Bags, and an aha moment on “soft structure” - YouLookFab Forum

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Bags, and an aha moment on “soft structure”

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Carol recently mentioned YouTuber Hannah Louise Poston in a thread (I believe it was one by LJP), and I’ve also been enjoying Hannah’s content. She posts very thoughtful, articulate videos breaking down lots of elements of styling, trends, and makeup.

She recently posted a video on her handbag collection. It’s a long video but I let it play while I did some tedious tasks on my laptop that didn’t require my full attention. In this video she commented a few times on “soft structure,” and it hit a chord with me and made me realize why some of my bags are not getting used.

Case in point: a few years ago I decided I wanted to finish out a cognac complement with a bag to work into outfits that had my cognac sandals or other brown elements. First I bought this very rigid Kurt Geiger bag (the blue handle seduced me, honestly), and then some time later when I felt like that bag was too formal, I got a very slouchy, more boho feeling Latico bag. Pic below.

Well, now I realize why neither one of them ever felt quite right. They’re two opposites, when what would really suit me now is something that balances some structure and refinement with some ease or softness. Perhaps an architectural shape but not stiff; a bit of slouch, but not combined with a rustic finish or boho details.

I’m now considering selling both of those bags (both in great shape) and keeping an eye out for something that works better for my style goals. This has me realizing why certain styles get worn a lot more than others!

If you’re interested, here’s the link to the video: https://youtu.be/OZCO62JtfQI?si=HTcdmaQcvsR8pQn-

I can’t believe it took this for me to crack the code of my handbag style. Honestly I’ve mostly chosen whatever seems practical or whatever catches my fancy because it’s unique. It’s also got me thinking of some other brands that are new to me.

How do you feel about your handbag style? Any struggles?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from cat2

Ket

Veteran

Soft structure is something that really makes me happy. I might veer yet a bit softer than you? I like some soft slouch. The cognac slouchy bag on the left in the photo is just my kind of softness.

I have two Kate Spade handbags. They're very structured affairs. (One is bright lemon yellow, too --not my color.) My best friend passed away and her husband lovingly gave them to me. I love that he thought of me in such a caring way, don't get me wrong, But they're very structured compared to what I enjoy. I have yet to figure out what to do with them. I feel I'm not honoring her memory to let them sit on a shelf and look at them once in a while.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fascinating, Janet. And when I look at those bags, I can see immediately what you mean!

Bags are SO personal and quite difficult to get completely right, in my experience! I honestly do not own a "perfect" bag at the moment. And maybe such a unicorn does not exist for me. I suspect that my problem is similar to yours -- it is difficult to find the right mix of structure and slouch for my personal taste and needs. I also need bags of a certain size to carry various things, bags that work when I'm on my bike and need to put them in my paniers, etc. (These are different bags, obviously -- one being larger and one smaller). And then, too, there is the issue of hardware. Almost all has been gold for the last years, and I do not favour gold, so while I have *accepted* this, I still wish I could find silver or no hardware at all. And the size, number/ placement of pockets, etc. needs to be just right, too. For now, I carry the bags I have, but I will be keeping my eye open for better options.

Star (Lise)

Veteran

I think I'm inbetween. I definitely don't like too much structure, and not really too much slouch either. Never given this a thought really. I just have never bought a very structured bag. Feels too stiff and formal. Even as a child l remember being thrilled at age 11 we no longer had to carry structured little suitcases and could swap them for canvas bags, either with back straps or a shoulder strap. I chose a shoulder bag. To this day I have never owned a backpack either.

Dee

Veteran

When it comes to handbags, there's what I actually like, and then there's how I want them to function. This becomes the great divide for me. I've had numerous styles of bags over the decades, and it turns out that the ones I prefer to use the most aren't exactly the most stylish but the most functional.

I've always liked the look of a cute saddle bag or even a Chanel style bag. They are exactly the refined kind of style I love, but in reality, they're just too small, a bit too stiff, lack the zippered compartments I prefer, and I don't like a flap access either.

Turns out I will use and function best with a crossbody bag that's not too stiff but not slouchy either. Mid-sized with a clean, symmetrical design and a zippered closure. It must also fit all my essentials and have a zippered pocket in the back, and preferably one on the front, too. Is that too much to ask for? Lol.
Here are bags that meet most of my criteria, not the most stylishly exciting but the most practical for me.

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Irina

Veteran

I struggle with bags. Probably, more than with anything else. I go for an interesting design and find later that it is not practical or uncomfortable. My Bao Bao bags are successful purchases but I can’t wear totes in the winter because they don’t go over a shoulder and I don’t like that in the winter. But they are flat, easy to pack for a trip. I love my Bao Bao backpack but it is too large for my daily needs.

So, a lot of issues - size, structure, function, materials. But I’m getting better, I think. This year I bought some cool bags.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yes! You all get it too.

Irina, my Bao Bao backpack is so good stylewise that I tolerate the fact that there is no outside pocket for easy access to my phone. Strangely enough, it qualifies as soft structure for me — its appearance is very structured but the material collapses flat when it’s not in use so there is a softness in the form of flexibility. I wish the Bao Bao totes came with a longer shoulder strap — they are just a bit too short to wear comfortably.

I have had bags that are so stiff that it’s hard to get my hand in them — a couple where it felt like the zipper was scratching my hand. No fun to use, no matter how pretty they are.

Suz, I also much prefer either silver or a cool metal tone for hardware or no metal at all. It’s not easy to find. The Bao Bao has that benefit, and a couple of my other bags as well.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I also watched that video in the background--I loved hearing her lament about how something wouldn't hold a Kindle, or diaper. And something else made her want to worship the details. She had a lot of bags, and funnily--all neutrals. I think if I were in her position (free samples), I'd be getting all different colors.

That is interesting that her video clicked for you. It certainly highlighted just how important the right features are, when selecting a bag. I don't know that I have really found out what my perfect bag is. I have a black Baggalini that is so indestructible I could toss it across the room. But I don't know that it is my perfect one. I prefer structure to slouch, and love any tote. But really, it is the smaller ones I am worried about....

Carol

(website)

Veteran

LOL--I was just thinking about how shoulder bags bother my shoulders, but they are the only bags I really like. Then I thought about backpacks--and remembered that those also bother people's shoulders, especially kids. There was a big trend that is probably still around, for kids to use roller bag suitcases to carry all their books and materials from class to class, or to home. I am going to get a roller bag! The perfect bag

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LJP

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I can see right away how neither of those bags hit the mark for you, after reading your post. Very interesting! I want to listen to a few of her YouTube videos when I have a chance. I am so , so particular about bags that I rarely buy them. I think I fall into the camp that prefers soft structure too. My 2 favourite bags are rounded mid-size shoulder bags with a flap closure. One is quilted nylon and the other leather - both are Marc Jacobs, coincidentally - or not? and both are at closing in on 10 years old.

LJP

Veteran

Re: roller bags: more than a few people are now using them as gym bags. No comment.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I confess, I have some open tabs in my browser for some of the brands she talks about. The Songmont bags are speaking to me — if the Luna bag had silver hardware I would be tempted. They’re not cheap though!

Kate

Veteran

I had, and still have, lots of structured bags in a variety of shapes.

But about 10 years ago, as my lifestyle needs changed, I gravitated to ever smaller cross body bags, which all tended to be way less structured. I’ve kept on that path. Now, small to small medium soft structured bags are all I use. I have quite the collection, because bags. Just love ‘em.

It’s probably past time to winnow my wardrobe of structured bags.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, fab that the penny dropped! I can see how you'd prefer a bag that is IN-BETWEEN these two. Makes perfect sense

Soft Structure is not unlike what I've referred to in outfits as:

Unstructured Structure, Just Enough Structure, and Soft Edge. (Cousin terms!)

They hit that soft spot in-between the two extremes that is dead right

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

When I saw soft structure I actually thought of the Armani tributes that I have read since he died. Fashion owes a lot to that man. Anyway, I have also seen HLP's video and I think this is a great insight for you. My most used bags are by Daniella Lehavi and they combine a lot of slouchiness with some geometric shapes and are well organized pocket wise, which is what works best for me.

Lisa

Veteran

What great insight you have for your handbags! I've never given handbags much thought beyond trying to match the colors of a handbag to my shoes or belts. This gives me something to think about in the future!

Kyle

Veteran

One of my issues with bags is related to size. I don’t enjoy large bags, and there’s a sweet spot where bags are large enough to hold my essentials, but not much bigger than that. I also prefer crossbody bags and they must have silver hardware. I’m picky. So when I find a bag that works for me, I snap it up!

K. Period.

Veteran

I 100% get this. I realized this about myself a while ago and that realization has made my bag buying so much more successful. For me, softly structured or structure with softness means that any bag with a really angular shape must be made with soft, slouchy leather or fabric (the black Longchamp bag in my finds) and bags with more rigid leather (the blue bucket bag and black satchel) must have a rounded shape. What that means for me is probably more structured than you, but the idea really helped me understand what I was looking for and evaluate bags. Oddly enough, saddle and half-moon shapes aren't my favorite, but I haven't identified why yet. I love that there's something to figure out still.

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Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag

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Star (Lise)

Veteran

ANGIE I some how missed that wisdom of yours for outfits regarding Unstructured Structure. I think that is what I like in an outfit (and a bag). Hhm, clever :).

At some point CAROL the kids here were also using roller cases for school. They have stopped now. Very impractical on our roads and paving, and noisy.

Back to my preferred bag, only in the last few years have l realised my sweet spot regarding size. Not too big, not too small, just the right size for holding my goodies. DEE yours look the right size for me. I need outer zippers too. I don't think we fussy, just practical (comes with age I guess) lol.

Bijou

Veteran

Janet, this is such an interesting observation and way to think about things.. When I worked in an office, I mainly used structured satchels as they were a good fit with my work clothes and needed to be large enough to carry what I needed. Since moving jobs and working from home, my style in clothing as well as bags and accessories has changed. My clothing is less dressy and so I am drawn to bags (and other accessories) that are more of a statement to add some style and personality to my daily outfits.

RobinF

Veteran

Interesting observations here! I have always preferred small crossbody bags. When I think about my favorites, the "soft structure" is a good description of them but I don't consciously pick them for that. Whenever I have tried more structured "formal" bags they just don't suit my style but can be fun for more formal occasions when I prefer a handbag over a crossbody.

cat2

Veteran

My handbags have to function the way I like; I don’t have any patience for fiddling with them. That means zip top structured bags that are either a tote for a day of stuff, a medium sized hand bag, or a wristlet. I need good interior pockets for phone, keys, etc. When I find a bag that works, I duplicate it in other colors. I have some trial and error pieces to wear out, but I know won’t be getting another big leather Longchamp with no interior structure or getting anything else with a top flap that is buckled down or has to hit a magnet.