Purses

[shootingstar]

I suppose that includes handbags. I don't mean something where some women fit in the kitchen sink in their bag.

What is the fashion now for purses with a nice business outfit (and no need to carry laptop etc.)? I have a leather knapsack like purse that I use. I am soooo out of fashion because I bike to work with panniers that I no longer drag along a purse. Or if walking, it's a knapsack like purse.

Or for a wedding? 'Cause I have a tiny black purse, just enough for a hairbrush, lipstick. That was the fashion ..um..er...8-9 yrs. ago. I'll be going to a wedding this fall.

I notice that nowadays are (to me) some large, leather, ugly carpet-bag like purses/handbags.

[westtexas]

Small clutches are still in style, it's usually what I carry to a wedding or other formal event where I don't have a pocket available to stash my phone, keys and ID.

As far as for business - I carry a messenger bag. It's made for a laptop too, but I don't carry one. It fits my gym clothes (for PT or gym at lunch), my white lab coat, sometimes another pair of shoes and my lunch.

[indysteel]

It seems to me that there are so many purse styles out there. Just start looking around and buy whatever catches your eye. I wouldn't worry so much about it being "in fashion." I'm personally not a fan of overly embellished bags. I stick with a simple design, usually in black or a dark brown. I have a handful of things that I carry on a regular basis and prefer that the bag not be so tiny that I have to cram everything in. By the same token, I hate overly large bags that tend to be heavy and just encourage me to carry way too much stuff. I prefer a bag that has long enough straps that I can put it over my shoulder but not so long that I can't also carry it in by my hands. When I travel, I use a nylon person with a long should strap that I can drape across my body for more even weight distribution and security. For an everyday person, though, that is not my preference.

I've spent $$ on a handful of really nice bags, but frankly, I'm not really into purses all that much. So, I typcially just find something on sale at a department store (my last couple are Nine West bags that I paid $25 a piece for at Kohl's). Admittedly, they're not going to last forever with daily use, but I'll be ready for a new bag by the time they start to fray anyway. I do like Fossil though (although they've gotten more expensive over the years) and Clarks makes some nice bags, too.

I will say that while I tend to go with a neutral, purses are a good way to add a pop of color if you otherwise have a neutral wardrobe.

[pll]

To see trendy, nice purses, check the Furla (www.furla.com) web site.

[shootingstar]

Clutches are elegant...except when trying to hold a wine glass and standing around chatting at a wedding/dressy function. I don't really care for shoulder bag tiny things for such functions. So far, it's been a tiny one with handle...but might look silly by now?

It's been over 10 yrs. I've bought a new purse.

I knew someone who was told by her doctor (female) not to carry around large heavy tote bag purses..because of a shoulder/back pain problem.

[Penny4]

I paid $398.00 in 2008 for my Coach from Saks. Macey's charged the same, but the bags was much different. (Had just read Tim Gunn's Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style, so I was just curious. Also bought 3 pairs of shoes. Don't ask what I spent!).



Really?? What's the story there? Coach gives a higher quality bag to Saks, but Saks charges the same as Macy's? I ususally get my Coach bags from the outlet on deep discount, and realize they are probably lesser quality than what is sold in the Coach retail stores, or other dept stores, but I didn't know they would vary from dept store to dept store.

Another suggestion in picking out a bag is going to a place like Nordstrom's (not quite as expensive as Saks) and asking the sales folks for help. They do a great job. But how much would you want to spend? Sounds like you might only use each bag once or twice.

[pll]

I knew someone who was told by her doctor (female) not to carry around large heavy tote bag purses..because of a shoulder/back pain problem.

The purse won't cause the shoulder or back problem by itself. It will be the stuff carried in it!

[missjean]

I use the mother ship purse and a pod purse method.
I have a big purse that can hold a book & scarf & lunch & water bottle & bike gloves & all sort s of stuff AND the pod.
The pod is small and can hold my wallet, phone, keys, lip balm, glasses, pocket knife and, if organized properly, a granola bar.
Going to work & travel: mother ship & pod
Running errands & out at night: pod.

:)

[PamNY]

First, you need to stop worrying about being out of fashion -- or thinking about fashion at all, really. Use your own judgement about what suits you personally and what has visual appeal.

I do think Muirenn's advice about proportion makes sense.

I have used tiny bags with a shoulder strap for dressy events, but you have to make sure the strap looks okay with your outfit and will stay on your shoulder.

If you have access to high-end thrift or consignment stores, purse/tote bargains abound.

[indysteel]

I use the mother ship purse and a pod purse method.
I have a big purse that can hold a book & scarf & lunch & water bottle & bike gloves & all sort s of stuff AND the pod.
The pod is small and can hold my wallet, phone, keys, lip balm, glasses, pocket knife and, if organized properly, a granola bar.
Going to work & travel: mother ship & pod
Running errands & out at night: pod.

:)

I love your use of the phrase "mother ship" in this context. LOL!!!!

[indysteel]

We have multiple Coach stores in Indy. If I wanted a Coachy purse, that's where I'd go. That takes any difference between department stores out of the equation. They're too spendy for me though so it's a non-issue.

Speaking of Furla, when I was in Paris in 2007, it was during their bi-annual department store sale. Purse shopping in Paris--even if you're not really into purses like me--is heaven. There are SO many beautiful bags. I feel in love with a Furla purse. It was a pale butter color and was the softest leather I've ever felt. It was gorgeous. I went back to that purse any number of times, but kept talking myself out of it, to my regret. :(

[Crankin]

I use a very small black leather bag with smallish straps, with an equally small wallet that came with another purse DH bought for me in France. The original purse broke, so I got this one at TJ Maxx. I can fit my sunglasses, reading glasses, I Phone and a pen in here, as well as the wallet. And the wallet fits in my cycling jersey pocket.
I use this because it fits in my large leather tote I use for work, or I can take it out and use alone. I do not like the look of carrying 2 bags.
I have several small dress purses, plain leather, patent leather, silk, and beaded, most of them were my mom's, from the 50s and 60s. Most are clutches, some have handles, or shoulder strap.
I used to buy Liz Claiborne purses in the 80s-early 90s, but now I just don't spend that much on them. The work bag I have, DH bought me in China at a special store that a Chinese person has to take you into. I don't think it's a fake, but even if it is, I get tons of compliments on it.

[Blueberry]

I've been really pleased with Coach outlets. I have purses that are 10 years old, and still look great. No quality issues (other than some threads coming undone on one).

They do offer online sales sometimes. I think you have to register, and be "invited" - but the deals are great. It's not unusual for smaller purses/totes to be in the $100-$125 range (which is pretty good!).

In my experience, the outlets are a little less trendy too (though they are getting more so).

[shootingstar]

Yea, missjean's "mother ship" reference is amusing.

Um...the most I've spent on any purse in my lifetime so far, has been $85.00 and that was leather...um....20 yrs. ago. :p

My more recent purses have been fake leather that look leather-like @ $65.00CAN.

I guess we shouldn't talk about how much we spend on a pr. business dress shoes or shoes for a wedding. :p:D I am incredibly picky here with specific, limiting needs because I have customizd orthotics.

[GLC1968]

Speaking of Furla, when I was in Paris in 2007, it was during their bi-annual department store sale. Purse shopping in Paris--even if you're not really into purses like me--is heaven. There are SO many beautiful bags. I feel in love with a Furla purse. It was a pale butter color and was the softest leather I've ever felt. It was gorgeous. I went back to that purse any number of times, but kept talking myself out of it, to my regret. :(

I had this same thing happen to me at a Cole Haan store in an upscale shopping center in FL about 8 years ago. I loved that bag and I kept going back to visit it! I loved it more every time I saw it. It was $398 and black but seeing as how I was looking to leave my job at the time, and I really didn't like purses AT ALL, I felt like I couldn't justify buying it. When we sold our house in one day for a huge profit, I asked my then new husband if I could splurge. He said of course, so I bought it. I STILL love that purse to this day and even though it got daily use for 4 years straight, it still looks wonderful. Worth every single stinkin' penny and then some. I'll never hesitate again. When I pine after something like that (and it rarely happens, if I don't buy immediately, I usually forget about it), then I need to buy it.

I did the same thing with my car and I'm a much happier person for owning it as well. ;)

[indysteel]

I could always just go back to Paris and find an equally gorgeous purse! As it so happens, the sale is in February and falls over our wedding anniversary. I think I could easily sell that to DH! He loves Paris, too. Hmmm; there's a thought. :D

[GLC1968]

I could always just go back to Paris and find an equally gorgeous purse! As it so happens, the sale is in February and falls over our wedding anniversary. I think I could easily sell that to DH! He loves Paris, too. Hmmm; there's a thought. :D

Easily the best reason I've ever heard for a trip to Paris! :p

[indysteel]

Easily the best reason I've ever heard for a trip to Paris! :p

LOL. I hear the food is pretty good, too! :D

[Bethany1]

I'm no purse lover, but look for something simple and classy for work. It doesn't have to be boring, just not so distracting that it clashes. Not those vinyl weird snakeskin "hooker" bags that are in fashion now. DH calls them "hooker" bags because of the obnoxious rhinestones, crazy sizes and wild colors.

I don't think I could ever spend 400 dollars on a bag, but I do agree with proportion. It's hilarious seeing small women with their giant purses walking around and you wonder about tall people with these skinny purses that disappear or look odd because they aren't long enough.

[goldfinch]

I am so not a fashionista.

I carry a Kavu cloth purse with a long strap I can put over my shoulder for everyday. I can throw it in the wash when it gets dirty.

I easily lose purses and hate to carry things in my hand because I will set it down and forget about it. Once I had a client stop by my office with my purse. He said he found it in a booth at the restaurant across the street. In the old days when I had to go to formal events I would leave everything in my car and put the car key in my shoe or bra, depending. If I needed cash or a credit card, it was similarly stashed. No purse to worry about or lose.

[NbyNW]

I avoid carrying a purse whenever possible. So, most of the year I am carrying my essentials in jacket pockets.

I pretty much only carry a purse if I have to be wearing an outfit that does not have sufficient pockets. I have a modest stash of purses/shoulder bags for this purpose, and which one I use depends on how much stuff I need to be carrying. Most of them are neutral/earthtone colors, so they won't clash with what I'm wearing. I'm pretty utilitarian about my bags that way.

In addition to this, I have a couple dressier clutches for the rare dressy occasion. One was an emergency thrift store purchase -- a tiny tan suede thing that goes with everything, and the other was a splurge on an oxblood red Cartier that I saw in Paris, which I would have regretted not buying. Gotta take advantage of duty-free sometime, right?

I'm not worried about my purses going in/out of style. I've never had the energy to follow trends, so I just buy things that I like, that I feel will last a few seasons style-wise.

[Marquise]

Another Furla fan here! I was not a purse/handbag person at all until I found my first Furla bag at TJ Maxx about 10 years ago: a rich yellow tall thin rectangle with same color flower cutouts along the top and straps long enough to put over a shoulder or carry in hand. My then-boss's wife saw it and said, "That [dramatic pause] is a work of art." I bought a Furla a few years ago in Rome but the rest I found on the (relative) cheap.

This is probably not helpful to the OP so I'll just add that while I know there's a place for neutrals, especially if you regularly use only one bag, I'm all for a pop of color. My current every-day bag is a deep red Furla.

[Trek420]

I notice that nowadays are (to me) some large, leather, ugly carpet-bag like purses/handbags.

Still my favorite bags:

http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/reign-vermont-mini-messenger-bag.html

these are great bags that will (gasp) work on the bike:

http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/po-campo-bags.html

[shootingstar]

Always interesting to see what manufacturers produce for cyclists.

I've seen some of these purses (and panniers) for real at a bike show, but right now can't think about the price.
http://www.queenbee-creations.com/items?category_id=93

Wouldn't be necessarily for spiffy evening wear, but other times, might fit the bill.

I'm not the sort of person that would haul around a bike pannier against my side body, since bike pannier often abit of dirt on it after getting off bike.

[jyyanks]

Every now and then I get an urge for a nice purse ($200-$400). I have some nice Cole Haan, Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Gucci bags. The Cole Haan and Gucci bags are more traditional/classic while the rest tend to be trendy. I also have some cheaper bus from Coles and a fake Louie that I got a a flea market. I'm not a bag person but find that I spend more on bags now then I used to. However, I don't think I could ever spend $1000 on a bag, even if I had the money. Many people I work with (I work in Manhattan) have beautiful bags but I's rather spend my money on bikes and gear :)

[GLC1968]

Always interesting to see what manufacturers produce for cyclists.

I've seen some of these purses (and panniers) for real at a bike show, but right now can't think about the price.
http://www.queenbee-creations.com/items?category_id=93

Wouldn't be necessarily for spiffy evening wear, but other times, might fit the bill.

I'm not the sort of person that would haul around a bike pannier against my side body, since bike pannier often abit of dirt on it after getting off bike.

The two purses I have right now are both from QueenBee Creations, actually. I love them both, but neither of them are 'trendy' except in Portland. ;)

[missjean]

The Queen Bee stuff is wonderful. I love the pannier with the poppy on it!

[redrhodie]

I just got one of the Ibex felted wool bags, and it's really cool. I'd love an Orla Kiely bag, but my lifestyle doesn't let me spend that much on non cycling items. They sure are gorgeous.

[lph]

my lifestyle doesn't let me spend that much on non cycling items.

I love that sentence.

[Blueberry]

I love that sentence.

Me too!!!

[Brandi]

First, you need to stop worrying about being out of fashion -- or thinking about fashion at all, really. Use your own judgement about what suits you personally and what has visual appeal.

I do think Muirenn's advice about proportion makes sense.

I have used tiny bags with a shoulder strap for dressy events, but you have to make sure the strap looks okay with your outfit and will stay on your shoulder.

If you have access to high-end thrift or consignment stores, purse/tote bargains abound.
I agree! My sister gave me a Le sportsac (spelling?) a couple years ago and every single day people say how cute it is. It is a smallish purse with russian stacking dolls all over it. Why people like it so much not sure. It is pefect for me. Holds my wallet,phone, chapstick and a very small bottle of asprin. Oh and a good luck charm :)

[Catrin]

I use the mother ship purse and a pod purse method...

:)

I love this, it is great :)

I seem to switch back and forth between a tiny purse with a long shoulder strap that is just large enough for my wallet/checkbook, and a cute tote that I use to carry the kitchen sink in. I've resisted getting a new purse for several years as I get sticker shock when I go looking. I've apparently champagne tastes that doesn't mix well with my beer budget :rolleyes:

This thread is encouraging me to start looking at Tj Max and Kohl's again to see what I can find. My small purse is showing significant signs of wear and should be retired...

I concur with not worrying about fashion. The important thing is that you like it - after all - you are the one carrying it!

[meganm]

I've fallen in love with Sherpani's bags. They are cute, feminine, and practical.

My "everyday" purse is a Sherpani Milli, which is large enough for my wallet, keys, phone, and girly purse stuff like a brush, mirror, lip balm, handcream, etc.

[shootingstar]

I've fallen in love with Sherpani's bags. They are cute, feminine, and practical.

My "everyday" purse is a Sherpani Milli, which is large enough for my wallet, keys, phone, and girly purse stuff like a brush, mirror, lip balm, handcream, etc.

Sherpani bags do look cute yet practical.

[zoom-zoom]

I have an older Keen Brooklyn sling bag. I LOVE it! I've had it for 3-4 years and use it every day. The liner is starting to fall apart, so I am contemplating replacing it with the current model of the same bag.

I SO don't get the whole $$$ designer handbag thing. A year later and they are dated. Really the only things I spend more than $100 on are cycling related or a good Winter coat (and only because I live in the upper Midwest where good Winter coats are a necessity).

If I have a dress up event I will find a cute and cheap smaller bag to go with whatever I'm wearing...typically the entire ensemble will come from TJ Maxx.

[Becky]

I just ordered a Haiku Jaunt bag. It looks like it will work well for both the "pod/mother ship" bag system and as a "pannier purse". Some bags just don't fit well in a pannier, eating up precious clothing or grocery room!

Zoom, I love the look of that Brooklyn bag! I wonder if a good seamstress could replace the lining?

[zoom-zoom]

Zoom, I love the look of that Brooklyn bag! I wonder if a good seamstress could replace the lining?

That's a thought! Though I'm kicking myself for not snagging another one when they made a leather version that was sorta aimed at men. The exterior of mine is getting a little grubby and is a sort of wine-colored fabric. I would have loved a black leather one.