K/R: is this bag too hippie for me?

At Crossroads, I spied a vintage Coach flap bag, much smaller than the one I have. I've been looking for a second, smaller bag for going out when I don't want the bulk of my Coach Willis bag. This one isn't at all dressy, but my life is pretty casual. And so far I've only had my one bag that I use for everything.

I can't decide if this reads as my style, sort of minimal and Euro-avant-garde -- or just hippie. It doesn't help that every time I find it on google it's described as hippie!

Here's the same bag from an Etsy seller (the main item on that page, scroll down)
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/140410744 and I copied one photo here.

What do you think? Should I return it and hold out for something more chic? I also love this dark navy lunch bag clutch, for instance:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/514536326149143867/

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Veteran

I like it! It's a nice size and shape. Now if it had fringe hanging down, then I would say it was too hippie. : )

Greyscale

AJ, that's exactly what the salesguy at Crossroads said! He's got good taste, so I was reassured.

JAileen

Even though it's called a Hippie Flap bag, I think it actually has a classic/ bohemian vibe. From what I've seen of your style, I think it would go very well. I don't care for the lunch bag at all.

I have a large collection of vintage Coach, but I don't have one of those. If I ran across one I'd snap it up.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

I never think of black leather as "hippie".

If it had fringe I'd be thinking late 80's biker-wannabe. But it's neither of those.

Hil

(website)

No, I don't see hippie at all. I think it's perfect for you. Trust your instincts! I'd use it happily!

Deborah

Ok going swimming against the tide here:). Nice bag but it doesn't say Greyscale to me. It's the roundness of the bag. I see you carrying a more odd a square or rectangular bag which reads a little more structured and has edge(es).

dlb1960

Active Member

I think it's great. Love it! And not hippy at all.

Neel

I am not sure what hippie means o_O but that's a cool bag and I would be all over it

Astrid

I'm not thinking hippie either. It's completely different to your second link of course, but I think it would work well for you.

Anonymous

I think it's a nice bag, and doesn't look hippie at all to me, but agree with Deborah that I'm not sure it really looks like you. The clutch in the second link, on the other hand….

Susie

I think I used to have a bag just like that one. I guess I'm old enough to be considered vintage! I wouldn't call it hippie, but I do think I see you with something a bit more edgy?

Suz

Can you have more than one?

This one works with your slightly RATE and utilitarian side.

The Urban Minimalist, in Angie's terms.

The other one is more trendy and more polished.

kkards

hmmm, i don't think i have ever thought of anything by coach as hippie….

Having been through the Hippie era, this seems a Coach take on a hobo bag and might be considered Hippy. But it is narrow and looks like a heavy leather, which gives it some structure, although it won't stand by itself. It may depend on how you style it. For me the deep bag with a relatively narrow opening would be a deal breaker in making it more difficult to find things.

catgirl

I have a really similar Coach bag that was gifted to me - vintage 80s or 90s, rounded, and plain. I don't think it reads at anything at all - it seems to mesh quietly into an outfit. Yes, it's Coach and yes, it's obviously Coach, but it's not in your face logo print.

Also, I've recently realized that a contrasting bag style can add interest and dimension to an outfit. Don't know if you want that kind of "outfit tension" but I find it kind of fun sometimes.

Gigi

I don't think that the Coach bag looks like you--it looks too soft and unstructured. To me, the clutch is calling your name--shiny and smart and structured, with some hard lines for dynamic movement. In the book on fashion that I just read, the authors said that curved lines create a softer look, while angled lines create more dynamism.

Laurie

I was expecting to see fringe and/or patchwork! Not hippie at all

pil

I like the bag and it seems like it would serve its function, but I think of avant garde being more angular than this. Then again, I'm not very knowledgeable either.

Jaime

I like the lunch box clutch for you (and for me if I carried clutches).

rae

I think it looks minimal and clean and can definitely go with your style!

Thanks, everyone. I'm still debating, which probably means it should go back, if I'm not in love with it. It's such a useful size, though, and a great find... I have a week to decide, at least. I feel bad buying and returning so much from Crossroads but they don't seem to mind.

I think if you're still not sure it's a sign that it should go back. Just because it's a great find doesn't mean it's right for you.

VernieJane

Honestly, I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that this bag is a hippie bag. To me, a hippie would not carry a bag this classy. The cut is a bit bohemian, but in a sophisticated way--it is obviously quality leather, and a very nice looking bag. Not something that would go well with a true hippie outfit--that would be more patchwork, vintage, etc... IMO...

TraceyLiz65

A definite classic bohemian vibe and a silhouette I purchased fo wear to outside music festivals since i have a boho side and like the crossbody. It feels right to me, but you need to guage how you feel with it...

Beth Ann

I think its clean lines are more casual classic. It would work for a lot of people in a lot of situations. And the clutch? Oh yes, the structure and modern look is stunning. I love their looks, but, when I go to campus for work, I'm schlepping my computer, files a half-dozen books, kindle, lunch, and sometimes a pair of shoes. A clutch would be an impracticality, although I love my one dressy version, with optional strap, that I wear to concerts, church, dinners out, etc.

I wonder if you might do well with a small bag "capsule" of 3-4 bags. With your amazing and defined personal style, I think you could carry these bags for years. I don't change mine every day, but I have one I like for urban trips, another for car travel, one clutch, etc. I use a kangaroo keeper so I can switch out in less than a minute and not worry about forgetting something.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I have clients with this exact bag. In some respects I find it a little dated. In other respects I don't. It would not be my first choice for you, Greyscale. Something about it neither reads Modern nor Retro. I voted nay - by just a hair.

Category