I was never, ever a bag lady beyond mere utilitarian need -- until YLF started to convert me. Now I actually enjoy my bags. Not fancy designer stuff, because I don't have the money for it or (particularly) the desire, but Danier is becoming my friend. Mind you -- I work from home but do most of my errands on foot/ public transit -- and I travel a lot, so totes are key to my bag style (I need a bag that fits my laptop). I love coordinating with my outfit. I never have anywhere to store my bag except at home; thus, when I am out in public, as thimbelina said, it's always an integral part of my outfit.

I don't carry my bag into work (I generally lock it in the trunk when I leave home so I have it if I need it on the ride home), but a bag is still an integral part of an outfit to me. When I am not at work, all most people will see of me for 8 months of the year is a coat/jacket, footwear and bags (any maybe whatever is covering my legs), so bags absolutely matter. Additionally, once one becomes accustomed to the workmanship on a nicer bag, it is hard to go back, IMO. Regardless of what others see looking at them, they give ME pleasure.

The same can actually be said for underwear or loungewear for many people. If no one else sees it regularly, why does it matter? But it makes ME feel good, even if no one else sees it, and it boosts my mood when I am wearing something flattering at home, even if no one else ever sees it.

Bags are one of the first things I notice about people's outfits, especially in the colder months. I like my bags to make a statement but still serve a function. For example, most of my winter coats are neutrals (charcoal grey, heather grey, taupe), so I feel a bag adds a splash of color. But in the wnter, it needs to be large enough to toss my hat and gloves in at my destination. I do walk a lot and take transite, but even when I drive, I carry a bag out to dinner or to meet friends, or even things like grocery shopping, so it does get "seen," so to speak.

In the summer, my bags tend to be smaller and more utilitarian. Don't need to fit all the winter accessories and I spent more time out of my house (festivals, walking, etc). I like neutral ones to wear with bright colors and colorful ones to wear with black/white.

I've been sort of trying to become a bag lady, though it's SO MUCH EASIER to just use my trusty black shoulder/crossbody bag.

But today I brought out my citron with snakeskin trim clutch I scored on sale this winter. And I wore a new citron top with my jeans. Anyway, we were in a nearby small town, and I bought a sandwich at the grocery store. During checkout, the checker asked me if "I had a lot of purses" That was a definite first for me! If only she knew that 99% of the time I don't make the effort.

My only memory of bags in the workplace involved one manager who used the oldest, sadest bag. Her staff saw it regularly as she came and went from the office. And any clients she met with...

CC that sounds like a great combination!

I am not a bag person in the way I very much am a shoe person, but I like an interesting bag. I have lots, almost all second hand, and they run the gamut from no name to local designer to a few known designers I found second hand. Since I am often out and about on foot, my bags are seen but I choose them first according to what I am doing that day (hands free, holding stuff, etc.).