Please help with bag decision...

I don't really need a new bag but want one (maybe two). I have quite a few but have a few that the size or shape aren't working well. I took a bit of time to think about what it is that does and doesn't work. I like the look of a more structured bag as I feel it goes with my work style. I also find that bags that have too narrow a base don't work well for me as they are hard to fit everything and then find what I need with the layering of items. I like to have an outside pocket for my work ID but could manage without if there were divisions inside. I don't want to spend a lot of money on bags since I do seem to tire of them quickly.

I started looking on ebay after reading about a few successes here (MaryK and I think Rae). I have narrowed it down somewhat and would appreciate opinions.

Here are the main contenders:

I like the size and structure of this bag. It measures approximately 15'' x 10 x 6''. I like the light coffee as it looks like a medium taupe neutral.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1107324.....1423.l2649

This one isn't as structured but I love the color and think the shape and size would work. It measures 15.7" x 12.6" x 5.5" so a bit bigger. I like the blue color even though it isn't a neutral.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/3206628.....1423.l2649

This is more structured and measures 16.5" x 11." x 4.33". I like the brown color as a neutral.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2207462.....1423.l2649

They are all leather and the sellers have feedback in the 99% range. I may end up getting 2 or buying a large messenger as a substitute briefcase when traveling.

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14 years ago

missvee

Veteran

Get the blue one for sure! It will work well with black, grey , brown, taupe, burgundy, denim etc, and the hit of colour will be great in the winter. I think I prefer #3 over #1 only because it looks slightly more casual, but they are both really nice bags.

Nadya

Get the blue one and one of the others, so you'll have a color and a neutral. I have a slight preference for #3, but like #1 as well, it's quite elegant.

Queen Mum

another vote for the blue one. I love the color as well as the slightly relaxing details.

Small But Mighty

Active Member

I have a very different point of view, as I like bag #1 far more than the others. Its very clean lines and structure seem really ladylike and elegant to me, and you described wanting something more structured for work.

I've been obsessing about a new bag for myself for over a month and finally bought one, also on ebay, just yesterday. But now I'm quite likely to buy #1 for myself, in red. It's such a gorgeous bag, and what a great price!

celia

For winter I would choose the first one because it would make a good contrast with the colors of the season that are usually darker.

Mander

(website)

I like them all, but I'd also vote 2 and 3. I like the look of 1, but I find bags that I can't sling over my shoulder to be a nuisance.

Freckles

Beautiful bags, what a hard choice.

I like number one for work as it seems to fit into your style perfectly and the colour is something you won't tire of quickly. Since you drive to work the ladylike strap would probably not be a problem for you.

Number two's pop of colour is so gorgeous but I think the style is a bit too relaxed for your work persona. Do you need a casual bag?

Number three is also very pretty but I see you with the classical lines of one more for work.

JennyAnne

Oooh I love number two - the color and the shape, which isn't too structured or too droopy.

cheryle (Dianthus)

Thank you Missvee, Nadya, and Queen mum. I have this relaxed bag in brown with black trim and although I like the size, I find it is a bit too slouchy. I think the blue may be a bit more structured though. I agree that the color is divine which is why it made the list even though it wasn't what I was looking for initially.

Small but Mighty and Celia, thank you for the input. I do love the structure and this one also has a center division to make it easier to find things. I like the soft neutral and think it would work with almost anything too.

Mander, I like bags that sling over the shoulder too but have gotten more used the the shorter straps on a few bags. The first one comes with the longer strap for shoulder but I'm not sure it would look good with the bag.

Freckles, I agree with your assessment. I may have to get two after all.

I am adding a pic of the slouchy bag I used for my recent trip to Edmonton.

ETA, JennyAnne, I was posting at the same time as you were. Thanks, I do think the blue is a bit more structured than the one I have but it is hard to tell from a pic. I went to your website and love the red jacket you are making. I am tempted to find someone who could make me a jacket like it. Beautiful.

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bj1111

i adore 1...but i have a thing for structure. i love #2 for the color.

ps...nothing wrong with getting 2 bags. keeps the economy afloat!

Anonymous

I vote bag #1, but in one of the colors...red, mustard or purple. Any of those colors could serve as a neutral with many outfits. My favorite is the purple. When you get used to a colored bag, the very neutral ones tend to get set aside.

Vicki

Dianthus, I like a structured bag, too, and find that some hobo bags have a way of shifting everything in a big clump at the center of the bag. I instantly loved the blue #2 bag. I prefer the color of bag #1, but agree with Mander that if I can't swing it over my shoulder, I don't carry it as often. Still, I love the form of #1, and if that works for you, go for it, and, yes, buy two, if you can. Color first, neutral second.

MsMary

I own #3 in white and LOVE it! It looks structured in the photo but IRL it's verra slouchy. You can see a good shot of it here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ay-copycat and here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ision-help

Thanks for the links MaryK. Is this the one you purchased with the yellow one? It really helps to have the visual to gauge size.

Thanks BJ, Joy and Vicki. Joy, I have a structured bag in red and an envelope style in purple. I rarely change bags so like to use a neutral.

I am going to try to make a decision soon but am leaning towards getting two.

Yes, I bought this one and the yellow one at the same time. The white one has been my total fave all summer!

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