Bags - YouLookFab Forum

I will admit I have never carried a purse. For years I have been a student and carried messenger bags or backpacks with an additional front organizer pocket I used as my "purse." The rest of the time I carried a small wallet and relied on jean and coat pockets for the essentials. I have two tiny evening bags that were bought for costumes or the like that are either ugly or completely impractical (a wristlet that dumps the contents if it get flipped around).

I also find I need to carry more than looks good in my pockets now days (medication, larger cell, ect) and I probably won't be carrying my backpack anymore, even if I do end up with a work bag of some sort. It is time to grow up and use a purse.

So, I was wondering what you all look for in a purse. I need help with style, size, and details. It would also be great if you could maybe list what you carry daily or are able to carry in your favorite. I think it will be fun and interesting to see how all the stylish ladies differ on their must haves!

14 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

The things I carry around on a normal (Uni) day are: wallet, phone, keys, tissues, big waterbottle and sometimes something to eat, pencil case and writing pad, pocket calendar, umbrella (depending on the weather forecast), sometimes a book or two, lip balm, a little mirror and a comb and an additional canvas bag (because I sometimes do some grocery shopping on my way home). My 'working' bag has to be fairly big, but I also have smaller bags that I use when I have only the essentials with me.

I'm also looking for a new bag and I want one that is big enough to fit all the things mentioned above. And I want a structured bag so that it is easier to find my things. I need some short straps and a long strap, because I like it if I can use the bag and have my hands free at the same time, if I need them. And because I use public transport in Berlin, I need zippers (and if possible a flap) for theft protection.

Edit: Forgot to mention, it's nice to have an additional zipper outside to store your ticket so that you don't have to open the bag to get your wallet in case you meet a ticket inspector.

Anonymous

I've had my eye on the medium sized bag from here: http://www.originalsatchelstore.co.uk/

My rule of thumb is to consider the largest item I normally carry (a letter/legal sized notepad) and make sure a bag can hold that. So 8x11 generally works for me, but I prefer 11x14.

When I buy bags (and I do it a lot... I love purses) I look for a soft leather (more hygienic than fabric and easier to keep clean), with studs on the bottom (to protect the bottom), and handy exterior pockets. I like my keys to have one designated pocket, and my phone to have another. I also prefer bags that are wider as opposed to taller since I find it easier to dig around for things I need in a "shallow" bag.

Aida

Hmm I don't carry a lot with me day to day (meaning to work, and to the store or out to dinner): 2 wallets (one larger, one smaller with vitals), a small pouch with makeup (mascara, lip balm, lip color), keys, sunglasses, phone; in the winter add a scarf to that list. I use unstructured bags that are squat shaped with one giant pocket and just dig through them

Louise

Have you seen these? http://www.ameribag.com/ if you love the comfort and style of backpacks these are a bit smarter, I have a red leather one.

Oh dear bag contents you asked for it!!!!

In a bag organiser http://www.flydragonfly.co.uk/.....-pink.html
Shimmer lip sunscreen
Pen and pencil
Hand sanitiser
Bag hook http://www.clipa.us/
Small tin vaseline
Hand lotion
Foldup shopping bag http://www.fizbag.com/shop/pro.....-shoulder/
Iphone earbuds in a case
Various packs of gum and sweets
Tissues
Highlighter
Tippex
A rubber
Mini tweezerman nail kit http://www.asos.com/Tweezerman.....t%20Search
Lip balm
Hairband
Spot lotion
4 head (head ache stick)
Mirror
Ziplock bag for on the go trash
Lens wipes

Loose in my handbag
Purse (wallet)
Mini umbrella
Card wallet
Leather organiser
Pen in leather pouch
Car/house keys
Phone

Pouch with the following in
Inhaler
Painkillers
Plasters
Antiseptic wipes
Eye wipes and drops
Allergy tabs

Weighing in at a grand total of 5Llbs

Makrame

I call myself a bag lady. Not because I have a lot of pretty bags but because when I come to work, I carry at least 3 of them (computer backpack, crossbody or shoulder bag, and lunch bag). When I am not carrying a backpack, I find that crossbody bag is the most functional bag for me - I think it helps avoid or minimize back/shoulder pain. I think 11" x 9" is about the right size for me (just a bit bigger or smaller is fine, too). I tried Halogen half-moon bag, which was beautiful, but had to return it - at 14" x 10" it was too big. I have a beautiful bag that is 8" x 9" and it's just a tad small - I can fit my wallet and eyeglass case in it but not a small makeup pouch. I still wear it a lot, though, but if it was my only bag, it would not work for all days.

I carry wallet, eyeglasses, a small makeup case or a baggie with tiny jars of mineral makeup, pen, keys, phone, comb, mirror, ibuprofen. As mentioned above, a designated pocket or pockets for keys and phone is great, otherwise I have to dig through the entire bag to find them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Elly, have you started your new job yet?

Elly

Thanks for all the replies so far ladies! This doesn't seem to be a popular thread, but it always interests me what ladies carry in their purses--- sometimes I am shocked how much or little someone can put in an amount of space! I guess I tend to act like a male in this respect and therefore the power of the purse can be quite mystifying.

Angie, I haven't started my new job yet--- the organization I am (supposedly) working for should have their new budgets in hand for today and I am expecting having to wait several days for that information to filter down and decisions to be made. My understanding is that the woman that would be my direct supervisor is very keen on hiring me, but that there are several other higher ups that the budget approvals have to go through. However, I have been invited to a annual meeting with clients next week. I am hoping (crosses fingers). Otherwise I will be on the hunt

Patty

Elly--I never really carried a bag either--really until I had kids at 34. I never had anything much to carry but ID and license and that was all in a plastic insurance bill fold. And any money was carried in pant pockets. Kids increase your need to carry stuff that's for sure!
I did start to carry a belly belt bag just before that but didn't wear it as such--I hate the word 'purse' (on me) so we called it my colostomy bag. I also hate the look of a bag that looks like a purse so tend now to gravitate toward a bag that doesn't look like "your mother's purse".
These days i carry kid's health cards and health infos, wallet with IDs and cards, sketchbook and pens, purchase receipts, lip stuff and feminine protection devices. I am looking to get a new bag much like the one Sarah got in the spring to replace the one I have now. I don't have a cel phone but often get handed a deck of Magic cards or two to hold onto these days.

I put up a pic in this thread http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....n-your-bag
I use the same purse for months on end usually so I like to have a little place or pocket for every little thing. I am NOT a switch out for the outfit type of bag gal. Maybe for an evening out with a small clutch, I will grab 3 or 4 necessities and then switch them back to my day bag the very next day.

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I am holding thumbs for you, Elly. Do keep us posted.

The reason I asked is that ideally, your handbag should work with your new work wardrobe

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