What style of handbag is your favorite?

Gigi

I am in the market to get a new everyday handbag. I need something that is medium-sized, maybe on the larger end of medium. What is your favorite style of handbag (crossbody, satchel, tote, etc.) for general use, and why?

7 years ago

General

35 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ack. Handbags are so personal.

My "general use" is some people's travel. I often need my laptop, books, a notebook. So my daily bags are a tote or a backpack. My nighttime, dressier or "going out" but not needing to bring work bags are clutches or cross bodies. I love the look and size of a satchel but it is quite impractical for me. And I do not like to carry a bag on my arm or in my hand.

I just purchased my first hobo -- it is large enough for my computer.

I prefer a structured bag that helps me organize my stuff and looks neat. So the hobo is a wild card. We'll see how it goes.

7 years ago

Susie

Veteran

I have a variety of styles but most are either satchels or clutches. I just love the look of a satchel and find them convenient to use as they hold plenty. But I don't carry a lot so most clutches work for daily use too. I change out my bag as needed- it only takes a minute- as I enjoy selecting a bag for each outfit.

7 years ago

Muffin

Veteran

I love a satchel. I like the feel of nice handles and to be able to wear it at my elbow as well (one of my past favorites now long gone could even go over the shoulder). My current favorite has handles and a detachable long strap. I admit it is not the most convenient for errands and such but it is more flattering to my frame than a cross body. I scored this Tods one at a consignment store and love it to pieces

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

7 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

I like a boho style bag with long straps so that I can be hands free. My 2 favorite are both from Fossil. I like that they have a lot of compartments so that when I reach for my phone or lipstick I know exactly where they will be (provided I put them back in the correct compartment!!) I am curvy so I like a bag that lays flat against me and doesn't add a lot of visual weight in the wrong places.

7 years ago

AviaMariah

Veteran

I like a satchel so that I'm forced to carry it over my arm instead of my shoulder. I get a lot of shoulder pain and neck pain if I carry one on my shoulder. So like Suz said, it's very personal. I would like a smaller hobo with a shorter strap. I find that if the bag hangs against my rib-cage I "grab" it with my upper arm, alleviating the shoulder strain. Mine also have to zip shut because I am messy and tip it over often.

Zappos Couture

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Rose Maise

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Fossil 'Sydney' Satchel

$178.00

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Michael by Michael Kors 'Medium Colette' Zip Detail Satchel

$328.00

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I only use crossbody bags anymore. They are better for my back, are smaller so they force me to keep things pared down, and they are just easier for me to wear and deal with. I can leave it on when I sit down somewhere, so I don't worry about leaving it or losing it. I do need a larger bag for school, but I often just pop my crossbody bag into my school bag along with my books.

7 years ago

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Structured convertible satchel, hands down. Preferably one that fits my iPad and 12" MacBook. Here are some examples of what I use. Travel is for totes with medium sized clutch inside for options.

Custom Find

by dashielle (Ann)

View Info

Nordstrom Rack

L.K.Bennett Jemima Mini Leather Dome Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

MILLY Beacon Small Leather Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

Bloomingdale's

Rebecca Minkoff Shoulder Bag - Fiona Bucket

View Info

Top Pick

Amazon

Kate Spade New York Kate Spade Wellesley Alessa Satchel Sultan Yellow

View Info

Top Pick

Net-A-Porter

3.1 Phillip Lim The Pashli Medium Leather Trapeze Bag

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

Aimee Kestenberg Oslo Leather Convertible Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

Jane

Veteran

For work, on my commute and for carrying papers, a trusty satchel- it keeps the papers neat. I've a white one, which has kept its colour.

For weekend, a shoulder bag, but with a short strap, otherwise I find my hips hurt! My hips ache particularly hurt with cross body bags.

I'd love to not to have to carry a bag really, so do have a neat wallet, too.

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, to find a satchel that would fit my 13" Air....

Funny what AviaMariah said. I get arm and wrist pain if I carry a bag in the crook of my elbow and I like to swing my arms when I walk! It is fine with a shoulder bag since I regularly switch shoulders.

7 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I am a bag inside of a bag inside of a bag kinda of woman.

So my favorite go to is a large tote then I will keep a clutch for short errands and going out inside of that bag.

7 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like a medium sized satchel with a long strap option so I can mostly carry it by hand or on my arm but if I need to use my hands I can put it on my shoulder. I like to have at least one exterior zip compartment.

Nordstrom

Kate Spade New York 'cobble hill - small ella' leather satchel

$298.00

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Kate Spade New York 'cobble hill - small gina' leather tote

$298.00 $199.66

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I like a small structured satchel. I don't like to carry much with me so it just needs to be big enough to hold my phone, wallet, keys, and a small zipped bag (for lipstick, nail file, ear plugs, and Tylenol). Short handles, but they need to be just right for carrying the bag on the forearm. I usually take off the long strap for everyday use, but when we're traveling I put it back on. Then when my hands are full, I can carry the bag cross-body style. Also, the small size means it can easily stow under the seat on a plane, or even inside the carry-on.

7 years ago

shedev

Veteran

Crossbody or hobo.

7 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I prefer one I can carry on my shoulder for convenience. Medium size to fit at least my ipad etc but not too bag as I am a little messy......

7 years ago

kerlyn

Veteran

I love a cross body for shopping and errands. So nice to have my hands free!

7 years ago

Diana

Veteran

For work, I like a medium-large tote or hobo. I usually carry a laptop and/or lunch inside my purse so need a fairly roomy one.

For weekends, a medium crossbody/shoulder bag or a clutch with wristlet strap, depending on how much I need to carry.

My two must-haves for bags are shoulder strap (I need hands free, plus carrying bags in my hand hurts my wrist/elbow) or wristlet strap (for a small bag only) and a zipper closure on top.

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Satchel & Clutch.

7 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I like a cross body for hands free walking and shopping. I bought this one recently and love it:

http://www.zappos.com/harveys-.....mline-dove

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

7 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Wow, there is a lot of love for satchels! Maybe I would branch out and try a satchel--I've never had one before.

I have used crossbodies in the past but am conflicted about them. I love how my hands are free, but I find the constant hitting against my hip annoying and sometimes painful. I have most recently been using a small tote bag, which I can put on my shoulder and hold with my upper arm (like AviaMariah described), which is nice as far as not having constant bumping at my hip, but I think that it contributes to some shoulder tension where I hold the bag, since I have to hike one shoulder up a bit to get the bag to stay.

My "bag history" has been alternating between a crossbody and a small tote like this; I've never tried something that needs to be carried. Maybe finding a satchel that has an extra strap allowing it to be worn over the shoulder so that I can have my hands free when necessary (like when carrying in packages from the car) would be something to try. I could do with a change-up in the purse department.

7 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

JAileen, your new bag looks like the best of both worlds--a short strap for carrying by hand, and a long one for putting crossbody. It's a nice size too--not too big and not too small.

7 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Satchels and totes. These are the two I'm all about this summer.

My 12 inch macbook can fit in the new Kate Spade satchel in a pinch.

Nordstrom

Kate Spade New York 'spencer court - tera' leather satchel (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$398.00 $198.98

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

Custom Find

by UmmLila (Lisa)

View Info

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like satchels, totes and clutches -- depending on what I need to carry for the day. I default to totes a lot because I can fit lots of random stuff in them, but I own more satchels and clutches. I use my clutches the least because they are the least practical, but they are fun.

7 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I have everything except a satchel. I often carry a tote for my notebooks and laptop and then a crossbody for my wallet, glasses, phone, etc. When I go out I have clutches.
I don't really take my laptop with me on a regular basis. Only when I am travelling. My phone works fine for most things.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Evidently, pictures of purses are like porn to me. I loved your post purely for the pictures.

I agree that purses are very personal. I personally love all bags. I carry totes and large satchels. I do own several small purses, but they don't get used very often because I have to carry around so much stuff during the day.

7 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I used to carry cross body bags, but somehow I was given a structured satchel as a gift. Best gift ever! I love it, and have been a satchel fan ever since. Satchels and totes for work.

7 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

My favorite shape is the structured satchel (see below) but my most useful bag is my silver Milly (Janet copycat) tote.

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Pippa Floral-Print Leather Satchel, White/Black

View Info

Top Pick

Amazon

MILLY Rivington Tote Shoulder Bag

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Alaskagirl, that is such a neat silver bag! I have to laugh at the fabrication on Amazon: "100% Cow." Umm, the whole animal? Ha ha.

This has been such an interesting thread. I really enjoyed reading about what people like to carry and why. Lots of food for thought!

7 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Dash, I want your satchel collection! The colors and styles are perfect!

7 years ago

anchie

Veteran

Satchels and shoulder bags, medium size. But I don't carry much staff with me on a daily basis. I like clutches in theory, but never owned one, they don't look very practical for someone taking public transport. And I like option of having my hands free. But don't like the cross-body, they just interfere with the clothes too much.

7 years ago

Category