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handbag indecision--style questions

qfbrenda

Veteran

There's a satchel I have my eye on, but I'm not sure about it. On the one hand I love it. It reminds me of the Euro/Parisian Chic I've seen.... a casual, but good quality bag that could be packed for the day. As a MOTG, that would be very useful. On the other hand.... ladies' handbag, it is not. But I'm not sure I'm a ladies' handbag kind of gal anyway.

When I think of style words to describe myself, I think of classic, preppy, penny loafers, buckles, leather, boots, blazers, black. I love the Parisian Chic book and can see a satchel fitting into my bag collection, but since it would be the most expensive bag I've bought so far, I'm hesitant. It's a big investment.

If you are a similar style to me, has a satchel been a good style bag for you? Or is the style of a loved bag go beyond style of clothes?

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Anonymous

I personally love satchels and brown leather in boots belts and bags ( I have a brown saddle bag - real vintage - trifted ), but for an investment bag to be really worth it, I guess you should love it. I'm getting here that you seem to think you should be loving it because it's kinda Parisian chic. If you love it because It's you ( preppy and classic MOTG) take it. If not, don't let it be an impulsive buy. In other words
pro: real leather quality bag
cons : do you love it, or would you like it to be more "ladies bag"
Maybe you can find a practical leather bag that fits your style now? Or are you the kind that makes leaps with accessories?

mamaKate

Veteran

Not being a handbag gal, last winter I nearly choked when I spent more than I had ever before on a bag that I absolutely loved and was really "me." But as it turned out I used it every single day for 6 months and now feel it was one of the best purchases I have ever made! But I agree with Anya, you have to not be able to live without it.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Hmmm... I think I'm not the ultra feminine ladies' handbag type. The satchel isn't something I would use for a dressier occasion or for going to the grocery store (too big) but would be nice for holding a days-worth of stuff. I do like the look of it and like that it's not overly feminine.

I would link to the one I'm considering, but since I posted it a week or so ago my 1st choice color has sold out. I don't dare post it again. I would get a black one unless my 1st choice comes back into stock again.

Astrid

Veteran

I think the bag must be practical for your everyday life or you won't use it in the end. It would be a shame to invest in an expensive bag that gets unworn. That's the first thing you need to ask yourself, then comes style preferences. I think a satchel would be good because you would have your hands free for your kids. I guess a more "ladylike" bag with a short handle drop would be inconvenient. But you could also find a more elegant or ladylike satchel, if you want one and search long enough, I'm sure.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Based on your style descriptors, I think a satchel would fit right in. Do you have a pic?

Anonymous

Just chiming in to validate your feelings! It's hard to fork over the big bucks for something you 'hope' will be a 10. You really can't tell until you have it/are using it. I have walked around a store putting my own wallet and stuff in a purse and trying to get a feel for it (I'm sure they thought I was trying to pull something, lol) but it's never enough time. Can you return this one if it's not true love?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm not a big handbag girl either. In my experience, useful trumps pretty to look at.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I could get it and use it around the house while I make the finish keep/return decision.

Here's a pic:

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

heck ya if you can return it!

Sylvie

Veteran

I know which handbag that is and I think it's a good choice.

I too am a practical handbag person. Sure, if I'm going out to dinner or to a wedding, I'll use a "lady" bag but if I'm walking around all day, I want something that can hold things and go hands free.

I've been searching for a similar bag as well. In case you're curious, here are some of the ones I was considering:

A little smaller than yours:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ra.....ag/3250908

Bigger version
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ra.....el/3250305

Also big and you'd need to punch holes in the straps:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ag/3190289

Probably too small for you:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....ag/3190536

I think getting it and using around the house while you decide is a good idea. Good luck!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Ugh, I don't like shopping for handbags. It's mostly just confusing to me. But I second what other people said about investing in a bag you love, vs. investing in one that you think is just ok or will "fit in" with what you already have. I ended up with a couple of (expensive) bags that now I just never really carry for this very reason. I think if you LOVE a bag then you will find ways to carry it, so it's less likely to just sit in your closet.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Have you "worn" the bag in the store? Are the proportions good with your frame? I remember you being petite. A huge bag can overwhelm.

That being said, I use a large satchel bag a lot when going out for the day with my kids. I can stuff a lot of "Mom Paraphenalia" in one of those. It's nice that the bag is hands free too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you link to the bag, Brenda?

I LOVE HANDBAGS.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Not sure if this will sway you but it's very similar to a Mulberry Alexa

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/94464

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*slaps forehead*

I just saw your link, Brenda. What's the scale like when worn on your body. I'd like to see that. Sweet bag!

qfbrenda

Veteran

That one is cool, Anna.

Sylvie, thanks for the suggestions.

Here's a pic next to a model. Of course, I'm much shorter than that person. I will post pics of the bag next to me so you all can cast your vote.

One thing I love about this one is the strap is infinitely adjustable. So I could tighten it enough to maybe wear it over one shoulder, or wear it as a cross body bag.

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MsMary

Veteran

I think it's gorgeous. I don't like a bag with a flap for myself, though. I like easy access to the contents. If that won't bother you, I vote "go for it!"

catgirl

Veteran

I love it, of course! I don't find saddlebag satchels all that practical, though - I prefer a bag that opens on top, rather than from the side... Easier to fish around in while standing and arguing with an 8 year old.

qfbrenda

Veteran

The flap might make me crazy. I just don't know. I've never had a bag with a flap before. I'll be sure to practice with the flap a lot before I decide it's a keeper.

missvee

Veteran

I just bought a similar but smaller handbag from Roots. It's made in Canada, great quality leather and finishing. I know I will get a lot of use out of it - it's casual but interesting. If you go to http://www.canada.roots.com it's the Village Satchel $238. Might be an interesting comparison for you.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

A large hobo bag might be a great option, Brenda! Opens from the top, and has outer side compartments, and only one strap to fuss with. I love them! (mom of 2 - I know practical bags!) Lots of styles here: http://www1.macys.com/shop/han.....intnl=true

I really like the Nine West Handbag, Central Time Medium Hobo Bag in black. ($69.00)

Parsley

Veteran

Brenda, I think the bag is great and you'd get lots of use from it. You won't know unless you try it, and you can always return it if it's not right.

They still have the brown one at Dillards.com , if that's your first choice color.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Thanks for the info, Parsley. It's funny.... I really wanted the brown, and now I'm adjusting to the idea of black. Now I don't know what color I want. LOL

I've thought about a hobo, but I think they are too boho for me. I do like how their short straps make it easy to keep them on one shoulder.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I think a satchel like that would be great with the style you described! I like bags in that kind of shape anyway, although I only actually have one. Most of the time they seem to come with really short "grab" handles, which I don't like.

Very cute, though!