Handbag Cull

Star, I’m with you! Unless the bag is a style that works with some patina (a more RATE or unstructured boho style), I prefer a more pristine bag too. However, I just carried a less-than-pristine vintage fabric bag in Sundays WIW post and liked the effect of it with that outfit.

I am looking at a handbag edit of styles that are a bit stiff for what I want to wear now. I have some really lovely old satchel and other boxier, structured styles that I’m just not using these days. I’ve been holding on to them in a holding zone for a few years and still don’t reach for them…but part of me is convinced that as soon as I let them go, they’ll start trending again and I’ll want them. LOL

Great job on the edit!

1 year ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well done, Star! Feels good to clean up, right?

As someone who enjoys wearing a pristine, dressy, and usually Italian bag daily - I'm with you

1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Good job! It feels good to clear out unused items!

1 year ago

kkards

Veteran

wow, good for you! i have a couple of bags that i should re home

1 year ago

RobinF

Veteran

I tend to save bags forever. Doesn't make much sense because I never reach for my oldest ones any more. Good job at editing.

1 year ago

cat2

Veteran

I am also really slow. I just dug out my box of evening purses when I was getting ready for a wedding and realized most were in worse shape than I had remembered. It’s funny how you can just go on with your day and not really notice.

1 year ago

Star

Veteran

Cat2 and RobinF, today I pulled out some bags I had not used in ages and gosh, they just looked so tired. Fresh eyes!
Angie High Five! I have two Italian bags I love.
Janet Yes, sometimes some wear can look good, especially on leather.
Kkards Maybe it is time. I was also putting it off.

Thanks Suz!

1 year ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Yeah. I can’t think of any bags, whether evening or backpack, that I’ve enjoyed once they’re worn out. I think bags is an area for quality, or at least looking tasteful .

1 year ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Guilty of not giving away my previous most recent one yet, the pale bronze. I bought a new grey one a couple of months back. It’s clutches I have too many of and they hardly get used! It’s difficult to have them big enough even for phone, handkerchief, lipstick, comb, credit card. But at this stage I’m keeping all the clutches!

1 year ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Good job! I culled several recently too. Mostly structured satchel bags.

I’m more attuned now to the size & shapes that work best for me at this stage. I’m also very picky about how a bag opens & closes in terms of ease— not having frustrating floppy bits get in the way— and enough security re: zipper or flap or both.

Like Jenni I’m keeping clutches, after culling the tiny ones , that are metallic or some other dressy look, because somewhat “ timeless “ accessories might be the way I manage to create a festive or semi- formal outfit. I have one closet shelf container they fit in & hope to use the “ container theory” to limit expansion.

1 year ago

Roberta

Veteran

Finding the just right bag is so satisfying, that it makes it very hard to get rid of them when they're no longer the right thing! I have at least two bags that I haven't carried in years, but will probably never get rid of because I love them so much. I know this is greedy of me, and that someone else would probably love them too. I applaud your resolve.

1 year ago

MsMary

Veteran

Brava for you! I just said goodbye to several bags I'm no longer using, and last night I got a delighted phone call from the friend to whom I passed them along -- she's thrilled to have them and I'm thrilled they found a good home!

1 year ago

Joy

Veteran

Good job culling out the worn looking bags. It must feel good. Make a list of those you want to replace.

1 year ago

rachylou

Veteran

You go!

1 year ago

Star

Veteran

Thanks Rachylou!
Thanks Joy, I won't be replacing any yet. I have decided I can do with less bags. If I see a good taupe one in the thrift store I will consider it though, as I find it such a versatile color!
MsMary I am sure mine went to another home as I left them in a designated area for someone from our disadvantaged minority community to help themselves. Items are usually taken within 30 minutes or less!
Roberta I have sandals that I have not worn for years but cannot get rid of them because I love them!
JenniNZ and Unfrumped Funny I never use a clutch. I like to be hands free whatever the occasion.

1 year ago

Joy

Veteran

I regularly carry two or three bags with me this summer. The big one is for my bags for store purchases and for toting around a cardigan and big sun glasses.

1 year ago

BlueJay

Veteran

Good for you, Star! It does feel good to get rid of things, especially if you won't use them. I agree, if the bag isn't right, it ruins the look.

1 year ago

Anonymous

Good job! I have a pretty large collection, cause I like having bags that match all my shoes, but storage is difficult.

1 year ago

Veteran

Great job, it's not easy to let go of one let alone 7!!
I use 90% of my bags and I think I've been buying only the style and color that I know I need. I change my bags with each outfit so I know there is only 10% that I don't use a lot but those were gifts that have sentimental value to me. As long as all my bags still fit in their drawer I'm okay keeping them

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1 year ago

Star

Veteran

JP your collection does look balanced. I think that will be key for me going forward, to only buy the colours/styles I know I use. My 7 bags were getting dingy, I did not purge any that were in pristine condition. In fact 2 more could probably have also gone but I am a slow editor by nature.

1 year ago

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