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Vibe shift

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm feeling a shift in certain items, and handbags are an example. I've been wanting to use a cognac bag a bit more recently -- theoretically it goes well with my cognac-toned footwear, especially with dresses and skirts that don't play as well with my black complements. But... here's the thing. When I wear a dress or skirt, I want to dress it down. So I need the vibe of a bag to be a bit more slouchy and casual. My current cognac bag is still in great shape, and I like it, but it feels too stiff and predictable with these ensembles.

I've gotten much more picky about bags since 1) the pandemic changed how and when we carry things, and 2) the purchase of my Bao Bao backpack realigned my standards and shifted my bag style a bit. I'm not getting rid of all my structured bags...yet...but I'm definitely feeling the more slouchy, easy, less structured bags at the moment. I ordered the Madewell tote below to check out.

Madewell The Medium Transport Tote: Woven Leather Edition

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3

Harriet Leather Box Tote

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12

Madewell The Julien Lace-Up Lugsole Boot

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2

Arc Toe Loop Sandal

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9

Free People 'Mont Blanc' Asymmetrical Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

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13

Lucchese N4540 5/4

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7

General

21 replies

Latest reply was from bella

Sisi

Veteran

I like it! I find woven bags unusual and interesting.

Star

Veteran

Is the Harriet the one you already own? I prefer it. Looks more interesting. I also don't love structured handbags much so I get what you are saying though. The Madewell one still looks as structured when on the shoulder to my eye.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I'm definitely a fan of a woven bag, and it goes great with all those shoes.

Dee

Veteran

Ouu.. I like your cognac collection so far and I also love the relaxed vibe that cognac accessories bring to an outfit. Looks like the new bag does have a more casual Bao Bao bag look and should slouch nicely with use.

Helena

Veteran

It looks great! Embrace the vibe change ... I am finding it's good for me to have a couple of vibes available to me rather than being too strick. Who know, when more relaxed warm weather returns next year, you may decide the more structured look is the counterpoint. There's room for both!

Love the woven bag ... gorgeous and casually luxe.

rachylou

Veteran

That’s interesting about the zeitgeist and structured bags. I sorta feel a queen mum purse is the only kind I will ever want to carry… but then I don’t really like carrying a purse at all. I think I agree about the zeitgeist.

kkards

Veteran

its funny but since the pandemic i want to carry the smallest bag possible, if i could i would just carry my phone, but alas, not possible

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the Madewell bag. Hope it works!

Janet, it's funny -- I thought I wanted to be a structured bag person. But it turns out, I'm not. For exactly the same reason. If I wear a dress I want to dress it down, and also, whether I'm dressed in a dress or trousers or jeans, when I carry a bag, I have a lot to cram in it, and it needs to look okay both full and empty. So I find I still use my backpacks regularly, and my big RM hobo.

Jonesy

Veteran

I know what you mean! I share your pickiness, and your love for a slouchy bag. And once you find something perfectly beautiful and functional, like your Bao Bao, it's hard to settle on a "just okay" bag.

P.S. Those Lucchese boots are gorgeous! I hope you will share some WIWs featuring them.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I can understand a vibe shift--there is something cozy about a softer bag. My structured bags have gone mostly unworn for the last few years--I think maybe Im feeling the same way as you. Your warmer brown accessories go well with your clothing items with the browns in them, and are a bit more unexpected than blacks

I've been thinking a lot lately about my book bag in high school---instead of a backpack I carried a buttery soft black leather tote bag with a drawstring closure. I think it must have come from the original Nordstrom Rack. It felt so luxe.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, always fab to learn new things about our style preferences. As they evolve, our styles and wardrobe items need to evolve with them. You've got that sorted. Well done! Hope the new Madewell bags works the way you want it to. I like the vibe shift!

I LOVE BAGS!!! They're my thing. I'm very picky about them. Actually, I'm particular and fussy about most things......so I'll come clean about that

Personally, I like my bags structured, dressy, closed at the top, and usually Italian! But they MUST FUNCTION WELL AS A CROSSBODY, otherwise I don't see the point for my mega walking and doggie lifestyle. I like fab guitar straps for "dressing down", and extra comfort.

cat2

Veteran

It does look like you are having a more earthy moment. But modern is such a big piece of your style that I would tuck the structured bag away for when you are feeling that again.

unfrumped

Veteran

I get that.

I’ve never been a real handbag person, though I do like it when I can make a more interesting outfit with a particular bag. But not really enough to be as excited as it would take to keep switching, and storing them. a few years ago when I was still working I added some bags for that purpose, and I made good choices in colors & leathers, but I added several slightly more structured bags. , maybe satchel sort of , though not full- on rachy’s “ Queen Mum”, and I usually felt not quite “me”, a bit too much like an influencer- poser.

I used to not really like cross- body bags, but did live shoulder- strap shopper styles. But increasingly casual lifestyle , and grandchildren! - made crossbody start to feel just right.

On my bigger bags, several had a long strap as well as more handle- like straps, so o thought I could do the Angie thing and carry them low, but the bags aren’t actually rigid, so they tend to collapse if not stuffed full- like what Suz said. Plus, something about me of my frame, they just still looked too bulbous hanging there, compared to a lower- profile crossbody.

So I’ve started re- homing these bigger shaped bags. It’s been hard, because I like like the leathers &colors.
It was helpful to really analyze the details— one had too many zips & small details that I could say, this is totally not me plus I wouldn’t even buy a new crossbody with these do-dads.

I’m keeping a couple of “ shoppers” because they have a fairly slim profile, good shoulder straps, & can carry a bit more.
But I mostly use just 3 crossbodies and actually a printed nylon one the most! It has colors tgat go with almost everything, except some prints that clash. So I might get a new one in another neutral.

RobinF

Veteran

I like your cognac items, makes sense to have the right bag with them.

I generally like slouchy bags but lately have been all about smaller bags. As long as I can fit my phone, chapstick, pen and maybe a little notebook, then I'm all set. I got a little off white one early summer that is all I have used since I got it. I think I need it in black too.

judy

Veteran

I totally get wanting to dress down a dressier outfit. And here's to vibe changes!
My sister has that Madewell woven bag and she loves it. I have the larger tote, same color. I love a slouchy bag! And I love a woven bag even though I don't own one. Great texture. Have you ever seen the Dragon Diffusion ones? Different price point and I've never seen them in person but they are a bit more structured yet woven at the same time.

LaPed

Veteran

Oh, I hear you! That Madewell bag is fun.

I think I have always been on team slouch. I’m the kind of person who likes their bags better and better the more broken in they get. A bit allergic to anything too crisp. Pretty obsessed with the COS leather sling for fall… may splurge. Minimalist slouch!

https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....85023.html

Cardiff girl

Veteran

The woven bag is lovely.l do think that these warm brown tones are so versatile as accessories in that they go with black but also white and a lot of other colours too.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like the cognac complement. I am not a bag person, but I like the woven bag's look. The textures of the bag and the suede boots are gorgeous.

Sal

Veteran

I love the woven bag and adore a cognac complement!! I find it interesting how different a cognac boot/bag combo looks than a black one with casual outfits.

I do best with unstructured slouchy bags too. I have a couple of structured bags that I really like but they don't suit me as well.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have gleaned that slouchier bags are coming back in. I think the slouchy/stiff bag shifts every few years out there, and for me shifts even more frequently, so I would not give up your best structured bag but put it in the back of the closet if you still like it. But that is me.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I completely forgot how gorgeous that Kurt Geiger bag is. Everytime I see it, it takes my breath away!
I am surprised to see that it comes across more severe in person because based on the pictures, I would most certainly characterize it as easy and slouchy. That said, what you said makes complete sense. I do feel the same way about dresses/skirts. They are already dressed up for my current life style and I would prefer dressing them down with more relaxed items.