How does your bag make you feel? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

How does your bag make you feel?

Greenjeans

Veteran

I received this beautiful Pendleton tote as a gift last week. Mainly, I'm a keys-in-pocket type of person. While I've worn a number of casual cross-body bags and backpack/messenger-type bags through the years, this new bag feels like my first grown-up bag. I wore it out for the first time yesterday and loved the way it made me feel - pulled together, confident, perhaps even protected or armored. This is a new experience because prior to now every bag I've owned has been relatively inexpensive and/or utilitarian (think: canvas tote you got for free because you participated in a fundraiser).

Do you have a special bag you love? How does it make you feel?

Pendleton Long Tote

View Info

Top Pick

3

Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Bonnie

Anonymous

WOW what a wonderful bag and a great gift- somebody really likes you- lol! I can see why it would give you a confidence boost.
I have a small collection of bags ( wish my budget could support more) that are leather usually Stone Mountain or The SAK brand. And they make me feel great and “ put together “ on an everyday basis.
But last year I stumbled on a clearance item in Marshall’s- teal suede clutch for $12. Not sure I can remember the brand but Teal is one of my favorite colors. Every time I use it- you can not wipe the smile off my face.
Wishing you many years of happiness with that purse GJ.

Sal

Veteran

At the moment my bag is letting me downs.... I went to a training course the other day and felt smartly dressed but that my handbag was the weak link.

I have decided to put all the rest of my winter budget into a new bag and shoes and ignore the other "wants" on my list (work trousers/new puffer etc).

Anonymous

Oh! I have so many bags. Each of them has a different aesthetic. I can feel powerful, playful, glamorous, or capable.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have a small collection that I enjoy pretty equally. They make me feel more polished and more presentable. I've always loved handbags.

Kathie

Veteran

I have a very small collection of bags (5 total, and a few are 20+ years old.) But, I've always gone for the best quality I could afford, and don't regret it a bit. Having a polished bag makes me feel pulled together, even if the bag is understated, basic black.

Like the Season

What a gorgeous bag.

Like you, I've stuck to more utilitarian styles, usually designed for travel. Not that I travel extensively -- I just love the all the organization those bags usually include.

But now you're making me think ...

Aquamarine

Veteran

I don’t have many bags, but the ones I do buy make me feel fab.

That’s a lovely bag!

Style Fan

Veteran

That is a gorgeous bag.
I have some vintage bags that I love. Some I bought decades ago and some I purchased at consignment stores. They make me feel fab but they usually only come out on special occasions.
My everyday bag is from the late 80s. It is in a sorry state. Very RATE. But it holds many memories and is useful.

Runcarla

Veteran

My mother described a recurring dream she was having, in which she lost her purse and was distraught. She interpreted it as her feelings around aging (she was about to turn 80) and loss of her sense of 'self'.

I can understand how these portable works of art (and everything we stuff into them) can become important. My most successful everyday bags are generally practical and sporty with a little quirk - like me! However, I have others for special occaisions that suit the personas I adopt for those situations!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a pretty significant bag collection, and I definitely feel more pulled together when I have just the right bag for an outfit.

That’s a great bag, and I’m glad you are enjoying it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Janet said to a tee.

I LOVE BAGS - and more than shoes.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE bags and recently added one to my collection that makes my heart sing. I understand why people aren’t into them, or why they prefer not to spend more than X on them, but they’re the only category where I feel justified splurging. That might be overcompensation speaking, as a result of the constraints that my feet have imposed on footwear (and consequently) dress options. Nevertheless, I find the right bag helps make my style look less casual, and makes a huge difference in how organized I feel out of the house.

JAileen

Veteran

That is a beautiful bag. I love Pendleton.

I probably have more bags than anyone here on the forum. You wouldn’t know it though, because I don’t use most of them. I have a lot of vintage Coach bags that I bought at thrift stores in the last 10 years or so. Most of them are too small for daily use, especially since I have a giant cell phone, but I try to use them when I can.

Anonymous

I expect a lot out of my purses . I want them to be functional, but to be the most luxurious and beautifully made that I can afford. That's why I choose quality over quantity (typically having 3-4 in rotation per season) . They absolutely make or break an outfit, in my mind.

binkle

Veteran

Super bag! Isn't it great to have these moments of serendipity - "oh, THIS is what I've been missing!"

I have two quality totes I used when working (Coach and Furla), that made me feel more put-together and professional.

Plus a splurge Mulberry that I bought after passing some rigorous exams - it reminds me of that achievement.

And a Francesco Biasia casual hobo style with fringe tassels that I've had over 10 years - it looks just as adorable to me now as it did when I first spotted it.

cindysmith

Veteran

That's a great gift!

My bag makes me feel prepared, safe. When severe weather threatened at work a couple of weeks ago, I had a moment of panic (no real storm shelter there) and remembered the bakery next door is a whole house, and I grabbed my purse and felt like I was going to be ok. Everything I would need to start over was in there. Debit/credit cards, ss card, phone, tablet, nicotine, hairbrush, chapstick, lotion, house & car keys.

Once we move into the new house, I'll be keeping my purse inside the safe room whenever I'm home LOL

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am more of a shoe person but have a large bag collection as well. (I have a large everything collection after years of thrifting.) But I tend to stick to crossbody bags for most occasions. My bags make me feel prepared because I have all my essentials strapped to me!

Windchime

Veteran

What a beautiful tote!

I can identify with your experience about what a nice bag can do for one’s confidence. About a month ago, I bought a lovely grey leather handbag. As far as I remember, it’s the first leather bag I’ve owned. It’s by The Sak and is on the casual side, with a blue camera strap, but I just love how it looks and feels, and I feel put together and kind of...sophisticated, and/or just a bit more confident when I’m carrying this bag.

The Sak Lucia Leather Crossbody

View Info

Top Pick

1

rachylou

Veteran

I like my Queen mum handbags. They make me feel Civilised

lyn67

Veteran

I cannot imagine my life without handbags, prefferable as large as they can be not only for practical reasons but for an accent of happy color/texture (in summer) or polish (in winter). Still, I do not swap my bags daily, only have few for the season and is usually a tote for summer, but I carry all my life:-) daily in them!

jussie

Veteran

Hmm good question. I’ve never had many bags but I certainly can relate to that feeling. I always use a good quality leather bag, and it does help me feel put together. The current one has lasted 5 years.... and it’s still going... It’ll need to retire next year though. I also have a nice quality leather satchel for work.
It’s funny, because I like to have a really large range of clothes.... but I’m happy with minimal bags.
But yeah, they’re important.

Katerina

Veteran

What a beautiful bag! And a fun post.
I have quite a few bags, most of them are structured satchels. Sometimes, I don´t swap bags as I should when I dress and the one I wear is not prefect with the outfit. It is disturbing, I feel bothered by that. When, on the other hand, a bag is perfect and makes an outfit - what a joy. It makes me feel chic.
My favorite bags (I have a couple of faves) are great quality, simple, large, structured and understated.

tulle

Veteran

Interesting question...For years I felt awkward and unsatisfied with my handbag, and went keys-in-pocket like you, or carried a backpack. Finally I realized that my problem was expecting one or two purses to go with everything. Now I have a wardrobe of about a dozen bags in different colors, textures, sizes, and styles. If I get an outfit that isn't well served by any of them, I look for a new one that will work perfectly. Now that I'm no longer "making do" with an all-purpose handbag, all my bags are favorites!

RobinF

Veteran

I am not a purse person (more a shoe person) but the few I have are ones I love and feel good carrying. And they last me a long time. Just last weekend I treated myself to a new one from Nordstrom Rack that I think I am going to love - such fun!

Vince Camuto Elyna Leather Crossbody Bag

View Info

Top Pick

2

Anonymous

Your Pendleton bag is awesome!
I definitely have a Pendleton bag on my bucket list. I think its casualness would pair well with my puffer and would look equally nice with my pea coat. (Basically, it would be a fall/winter item.)

A leather satchel definitely makes me feel put-together for work.

I also like canvas bags and straw bags. They don’t have to be expensive. But it’s nice to have a bag for every occasion.

anchie

Veteran

I feel awkward and naked when out without the handbag. It is probably just a habit. Yesterday I went with my daughter to get the dress that I was considering and wanted to try it once more. My daughter seat on the couch in the shop while waiting for me and I left my handbag with hear thinking it will be easier to browse the shop without the bag. But I felt so weird and self conscious without it.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I rarely change bags. I carry a lot of items so I carry my large size nylon adjustable Le Pilage. Just when I think it is ridiculous and I should carry a smaller bag I take off a sweater and am so grateful I can just place it in my bag. However I miss having easy places for phone, keys, etc.

I loved my nylon Nordstrom bags from years ago. $30, came with an attached, removable small zippered bag and a key attachment.

I was thrilled when I found the first nylon bag as the weight offsets what I carry. Longchamp was the only replacement nylon bag I could find after Nordstrom stopped carrying their house brand. I had no idea it was a “thing” for quite a while.

Jackson

I bought a black comfortable bag and it quite suits my preferences. There are many pockets inside so I can put my favorite things there. It became the part of my everyday life. Girls if you want to buy a bag like that you can do it here: https://www.6pm.com/p/cole-haa.....71/color/3

Mainelady

Veteran

Your new Pendleton bag is beautiful! I am a fan of Pendleton products. I love their woolens and their bags. I have my eye on weekender style bag.
I am a life long bag lady. It all started with a leather alligator clutch my grandmother handed down to me when I was 13. When I picked up that bag, I felt happy, confident, mature and worthy (of what I don’t really know). That bag gave me a feeling of importance.
Handbags are happiness factors for me. I had quite a large collection until a couple of years ago. I donated several and now have a smaller collection of bags that really make my heart brim with happiness. I just trotted my newest bag out this week. On the outside I was calm and collected, on the inside I was swooning over that bag all day!

12