Pros and cons - structured and non-structured handbags

Ornella

I need a new bag, pronto. I am drawn to something like Sveta's fab red bag, but I never owned structured one. Nor I've seen anything I like, but I'm just thinking in that direction. Are there pros and cons for structured bags?

On the other hand I've seen a cute bag that might be a nice transitional piece. WDYT? Too casual?

ETA: This one is not structured.

14 years ago

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from MsMary

kellygirl

Veteran

I think it's beautiful--but I am still somewhat bag impaired.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Seriously? You are Mrs. Structured Handbag. BBQ.

14 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Gorgeous bag...love the colour, and the versatile shape! Looks like a tote, but elegant too. I think this covers all bases - can be for dressy or casual outfits, IMHO! Structured bags definitely suit a more polished look - or heck, can MAKE whatever you're wearing polished! They also have a more organized and useful purpose with their compartments and the ease in which you will be able to open & find what you need! (Always a problem with the hobo bag, I find - I love it but I'm always rummaging around like a madwoman when carrying it.) I think this would be a smart buy!

14 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

That is a gorgeous bag--both the style and the color--and I think it bridges the gap between the two styles. It's slightly structured, but it also has a little relaxed slouch to it.

It might just be the perfect bag.

14 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

I like the bag above, the color is great! But I could totally see you with a structured bag, I think it would fit your style perfectly. Maybe something like this? http://www.picard-lederwaren.d.....n/4704.htm
I have one structured bag, but it's a small one. I'd love to have a bigger structured bag, because it's really much more practical than a slouchy one.

14 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, the one you've linked is so beautiful!

14 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I think so too! Mine is from the same series, this one (http://www.picard-lederwaren.d.....n/4628.htm) in grey. It's one of their classic styles that they sell every year.

14 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Ornella, you have to try it. Think about those outside pockets: they are very practical in the winter to reach for cell or keys. However it does look like it will loose shape once filled; you will end up putting minimal things in it. So it may not be counted, in my mind, as an everyday bag unless you don't mind the shapelessness. Also is the handle long enough for you to slide a coat-enclose arm through and feel comfortable? Will the handle slide down or fall back away from you shoulder? Questions, questions.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

The one you posted looks like a good compromise, as it has attributes of both a structured and unstructured bag.

Structured PRO
- Will stand on its own when you set it down
- Easy to rummage through
- Ladylike/businesslike/dressy

CONS
- Won't mold to your body (I used to be very anti-structure, as I thought they felt like foreign growths on my body... I don't feel this strongly anymore).
- Sometimes less comfy when held at shoulder.

Unstructured PROs
- Soft, smooshy, cuddle-tastic leathers
- relaxed/casual/approachable
- Comfy and feel natural on the body

CONS
- Stuff tends to move around more than in a structured bag
- tends to collapse into a heap unless you lay it down sideways

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, those are all seriously beautiful bags. I never see bags that lovely where I live! (Then again, I haven't really looked terribly hard. YET.)

Ornella, I carry (mostly) a semi-structured messenger bag, and I find it is a godsend for finding keys, cell, wallet, etc. I love that everything has a place and is in its place. But the one I have is unfortunately a bit small for me so it tends to look too packed; I need to remedy this.

I think Rae has given an excellent list of pros and cons, and agree that actually TRYING it out with your stuff is the best way to go.

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I am all about a structured bag, surprisingly given my RATE style. I can't find ANYTHING in a bag that is too deep and/or soft and squishy. It helps to use organizing tools like smaller bags, but that's asking a lot from me. Rae's list is spot on.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Stuctured bags are my faves, since they don't collapse, and I thin they go well with the retro inspired looks like midis for example. Or flared skirts ( 50's style). Zara has a nice selection this season. Also , organization wise they have the upper hand.

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

YUMMY!

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe...../44801.jsp

14 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Oh dear, I think you have decided for me - thank you!

The thought of searching for things has not crossed my mind - and I do find that process so annoying.

Bye, bye red bag... oh well, looks like I'll have to invent some reason to come to Germany soon Astrid

14 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

The only con I see for my red structured bag is that I cannot cram as much into it as into my other bags without affecting its shape. On the other hand maybe this is a good thing?:-0
I own total of 3 bags (still bag impaired here): a hobo, a tote and a structured. I really like the graphic quality of my red bag and that it instantly elevates every outfit I can wear it with. I also like the fact that it is easier to find my stuff in it than in my other bags. I am looking for a neutral bag now (still looking...)and guess what - it will be structured too!

I like the bag you posted,Ornella. I don't know if it is casual or not - I think it depends what role you need it to fill in your wardrobe...
I wish you luck, my bag-searching sister!!!!

14 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Ornella, they list four stores in the UK on their website. Or you could come and visit me!

14 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Be careful what you wish for :))

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

astrid...i love those picard bags...

what is the pricing like for the berlin line? i am in love with the hermes kelly inspired bag in the luscious red.

14 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

I haven't looked, but I would guess the regular price of the first one I linked would be about 130-150€. I got mine (the little one) for 40€ on sale. They have good quality though, so I think the price is justified. I have three bags and my oldest is maybe four years old and they all still look nice, even after regular use.

14 years ago

annette

Active Member

I love this bag? Did I miss where it is from? Now I want it!

14 years ago

Anonymous

If you can, go where you can try some on (or one that is similar). I tend to forget that a bag is something I *wear* and it can really change the vibe of my style. Different bag/shoes with your outfit can have a tremendous impact on the direction (casual or dressy) that it goes.

14 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Have any of you ever tried a "purseket" in your big slouchy bags? It's just a gizmo with lots of other little pockets, designed to keep all your stuff in one place and make it easier to transfer from one bag to another.

There are many variations out there on craft sites, but I think the idea is cool. I have yet to actually try it myself, though. One thing I often do, however, is use cheap pencil pouches to keep stuff from floating all over the place. It helps a little bit.

I love the look of super-structured classic handbags, like the Birkin, but I think my developing style is definitely RATE, and I would look silly carrying a classic bag like that. Half the time I am lugging around a bunch of books and laptop anyway, either in an enormous canvas tote bag or a very gear backpack. Some day I will find (or design) a truly chic-looking backpack for these occasions, but I haven't put that much effort into it yet.

Or, I'll just get a netbook.

14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Yes, I second the idea of an insert for your bag. I use the small Kangaroo Keeper. Super cheap, super handy: http://www.amazon.com/Kangaroo.....B003ZJIQKO

Note: Get the tan one, not the black one. It's easier to find your stuff against the light background. (As me how I know...)

14 years ago

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