rae, I like the idea of combining the high-low within the same handbag, not just the outfit. For example, I have a bronzy-coppery sparkle-leather suede bag witth studded shoulder strap--may sound weird but the soft texture is divine, and it was love first and then figure out how to use it--that is relaxed, almost hobo-ey. So it gives me way to indulge what Angie calls the magpie gene--I have had a less lady-like term for my tendencies--but with the more casual shape and neutral color, I can add sparkle to more casual occasions (though evening) and I get more use out of it.

So much good advice in this thread. It sounds like I just need to start trying things out here and see what works. I do have quite a few bags, some expensive, some thrifted, so will have to see how they go with different styles.

I don't carry a lot of stuff around, actually - just wallet, keys, phone and lipstick, pen and small notebook. I'm sure if I carried a bigger bag that would change!

I swap bags but usually based on my mood versus on my outfits. I tend to use the same 2 bags per season and rotate on a weekly or biweekly basis. Activities on the weekends dictate if I swap out my bag again (crossbody is good for many weekend activities such as apple picking at this time of year whereas my work tote would not work as well.)

I would look at clutches and cross body bags for your style. I love the effortless way you can sling a cross body on and go, and the clutch just looks so on trend now. Oh, and saddlebags might be worth looking at too, although maybe that tends too boho for you? JCrew is making incredible handbags right now. Definitely would look at their collection.

Ann: oops! Your new pebbled black bag may be just fine for you and your style! I should have worded that more carefully.

Awhile back, when I first joined YLF, I challenged myself to stop defaulting to black shoes (exception: winter boots). I used to take a practical approach to shoes, priding myself on taking a man's approach, just needing one pair of black pumps, and one pair of brown. Goes with everything, right? But for me -- with my blonde hair -- this is not always the best strategy -- I discovered bookending is better (nude or metallic) and just as versatile. From there I expanded out to animal prints, red, etc.

Once I learned how to add interest with different color shoes, I took the same strategy with handbags. Especially because I wear sooo much black & gray! And discovered that the most versatile handbag color for me is not black -- it's cream or white. That is *my* neutral! You have black hair, so black may very well be your neutral. Does that make sense?

However, there's always room for a black handbag (and black shoes) in any wardrobe. It was Angie who suggested that if you buy black, pick something with interesting textures, hardware, and details. So... here is the black handbag I settled on... it's also the biggest bag in my collection. I can't go any bigger than this without swamping me. I consider this bag my "serious career bag" and most often use it for work. But it also comes in handy when I'm traveling, or shopping, or otherwise need to stuff a lot of things into it.

This was -- and still is -- the most expensive bag I own. Furla. It still looks like new; has held up very well. I felt very extravagant buying it. It was worth every penny. And, this is the bag that turned me into a bag snob.

I snapped a picture of a few of my favorites (current favs anyway; i tend to be fickle!)

There is a black clutch that is covered with small squares of black with a silver stud in the middle of each. It's a good size bag so it works for daytime.

On the right is the slouchy black. It is incredibly soft leather. It is trimmed with a couple of strips of suede and silver studs. This bag is very 'me.'

Ha, Shiny, no worries! The bag I thrifted was a need -- I had still been using my black summer bag and needed an intermediate until I find just the right one.

But here's another question: if you have a large-ish bag and not much stuff, is that a problem? I took out the paper from a new bag I bought, and after I put my stuff in (wallet, pen, lipstick, phone charger and iphone) it still looked completely empty. I do love that I can fit my iPad in the bag, but I rarely carry my iPad with me.

just my quick one er two cents:

1c: I love 'changing' into a clutch for date night: always sets the mood and elevates it to 'date' somehow for me.
2c: changing handbags is a lot of work but it does elevate an outfit. It helps to have my handbags in the laundry room closet all on hangers: so easily visible and items in different pouches from etsy- so coll patterns and fabrics.

After staring at my bags hanging on a coat rack, I can say I am attracted to bags that are more leather than hardware. I have two oversized bags, one grey and one dark brown, and I love them the most. I also have a brown cross-body that is very practical for my lifestyle. And one black in an interesting shape. Three of these have no hardware at all. I have more but those are my favorites right now. I don't really use bags as an accent point (although I love this on others), but do enjoy carrying a high quality bag, and do feel it somewhat grows up my often disheveled look. Anyway those are my bag thoughts as a shoe woman.

Ann, a structured bag keeps its structure even if you only have a few items in it. Which, come to think of it, may be why I strongly lean towards structured bags.. hmmm.

That said, some unstructured bags will do this too-- they just get more slouchy!

But living in NE, many months out of the year we need to carry a "just in case" scarf or a cardigan. Even in summer, for going into AC. So that's what usually fills up the rest of the space. Most days this summer, I carried my slouchy white bag (below). Since there was plenty of room, I kept a 3/4 sleeve cropped black lightweight cardigan in it, just in case, but rarely needed it, since it was so hot.