How do you approach building your handbag collection? - YouLookFab Forum

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How do you approach building your handbag collection?

Chris987

Veteran

I've been looking at my handbag collection and wanting something new, but I'm having trouble figuring out what . My collection includes leather totes in simple classic styles in black cognac, and dark red, a similar set of cross bodies, plus a couple of other casual bags in red or black nylon, plus my new light blue tote and a white clutch. The totes seem too big for everyday, and the cross-bodies are little too small. Overall the collection seems to casual except for the larger tote bags. I've added finds for some of them

I'd like something mid-sized and a bit more polished or interesting. I prefer to focus on good leather and perhaps texture rather than too many metal or other details. I'm thinking that what I'm missing is something like a satchel, but I prefer to carry bags on my shoulder (not my hand or arm) so I'd have o look for a longer handle. Not sure where to go with color but i tend to wear black, grey, white, blue. I do in general LOVE what I call Armani color combinations - grey and tan/beige. I do have a couple of backpacks (including one in a child's size which is great as a day pack for a small person like me) and luggage so no needs there.

I was browsing the YLF archives and found a blog article from last Feb about Furla bags on sale at Neiman Marcus Last Call..I looked there are there seem to be a bunch on sale now...here is the blog article
http://youlookfab.com/2016/02/.....-discount/

Would love to hear how you approach your handbag collection.

How do you decide style, color, material, price range, how long to keep, where and when to buy (always wait for sales?) and how many is the right number to have?

Thanks!

Vince Camuto Leila Top Zip Small Tote

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Baggallini Hobo Tote

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Topshop 'Vintage Cable' Clutch

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Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from Roxanna

Nishaa

I don't think there's a right number in general, it's you do you stuff mostly.

Angie has written an article on this, 3 bag complement or some such, it's very smart.
I personally switch by season, so one summer, one winter (black), both satchels/totes, one transitional when mood strikes, brown bucket style, one wine tote, very fancy, and one xbody black .
Few clutches, golden brown, silver grey, black envelope, statement magazine fold over.

You'll need lot more if you love to have them and change daily.
Rest is better left to experts as I'm very safe person when it comes to handbags. So I'm out of my depth on that one.

em

I made a list of all the handbags I wanted from a collector's point of view (vintage Chanel 2.55, Lady Dior, etc.) Like a bucket list, no pun intended. I stalked Ebay and consignment shops and auctions and, after 10 years or so, got everything on my list.

Then I looked to see what my wardrobe was missing in terms of function and completing an outfit, and made another list (a nylon computer bag with feet, an evening clutch in a platinum colored leather, etc. etc.) Weirdly, these bags have been much harder to find. I have made do with inexpensive substitutes I've bought at places like TJ Maxx.

One thing to know is that Nordstroms can add feet or zippers and other useful things (for an additional cost, of course.)

Edit: I buy what I can afford and keep forever.

Edit: Other than the collectors' bags, I look at an outfit and think, "what color/material/style suits this best?" I dream it up, and then wait for someone else to make it. Hence the occasional needs for inexpensive substitutes.

viva

Veteran

I realized that I am happiest with just a couple of great versatile bags. And when it comes to using them, I'm a serial monogamist.

I have a navy Tory Burch satchel for fall/winter (and actually carried this year-round, almost daily, for 2 years) and just recently bought a slouchy sand Rebecca Minkoff which I have worn daily since purchasing in May (except one day when the navy fit my outfit better). In the fall, I will probably switch back to the navy.

I also have a black Botkier satchel I wear occasionally when the vibe is right, and 3 clutches (2 of which are dressy).

I don't like to change bags (obviously) and personally, I like the stability of a signature bag, with my outfit changing around it.

At the other end of the spectrum is someone like Goldenpig/Natalie, who has many bags and is a genius at creating outfits around each bag.

I think you have to figure out what kind of bag person you are.

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'Regan' Satchel

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Aquamarine

Veteran

I think handbags are so personal and we all have our unique needs and preferences to color, shape, weight, etc. I tend to use one in the warmer months and another in the colder months, and only occasionally switch out for various occasions. I prefer a minimal, clean design leather bag and keep them forever. I still have my first Coach bag, gifted by a favorite aunt when I was in high school.

Bonnie

Veteran

I don't like to change bags very often, so I carry one of three styles in black. A tiny leather crossbody (not shown) that is just big enough for wallet, keys, and glasses and two larger bags. The backpack is for when I need to carry more stuff and I often put my crossbody bag in it and use it as a tote. The satchel is used when I want a more polished look. The D&B bag was bought right before YLF, and goes with a small capsule that I seldom wear but I kind of like it and it sits on my closet shelf and reminds me to stick to my color palette and style moniker.

Kate Spade New York Molly Nylon Backpack

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Kate Spade New York 'cedar street - maise' satchel

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Dooney & Bourke 'Pebble Grain Collection' Water Repellent Leather Zip Satchel

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kerry

Veteran

I live in four seasons so I usually change my bag with the change of seasons. I don't like changing my bag daily. If I do change within the season, it's usually for function not aesthetics. I prefer leather but will do other materials if I like the bag. Right now I have cognac, teal, pale yellow leather shoulder bags, a colour-blocked (cobalt, grey and white) clutch and a gold clutch. I also have two non-leather bags - off white and reversible grey/blush tote. I use all of the bags but the clutches less often. I have a young daughter so a shoulder bag feels practical. My ample bust does not play well with cross bodies although I love the casual look and practicality of them.

The wristlet is handy too. It's usually in my bag holding car keys but I will use it alone when I don't want the bulk of a bag.

I feel I have a full complement of bags to meet my needs. It took me about 3 years to collect them.

Here's a few ...

COACH 34312 Pebble Leather Scout Hobo Pale Yellow

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'Small Madison Phoebe' Leather Shoulder Bag

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Slouchy Vegan Tote

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COACH 'Madison' Double Zip Leather Wallet

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Fossil Leather Mini Bag

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Chris, your preferences sound similar to mine and you have worked them out a lot quicker than I did! (Hmm, I am sensing a pattern here. You're a quick study and I am a slow learner!)

Like you, I prefer to carry a bag on my shoulder (or crossbody) vs. on my arm. But I also prefer a structured satchel style. Soft bags drive me crazy. I often like how they look, but in practice they annoy me beyond all imagining. Also, I don't care for a lot of hardware. So it's always a bit tricky to find the bags I want.

When I joined YLF I had, literally, one bag, and it wasn't serving me well. I have since built up a collection, but not very systematically. I have discovered that I like having more variety in summer than winter. And I like having at least 4 main types of bag.

Tote -- I need this and use it most because I walk everywhere and carry my computer with me most of the time.

A somewhat smaller structured bag (e.g. satchel or shopper) for everyday when I am not carrying computer.

A dressier, smaller bag, such as a clutch or cross body.

A fashion backpack. I use this as a substitute tote and also a shopping bag, and carry my gym stuff in it as well.

So this is similar to Angie's 3 bag complement.

I switch it up by season, though. Except for the fashion backpack which is navy and works in all seasons. It's also vegan so I can take it out in the rain -- a useful feature in my life.

So my winter tote (currently) is a sort of textured charcoal leather...but it's a bit heavy and unwieldy so I haven't been using it much. In addition I have a dark grey Le Pliage which I used constantly last year but which does not have enough structure to please me as a regular use bag and is overall too casual with its brown handles.

Summer tote is two tone black and bone. Also lacks firm structure unless it is full and I have since learned I don't care for that. Ah well.

Summer structured bag is a bright cobalt.
Winter.... I don't really have one. (Wardrobe hole).

Summer clutch/ crossbody: I have hot pink, black and white spotted, and dressy gold, silver, black. I also have a cognac crossbody and a black and white colourblock small shoulder bag -- a bit worn out.

Winter clutch: black and white spotted, black with leopard print clutch. Also, cognac crossbody and vintage Coach burgundy crossbody.

kkards

Veteran

for me handbags always start with usefulness….if the bag doesn't hold what i need, and/or doesn't let me get at what i need when i need it, then i don't even think about it….after that, its all about what is "speaking to me" now. lately i've been carrying a small bag daily, which i put into a larger tote for work (which also carries my lunch, and maybe a change of shoes)

Maisie Micro Cross Body Bag

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Anonymous

You mean people actually give thought to, and plan these things? lol. I sure don't. I have a collection that looks like end of run leftovers from 100 different bag manufacturers - i.e. no consistency nor plan nor commonality or anything. Cheap to expensive, fun to serious, big to little, and everything in between . I used to buy them regularly, then became more discerning about only buying one or two every few years that were filling a true hole. I still have this major collection in a huge Rubbermaid tote box and it kind of makes me sick to look at it,, I will admit. I hate excess.

I shall get out a pencil and make some notes here....

Anonymous

On a serious note - I don't buy bags with any sort of regularity. In fact, there can be entire years where I don't buy one. How many purses can one use anyways? I don't like adding to a collection of things that get used only once in awhile. I either make a new one my go-to or don't buy now. I won't do a pattered bag or multicoloured bag, and prefer a mid-size shoulder bag or satchel with a shoulder strap that fits a big wallet, makeup bag, phone and my notebook/daytimer. I'm all for dark neutrals, save for a baby blue shoulder bag bought last summer which has been a surprising smart buy. I wear it ALL the time in summer. A bag absolutely finishes an outfit, and is part of your style message. I think about what I buy very carefully now and do not mind spending as much as I can afford.

jill58

Veteran

I love handbags and haven't taken a very methodical approach to collecting them. These are the handbags that are in current rotation. My favorite handbag brands are Fossil and Rebecca Minkoff, however for years I've carried a Kenneth Cole leather hobo bag. It's huge and I've gotten tired of always carrying such a big bag. I like satchels that aren't too large--the Fossil Sydney and recently purchased RM small black satchel are a good size for me. The small RM crossbody I use for slightly dressy occasions when I don't want to carry a lot of stuff. The RM Regan crossbody gets lots of daily use--I love to have my hands/arms free but can't always get away with that small a bag. It's a nice light color for summer (I can't seem to do white) and it works with everything I wear. The Lucky bucket bag also get's a lot of use because it works well with some sandals that I wear frequently and the size is useful. All of my handbags fill a niche in terms of functionality depending on how much I want to carry. They also range from casual to more dressy in style. I am very much a sale shopper and none of these bags were purchased at full price.

Fossil Sydney Satchel Handbag

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Rebecca Minkoff 'Regan' Crossbody Bag

Sale

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Mini Love Cross Body Bag

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Lucky Brand Dempsey Bucket Cross-Body

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Anonymous

When something speaks to you it speaks. I would say keep an eye out and wait till you come upon that one that you just have to have. If you have your basics look for something different and unique to add to your collection something fun and edgy.
I make handcrafted leather bags from clutches to handbags to four ways so I do not shop for them anymore. So I don't know how helpful this will be but I hope it is

Anonymous

I remember that this blog helped me a lot.

http://into-mind.com/blog/2013.....be?rq=bags

I'll come back later and add to this post, but I have to run for now.

Chris987

Veteran

I just found Angie's posting on "a two bag complement...." and am reading it now..

http://youlookfab.com/2015/04/.....nimalists/

thanks for all the replies so far...I'll get back later.

Anonymous

For me, style, quality and function come first, as I need an everyday bag that I can fit my stuff in and that goes with everything in my wardrobe. I also like to have a clutch for times when I don't need a big bag. An evening clutch for formal events is nice, too. Beyond those 3 basics, I like to have a bag for travel.

Right now I have 2 identical D&B handbags for everyday - 1 taupe for Spring/Summer + 1 navy for Fall/Winter. I have a taupe snake clutch, a fancy beaded silver clutch, and a deep green Tignanello tote for travel.

em

Wow. I guess I have a problem. A handbag problem. Yikes.

Author Linda

Veteran

I love handbags and have loved them forever, so my collection grew organically. When younger I received great advice from a woman whose style I admired: quality leather if cared for properly lasts forever. I took the leap and bought an expensive-for-me messenger style black Coach bag I loved. Thirty five years later, I'm still using that trusty bag often and it looks like new. Its simple lines are timeless. Needless to say, that bag is the foundation of my handbag collection.

My foundation bags (purchased over 30+ years, not all at once!) are beautifully crafted of leather in colors I know I'll use often. Some of my early purchases served professionally, are still working for me, and they complete outfits as beautifully as when I bought them. A bag had to make me long for it with a furious passion, and only then did I buy it. Though at the time I winced at the prices, I see how long they've lasted... heck, I think they're going to outlast me!

If you love handbags, do check out the Purse Forum. The forum is invaluable for learning about higher end bags and finding reputable sources from which to purchase them less expensively.

Other bags in my collection don't have to meet the same high expectations. They serve specific purposes. A recent purchase, a Kate Spade tote, is my favorite weekend bag for spring and summer (used it today, in fact). Thank you, YLF, because someone here gave me that heads up. Similarly, I buy clutches to add pops of color to favorite going-out outfits, but don't spend much on them. There's an olive green waxed canvas bag (7 years old) that I bought on Easy and which does duty on autumn and winter weekend outings. Naturally I have a laptop bag for when I carry my laptop to conferences. Oh, and a pretty, well-made fabric beach bag I fell in love with in a little shop in Sarasota 16 years ago, and still looks wonderful today. The bag collection is ever changing.

My decisions about when to keep or let go are visceral. If it's shabby, it goes. Some pricey bags have met this fate. If it's dated, it goes--I'm getting too old to wait for trends to come around again. LOL If I no longer love it, it goes.

At the end of the day, I would say if you love it, really love it...if you feel that a particular bag completes you...if no other bag can possibly take its place...go for it if the $$ won't break you. Bags come and go, but perfection visits seldom.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I carry too much, so the bags I use daily are nylon Longchamps. I can fit in a book, notebooks, etc., when needed, along with a sweater, etc. This summer I am wearing a light slightly grayed blue that I bought a few years ago but didn't wear much then. During the winter I carried the black one I purchased at NAS a few years ago. It expands to a very large bag when unzipped. I have another one Longchamp in a beautiful bright navy with a bit of sheen that is the style where the handle and the bag are the same color. That bag I coveted at Nordstrom but finally found on sale at TJMaxx when I wasn't looking.

When I take a walk I wear a LeSportsac crossbody. I have two purchased on sale.

Those are what I actually wear. I have other medium size bags, mostly leather, and some clutches that get very occasional use, usually when I am dressed for a special occasion.

I keep pondering being someone who actually plans far enough ahead to change bags, and am also pondering being someone who carries less.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

em thank you for the information about Nordstrom adding feet and zippers. Feet would definitely help as I do tend to put my bags on the floor. And I have passed up many a bag due to lack of a zipper.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Isn't it interesting the way some women fall in love with bags? Angie is one. And clearly others here as well.

I am far more of a "bag lady" than I used to be, but still, if I waited to fall in love with every bag, I wouldn't own a single one!! Bags and I have far more of a marriage of convenience than love, I fear!

But I do sometimes fall in love after the fact. Especially if the bag either fits every one of my practical demands OR adds something special and unexpected to outfits.

Anonymous

Lately I've been pretty handbag-centric with my wardrobe. I adore bags and will buy a great-looking one in an eye-catching color and then build an outfit to showcase it. In other words, I'm letting my bags do the heavy lifting rather than my clothes. Weird, huh? I guess I'm a bit obsessed with bags, but there you go. I just bought a citrus-red Cole-Haan bag at Rack and I've been having fun pairing it with stuff I already have. It gives some of my wardrobe staples a new look. Now I have my eye on a bright blue one. Where will this end?

rachylou

Veteran

I used to buy bags because I liked the way they looked, but then they'd go to waste. It was too much switching and I got tired of carrying things in hand. I really exist now on the two-bag complement: satchel, carried in hand for dressy casual occasions, and daily hands-free hip pack.

Ok, I actually have three hip packs, one was a dollar store purchase, one is new, and one is almost dead. And I have a few smaller, more delicate bags in deep storage (like clutches), a computer backpack for on-foot commuting, and an office-appropriate tote. And my beloved Gucci queen mum purse, which I've taken out of daily use so I can have it forever, lol. It's perfect and I don't like today's offerings as much to be honest.

Anyways, my satchel comes from Target. I really like Target bags because they're fun style wise, they personally last a long time for me, and don't make me sad when they go - and most importantly are FAKE. Yes, fake. I find real leather very heavy and it gives me headaches to carry heavy bags...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You build a bag capsule with lots of love and passion. These dear wardrobe pets deserve special attention.

tulle

Veteran

So interesting, Chris. Each woman's collection and method are unique to her. I admire Em's determined acquisition of special bags, but my assortment has grown more haphazardly. I've realized that my height (5'2") and long arms make large or vertically rectangular totes and bucket bags impractical: they can drag. So I look for horizontal totes with short, padded handles, and they MUST zip across the top. Leather ones are heavy and wear out quickly, so I'm looking now for neutral canvas with leather handles. Mostly I carry leather cross-body bags-- about the size of a hard-cover book--to keep my hands free and the strap from sliding off my shoulder. I have them in black (vintage Coach) turquoise (contemporary Coach), tan (Kate Spade), and gray (ditto). I'd love to have more clutches, but ones that look right and feel good in the hand are hard to find. For now I have a vintage ink satin Koret bag with tortoise shell bakelite clasp, a summery red wicker J. Crew, and a white faux leather. My oddball, and adored, piece is a soft Bottkier coral lamb leather satchel with shoulder strap. I love to travel with it, because it holds everything I want to carry on a plane (computer, Kindle, cosmetic bag, wallet, glasses, passport, etc.) in pockets. Then, when I get to my destination, the shoulder strap can slide under the bag, scrunching it into a medium-sized satchel with comfortable handles. Convertible elements like this, or removable straps that change a crossbody bag into a clutch, are big pluses for me.

em

@tulle I think it is because my clothing preferences are so very basic, dull even. My statement bags become the "third piece" to my outfits.

Except for the vintage Chanel 2.55. It dates from the late 50s or early 60s and so was once of the first SHOULDER bags ever made. And with that shoulder chain, Coco essentially freed up women's hands forever. Amazing. The bag is wool and has begun to wear at the corners so I am afraid to carry it. But for me it is a symbol of women's liberation.

Shoes touch the ground and wear out, as do clothes. I tend to keep both until they are rags. But handbags will last forever, which is why I dedicate so much time and money to them. So they are something I can buy once and never ever have to think about again. Bliss.

AJ

Veteran

I go about it similar to building capsule wardrobes. I think about the different types of activities or events in my life and try to buy accordingly. For my MOTG lifestyle:

Everyday light: med size shoulder bags or med size satchels

Everyday heavy: tote bags or backpacks

Theme parks/outdoor events: lightweight crossbody or wristlets that are water resistant.

Date night/evening party: fun clutches

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. I didn't answer the question. So... I think Step 1 is assessing what you have to carry. Step 2 is assessing ergonomic and other requirements, like hands free, weight, etc. Step 3 is environments, level of formality and somberness. Step 4 is personal style and how much you value a bag in terms of your outfits. Step 5 is how much wear and tear you're likely to put on a bag. Step 6 is budget.

Hmm. I'll come back if I think of anymore

Helen11

Veteran

I'm a one bag at a time girl. Which has obvious implications for any appearances of style! Taking notes here.
Pleased to hear Rachy say she likes fake bags. I agree leather is heavy and I have, in the past, given myself neck pain by carrying a heavy bag!

Anonymous

I had to think about this for a while.
I think my strategy used to be, "buy when there's a hole". So if I didn't have a bag that matched an outfit, I would buy a new bag. The bag was always the last consideration.

Now, like *em*, I consider my outfits to be a bit boring (I like them this way) and so my new strategy going forward will be to add statement bags...or bags with a bit more presence...to set the vibe of the outfit.

The other "strategy" that I just thought of now is that want outerwear perfection this winter which means picking coat, boots and bag together.
I have to replace my puffer this year. It's such a big purchase, and one that I will wear daily for months, that I do need to think about buying the "perfect puffer bag" to go with it.

Finally, like *suz*, I need a backpack as part of my core set of bags, for lifestyle reasons.

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