How Many Handbags . . . ? - YouLookFab Forum

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How Many Handbags . . . ?

jill58

Veteran

In her post No longer a one-bag woman, Aziraphale asked, "How many bags do you need so that you have an appropriate bag for all occasions and outfits?" Since this question is somewhat hidden in the post I thought I would start a new thread for it. Handbags are by far my favorite accessory and like Angie I have a good sized collection. Lately I've been wondering what I would keep if I were to downsize. From my smallest (and newest) make-up bag to my tote, this is what I came up with. If I had to, I could cut this group down by half but for the sake of variety I like this number. The three satchels are used the most. The crossbody bags are also carried frequently. The large tote and the tiny RM crossbody are used the least, but when I need them, they're perfect. I'm wondering what others feel is an ideal collection. Do you have a variety of bags for different occasions or do you have just one bag that serves all purposes?

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Rebecca Minkoff Rebecca Minkoff Mansfield Leather Tote Bag, Black

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Mini Love Cross Body Bag

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Dressing

60 replies

Latest reply was from jill58

Muffin

Veteran

You have a lovely collection and the Ted Baker bag is gorgeous! I wish I had finds for my bags. I have two satchels I use everyday, a few different colored Longchamp nylon totes when I need more space, a treasured Channel flap (which needs to be used more!). What I do have is a lot of clutches-velvet, straw, leopard, book style, evening, etc. I use my clutches a ton and fun ones can be found at every price point.

jill58

Veteran

Muffin--as much as I love handbags, I don't have a single clutch. I love the look of them but it's a struggle for me to stay organized. If I carried a clutch I'm afraid I would put it down and leave it wherever. Maybe someday.

minimalist

Veteran

I don't have the ideal bag for each category, by a long way.

In no particular order:

-- Flat, relatively small crossbody for when I don't need much and don't have pockets, or don't want to ruin garment lines by weighing down pockets. Have two non-optimal (EF, Coach, both thrifted), not actively looking for ideal solo replacement. Like yours, seldom used but essential when needed.

-- Large catch-all tote for errands. The ideal version of this is a HEWI. Must have crossbody strap as well as short handles, and a lot of other details difficult to find in one bag.

-- Canvas bags to hold errand-specific items and go inside the catch-all errand bag.

-- When in climate with extreme hot and/or humid summers: braided paper/raffia/straw type tote bag in black or beige. Eric Javits options have worked well in the past.

-- I'm a new convert to the category of non-work-bag everyday non-errand handbag that can hang on shoulder. Have two: one robust pebbled leather, the other more interesting design-wise but was showing first signs of wear. Both have ideal (for me) pocket number, type, and placement. Was looking at platinum bags for summer wear, then found I was enjoying high-contrast black/white.

-- Clutch for semi-formal and other events: have just one, but perfect: pale, versatile 220-lb, 5'11 with pockets. Often senses when item is needed and offers it.

Anonymous

Love your collection and share a few of them with you . I'm not a huge bag person , and have far too many that never or rarely get used . Out of sight out of mind etc . I probably switch between 3 -4 during any given season for regular day - to- day use . Another 1 or 2 for evening/drinks / social occasions , and another 2-3 for work totes . I have a long -standing negative connotation ( not sure where it came from ) with big collections of bags and shoes .......I have to be honest . I spend money on those I have and don't add to the collection without a lot of consideration . I have too many of them sitting unused and am having a hard time bringing myself to get rid of them . Ugh .

DonnaF

Veteran

I don't think there's any one answer for everyone, just as I don't think every woman needs a LBD and a crisp white shirt. That being said, there may be a single answer for a particular person!

I think I am starting to reach my saturation point, but there's still a few bags on my Wish List. . .

I would start by examining one's life and lifestyle plus one's desire to carry a single huge bag, a small bag tucked into a huge one, or a tote plus a bag too large to fit into a tote. Oh, and maybe climate.

For example: I don't do corporate formal or glitzy gala so no need for those bag capsules. No beach trips, so no big straw bags.

After years of black bags, I am pretty much off black bags, but I like when my bag matches my shoes -- which can lead to more bags. Or when the bag adds a punch of color. (I have a yellow bag on my Wish List and want to replace my worn out plum one.)

I guess storage is a limiting factor. I store most of mine by hanging them on a hat rack which I suppose isn't great for their straps but oh, well; better used than neglected.

DonnaF

Veteran

I just wanted to add that if I had to choose one bag for my life, I would choose the one below. It is off-white, so IMHO it is not too white for F/W, especially with the black hardware plus the texture (Saffiano?). Yet the color is light enough for S/S. It is structured enough for work, but since it's a cross-body, it's still a bit casual. Not big enough for papers for meetings or a large notebook, but I'm hoping for fewer meetings in a year or two and in the meantime resisting by only carrying a tiny notebook.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Feed Bag

$195.00 $116.03

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rachylou

Veteran

I feel I have minimal needs:
-1 waistpack for dog walking
-1 crossbody satchel

Expanding:
-1 crossbody purse
-1 backpack purse
-1 satchel
-1 top handle purse
-1 tote or backpack
-3 clutches

The waistpack and crossbody satchel are what I use daily. I can convert the waistpack into a clutch or crossbody purse - it's really a purse.

Staysfit

Veteran

Hmm, I am not much of a bag person, but when I get one it is nice. For example, my 50th birthday present to myself was a Ferragamo bag, and I purchased a Lowe Puzzle bag, which is my all time favorite bag, for my birthday this year. I could see myself repeating the puzzle bag in another color, and maybe another size. The only other bags I would need are a gym bag, a tote that could hold a 15" laptop computer for work, and a medium to large light weight soft sided bag for travel. The puzzle bag flattens into a nice clutch, and can also be used either cross body or satchel/handbag style.

Oh, I left off a backpack. I prefer that to a fanny pack. I rarely use either, but when I need one, the backpack seems to function better for my purposes.

Style Fan

Veteran

I am not a bag person. This has become very clear to me over the years of being a member on YLF. I rarely have a bag with me on my WIW and if I do it is a prop. My "real" bag is hidden because it is not usually the right one for the outfit. I don't really care. To me a bag is all function.
However, I do love vintage designer bags. I do have a Gucci bag that I bought in a vintage store that I adore. I find it a bit on the small side but the workmanship is amazing. I also have a Coach bag from when Coach was made in Italy. Apparently there is a difference (I don't follow all this). The leather is gorgeous. I also have a beautiful bucket bag from the 1980's that is mine. It needs to come out to play more often. And there are a few others.

kerry

Veteran

For a long time I wasn't a bag person. Then my husband bought me a handbag for my birthday and that set off a few years of collecting a bag per season.

For the past year or so I've been using just a wristlet when I can. I still need something bigger for work so I just throw the wristlet in a bigger handbag. I'm feeling not too precious about bags these days so here's the seasonal combos I'd like to use going forward, at least until I change my mind!

Spring/Summer - navy wristlet with white FP bag when needed

Fall/Winter - burgundy wristlet (no find) with one of the Fjallraven totes (haven't decided on which colour yet)

I also like to have a special occasion bag (my special occasions are very casual - Christmas activities, Easter, Mother's Day) so I have a gold clutch and blush satchel.

Fjällräven 'Totepack No.1' Water Resistant Tote

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Fjällräven 'Totepack No.1' Water Resistant Tote

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COACH Pebble Leather Crossbody Clutch Bag

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Slouchy Vegan Tote

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Fossil Leather Mini Bag

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Banana Republic

Soft Italian Leather Shoulder Bag

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unfrumped

Veteran

Haha, love minimalist's " semi- formal- clutch". Very versatile! Was not through my first cup of tea yet so I had to puzzle over it for a few seconds.

kerry

Veteran

unfrumped, me too! Nice laugh minimalist - thanks!

Anonymous

I am a little embarrassed because I own so many bags.

I own exactly fourteen bags. They range from wristlets (rarely used these days) to satchels (used on weekends and social events) to totes (in constant rotation) to briefcases (used only for important work meetings). I vary which tote I carry during the week depending on season, whim, and purpose.

I bought my first clutch in June. I hoped to use the clutch often, but have not really had the opportunity yet becasue the totes have been needed due to various work commitments (even weekends).

So there you have it. I have lust after bags. I stop by the purse section of every department store I visit every single time. It is a routine. My BF and I cannot leave a mall until I have stopped by the purse section.

The thing about bags is I know my needs. I might lust after satchels and such, but the truth is that I need/use totes. I lust, but then I buy a tote.

I was very interested when backpacks were popular on YLF a while back. But I couldn't convince myself they would actually meet my needs. I wondered if they would be hard to access and/or too small to carry files/computer. I was in love with it, but walked away.

So, to the women that might have bought this bag, how does it work for you?

Rebecca Minkoff 'Medium Julian' Backpack

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JAileen

Veteran

I have a lot of bags. Sterling, you're so cute. Fourteen is not a lot. I have so many I don't have a count. Mine are mostly vintage Coach. Staysfit, many of mine were made in New York City, where the company originated. I think they stopped using that designation sometime in the 80s.

When I started out, I only had four, plus a briefcase, that I had all bought new. I started finding them at thrift stores and would rehab them. I *wash*, reshape, and condition them. Yes, the old ones are washable!

I do use many of them, but only if they work for me, which means either they're small for an evening out with my husband, or they're on the bigger side and have a long strap to wear crossbody. I don't always wear them that way, but I want to be able to be hands free if I need to. The ones that I don't use are still loved by me, though.

I'm not crazy, I just seem like I am.

Anonymous

Thank you for making me feel better, Jaileen!!! By the way, I do remember your earlier posts about thrifted Coach bags. I made a mental note to ALWAYS check my local thrift stores. I have not once had the luck to find a Coach, but I have found a couple of nice Hobo Internationals and some fabulous belts!!!!!

Tammyb

JAileen - when (which year) do you think Coach went downhill? I was very loyal for many years but I've been disappointed recently. I think it's when they went back to leather after so many years of the signature.

I basically use 2 bags everyday- a work tote and a handbag or crossbody, and I don't switch out until they fall apart. Unfortunately the last Coach bags I bought fell apart at 18 months. The CPW was probably low, but it's still a disappointment.

Anonymous

Tammyb -- I know exactly WHEN Coach went downhill. I don't know the year though, but I can remember standing in the store in shock and disgust. Then I started seeing that garish pattern EVERYWHERE. ICK. ICK. ICK.

I await Jaileen's comment on the subject.

Tammyb

Sterling and JAileen, do you have any suggested brands? I look for classic style, function and long lasting so that I don't have to think about it.

JAileen

Veteran

Sterling, I'm glad to be of help.

Tammy, I'm not sure, but I think they were good through the 90s. If you feel the older leather, it was very soft and squishy. And the paperwork that came with the bags said scratches could be rubbed out with your finger. I have a giant duffle that is from the 90s, and it feels that way. I don't like the "signature" bags, and don't buy them when I see them. The signature is the opposite of what I like - it screams I'm Coach, but lacks the quality, which is what I loved in the first place.

JAileen

Veteran

Tammy, last year I bought a Furla bag. I bought it with birthday money. I love it!

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Tammyb

Thanks! That bag is exactly what I would buy!

Anonymous

I just recently tried Rebecca Minkoff for the first time in June. It is more special occasion than anything else, but I anticipate using it a lot in the near future.

Fossil and Longchamp make sturdy totes that meet my daily needs. I use the Fossil for really heavy items like files/computer. I use the Longchamp to cart around my life items.

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madeline

Veteran

Love minimalist's post! Took me a few seconds to process but then I got it. Clever!
I have at least 25 bags: totes, hobos, crossbodies, satchels, no clutches.
None of them are really quality bags. I buy them based on color, function and overall cuteness.
I tend to gravitate to bright colors and switch out with my outfits and itinerary for the day.

Anonymous

Sterling - I bought the RM backpack a few years ago and ended up selling it here on YLF. Totally useless and frustrating to carry. No interior pockets, poor access to exterior pockets (lost a few valuable things from them), and generally awkward to carry from the top handle or one strap. Everything inside fell into the bottomless pit .SO expensive (in Canadian $ anyways) and I lusted after it for quite awhile before pulling the trigger. Worst decision.

Kerry - I really like your backpack/totes from Fjallraven . I'm not familiar with that line but it's very cool!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm a Bag Lady, and your collection is fabulous, jill58. No need to pair it down.

If you love bags, swap them out frequently, look after them, and can store them - I see no reason to keep the quantity limited. I have 27 bags.

I LOVE BAGS. By far my favourite accessory.

I just edited my collection - lots of worn out bags. This is my current inventory of wardrobe pets. Hopelessly devoted to each and every pet. Three more clutches should go - seen better days - but I can't part with them yet.

I wear my five Furlas A LOT.

MILLY 'Riley' Backpack

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Alexander Wang 'Dumbo' Leather Clutch

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Amsterdam Bag Company

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Radley Millbank Leather Multiway Bag

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Rosie Leather Small Bag

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$350.00 $175.00

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L.A.M.B. Ian Leather Clutch

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POVERTY FLATS By Rian Zipper Flap Clutch

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Furla Furla Elena Saffiano Leather Large Satchel Bag, Stucco Beige

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Neiman Marcus Last Call

Elena Medium Leather Satchel Bag, Stucco

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Sole Society Dome Satchel

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Furla Furla Women's Metropolis Medium Satchel

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Charles Jourdan Charles Jourdan Ophelia Leopard-Print Leather Satchel Bag, Natural

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Banana Republic

Bow Metallic Clutch

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Leather envelope clutch in crackled gold foil

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have this one on order:

Lyon Crossbody Bag

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Style Fan

Veteran

That proves it. I know nothing about bags. My Coach bag was probably made in New York City and not Italy. However, it is from the days when Coach was worth something. Gorgeous leather.

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JAileen

Veteran

I've been stalking this one. I haven't ordered it because I feel like I need to show some constraint.

http://www.zappos.com/p/rebecc.....;ref=pd_vh

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have 18 bags across a range of colors, going from those that will carry laptops to a couple of evening clutches. I tend to have two or three on regular rotation and swap out across seasons, too. Lately I'm looking for something in olive, but have been waffling back and forth as to whether I should get a dressy flap bag or a more casual tote or hobo.

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