Purses: Hobo or structured? - YouLookFab Forum

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Purses: Hobo or structured?

agrace

Coming off of Rosie's post about the Neiman Fall 'must haves' I noticed they said no to the hobo. I am probably in trouble as that is about all I ever own, buy or are drawn to. Something about it's casual slouchy vibe but with the most luxurious leather I can afford just appeals to me (I am currently still carrying a chalk Banana Republic hobo from about 3 years ago which needs to be retired!).

I love structured purses on other people but for myself, always gravitate towards the hobo. And, I know there are other styles of purses out there but just for fun I am limiting it to these two...

So...question is: hobo or structure?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from

DressLover

Veteran

Structure for me. I'd like to say because the classic, crisp lines appeal to me, but it's probably more because hobo bags eat my purse junk in all their nooks and it's easier to cram them beyond capacity. I feel like I am hauling a parachute sometimes when I carry hobo. (But I always have everything!)

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I love the look of hobo's, but I can't find my stuff in them! I like a lightly structured bag best- I can still find my stuff, but they don't look too stiff or angular.

agrace

DressLover - I agree. I always think I would be so much better off with a structured purse for that very reason. Hobo's can quickly become a super easy way to lose everything.

Ele

(website)

You know, it's funny. I'm tempted to say structured because I gravitate toward retro styles but all my favourite bags seem to be slouchier in style. One day when I can spring for a Chanel 2.55 or a Birkin that will change, of course

agrace

Ele, I would love a Birkin some day as well. Maybe I'll find one at the thrift store

DressLover

Veteran

agrace, it is so true. When I have a structured bag and someone asks me for something, the answer is either an immediate no or I stick my hand in and find it without looking.

With a hobo, it's "Well hold on, maybe, just a second..." as I pull millions of things out and pile them on any nearby flat surface.

I'm generally organized, but I need defined areas to maintain it.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Definitely unstructured!!! I was planning on doing a handbag shop in a month or so - now I'm worried to think there won't b so many around to choose from!!

April

Veteran

I agree that a hobo makes it hard to find anything. Agrace, I'm not sure of your age, but Kendall Farr makes the point (in her book Style Evolution) that as women approach middle age, they tend to look better with a bit more structure in all areas -- handbags as well as clothing. That is the kind of idea that would never have occurred to me in a million years, but the longer I have thought about it since reading her book, the more sense it makes to me.

I'm advocating a medium level of structure: enough not to look sloppy, but not quite as much as this.

Ann

I'm a kinda bag laddy, so my vote is for the hobo...I love the slouchy look and being able to max out the capacity. I'm a little embarassed to say being an accountant organization appeals to me....so i use super ziplocks or smaller cases to keep everything organized. It works really great too!

Lisa

Veteran

I am on team structured bag.

Lena

If I have to choose between a lovely hobo and a structured bag, my eyes and hands usually go for the structured one. Can't resist them.

I admire luxurious slouchy hobos in theory, and I think they can look terrific on some body types. It's also a mood thing.

I ran into a couple of hobos with reinforced "structured" bottoms and I kind of like them, too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No need to choose. Both are fab!

fathenry

Veteran

Hobo all the way!

Frances

Hmmm...I've always been a fan of the structured bag because I can carry them in a professional context (and for the majority of my week, I'm in my professional context). It wasn't until a year ago that I was able to finally warm up to the hobo, and only then to a semi-structured one I got for a discount from Kate Spade. It's this one:

http://www.endless.com/dp/B002.....B00280MSYG

I'm crushed to hear the hobo is now becoming passé! I'm just beginning to get used to carrying this one, and I love it! It has enough structure so that, so long as I don't overstuff it, it doesn't get that lumpy dumpy look to it.

Great question, agrace!

agrace

Frances, that purse is GORGEOUS! I would not worry one bit about hobo becoming passe, to me that Kate Spade is timeless. I actually really think that would be a great 'goal' purse for me to get some day. It combines structure and hobo elements so beautifully.

I'll keep on carrying hobos no matter what, but it is fun to hear what everyone says!

April, I'm 32 and I can see where Farr is coming from on that for sure!

Beth

Veteran

Structured! I hate having to dig in the bottom of my bag.

Anonymous

Frances, your Kate Spade bag is gorgeous and I don't think that is going out of style, maybe ever. Great choice.
I have always been the hobo type, until the past year or so, YLF inspired I'm sure. I am really looking at the more structured bag with an eye for how creatively they are made. Quality has to be there and preferably it's not too heavy while empty.

marianne

Interesting! I find that I always gravitate toward hobo style, and need to make a conscious effort to look at other styles. Lately I've been feeling like hobo just doesn't work with certain outfits so I am trying to branch out. Maybe it goes along with the point April made about age.
As for organization, I don't carry very much in my bag, so I never felt it was a problem.

Tara

(website)

Veteran

I find a structured bag more easy to carry, but I don't like anything way too stiff.
I tend to carry a lot in my bags.

I think structured bags look neater though, but it depends on the rest of the outfit. I find because I am fairly casual most of the time a structured bag adds a bit of polish.

Tara

(website)

Veteran

My dream bag:
http://www.oroton.com/view-all.....9_1001245/

I walked past this in the window of Oroton in the Sydney CBD a couple of weeks back and since then nothing compares. I was on the hunt for a perfect leather cream bag, but nothing comes close to this so I have given up! I just love it. So luxurious. But I definitely cannot afford it! AU$800

ladyjane

All my bags are structured. Like the look and ease of organization.

Anonymous

Mine have been more hobo-like but I'm leaning toward more structure for the next one. For summer I like a tote that will hold a water bottle, snacks, cardi and maybe a paperback, as well as the usual stuff.