Handbag shopping failure - YouLookFab Forum

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Handbag shopping failure

Aziraphale

Veteran

My parents had the kids for me yesterday so that I could go downtown and submit my son's passport application, then go shop for a new handbag, which I desperately need, after what happened to the last one (I've been using an old corduroy Dickies shoulder bag instead -- high style, lol).

Well, I failed to buy one. They're not cheap and I just can't bring myself to fork over for one I don't love. So instead of being sensible, I instead forked over for this:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../23346.jsp

A handbag and a blazer are roughly equivalent, right?

OK, seriously now. A gray blazer has been on my wish list for ages. I do not own a single blazer. J Crew has this one in petite, but only online. I tried on a regular size, then a "style consultant" ordered the equivalent for me in petite. Fingers crossed that it fits! This is an investment for me. I want to wear it for years. The handbag can wait. What do you think?

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

ManidipaM

Veteran

That's a super jacket --- smart, sharp, with a bit of sheen, and a great go-with-everything colour. And maybe, just as serendipitously, you'll come across the right bag too one of these days.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love the jacket - shopping works in mysterious ways sometimes. I often find just what I wasn't looking for, too.

I know what you mean about bag prices. If you spot one you like, try looking up the style on Ebay. Or maybe pop into a TJ Maxx or Marshalls - they always have great bags on discount.

Sunita

Veteran

I'm with you...but then I'm a jacket junkie!

Seriously though, I'm a big fan of a well constructed blazer and your J. Crew pick should look fab and last long. It's a classic.

Anonymous

Nice! If it's been on your wish list forever, all the better. I would have done the exact same thing. Let us know when you find the perfect handbag.

Beth

Veteran

LOL, I would have done the same thing...the jacket substitution is very reasonable:)

And boy do I hear you on handbags. I'm the Goldilocks of bag shopping: too big, too small, too flashy, too boring. I've been using the same bag for the last 3 years. *gulp*

Be sure to post the jacket when you get it!

Echo

Veteran

Provided the jacket has pockets, I would call your shopping trip a success! Seriously, though, I can never find a specific item I am looking for when I go out looking for it. But finding something else on your list or that you had been seeking is just as good.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Well, as a jacket it's cute. But it doesn't hold much once you fold it... wouldn't a bag do a better job?
LOL
Jokes aside, I understand you too. After a recent (bleeding) brush with a bag I had to return, (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....bag-horror) I can only sympathise. It seems there are no fun bags out there except way too expensive.

I stick to my Laurel Burch bags, they are colourful and reasonably priced. http://shopsunnsand.com/index......;cPath=1_2

Sylvie

Veteran

Sometimes when you find the right thing, you just have to buy it then and there!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Front flap pockets, check. Inside welt and lipstick pockets, check. I have high hopes that this jacket will fit (let's hope the style consultant guy knew his stuff) and that it will become a staple. I have this idea that the perfect everyday outfit for a 40-year-old mom of school-age kids (which is me, this year!) is a neutral blazer, sharp-looking jeans and chunky-heeled shoes or boots. But a blazer is new territory for me. Do any of you use this formula a lot?

ETA funny how you can never find something if you really need it, but things drop into your lap when you're not actively looking.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

No Elisabeth, the handbags failed, you happen to be a star at shopping

JR

Veteran

Beth, I am a one-purse kind of woman, and am so happy to know I'm not the only one. I really admire a well-coordinated handbag, but I like even more being able to find every single thing in my purse right away, and not forgetting things in the daily transfer. And I have used the same one for three years straight too. I only change if it's not working well or getting worn out or broken.

Elizabeth, I need some of your blazer-fu. That's on my wish list, for sure.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am also a bag Goldilocks like Beth, so I totally understand not wanting to fork over for something you don't even love. Now, the blazer as everyday 40 something wear I can totally get behind. I bought my first lightweight cotton blazer at 35 and was shocked at how in love I fell with jackets in general. When weather permits, like in Tahoe, I'm in a jacket 80% of the time.

Beth

Veteran

So glad to know there's a Goldilocks support group! When I get really frustrated bag shopping, I think, "If only Angie were here." And then I think definitely not because she would kill me. :O

Elisabeth, the jacket, jeans, boots combo is a staple for me. I think you can make the look as polished or as RATE as you like. Very useful:)

Jonesy

Veteran

I totally relate!! Handbags are hard, and that jacket looks perfect!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I need to bag shop with you.

Fab blazer!