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.

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. 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.