Handbag Decision Rut - YouLookFab Forum

Handbags have always been an issue for me. I don't like huge bags and don't want a bright color or something that will get too dirty quickly. I'm having a hard time deciding on a new investment handbag. I like both of these. They are in the same price range, both reliable makers, leather, etc. Both have the main features I want, exterior pocket, handle options for carrying or crossbody. Nice coloring. They both appeal to me in different ways.

I almost always wear basic classic clothes, lots of jeans, button downs (often navy, deep green or earthy autumn colors), v-necks in solid colors, camel, olive or deep brown belts and boots. For fall/winter I will wear navy blazer, chocolate brown leather, poppy orange or olive green jackets.

On one hand I think the pattern bag will add more oomph to outfits, but I worry I'll tire of the trend next year then I'll have a big investment in a trend. The other maybe is too old school but it is the style I tend to gravitate towards (Coach, Etienne Aigner, etc.). I didn't see any Coach bags I loved this season. And Aigner is kind of on hold creatinga new line (they say).

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13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Animal print to me is not a trend. It's a classic. I'd go with that one.

Lui

Active Member

I like both maybe you could take some pics of your jackets and common colours you wear, and then put the photos together to see what they look llike together?

I find that trying to visualise what something will look like with another piece of clothing can be hard, and since this is such a key item it'll be worth the extra time....

Good luck!

Linda

I like both of them, but really love the first one. I don't think that you'll tire of the animal print, and like you said, it will add more umph to your classic outfits. Go for it!

deb

I vote for the animal print.

Transcona Shannon

Absolutely LOVE the print handbag! I don't see this as dating quickly at all and think you can get many seasons' wear out of it.

Aziraphale

I just went through the handbag decision process myself. There were a couple of non-negotiable features it needed to have for my lifestyle (namely a cross-body strap and a specific, not-too-big-or-too-small size), but after that I was pretty open to different styles. In the end I chose the one that spoke to my heart the most. Handbags are so personal, so I'm not sure if I can help you here. Both those bags are similar in size and shape, so what it really comes down to is: which one do you love?

For me personally, there is no question between them -- I love the two-tone leather one, and I've never had an interest in animal print of any kind -- but that's not to say that the snake print isn't immensely appealing to you. The snake print one, with its shiny gold hardware, seems much dressier to me. If dressy is what you want, and it speaks to your heart more than the more casual black/brown leather bag, get it, trend or no. Animal print is unlikely to go totally out of style, I think -- it's classic.

texstyle

(website)

Thanks for your input so far -- the more I look at the simple navy/brown, the more boring it looks. And Shannon, your bag and MaryK's really helped me look in this direction. Thank you for the inspiration!

But I hope I'm not shopping for my imaginery life on that aniaml print. Sigh.

Suz

Well, for some reason the message I posted didn't appear!

I really like both of these. They both seem luxe and the colours of the snake are unusual, while the second one makes me think of someone in a train station gliding away in a plume of smoke.

I agree with Elisabeth that the first one seems much dressier. So really - it might come down to that.

I love the two tone look of the second bag. What makes it look "boring" to me -- and yes, this is purely a matter of preference -- is the pebbled leather. I tend to steer clear of pebbled leather bags in general. The reason? They don't add textural interest to an outfit. So, maybe think about your clothes here. If you already have a ton of textural interest in your clothes, then you may want to go with the pebbled leather.

This is probably not the bag for you -- due to size and lack of strap -- but I thought of this one right away, reading your description of the colors you wear, the fact you like two tone, and you are thinking maybe animal print, but fretting #1 is too much. The crocodile print on this is understated but adds tons of textural interest. I have been tempted by this bag since NAS (in the orange) -- though it's surely way too big for me:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/po.....26+Wallets

Isabel

I agree with the others. The animal print. It is not a trend and is a great way to subtly wear pattern. It surprisingly looks great with everything. I think that you will enjoy it.

Kristin L

The animal print is cute, but I like the more blue and brown one better. I will say that typically gravitate to solid colored bags bags more for the reasons you said. I get bored of prints very quickly and I personally think that the solid will match more. You said that you wear a lot of navy and green and autumn colors. Have you looked at that style of bag in another solid color, like red? This one looks similar to the navy one, but it's in red. You may have to click the link to find the red one.

http://www.zappos.com/dooney-b.....brand_page

Lisalou

Animal print all the way! I absolutely love that bag!

Scarlet

I prefer the first one, but I think the second one is safer if you want to carry the same bag day-in, day-out. Honestly though, if you need something desperately I would get a make-do bag from a TJ Max kind of place and wait until real love strikes before spending a lot of money on something you plan to keep for years. You just don't sound that enthusiastic about these ones.

MsMary

I love them both beyond all reason!! If I had to choose one, I would go with the first one! *swoon*

Sylvie

I like the first one.

Thank you for your continued input - I really do appreciate it so much!

Suz, I like your analogy. I think that's what appeals to me on that brand and style too.

Shiny, that bag is big - too big I'm afraid and no cross-body strap (or did I miss that). Both of the ones I'm considering are medium to smaller in size (about 11 inches by 8.5 inches or so)

Kristen, Thank you for the link - I really love that bag in the deep brown color for whatever reason. I know boring brown, but it looks so rich and travel wise like Suz's analogy. I have one red bag, but I'm not really a red bag kind of girl.

Scarlet, I have several "make do bags" - which is why I'm trying to choose a more polished one to wear "almost" daily. I'm not sure I'll ever be super enthusiastic about a bag but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to get one. I've bought many Coach bags over the years and used to enjoy them but it was always a tough decision due to the high cost.

Decisions, decisions...

ElleH

I don't know if I'm too late to this conversation. I love both bags for different reasons. I would probably choose the 2nd one for "my" style if I could only choose one, both would be better:)

It sounds like both would work for you too but I must say that 2nd one is very heavy. I have picked them up or similar ones by D & B. the reviews on Zappo mention the weight too.

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