What are we doing with all of our handbags?

LJP

Surely I'm not the only one who finds themselves with a collection of really nice (and expensive) handbags that no longer get used? Lifestyle changes and what I actually need to carry mean that most of my bags look sad and empty when I do use them because there's so little in there!

Gone are the days when women carried big wallets - my phone stores most of that stuff now so all I carry is a little card case . Whatever lip product I'm wearing that day, my phone, card case, tissues and I'm good to go . Honestly, my sunglasses cases are the biggest culprits so I leave my glasses in the car instead of in my bag - or just wear them on top of my head .

I look at all of my purses and don't know what to do with them. All winter I've switched between 3 - and that's on weekends only. I use a big tote bag during the week for the work commute. I feel that selling them is a solution that requires too much time and effort, but I suppose nets the biggest return. For some reason I can pass along clothing I'm no longer wearing but the value of my bags is making this harder. I have a Prada bag I have maybe used 3 times in 20 years , 2 Coach (not outlet pieces) bags that were easily $400 each when I bought them 5-6 years ago , among other random ones.

Anyone have any thoughts here?

3 hours ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from LJP

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You can send them to me!

3 hours ago

Sal

Veteran

That's a really hard one Lisa. I agree needs have changed for many of us, and potentially into the future too. I like totes as well but do use my shoulder bags a lot. I rarely use a "handbag" any more.

Is your daughter interested in any of them?

I would be tempted to keep the best couple - even if they don't get a lot of use, and try and sell the rest.

There is definitely a market for second hand bags (easy to buy online as no fit issues). If you could get hundreds of dollars I think it is worth the effort - but I can't advise how but someone else will.

2 hours ago

Lisa

Veteran

Bags are tough especially when they are in higher price points. I've run into a similar issue because I WFH so most days I don't use a bag! My favorite daily errand running bags are a crossbody nylon Tumi bags of which I own 3 (one blue for travel, one blue for summer/spring, one black for fall/winter).

My most expensive bags are a LV bag/tote and black Aspinal of London midi bag. Both bags are worn when the mood strikes, or when I go out to dinner or have a work event or other dressed up occasion. They are not used often but both are sentimental so I will not part with them.

My mid priced bags (Tory Burch, Vince Camuto, JW Pei) are used for rare day time occasions when I'm doing something that's not an errand or I'm in the mood for a larger bag than my Tumi crossbody bags. The larger bags work great for holding my sunglass cases which are rather bulky.

I had a much larger collection of mid priced bags but I've been slowly selling my mid priced bags at consignment because I just don't get a chance to use them often with WFH. I'd rather see someone else enjoy them.

My first ever Coach bag was a gift from DH and I'll never sell it, it's a small black shoulder bag. If I'm lucky I use it once a year for a dressy event.

I have two bags from a trip to Italy late last year that I have not used yet, I've been waiting for spring/summer to pull them out since they are lighter tan colors.

Since I don't rely on my phone to store my stuff I still carry a wallet daily. I have a long style wallet that matches the LV tote that I primarily use in the winter months when I tend to reach for my larger bags. I have a smaller sized wallet that fits into the crossbody bags.

I'd recommend keeping any bags that are sentimental and consignment for the rest. Or give to a relative or friend. No need having something in the closet taking up space that doesn't make you happy to own it!

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2 hours ago

JAileen

Veteran

I had a bunch of vintage Coach bags. Most had been thrifted. I had so many that I didn’t want my husband to know how many I had. First, I culled them, by color, size and handle and strap configuration. Then, I offered them to our son’s fiancee, and she took two or three. Next, I offered them to a friend who is a Coach aficionado, and she took a couple. Finally, I sold the rest at our church’s yard sale. The money raised went toward holiday gift cards for needy families at an at risk school.

Mind you, I still have a lot.

1 hour ago

LJP

Veteran

I'm not going in the nylon utilitarian cross body direction - yet. That serves me for cottage vacations but not for everyday . I still love a quality bag that has a fashion vibe.

I look at the fashion editorials/posts now and wonder who actually uses wears the Margaux's and other giant tucked-under-the-arm bags. Maybe that's for the working professional or the ultra-wealthy mom who totes around a bunch of kids stuff. When I had a career that had me out and about travelling, going to retailers, etc , different bags were part of the whole look, and somehow made sense . Now? I can't get worked up over having a bunch of bags in different colours.

My daughter could not be less interested . She and her cohort carry Lululemon or Aritizia mini bags and aren't into the legacy leather brands we like/d. Actually I forgot about the consignment option - and I should check out my options here in Winnipeg. If I could just drop off the lot and let someone else deal with it, I'd be happy with whatever $ it brings me. I even moved on from my Coach wallets - they seem so heavy and like a relic from the past. I cringe when I see old women with wallets stuffed with paper receipts and cards god knows what else.

Angie - I'd send them to you but they aren't your colours: the Prada is black nylon with a mauve-ish purple (which is why I never use it) leather trim, and the Coach bags are mustard and olive green. I also have a BR leather (not outlet, but the good stuff , lol) cognac leather bag that is beautiful, but again never gets used. I refuse to move again (probably within the next 3 years) and drag this stuff with me .

1 hour ago

Kate

Veteran

I'm in your boat, Lisa. I feel oppressed by my bags. And I'm sad about it. I love bags, and I have...a lot. Over the years, I've transitioned to small, cross body bags, which work much better for my lifestyle. Card case, keys, chapstick, glasses, donel

I've gotten rid of some older bags that I no longer used, but the majority of my beautiful leather bags are still with me. They are hanging on the wall, falling off the shelf, or springing out of the closet when I open the doors. It's too much.

Selling is such a pain in the keister, but I'm going to go the ebay route, which I've had success with in the past.

1 hour ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you, LJP! And of course - I'm just joking

Jokes aside, I deal with the handbag questions with many of my clients. My guidance is as follows:

Pass on the ones you don't care for anymore. The designer ones can be sold, if you like. It's a slog. So you need to be motivated. Or pass them onto good homes.

KEEP the ones you like but don't use. I think you'll use them when you're retired. Once you begin dressing in regular non-work-uniform clothes again - these bags will probably come out to play. I see that happening with many retired clients. Soon LJP, you will retire and dress more how you'd like to - without the restrictions.

1 hour ago

Sal

Veteran

I would three sell of these and keep your favourite of the Coach and BR. I think you have a Gucci (?) that you still wear? The Prada sounds the least likely to be worn because of the colour.

1 hour ago

Irina

Veteran

I sold some bags on Poshmark. From my experience, it’s not a place for designer bags (although I sold a small one). Mid range takes time, too, but this is where I sell mine. I gave a nice APC bag to my DIL.

I have a couple of designer bags (GANNI, Stella) and even if I don’t wear them much, planning to keep them for now. (You might fall in love with purple and use your Prada again).

Bags are the most difficult purchases for me. I keep changing my mind about them. I sold a bigger size bag from Everlane. Bought it while in the office, completely useless in my life now. I actually had hard time finding a nice, big, affordable bag to carry a laptop in my work years. All these big bags on Instagram are meant for that. In my last year in the office, I bought a Bao Bao backpack. Love it but now use it mostly for travel.

I was late on small crossbody train, have some now and feel bored with it. I carry a phone, a card holder, lipgloss and a foldable fabric bag with me on a daily basis. All fit into a small crossbody but I would rather have a shoulder bag. I’m planning to buy a tote bag and sell some of my minis.

52 minutes ago

LJP

Veteran

Angie - I understand your point about retirement opening up more opportunities to use bags , but I still carry so little now ( as compared to even 5-6 years ago ) that all I want is a couple of special smaller bags . Any evening occasions I’m covered for , and super casual nylon / Uniqlo type crescent bags I have a couple of also . I don’t live in a walkable city so am not toting around water bottles and hats and sunglasses and other ephemera .

Kate - glad to hear I’m not alone . I know nothing about selling on eBay but am not motivated to commit to packaging up and getting to a post office or UPS depot for every bag . I just don’t have the time or use of a car often enough for it to work . I hope you are successful though !

51 minutes ago

LJP

Veteran

Irina - I have found canvas/twill totes really useful too . Last summer I used a printed twill bag from Le Bon Shoppe in lieu of a purse and loved it . Looked more modern and relaxed too than dragging around a heavy leather purse .

48 minutes ago

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