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Handbags and duplication

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hey all,

I'm thinking about my spring/summer handbag situation as we hopefully prepare to be out and about more this summer. I have really relied heavily on backpack styles, and they suit my casual lifestyle very well. Below in finds are my current collection.

- The blue Aimee Kestenberg is an absolute favorite -- the style works so well for me.
- The silver nylon Rebecca Minkoff has been used so much in the past year or so that it's getting beat up. I've gotten every penny's worth out of it, and I plan to continue using it, but it's not looking pristine anymore and I'm probably going to save it for super casual wear.
- The black Kendall and Kylie is useful and I like the lack of any metallic hardware, but it's not the easiest to use. I have determined that I don't love styles that zip from one side over to the other -- it takes two hands and opening it wide open to use the bag.
- The Tumi navy convertible bag is useful, especially for travel, but it feels a bit utilitarian.
- The Longchamp triangle sling bag was a secondhand find and is really fun, but not the easiest to use.

Here's my thing. I'm eyeing some Aimee Kestenberg backpacks in other colors on a couple of secondhand sites, thinking about getting one in a metallic leather or teal or snake print.

Do you duplicate bag styles when you find one you love? I know Angie does with her beloved Furlas! I'm giving it serious consideration because I've looked around online at other new bags and am not blown away by the current selection at retail. What are your thoughts?

Aimee Kestenberg 'Tamitha II' Backpack

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Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack

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Tumi Voyageur Jena Convertible Backpack

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General

36 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I see no problem with duplicating bag styles in different colors and, in fact, I can see it being more effective than duplicating something like shoes or a shirt in the same way. There’s some muscle memory and organization involved with having/using a bag that I’d think would make duplicates a useful thing. You know exactly how your stuff fits inside and can find it/put it away quickly.

I’m also happy to see your backpack collection because I’ve been thinking I need one for more now-more-urban lifestyle and have been idly looking at various styles.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Jenn, that's a really good point. I think that's part of why I've mostly stuck with the same bag during most of the Covid era -- I can get out of the grocery store or Lowe's quicker when I have a familiar, easy-to-use bag!

It's always a bit of a balancing act to find ease of use, light weight, and true-to-myself style all in one bag. And I do like changing bags frequently to suit different outfits and moods, so it's never a problem for me to switch (it takes all of 30 seconds to pull out wallet, keys, necessities pouch, and eyeglass cases and chuck them into a new bag). That Kestenberg bag never fails to get compliments when I use it, so even though I've never duplicated a bag before, I feel like that would be a good one to duplicate.

unfrumped

Veteran

Well, similar if not exactly. Though I have 2 Patricia Nash the same and another similar.
I think sometimes it comes down to the functionality you note in some of your bags above. I have bought some bags I thought were a good shape/size and color and also style of function, and then found something unexpectedly difficult. For example, I don't really do larger structured bags like Angie's, but I found that a couple of my handbags were too soft, so that they didn't maintain and opening very well when tried to put things back in--I would keep stuffing my wallet there and just hitting the outside. Another was maybe similar to one of the problems you described--the top opened actually too wide and I felt like things were not as secure-might fall out, or in essence the usable volume of the bag was less than it appeared.
When looking at them in stores, I'll actually take out the packing and put in some of my stuff, wallet, phone, see how things fit (pre-pandemic).
It's tricky now if they don't have phone pocket/slot that is big enough anymore, even though I have tried to get the smallest smartphone, not the ever-growing ones.
For many years I've liked medium-sized "shoppers" with double shoulder straps--these just seemed most comfortable during errands--I think I had my shoulder "trained" to them, and also, if not overstuffed, they would lie under arm comfortably and not be too bulky for my frame--, but some of those are looking not as much "me" now and I'm leaning toward smaller, but not tiny, purses with a shoulder strap but NOT wearing as cross-body, so need to be adjustable or not too long.

So one problem of duplicating too much is if and when one's preferences change, then may have too much inventory in a previous style.

However, I don't think that's a problem for a couple different colors, or for people who are just sure of their preferences.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

OMG, do I ever duplicate when I love!!

By the way, I've seen that pewter Minkoff on sale a few places lately (and got my own version on sale in January). If you want to update it. https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....r=GUNMETAL

I'm probably not one to consult because I have been using my backpacks almost exclusively this year. I can count the times I used another handbag on, ahem, one hand.

I have very specific requirements for bags -- as I think many of us do. It has to be "just so." When I find the ones that are, I am brand-loyal and even style loyal.

ETA: I may get a red backpack this summer, and I plan to dye the grey leather one (since it is stained) and I hope I can replace it with one the same, or nearly so, because I've loved the silvery grey leather.

Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Backpack

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Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack

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Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Now I'd have to decide what color to choose... I've wanted a teal bag for a long time, but also loving the textured neutrals!

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz, yes! We are backpack kindred spirits.

I have a number of clutches (many convert to crossbody) that are just not getting used because of the ease-of-use factor. One is too floppy, one too stiff, etc. I think I need to edit!

And unfrumped, yes to the medium size shopper/tote thing! I defaulted to that style for a long time but maybe they're feeling a little less *me* at the moment. My tote/shopper collection is below. I've been using some of these for many years. I'm not sure I need to add to that collection though.

MILLY Rivington Tote Shoulder Bag

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Aimee Kestenberg 'Medium' Tote

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Snakeskin!!

cat2

Veteran

I have duplicated work totes, but only because it can be hard to find a dressy enough bag that is functional and not heavy. I don’t duplicate the purses or backpacks I use outside of work; I like to have something different each time I purchase.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Jenni, snake print would be especially good if I go with the snake print sandals I'm considering...

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Sal

Veteran

I haven’t but I would!! What Jenn said really:)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz, it is tempting to update the silver Julien bag. That's a darn good price too!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, one of the reasons backpacks are working well for me is that they ease the stress of carrying bags on one shoulder or the other. Even crossbody bags put pressure on my left shoulder/base of my neck, which is also the area where my camera strap rests -- I wear my camera slung across my body, crossbody-bag style, and even though I bought a smaller mirrorless camera last year, by the time I attach my preferred lenses to it, it doesn't save me a lot of weight on my shoulders, and this is an issue for me as I get stiff in the neck and shoulders very easily. I try to be careful about how much i put in my handbags to save weight, but it doesn't take much to put strain on the body.

ANewMindset

Yes for duplicates!! I am a fan and have duplicated so much, most frequently shoes and tops. I did duplicate a crossbody bag once, in brown and black. But since i wear so much black, the black one is worn out and the brown one is like new. I hadn't given much thought to backpacks, but i love what i am seeing here. I might need to branch out!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, I vote teal and snakeskin RM backpacks for you. Like for Suz, they are signature to your style and very practical. Milk it!

YES! I bat for Team Bag Duplicator. Here are multiples across colours. Zero orphans. All very well loved and workhorses:

Furla Style #1 - 2 bags
Furla Style #2 - 2 bags
Furla Style #3 - 3 bags

I travel with them. Walk in snow, rain and wind with them. Walk on beaches with them. Have hiked with them. VERY robust, versatile and polished.

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Furla Alba Ladies Medium Pink Moonstone Leather Satchel 984387

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Furla Furla Allegra Shoulder Bag Granata

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Furla Furla Allegra Mini Satchel (Navy)

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Runcarla

Veteran

Yes! I do. The clutches are one gold and one silver. The Longchamps are one black, one navy.

PS: I vote teal and snakeskin for you!

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rachylou

Veteran

I say it makes sense to duplicate a bag in different colours. You get style and functional consistency but also outfit variety. While I haven’t duplicated an exact bag, I definitely stick close to a silhouette.

slim cat

Veteran

Lots of good responses- very informative. I stick to 2 bags most of the time . I haven’t duplicated bags but went with same brand in a slightly different style. Now that my red bag ( for spring-summer) is almost unusable I’m contemplating duplicating it in a different color - burgundy/wine.
Teal bag looks wonderful- would easily work for you ( gorgeous color)!

Joy

Veteran

What Jenn said. I wear out my silver or pewter bags first.

LaPed

Veteran

Teal and snake print both sound perfect for you!

I love backpacks too, and have been thinking I should have at least one non-sporty one, maybe waxed canvas (okay, non-sporty *for me* I guess). I always go down a rabbit hole of functionality when looking at bags and lose sight of how I'd like them to look. And when I do find a bag that I like for purely aesthetic reasons, it usually doesn't serve quite the purpose I need it to. If I ever find a bag that checks all the form, function and comfort boxes, I'll duplicate without hesitation!

Style Fan

Veteran

Teal for sure! I love backpacks. I would duplicate if I found one I loved.

SarahD8

Veteran

My first vote was teal (my non-summer bag is teal and it is SO versatile, it is my only bag for 9 months of the year and I never feel like it doesn't "go"). But now that I have read the other comments my vote is teal AND snakeskin.

I am a huge duplication fan, if you find something that works for you milk it! Especially for practical items.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm glad to see so many of you support this strategy! The Minkoff backpack was my last bag purchase. If I get a teal bag and snakeskin bag, that's it for me for bag shopping for a good long while!

Anonymous

Although I’ve never duplicated a bag , I own a few that would be worthy candidates for duplication . I think there is a lot of merit in sticking to a style that’s worked for you and you know how to use ( Jenn’s muscle memory comment ) . The older I get, the less inclined I am to experiment much and to accumulate more bags ( but I’m older and more exhausted than you , lol) I love the look of the teal and snake backpacks for you . Signature pieces are the sign of style confidence - she says , making it up as she goes along .

Anonymous

Yes from me! I wish I had snapped up the burgundy MK east west bag when I saw it. Apparently everyone is looking for it and it's unavailable

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay. Here's my vote. TEAL and SNAKE Kestenbergs AND pewter Minkoff on sale. They are not interchangeable, in my view. The leather bags are bound to be heavier than the nylon.

The leather are "going into town" bags (whatever the reason).

The nylon is especially useful when you are doing some considerable walking around that might result in going somewhere where you will actually be seen (ha ha!!) or then again, might not. That is, you can wear it on a (non-camping type) suburban hike as easily as in town, even though it's a bit flashy. Meanwhile, it still looks great in town, AND it is waterproof, so it is great to have on a wet day.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Suz, you are very correct about how truly multi purpose the nylon pack is — I’m not as polished as Angie and would never take my leather bags on a hike (you know I’d destroy it the first time I lean against a boulder to take a photo, ‘cause that’s what I do!), but I have taken the nylon pack on a couple of impromptu trail walks in a pinch.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Am I the only one that is too New Yorker to ever feel comfortable with a backpack? Having spent much of the 90s living or spending a lot of time in Manhattan I cannot get over the fear of pick pocketers or worse. Anyway, now that I have got that off my chest, I am very in favor of duplicating styles that work so well for you. Almost all of my bags are second hand, but I still gravitate toward the same styles and brands. It makes sense.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK! Update: I ordered the snake print version from a Poshmark seller, so a fraction of original price. Waiting to see if the seller of the green/teal version confirms the size and accepts my offer on that.

I have several clutches to edit out of my collection, making room for these, which will surely get used much more.

Thank you for all the, um, enabling.

Anonymous

Jaime - I'm no New Yorker, but the only time I use my backpack is to and from work. I tried an RM backpack years ago but hated carrying it and eventually sold it.

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