Keep or return: small handbag edition

Handbag newbie here. The handbags I ordered in this thread have come in.

1) Coach Kristen purse in white.
PROS:
Converts between crossbody and over the shoulder
Actually clasps shut
Stylish
CONS:
Too large for a "small" bag, but might not be strong enough to hold a full waterbottle
Fear of staining it, though I guess I could dye it once it got too grungy.
Might make me look like a target

2) CH Village crossbody
http://www.endless.com/Cole-Ha.....B001NMT7ZS
PROS:
Sturdy and durable
CONS:
Too small to stuff more than essentials in it (no hat, scarf, gloves)
Magnetic closure is not secure
Is this casual only? Can it be worn with smart casual?

It's not an either/or situation since I'm starting from scratch and building up the collection. How do they look? Is the Coach bag too big on me? Is the CH bag unstylish?

Thanks!

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12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

before picking specific bags, i would go through the uses i would have for different kinds o bags then shop accordingly.

so for work, my preference would be for a biggish structured bag that can fit my computer and work essentials, probably in a neutral (black, brown, olive) or red. if the bag is not too "work" like, i would use this as one of the bags i carry on when i travel. so i would look for sizes that match my requirements, then drill down to the color and details.

same for non-work life. i typically carry the minimum, sunglasses in a case, phone, wallet, gloss and a pen. again, i prefer streamline, non crossbody because the strap settles between my boobs. so i would go with measurements, then pick a color, texture, details.

if you're just starting your collection, white might not be the most practical color to start with, though dye-ing it after it gets dirty would expand its wear life.

Adelfa

Gut reaction: I love #1 on you.

Both are good.

Mander

(website)

I like the white one too. But I'm concerned that an expensive handbag would be too fragile to hold a water bottle! I'd hope that if I was going to spend serious money on something that it would be reliable.

That said, the only time I have ever had a leather bag rip, it was an expensive (to me) bag that was given to me as a gift. Fortunately I was able to take it back to the shop that it came from.

I also think that although my instinct is to restrict white bags to spring/summer, it could be an interesting statement in the winter. I'll try to remember to do this myself!

krishnidoux

Bj1111 gave you excellent pointers.

Myself, I find I need two types of bags: a small one, like your red one here, (which is my favourite of the 2) for daily, "on-the-go" activities and a larger one, of the size of the shown Coach bag, for longer, different types of outings: when I go to a doctor's office or any waiting area and need to bring a book along, when I need to carry a foldaway umbrella, or a camera, or a water bottle...

missvee

Even though I love the small red bag, if the closure is not secure I'd say return it.
I'm kind of on the fence with the white bag: I think the shape is good but I don't find it all that appealing when you use the long strap and the shorter one is just flopping down. I think it takes away from the clean lines of the bag.

Suz

Both bags are attractive, but I agree you need to figure out what "stuff" you will be carrying and ideally, try the bag out with your stuff inside. Also, consider whether they have the compartments you need.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Both bags look wonderful!

Great advice from, Suz.

Right now, I prefer #1. But the size and style have to work for you.

modgrl

Love #1! White bags are tricky, you have to be extra good to them.

texstyle

#1 seems better in style for you - the red bag seems too long for some reason and I find red harder to work into my wardrobe than white.

Sylvie

A collective thank you for the advice. In my earlier thread, I did discuss my bag holding needs, but I should have copied and pasted it.

Bag need #1: hold keys, wallet, cell phone and 2 out of ipod/camera

Bag need #2: hold keys, wallet, cell phone, ipod, camera and sunglasses. Maybe I can stuff a scarf and gloves on top if I need to. Must be able to be carried crossbody. I am small busted so there is no issue with the strap over the bust.

The red bag fits bag need #1. It could handle all the items from #2 but it wouldn't organize them correctly. The lack of secure closure, small size and the fact that I don't love it make this a return.

The white bag fits need #2. I did try putting all my things into it and they fit well/had adequate pockets. There is a black fabric version of this bag as well. Would that be more durable than the leather version?

I must admit that it's really hard to push myself out of bargain hunting mode since I was lucky enough to find the white bag at 50% off. If it got dirty and I had to dye it, it would still be less expensive than paying full price for a different color. I kind of love it and want to keep it even if I means I would need to buy a second waterbottle-friendly bag.

qfbrenda

Returning #2 sounds like it was wise. And if #1 makes your heart go pitter patter, you should keep it and use it to death. It looks like a nice size.

For what it's worth, I *love* my red bag and use it all the time. I wouldn't shy away from red if it's a color you love.

And is it really true that expensive = wimpy?

@qfbrenda, my old bag (which broke) was red and I loved it. I just haven't seen the right red bag in stores yet. Once I do...one will definitely be coming my way.

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