K/R: white (ish) handbags - YouLookFab Forum

So, I have been wanting a big white tote of some description for general spring/summer use, but especially for this upcoming conference. It has been surprisingly difficult to find exactly what I have in mind, so I have bought two bags to try out.

1 -- ordered online and it is a bit more beige than I was expecting, but it has the advantage of having a top zip, long straps, and a more high-contrast look. And perhaps it is a bit boring or granny-ish?

2 -- much lighter color and a funky modern shape, but the straps are quite short (they just fit over my shoulder, although there is a detachable shoulder strap) and it does not have a zipper. Overall I like the look of this one better, though.

3 -- basic canvas tote bag that I already have. Very handy and practical, not particularly fab.

Should I keep either of the first two bags, or return them both? I am also intrigued by bag 4, although it is twice as expensive as the other two.

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13 years ago

abc

Veteran

Well I am not going to be any help

#1 seems quite beige as you mentioned. I also don't really like how the handles go so far onto the sides, breaking up the vastness of the white/beige color.
#2 (to me) seems a bit too structured / formal (for my taste, but yours could be different). Also I find taller rather than wider bags don't work for me, everything falls to the bottom and gets lost.
#3 seems functional but not that fab (using your description)
#4 seems the best choice to me, as I really like the contrasting sides and handles/zipper pull.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Salt and Starlight

Member

My favorites are 2 and 4, with 4 winning if the straps are long enough to go over your shoulder (and you're ok with the price point). 3 is fine, but very typical - not a bad thing to take to a conference, exactly, but it looks like it could also be taken to the beach. So not very polished. The beige of 1 looks a bit dirty (but maybe it will also show dirt less?) and for some reason the contrast isn't working for me.

Hope this helps! Basically I agree with your assessment.

Glory

I like 1 if it were white. I think that the straps need to be long enough to go comfortably over the shoulder. Maybe keep the one you have in rotation until the perfect one comes along. The stores are just now getting the spring and summer items in.

Raisin

I really love the look of #2 and it's great that it has a longer strap. I think I mentioned I'm neurotic enough that I NEED a top zip or I will be forever checking that something didn't fall out. If you're not as neurotic about that as me, it is a deep enou bag, and the zip is not down the sides, so you can be pretty certain things will stay put.

bj1111

i love four and think this is so versatile that i would get only one bag of superior quality.

that said, i don't know if you are a structure gal or a slouchy gal. the bag in four says structure all the way. at a conference, you may want to project a certain professional persona (whatever that is), so your clothes should support that.

Mander

(website)

Yes, I was disappointed that the first bag is so beige (the color was described as "cream" online and looked much brighter in the photos), so I have more or less decided to take it back. The other thing that I'm not sure about is whether I will feel weird carrying an off-white bag with what will probably end up being a mainly pure white and black capsule with a few color accents that I haven't decided on yet.

Good point on the structure, BJ -- I do want to project as professional an image as possible, but in my field I would look a bit out of place wearing suits and heels. My natural style is quite slovenly but I am increasingly attracted to a more pulled-together look. Is there such a thing as "structured casual"?

Tina.b

I think bag #4 is just gorgeous, would be great for your conference. I love your moniker of structured casual, that is a style that resonates with me.

Anonymous

Structured casual could be your goal. You don't have to wear suits and heels to be structured. You can wear great fitting dark jeans and a blazer and oxfords, for example. I really like #4 best followed by #2.

of course there is such a thing as "structured casual"...equivalents would be smart casual or the dreaded business casual. skip the suits. put a jacket over pants (or even trouser jeans or dark /black polished jeans), unmatch the jacket but coordinate), add a button down (more structure) or a silk(y) tank (more casual). Add fun shoes, wedges, polished flats or even sandals depending on the weather.

the bag will pull it all together.

eta: i just scrolled through your recent posts...

the black and white flower print dress with a bog standard black cardi. add rights and your glitter booties + the bag

the grey short sleeve sweatshirt jacket + a white or cream shirt/tank + jeans/chinos + glitter booties + bag

there are two outfits right there!

Susie

I like #2 of the 3 that you have. But I LOVE the fourth one. I love a good handbag and that one is really striking.

Thistle

Love #4! It is my favorite by far. If it is out of the price range, #2 would be my second choice.

I like 4 as well, if not I vote#2.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote #2 as most versatile.

Beth Ann

Another vote for #2 --- I'd wear this in a heartbeat. The shoulder strap would be great.

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