heart!), but I really enjoyed carrying it last summer and it worked well with most of my colors then (I prefer more neutral clothes with birghter accessories).

Have fun deciding

MNsara

Veteran

Oops, if you do go for it, the discount code is FRIENDLY30

and don't know if you have carried Kate Spade handbags, but mine have all worn very well. I have been pleased with every one of them. and usually retire them before they even look worn. . .

mamark

THANK YOU MNsara!!!

cciele

Veteran

This is the structured bag I would get, if I were a structured-bag kind of gal
http://haydenharnett.com/index.....age1%3DALL

MNsara

Veteran

Hey, cciele - Nice choice! I have one of those (in Indigo crinkle) and love it too, but it seemed pretty large and I have used it for my carry on when flying, actually stuffing a small crossbody bag in it!! It also has held up nicely

cciele

Veteran

Ooo, I love the indigo crinkle. That's such a cool, unusual color.

I tried on a Trophy at a sample sale once. I thought it was going to be huge, but it was smaller than expected. Then again, I like big bags

There's always the smaller version, the Trophy satchel:
http://haydenharnett.com/index.....age1%3DALL

I love the braided strap on that one.

mamark

Thanks for the Hayden Harnett link, cciele. I have the Havana Hobo, which is the bag that got me sick of slouchy bags! I have it in the purple crinkle and it will not stay up on my shoulder - it slides down. That trophy bag is nice-looking but it looks HUGE! I was thinking about the Talullah bag (which I think is sold out now) in a kind of neutral tan but I checked it out on ebay and bonazle and it looked like it wasn't holding its shape.

I think I may just get that Kate Spade bright orange thing, and neutrals be damned.

cciele

Veteran

Sorry to hear you have problems keeping the Havana on your shoulder. I know it's a problem for some people, and others just love it (I have one in lagoon, which I really like). It's definitely a slouchy bag though.

Have you looked at the Sonia? It has a bit of structure and makes for a nice work bag with the three compartments:
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths.....etail__550

But bright orange sounds totally fun. I would love a bright orange bag!

mamark

aah, I ordered that orange bag using the coupon MNsara provided, which totally worked, even on sale items!

Since I only spent < 50% of my budget, maybe I'm still on the lookout for a neutral bag. I have this idea that I'd like to carry a light tan / fawn colored bag in the warmer weather. Need to find the perfect one, though!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

So you ended up with a bright structured bag. It's KILLER. Fab that you were flexible!

Rosie

Veteran

When is the Kate Spade event? I saw Tim Gunn at SF Bloomingdales in September when they opened the Kate Spade clothing section. You HAVE to go. He is just so wonderful - even better in person.

I love the orange bag you got! I'm still trying to find an fun neutral one for you. Very little luck!