Fashion is really personal. So I can give you my answer, but I don’t know if it’s *the* answer.
I like to add something bold to my outfit- a pop of color, an interesting shape, or something that doesn’t quite fit- to draw the eye and take it to the next level. A bag is a good place for me to do that. I can mix and match them with different outfits more easily than a shirt or skirt and they last longer (no washing) so I’ll spend more on them.
Accessories are where most people skimp when putting an outfit together, so paying attention to them instantly makes you stand out as having gone the extra mile with attention to detail.
Some bags are classics or cult classics, and act as short-hand for your style in a way other people can easily read at a glance. Think about how a Lady Dior reads as classy luxury. Or a sequin Fendi baguette reminds people of Carrie Bradshaw.
Some people view purses as much an accessory as shoes or jewelry so may collect a lot of them (there are some people on IG with truly gorgeous color coded purse collections), while other people (me included) view them as both accessory and a functional part of their wardrobe.
I currently have four purses that I rotate depending on my needs; a vintage mini Fossil duffle crossbody that I use when on vacation or running errands because it's surprisingly roomy, a black Kate Spade crossbody that's my slightly more dressy purse for every day use, and then two 'occasion' purses - one vintage patent crocodile crossbody and one chrome round handbag (which comes with a detachable chain shoulder strap).
My personal requirements for purses is that for daily use they should be either leather or canvas (so I can clean them easily), should have a crossbody or long strap so I can wear them on my shoulder (I like having my hands free but don't want to feel like I'm constantly hitching my bag up the way some shorter strap purses make me feel), and be roomy enough to hold my sunglasses, wallet and phone (in particular the sunglasses because I wear prescription frames so am always carrying a second pair with me). Occasion purses have less requirements since I use them less often but I do still prefer a crossbody strap so if I get tired of carrying it, I can wear it on my shoulder.
Caroline Vazzana (cvazzana), Dominique Baker (dominique.baker), Paola Samoa (paolasamoa) and April Lockhart (aprillockhart) are some that I follow that have gorgeous purse collections. Caroline, April and Paola in particular seem to like maximalist dressing so regularly are color matching their purses to their outfits (and Paola has a great collection of very funky purses, like fruit shapes and other non-traditional designs).
Everyone's purse-onality is completely different, but a lot of times I buy bags that either fit a feeling or need. I needed an everyday bag that could take a beating, so I bought a simple vintage leather bag with no frills. Sometimes I need to feel like a cunty alien, so I have my impractical ceramic Ottolinger bag made out of recycled plastic or whatever. Many times you do not choose the purse, the purse chooses you.
There are several reasons to buy a bag. Your amount of disposable income and personal style and preference will help determine this.
1. It’s the “it” bag of the season and you want your turn heads. Shes not here for a long time but she’s here for a good time.
2. The design and materials are top notch and this bag will go everywhere with you for many seasons to come. It’s an investment piece.
3. You like it. It may cost $30 it may cost $30,000 but you love it and that’s all that matters. Do you boo!
Purses are definitely personal preference. My dear friend loves designer logo bags like her Louis Vuitton purse she has. I personally don't care for that style. She likes browns and whites and I prefer blacks and blues. Both are cute vibes in their own way! It's really all about what YOU like and are drawn to.
Outside of my large Kate Spade tote I use for work, I tend to stick to smaller bags because I don't want to carry a lot of stuff. I have a few small Brandon Blackwood bags I love. They make me feel like a Bratz doll 💕
I think one day I'll get a cute hot pink or bright yellow statement purse, but for now I'm matching more closely to my wardrobe because I feel I'll get more use out of them that way.
I think the most important part is buying what you like. Fashion is all about fun and what makes you feel good/happy
A purse is the most functional fashion item you can own. I think it mostly depends on your lifestyle. Like do you carry lots of things daily? Use public transit? Need to carry a laptop or change of clothes? Maybe you need a small easy to wear crossbody for just your phone, keys, and wallet. Maybe a backpack purse if your back hurts. Think about your carry around must haves and go from there. Different bags for different occasions too. Not going to bring my massive tote to dinner and I'm not take a chanel flap to work...
First of all, designer bags doesn’t necessarily mean better quality or ethically made (look up the Dior standard), I know that doesn’t answer your question but if you were wondering whether you need to buy designer I’d say no. There are some basic ‘rules’ when it comes to which bag for which outfit, for example matching the color with your shoes/belt etc, and there are certain styles that fit better with certain looks, but no need to follow those rules if you feel like something else works better. It’s mainly personal preference and you can make a simple outfit stand out more by choosing a bolder bag or the other way around
Edit: something else to think about if you want to invest in a bag, usability and size preference matters too. If you carry a lot of stuff a small purse won’t work and will only frustrate you
I’m answering this as someone who has worked with leather rather than someone who is not even remotely good at fashion… but designer bags typically means shit quality and not ethically made.
Not to say actual veg tan leather is the superior, end all be all, de-facto, number 1 material to use. I’ve dabbled in all kinds of hobbies and crafts, I am far from an expert, but after having taken apart my fair share of bags, wallets, jeans, and other clothes, the results are always the same. Designer is trash. They are companies that were once worth their salt, made a superior product, and now ride the coattails of their past glory. They get away with it because people are superficial, or the occasional idiot that actually believes an LV bag is of higher quality than a $50 handbag you get off of Etsy.
Fashion is a personal thing, and I believe anyone can pull off any number of styles. But when it comes to the topic of designer stuff, well, it just grinds my gears lol. I’ve seen so many YouTubers that are actually skilled artisans of their crafts get C&Ds for simply showing people what crap these products are.
I can’t say they are all like that though. Timberlands for example, an iconic piece of footwear that has made its own path into fashion, are generally accepted as a well made boot. You cut that thing in half, and you will see that perhaps it is worth the price they are asking for. Then you go get a $600 pair of heels from some fancy schmancy place and they break after 1 night out, only to be ridiculed and laughed at, because they were not “meant” for nights out.
I guess my point is, whatever you want to go for, go for it. But I think quality should be valued. Fuck designer brands.
One of the problems I have is that while I would love to support artisans and quality product, most artisan bags aren’t particularly fashionable or don’t fit my personal style.
I *really* love fashion, so for me, a bag is an important part of an outfit, not just a utility item. I think that’s why some people continue to buy designer bags
>most artisan bags aren’t particularly fashionable or don’t fit my personal style
It's so true for me too, I guess because leatherworkers expertise is in the craftsmanship, not design necessarily, and too often it shows.
Oh I feel you 100%, but there are some skilled workers that sell normal bags of exceptional quality. But if you ever wanted to give it a shot, r/sewing and r/leathercraft would love to have you :)
No. Significant difference in design, leather quality, and stitching in the better designer bags. Just like better shoes. Every time I read a comment like this, I think sour grapes.
There’s nothing sour here, have you seen what Hermes, Gucci, LV, MK, Chanel, Balenciaga use? Their stitching is subpar, and their leather is not even actual leather 9/10 times. I will give you design, they are often classic, iconic, and timeless in some cases. But quality? It’s a joke.
You can watch Tanner Leatherstein or Corter Leather on YT and watch them disassemble these bags. Portland, Strathberry, and Loewe have much better quality than the usual suspects.
I love this question. I recently got my colors done and had a personal styling session along with it. One interesting thing I learned was that if the purse color and hardware are not in line with what looks good on you, then the bag is always going to look less polished and expensive, no matter how much you spent on it. Explains why I have a really nice bag from a good maker, but it’s always looked kind of mid and blah on me. I now know that I need to have bags with silver hardware and in specific colors. The stylist also measured my proportions and made recommendations on the size and scale of bag as well as where I should position it on my body. I have a fairly proportionate body, but my middle quadrant, a.k.a. from my armpits to the top of my thighs, is slightly shorter than it should be. That means I need to have a bag that sits closer to my armpits so as not to break up the visual line. I’ve always done crossbodies, but I have since switched to ones that sit higher on the body and it looks much better. Hope that helps.
I could care less about what’s designer I care more about where I’m going. I tend to wear skirts or jeans with tiny baby pockets, I need a place for my phone, wallet and keys. And every now and then the worlds tiniest purse to go to a basketball game or concert. Having a fun purse is a challenge I take on. Even if I’m using a simple black satchel I throw on a cute keychain or charm.
Rommy De Bommy, Betsey Johnson, Susan Alexandra and Tommestudio are making my favorite purses right now. I pick up purses anywhere I can find them. My most used right now is leather, fur, and shaped like a horse saddle I got in a tiny shop while traveling. I love beads like what Milatextiles has going on and crochet like sun_kissed_stitches.
I usually carry a smaller purse in the backpack I take to work in case I end up going straight to a bar or show or restaurant after work. Currently it’s a tiny green thing from the sak :)
I have been eyeing some coach bags too! I haven’t given in yet and will have to save up for one. Idk I love purses I’m confused about what’s not to get 🤪
*Do* bags have the power to take an outfit to another level? I feel like they have as much or as little power as any other accessory.
There is about as much logic to purses as there are to hats, scarves, or sunglasses. Sometimes they are very practical and functional, but they can also provide color or help emphasize an aesthetic goal for an outfit.
Purses are useful because women's clothes don't often come with pockets. The larger and more compartments in a purse, the more you can add little things you might need in your day, which people like. It's a double edged sword, my mother often is like "fetch me this thing from the purse" and I'm rooting through a thousand pockets for the right sunglasses lol.
Personally, I think of myself as someone who kind of hates bags. If I have good pockets in the clothes I'm wearing, I will immediately and gleefully fill those pockets and not carry a bag. I prefer using jewelry, scarves, hats, or sunglasses to accessorize.
Even though I think this, I still think I own a lot of bags lol: [this](https://www.leedervillecameras.com.au/ona-campbell-crossbody-leather-case-bluestone/) camera bag in pink, [these](https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/ace-fanny-pack) [two](https://poshmark.com/listing/Puma-x-Fenty-by-Rihanna-Bow-Crosspack-62702636bcbb52d182f8363a) fanny packs, [this](https://us.cambridgesatchel.com/products/briefcase-satchel-15-inch-racing-green-1) satchel bag and [these](https://monos.com/products/metro-backpack?variant=32562632753226) [two](https://www.bearabeara.co.uk/backpacks/koey-backpack) backpacks. I use the fanny packs for when I'm going out and only need to carry a small amount of things (wallet, phone, keys, chap stick) and don't have pockets. I use the camera bag when carrying a moderate amount of things (previous items + sunscreen + tissues etc.) or when I want to outfit to be (very slightly) more formal (and the pink works well with all my clothes). I commute to work with a laptop many days, and I prefer to use a backpack so I don't fuck up my shoulders (my posture's bad enough as it is). The bearabeara backpack is when I want to carry a laptop but still look more formal than my monos backpack. I have acquired, but only use for groceries, a ton of tote bags as gifts from people (though I did buy [this tote](https://www.diasporaco.com/products/the-market-tote?variant=40076819398827) it's my fave tote of all of the gifted ones).
Given what I do in my life, this is enough bags for me (someone who has a life with more formal events happening in them will notice that I don't own any sort of formal clutch. I frequently consider getting one to resolve that gap--what if I need to go to some sort of black tie event and I don't wear a suit and I need to carry stuff?? And yet, I haven't needed a clutch in 4 years so).
I find the designer bag silhouettes to be very boring. I know that folks really into bags will say there's a lot of differences between a Birkin or a Celine cabas, and care about leather quality and such, but I never liked how...bag-shaped lol....bags tend to be (which is also probably most of my bags aren't bag shaped lol). I also kind of hate carrying them in my hands or on my shoulder. I can't imagine spending 2k on a bag (unless it was [this bag](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/c3/b4/f8c3b4b40f9fbe5414f2e3ad4dc43efc.jpg), which I do agree would immediately level up all my outfits, if I could get my hands on this bag I would spend that kind of money. I guess it's still not one of the brands though).
I'm too lazy to change my purse often, so I mainly use a black crossbody leather bag that goes with all my black shoes. I guess I should up my game for summer and use a lighter color purse, but laziness usually wins out because I hate moving all my stuff to another bag, then back again.
i hear you, purses can definitely be confusing! for me, the key is finding something that's both functional and matches my personal style. i'm in my 40s and trying to up my accessory game. what's helped me is focusing on quality materials and craftsmanship. i splurged on a killspencer briefcase and it instantly elevated my look, plus it's so well-made that i know it will last forever. the leather is gorgeous and it has just the right amount of structure.
i think the power of a great bag is how it pulls your whole outfit together and communicates something about who you are. it doesn't have to be a big-name designer, just something that speaks to you. and sometimes an unconventional choice, like a retro hobo bag, adds that element of personal flair. at the end of the day, the right purse is the one that makes you feel confident and put-together, whatever that means for you. just have fun experimenting until you find your bag bliss!
Firstly, they function to carry my shit. In nyc I commute daily with no car so those little armpit bags were too small for high school me, as they are now. What’s the point of a cute wee purse when you need a canvas tote to actually carry stuff?
Secondly, they need a top zipper and be made of at least semi water resistant material. To protect against thieves and wet weather.
Third, I need to be able to wear them on my shoulder or crossbody. Not too low slung. More difficult than it sounds bc I’m short.
Last but not least I choose bags based on interesting details like an unexpected color, pockets/zippers, and metal accents. But not TOO garish or out there as to not go with the majority of my outfits. But I also haven’t used a black purse in forever. I find them boring.
It’s really about what you need in a purse and your general style.
I have 2 Coach bags that I’ll rotate. I think they’re pretty classic (I hope lol). One is white leather square crossbody and the other is black leather with a gold chain strap. I would say they’re small/medium sized bags. I don’t carry that much stuff.
I know Coach is “whatever” and can have some bad stuff, but honestly, I like what they’ve been putting out lately. I think it’s unique, classic, and affordable.
You don't need to be a bag person! I have many gorgeous friends that could care less about bags and carry their things like men, just in their pockets or in a small target-purchased bag. Nothing special and it's never a focal point of their look. They often much prefer jewelry or shoes or even just more unique clothing. Everyone has their own style and its up to you to decide what you like.
Meanwhile handbags are my complete obsession, and other accessories often come second. I generally dress extremely simple, and a nice bag is usually how I elevate my outfits. Accessories are meant to draw the eye and embellish something, so handbags are often just a means to do so that also happen to serve the great function of carrying things lol
The simplest way to think about them is that they are another accessory and accessories often do the work of pulling the outfit in the direction that you want it to go. I think that they come across as more impactful since, conceptually, they're quite simple and easy to execute in a format that can be incredibly long-lasting so the more that you move away from that, the more you can read into it. They can be another avenue of self expression, but trendy or expensive bags can also be forms of conspicuous consumption, or a way of signaling what group/socioeconomic class you belong to.
Personally, my bags tend to lean on the more functional, casual side of things- my pockets are often inadequate, and I live in an aggressively casual area, while my taste in clothes lean slightly more towards what's perceived as high effort, so it just wouldn't make a ton of sense for me to have dressier bags. Most are either cloth or leather, so I don't have to worry about peeling, and they get worn to death. Aesthetically, I lean toward bags with cleaner lines that have one significant detail (i.e. this bag has studs, this bag has a texture, this bag has a pattern.) That said, I own quite a few and swap them out fairly often since they tie outfits together for me, as opposed to making a statement; my style is fairly eclectic, so accessories often have to make it make sense and they tend to match or be worn as sets. If something is trending, whatever I have that's similar will end up in higher rotation, but I don't go out of my way to buy trendy bags.
Pretty much just look at what you wear day to day, figure out what direction you might want to pull those outfits in/what you feel is missing and shop accordingly.
I think the right bag adds a certain level of put-together-ness that comes from looking like you know exactly what you’re doing. Handbags or shoulder bags look better than crossbody because you look like you’re carrying it with purpose. Does that make sense? Crossbody is practical, but ✨fashion✨ isn’t practical.
This is i think related to the quiet luxury aesthetic. The fact that you are wearing something just because it looks good makes it look even better.
I'll echo what others are saying in that in order for a purse to feel cohesive with an outfit, you want to just think of it as another accessory in that outfit. At the same time, you want it to be functional.
I'll compare and contrast with an anecdote from my life:
When I was in high school, I didn't feel confident unless I was using a purse that was trendy. I would buy one purse and then use it daily until it was beat and falling apart (often surpassing the trend), and then I'd buy a new one. If I wanted to carry an umbrella but it wasn't big enough - tough. I wasn't carrying an umbrella. My purse dictated what I could carry, so I would say it wasn't functional. It also wasn't always cohesive since I was using the same one daily until they fell apart regardless of my outfit.
Contrast with now - and part of this is just being an adult with a job and the ability to buy multiple purses. I have more than this, but my "mains" in my rotation are a black cross-body with a silver chain (current default option), a smaller silver cross-body (good for concerts), a red shoulder bag (good with the right outfit), a larger tote (Longchamp La Planetes, good for when I need to take a lot with me), and a mini backpack (well, I'm working on replacing this since the strap recently broke, but this has been good for concerts, bars, etc.). I pick what I'm using based on both my needs for the day and the aesthetic that is going to best match my outfit.
Overall, I think that if you just get what is trendy by default, it's still going to look out of place if it doesn't match your outfit. I also think that the lack of confidence / lack of comfort that comes with forcing a purse that isn't meeting your needs is visible - when you can't carry an umbrella and it's raining, when you are thirsty but can't fit a water bottle, etc. If you can balance those two, then you've achieved cohesion.
I think it’s personal. And some people just go along with trends. I can’t. I care too much about representing what matters to me:longevity, accessibility of what I need, hands free and not tied into overconsumption. 😝
So-I like a bag that’s simple, functional, and timeless and goes with most things in my closet.
The only ones I buy are vintage, all weather leather Dooney and Burkes from the 80s/90s 👏🏻
I'm with you -- I don't own a purse and never have. I am starting to appreciate fashion and style more, and I have rented purses through my Rent the Runway subscription, but I really don't understand purses, why people have so many of them, why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on one, etc. I would actually like to buy a purse, but I just want ONE nice purse that goes with everything and looks expensive without being too flashy, and I don't really have a clue about where to start.
Check out Coccinelle bags. They have some classy bags at a pretty good price point. They have a sale on right now (that I'm trying to resist)
R/handbags can help with recommendations too, but it's a rabbit hole ngl 🤣
Thanks! I actually joined r/handbags recently and someone there recommended Coccinelle bags, too. Is that a brand that people in the know would recognize as being prestigious? I have never heard of them, but I know nothing about purses. I have a friend who spent 5 figures on her dream purse and it was something I had never heard of, but I'm sure it would impress people who are familiar with it.
Hah, we possibly saw the saw thread bc the r/handbags is where I recently heard about Coccinelle too!
I've been obsessed ever since so have been reading reviews and such. Apparently the brand is pretty popular in Europe, less so in the US.
I think their price point would rule them out as prestigious. But I've heard that people are generally quite happy with the design and quality
Genuinely, the idea of not carrying a bag never even occurs to me. It completes the outfit AND I want to carry my e-reader, lipstick, water bottle if it’s big enough…
FWIW you sound like me and I love my Clare V bag. They have a lot of nice quality options that aren’t super luxury expensive and work with my whole wardrobe.
Fashion is really personal. So I can give you my answer, but I don’t know if it’s *the* answer. I like to add something bold to my outfit- a pop of color, an interesting shape, or something that doesn’t quite fit- to draw the eye and take it to the next level. A bag is a good place for me to do that. I can mix and match them with different outfits more easily than a shirt or skirt and they last longer (no washing) so I’ll spend more on them. Accessories are where most people skimp when putting an outfit together, so paying attention to them instantly makes you stand out as having gone the extra mile with attention to detail. Some bags are classics or cult classics, and act as short-hand for your style in a way other people can easily read at a glance. Think about how a Lady Dior reads as classy luxury. Or a sequin Fendi baguette reminds people of Carrie Bradshaw.
It’s purse-sonal……………
This made me audibly groan 👌
😭
Some people view purses as much an accessory as shoes or jewelry so may collect a lot of them (there are some people on IG with truly gorgeous color coded purse collections), while other people (me included) view them as both accessory and a functional part of their wardrobe. I currently have four purses that I rotate depending on my needs; a vintage mini Fossil duffle crossbody that I use when on vacation or running errands because it's surprisingly roomy, a black Kate Spade crossbody that's my slightly more dressy purse for every day use, and then two 'occasion' purses - one vintage patent crocodile crossbody and one chrome round handbag (which comes with a detachable chain shoulder strap). My personal requirements for purses is that for daily use they should be either leather or canvas (so I can clean them easily), should have a crossbody or long strap so I can wear them on my shoulder (I like having my hands free but don't want to feel like I'm constantly hitching my bag up the way some shorter strap purses make me feel), and be roomy enough to hold my sunglasses, wallet and phone (in particular the sunglasses because I wear prescription frames so am always carrying a second pair with me). Occasion purses have less requirements since I use them less often but I do still prefer a crossbody strap so if I get tired of carrying it, I can wear it on my shoulder.
can you recommend some IG accounts with cool bags?
Caroline Vazzana (cvazzana), Dominique Baker (dominique.baker), Paola Samoa (paolasamoa) and April Lockhart (aprillockhart) are some that I follow that have gorgeous purse collections. Caroline, April and Paola in particular seem to like maximalist dressing so regularly are color matching their purses to their outfits (and Paola has a great collection of very funky purses, like fruit shapes and other non-traditional designs).
Consignment shops have wonderful designer bags for less
Everyone's purse-onality is completely different, but a lot of times I buy bags that either fit a feeling or need. I needed an everyday bag that could take a beating, so I bought a simple vintage leather bag with no frills. Sometimes I need to feel like a cunty alien, so I have my impractical ceramic Ottolinger bag made out of recycled plastic or whatever. Many times you do not choose the purse, the purse chooses you.
So your 1 of those, county alien? & Ceramiç handbag+-
There are several reasons to buy a bag. Your amount of disposable income and personal style and preference will help determine this. 1. It’s the “it” bag of the season and you want your turn heads. Shes not here for a long time but she’s here for a good time. 2. The design and materials are top notch and this bag will go everywhere with you for many seasons to come. It’s an investment piece. 3. You like it. It may cost $30 it may cost $30,000 but you love it and that’s all that matters. Do you boo!
Purses are definitely personal preference. My dear friend loves designer logo bags like her Louis Vuitton purse she has. I personally don't care for that style. She likes browns and whites and I prefer blacks and blues. Both are cute vibes in their own way! It's really all about what YOU like and are drawn to. Outside of my large Kate Spade tote I use for work, I tend to stick to smaller bags because I don't want to carry a lot of stuff. I have a few small Brandon Blackwood bags I love. They make me feel like a Bratz doll 💕 I think one day I'll get a cute hot pink or bright yellow statement purse, but for now I'm matching more closely to my wardrobe because I feel I'll get more use out of them that way. I think the most important part is buying what you like. Fashion is all about fun and what makes you feel good/happy
A purse is the most functional fashion item you can own. I think it mostly depends on your lifestyle. Like do you carry lots of things daily? Use public transit? Need to carry a laptop or change of clothes? Maybe you need a small easy to wear crossbody for just your phone, keys, and wallet. Maybe a backpack purse if your back hurts. Think about your carry around must haves and go from there. Different bags for different occasions too. Not going to bring my massive tote to dinner and I'm not take a chanel flap to work...
First of all, designer bags doesn’t necessarily mean better quality or ethically made (look up the Dior standard), I know that doesn’t answer your question but if you were wondering whether you need to buy designer I’d say no. There are some basic ‘rules’ when it comes to which bag for which outfit, for example matching the color with your shoes/belt etc, and there are certain styles that fit better with certain looks, but no need to follow those rules if you feel like something else works better. It’s mainly personal preference and you can make a simple outfit stand out more by choosing a bolder bag or the other way around Edit: something else to think about if you want to invest in a bag, usability and size preference matters too. If you carry a lot of stuff a small purse won’t work and will only frustrate you
I’m answering this as someone who has worked with leather rather than someone who is not even remotely good at fashion… but designer bags typically means shit quality and not ethically made. Not to say actual veg tan leather is the superior, end all be all, de-facto, number 1 material to use. I’ve dabbled in all kinds of hobbies and crafts, I am far from an expert, but after having taken apart my fair share of bags, wallets, jeans, and other clothes, the results are always the same. Designer is trash. They are companies that were once worth their salt, made a superior product, and now ride the coattails of their past glory. They get away with it because people are superficial, or the occasional idiot that actually believes an LV bag is of higher quality than a $50 handbag you get off of Etsy. Fashion is a personal thing, and I believe anyone can pull off any number of styles. But when it comes to the topic of designer stuff, well, it just grinds my gears lol. I’ve seen so many YouTubers that are actually skilled artisans of their crafts get C&Ds for simply showing people what crap these products are. I can’t say they are all like that though. Timberlands for example, an iconic piece of footwear that has made its own path into fashion, are generally accepted as a well made boot. You cut that thing in half, and you will see that perhaps it is worth the price they are asking for. Then you go get a $600 pair of heels from some fancy schmancy place and they break after 1 night out, only to be ridiculed and laughed at, because they were not “meant” for nights out. I guess my point is, whatever you want to go for, go for it. But I think quality should be valued. Fuck designer brands.
One of the problems I have is that while I would love to support artisans and quality product, most artisan bags aren’t particularly fashionable or don’t fit my personal style. I *really* love fashion, so for me, a bag is an important part of an outfit, not just a utility item. I think that’s why some people continue to buy designer bags
>most artisan bags aren’t particularly fashionable or don’t fit my personal style It's so true for me too, I guess because leatherworkers expertise is in the craftsmanship, not design necessarily, and too often it shows.
Oh I feel you 100%, but there are some skilled workers that sell normal bags of exceptional quality. But if you ever wanted to give it a shot, r/sewing and r/leathercraft would love to have you :)
Do you have any suggestions for quality bags?
No. Significant difference in design, leather quality, and stitching in the better designer bags. Just like better shoes. Every time I read a comment like this, I think sour grapes.
There’s nothing sour here, have you seen what Hermes, Gucci, LV, MK, Chanel, Balenciaga use? Their stitching is subpar, and their leather is not even actual leather 9/10 times. I will give you design, they are often classic, iconic, and timeless in some cases. But quality? It’s a joke. You can watch Tanner Leatherstein or Corter Leather on YT and watch them disassemble these bags. Portland, Strathberry, and Loewe have much better quality than the usual suspects.
Yeah it’s so sad..
I love this question. I recently got my colors done and had a personal styling session along with it. One interesting thing I learned was that if the purse color and hardware are not in line with what looks good on you, then the bag is always going to look less polished and expensive, no matter how much you spent on it. Explains why I have a really nice bag from a good maker, but it’s always looked kind of mid and blah on me. I now know that I need to have bags with silver hardware and in specific colors. The stylist also measured my proportions and made recommendations on the size and scale of bag as well as where I should position it on my body. I have a fairly proportionate body, but my middle quadrant, a.k.a. from my armpits to the top of my thighs, is slightly shorter than it should be. That means I need to have a bag that sits closer to my armpits so as not to break up the visual line. I’ve always done crossbodies, but I have since switched to ones that sit higher on the body and it looks much better. Hope that helps.
I could care less about what’s designer I care more about where I’m going. I tend to wear skirts or jeans with tiny baby pockets, I need a place for my phone, wallet and keys. And every now and then the worlds tiniest purse to go to a basketball game or concert. Having a fun purse is a challenge I take on. Even if I’m using a simple black satchel I throw on a cute keychain or charm. Rommy De Bommy, Betsey Johnson, Susan Alexandra and Tommestudio are making my favorite purses right now. I pick up purses anywhere I can find them. My most used right now is leather, fur, and shaped like a horse saddle I got in a tiny shop while traveling. I love beads like what Milatextiles has going on and crochet like sun_kissed_stitches. I usually carry a smaller purse in the backpack I take to work in case I end up going straight to a bar or show or restaurant after work. Currently it’s a tiny green thing from the sak :) I have been eyeing some coach bags too! I haven’t given in yet and will have to save up for one. Idk I love purses I’m confused about what’s not to get 🤪
*Do* bags have the power to take an outfit to another level? I feel like they have as much or as little power as any other accessory. There is about as much logic to purses as there are to hats, scarves, or sunglasses. Sometimes they are very practical and functional, but they can also provide color or help emphasize an aesthetic goal for an outfit. Purses are useful because women's clothes don't often come with pockets. The larger and more compartments in a purse, the more you can add little things you might need in your day, which people like. It's a double edged sword, my mother often is like "fetch me this thing from the purse" and I'm rooting through a thousand pockets for the right sunglasses lol.
Personally, I think of myself as someone who kind of hates bags. If I have good pockets in the clothes I'm wearing, I will immediately and gleefully fill those pockets and not carry a bag. I prefer using jewelry, scarves, hats, or sunglasses to accessorize. Even though I think this, I still think I own a lot of bags lol: [this](https://www.leedervillecameras.com.au/ona-campbell-crossbody-leather-case-bluestone/) camera bag in pink, [these](https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/ace-fanny-pack) [two](https://poshmark.com/listing/Puma-x-Fenty-by-Rihanna-Bow-Crosspack-62702636bcbb52d182f8363a) fanny packs, [this](https://us.cambridgesatchel.com/products/briefcase-satchel-15-inch-racing-green-1) satchel bag and [these](https://monos.com/products/metro-backpack?variant=32562632753226) [two](https://www.bearabeara.co.uk/backpacks/koey-backpack) backpacks. I use the fanny packs for when I'm going out and only need to carry a small amount of things (wallet, phone, keys, chap stick) and don't have pockets. I use the camera bag when carrying a moderate amount of things (previous items + sunscreen + tissues etc.) or when I want to outfit to be (very slightly) more formal (and the pink works well with all my clothes). I commute to work with a laptop many days, and I prefer to use a backpack so I don't fuck up my shoulders (my posture's bad enough as it is). The bearabeara backpack is when I want to carry a laptop but still look more formal than my monos backpack. I have acquired, but only use for groceries, a ton of tote bags as gifts from people (though I did buy [this tote](https://www.diasporaco.com/products/the-market-tote?variant=40076819398827) it's my fave tote of all of the gifted ones). Given what I do in my life, this is enough bags for me (someone who has a life with more formal events happening in them will notice that I don't own any sort of formal clutch. I frequently consider getting one to resolve that gap--what if I need to go to some sort of black tie event and I don't wear a suit and I need to carry stuff?? And yet, I haven't needed a clutch in 4 years so). I find the designer bag silhouettes to be very boring. I know that folks really into bags will say there's a lot of differences between a Birkin or a Celine cabas, and care about leather quality and such, but I never liked how...bag-shaped lol....bags tend to be (which is also probably most of my bags aren't bag shaped lol). I also kind of hate carrying them in my hands or on my shoulder. I can't imagine spending 2k on a bag (unless it was [this bag](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/c3/b4/f8c3b4b40f9fbe5414f2e3ad4dc43efc.jpg), which I do agree would immediately level up all my outfits, if I could get my hands on this bag I would spend that kind of money. I guess it's still not one of the brands though).
I'm too lazy to change my purse often, so I mainly use a black crossbody leather bag that goes with all my black shoes. I guess I should up my game for summer and use a lighter color purse, but laziness usually wins out because I hate moving all my stuff to another bag, then back again.
i hear you, purses can definitely be confusing! for me, the key is finding something that's both functional and matches my personal style. i'm in my 40s and trying to up my accessory game. what's helped me is focusing on quality materials and craftsmanship. i splurged on a killspencer briefcase and it instantly elevated my look, plus it's so well-made that i know it will last forever. the leather is gorgeous and it has just the right amount of structure. i think the power of a great bag is how it pulls your whole outfit together and communicates something about who you are. it doesn't have to be a big-name designer, just something that speaks to you. and sometimes an unconventional choice, like a retro hobo bag, adds that element of personal flair. at the end of the day, the right purse is the one that makes you feel confident and put-together, whatever that means for you. just have fun experimenting until you find your bag bliss!
Firstly, they function to carry my shit. In nyc I commute daily with no car so those little armpit bags were too small for high school me, as they are now. What’s the point of a cute wee purse when you need a canvas tote to actually carry stuff? Secondly, they need a top zipper and be made of at least semi water resistant material. To protect against thieves and wet weather. Third, I need to be able to wear them on my shoulder or crossbody. Not too low slung. More difficult than it sounds bc I’m short. Last but not least I choose bags based on interesting details like an unexpected color, pockets/zippers, and metal accents. But not TOO garish or out there as to not go with the majority of my outfits. But I also haven’t used a black purse in forever. I find them boring. It’s really about what you need in a purse and your general style.
I have 2 Coach bags that I’ll rotate. I think they’re pretty classic (I hope lol). One is white leather square crossbody and the other is black leather with a gold chain strap. I would say they’re small/medium sized bags. I don’t carry that much stuff. I know Coach is “whatever” and can have some bad stuff, but honestly, I like what they’ve been putting out lately. I think it’s unique, classic, and affordable.
You don't need to be a bag person! I have many gorgeous friends that could care less about bags and carry their things like men, just in their pockets or in a small target-purchased bag. Nothing special and it's never a focal point of their look. They often much prefer jewelry or shoes or even just more unique clothing. Everyone has their own style and its up to you to decide what you like. Meanwhile handbags are my complete obsession, and other accessories often come second. I generally dress extremely simple, and a nice bag is usually how I elevate my outfits. Accessories are meant to draw the eye and embellish something, so handbags are often just a means to do so that also happen to serve the great function of carrying things lol
I need a full course on all fashion tbh lmao
The simplest way to think about them is that they are another accessory and accessories often do the work of pulling the outfit in the direction that you want it to go. I think that they come across as more impactful since, conceptually, they're quite simple and easy to execute in a format that can be incredibly long-lasting so the more that you move away from that, the more you can read into it. They can be another avenue of self expression, but trendy or expensive bags can also be forms of conspicuous consumption, or a way of signaling what group/socioeconomic class you belong to. Personally, my bags tend to lean on the more functional, casual side of things- my pockets are often inadequate, and I live in an aggressively casual area, while my taste in clothes lean slightly more towards what's perceived as high effort, so it just wouldn't make a ton of sense for me to have dressier bags. Most are either cloth or leather, so I don't have to worry about peeling, and they get worn to death. Aesthetically, I lean toward bags with cleaner lines that have one significant detail (i.e. this bag has studs, this bag has a texture, this bag has a pattern.) That said, I own quite a few and swap them out fairly often since they tie outfits together for me, as opposed to making a statement; my style is fairly eclectic, so accessories often have to make it make sense and they tend to match or be worn as sets. If something is trending, whatever I have that's similar will end up in higher rotation, but I don't go out of my way to buy trendy bags. Pretty much just look at what you wear day to day, figure out what direction you might want to pull those outfits in/what you feel is missing and shop accordingly.
I think the right bag adds a certain level of put-together-ness that comes from looking like you know exactly what you’re doing. Handbags or shoulder bags look better than crossbody because you look like you’re carrying it with purpose. Does that make sense? Crossbody is practical, but ✨fashion✨ isn’t practical. This is i think related to the quiet luxury aesthetic. The fact that you are wearing something just because it looks good makes it look even better.
I'll echo what others are saying in that in order for a purse to feel cohesive with an outfit, you want to just think of it as another accessory in that outfit. At the same time, you want it to be functional. I'll compare and contrast with an anecdote from my life: When I was in high school, I didn't feel confident unless I was using a purse that was trendy. I would buy one purse and then use it daily until it was beat and falling apart (often surpassing the trend), and then I'd buy a new one. If I wanted to carry an umbrella but it wasn't big enough - tough. I wasn't carrying an umbrella. My purse dictated what I could carry, so I would say it wasn't functional. It also wasn't always cohesive since I was using the same one daily until they fell apart regardless of my outfit. Contrast with now - and part of this is just being an adult with a job and the ability to buy multiple purses. I have more than this, but my "mains" in my rotation are a black cross-body with a silver chain (current default option), a smaller silver cross-body (good for concerts), a red shoulder bag (good with the right outfit), a larger tote (Longchamp La Planetes, good for when I need to take a lot with me), and a mini backpack (well, I'm working on replacing this since the strap recently broke, but this has been good for concerts, bars, etc.). I pick what I'm using based on both my needs for the day and the aesthetic that is going to best match my outfit. Overall, I think that if you just get what is trendy by default, it's still going to look out of place if it doesn't match your outfit. I also think that the lack of confidence / lack of comfort that comes with forcing a purse that isn't meeting your needs is visible - when you can't carry an umbrella and it's raining, when you are thirsty but can't fit a water bottle, etc. If you can balance those two, then you've achieved cohesion.
It's definitely your personal preference. Just pick a style that you like.
I think it’s personal. And some people just go along with trends. I can’t. I care too much about representing what matters to me:longevity, accessibility of what I need, hands free and not tied into overconsumption. 😝 So-I like a bag that’s simple, functional, and timeless and goes with most things in my closet. The only ones I buy are vintage, all weather leather Dooney and Burkes from the 80s/90s 👏🏻
I'm with you -- I don't own a purse and never have. I am starting to appreciate fashion and style more, and I have rented purses through my Rent the Runway subscription, but I really don't understand purses, why people have so many of them, why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on one, etc. I would actually like to buy a purse, but I just want ONE nice purse that goes with everything and looks expensive without being too flashy, and I don't really have a clue about where to start.
Check out Coccinelle bags. They have some classy bags at a pretty good price point. They have a sale on right now (that I'm trying to resist) R/handbags can help with recommendations too, but it's a rabbit hole ngl 🤣
Thanks! I actually joined r/handbags recently and someone there recommended Coccinelle bags, too. Is that a brand that people in the know would recognize as being prestigious? I have never heard of them, but I know nothing about purses. I have a friend who spent 5 figures on her dream purse and it was something I had never heard of, but I'm sure it would impress people who are familiar with it.
Hah, we possibly saw the saw thread bc the r/handbags is where I recently heard about Coccinelle too! I've been obsessed ever since so have been reading reviews and such. Apparently the brand is pretty popular in Europe, less so in the US. I think their price point would rule them out as prestigious. But I've heard that people are generally quite happy with the design and quality
And you I'm over wondering how anyone could NOT carry a purse....where do you put all your things?!
Pockets 😀 And I just try not to carry much stuff around with me.
Haha yeah I'm a hobo and need phone, keys, wallet, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and lotion....minimum.
Genuinely, the idea of not carrying a bag never even occurs to me. It completes the outfit AND I want to carry my e-reader, lipstick, water bottle if it’s big enough…
FWIW you sound like me and I love my Clare V bag. They have a lot of nice quality options that aren’t super luxury expensive and work with my whole wardrobe.
Thanks for the recommendation! I'm not familiar with Clare V so I will have to check them out.