I have no idea how to shop for a bag!

Peri

I figured I'd find one at NAS. Now that I didn't, where do I look? I've bought mine at Coach outlets for about the last 20 years...and I will confess that that is only three bags!! I don't think I want Coach again because they run heavy, but I don't know how to find one. I've checked non-NAS Nordstrom, and walked through a Saks this past weekend.

So, what's a good source? What bag brand is your favorite? My wishlist is: lightweight but not Longchamps kind, medium size with internal pockets and some structure, in a pinkish-purple, green or gray color. I don't mind paying up to around $500 because I keep them so long they are always my most worn item. Lower is great of course. I'm not enough of a bag lady to go super pricey, it would just not get the right amount of love from me for that!

5 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from

christy

Veteran

Tory Burch and Kate Spade are two of my favorites. I was surprised at how well a Vince Camuto bag held up that I bought a couple of years ago, since it wasn’t terribly pricey. I had a MICHAEL Michael Kors for years that I loved.

I like searching Nordstrom Rack for good options, but mostly just find my bags at NAS. I wasn’t crazy about the selection this year, so haven’t done a bag update yet.

5 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Peri, does it matter what colour the hardware is -- and how much of it there is? If so, this will immediately rule some in and some out.

Second, should the bag be structured (like a satchel) or unstructured (like a soft hobo) or something in between (e.g. a sort of bucket bag, a more structured hobo or a softer shopper/tote). ETA -- I see you mentioned structure -- I get it.

Third -- how do you carry it. Cross body, on the shoulder, on your arm, on your back, on your belt/fanny, etc.

Also -- don't assume anything based on past experience until you try a few. Example: in theory, I truly prefer a structured bag. A mid sized structured shopped (hard to find) and/or shoulder bag. But in practice, mid size is not big enough for many of the things I carry -- so I learned I actually do extremely well with a hobo, a backpack, or a tote. But it has to be the right hobo, backpack, or tote. One with the right pockets for phone, wallet, keys, etc. Proportion is key and it has to work both relatively empty and more full.

Browsing the big department stores or sites is probably the best way to start. But most people have to feel/ touch/ try a bag to know if it will work.

5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I have four bags, two of which are everyday bags. The two everyday bags are Fossil and Patricia Nash. One is a satchel, the other a tote. The two going-out bags are Topshop and Banana Republic (they are going-out bags because they are too small for what I need to carry every day).

I'm very picky about bags for some reason, so I don't often find ones I like. I often browse in-person at Macy's because ours has a LOT of bags. It helps me know what textures I like, what features I need, etc. I'm with Suz in that I think bags are extremely personal, so you just have to keep searching until you find the right one. I often browse online too, in hopes of finding something that appeals to me.

5 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Do you have dedicated bag shops? We have chain stores, which I think are Australian, that only do bags, but include suitcases, called Strandbags. I got my last one there, the one before at a boutique, and not sure about the one before that! Otherwise our department stores carry them at both higher and lower price points.

5 years ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

If you have access to a Nordstrom Rack, that’s a great source. They have tons of bags at all price points and styles.

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Peri, are you looking for something dressy or casual?

Have you tried MZ Wallace?

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Nordstrom

PAIGE Crossbody Bag

$295.00

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Top Pick

Nordstrom

PAIGE Crossbody Bag

$295.00

View Info

Top Pick

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My favourite bags are Furlas, but I suspect they are too dressy and don't have the pocket layout you're looking for.

5 years ago

Toban

Veteran

I find bag shopping best in person if you can find a selection. But online I do like Lo & Sons and Cuyana for simple practical bags. In person I like Fossil, Nordstrom, Macys, and Michael Kors for a variety of colors and styles in one place. I have low variety in bags so whichever I buy has a heavy use, like you. I like a medium size tote with zipper for work and a small hobo or crossbody for evenings and weekends. I have a wristlet wallet that I move between bags. I rarely carry more than my wallet, phone, keys and sunglasses.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I'm not a bag nut, per se, but I do know and like my bags I first decide what it is I'm looking for: colour, size, and function. Then I go everywhere and look at everything - and I don't think I've ever duplicated a style. I'm open to different fabrications - right now faux leather/vegan bags are hot, and look a whole lot better than they used to, so I'm far more open to that than I've ever been........to use as an example. Being open to surprises is a nice way to get variety in your bag collection . This summer I wanted a pale blue tote and a black summer bag that was a bit "fancy" and scored really great pieces at Kate Spade and Browns just by walking by and looking at the selection.

5 years ago

Peri

Veteran

You all have given me a lot to think about, thanks! I will definitely check Nordstrom Rack. We have one but I've never been in. I've checked Nordstrom in person and a few other department stores but local departments seem pretty small.

My past finds have been kind of spontaneous, and I guess that is why I've never really had a search before. My current Coach has become worn out looking so much faster than the previous two so the need snuck up on me. I could go back to my previous Coach, which is actually still in great condition, but it has no inner pockets...which made me realize I bought it in the pre-cell phone era. OMG, that is hilarious!!!!! The bag before my current one is about 20 years old. I'm sure some find that incomprehensible! I'm shocked too! But also, wow, was Coach quality better 20 years ago, that I carried it for about 12 years and it still looks good?

Suz, thanks for the thoughtful questions about usage. I've thought thru most of that but you added a few.

Angie, semi dressy at least. More dressy than that one.

5 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

Coach has changed a lot. The leather was much better. I have a lot of old ones, and they were actually washable in the old days. If your old one is in pretty good shape, maybe all it needs is leather conditioner.

5 years ago

Anonymous

Kate Spade may have the purplish pink color! Seconding trying Macys too, but also TJ Maxx and Marshalls have a decent variety of bags. Also check leather shops-like Wilson's.
Haven't been in Coach in a long time. Their decor-dizzying pattern rug + tons of mirrors, makes me unhappy!

5 years ago

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