goldenpig

Handbag inventory: how many purses do you own?

May 20, 2012

Mary asked me in another thread how many handbags I own and whether I switch them out every day. Yes, I do in fact try to coordinate my handbag to my outfit...it's part of the fun! I wasn't sure how many I had so I decided to inventory them. I decided to only count bags I've bought since joining YLF since most of my pre-YLF bags are quite old and worn and I don't use them much. I have 15 post-YLF bags, and 2 pre-YLF bags that are still in regular rotation (red Fossil tote and brown Jack Georges briefcase). I tend to use large satchels or totes so I can carry everything I need, sometimes including my laptop and work papers.

The rest of my pre-YLF bags are mostly tiny handbags that aren't very practical now that I have kids and work. Including one Coach purse that is very worn (the corners are frayed/split and I don't think it's fixable. And some Paul Frank and Gama Go purses that I think are probably too childish to go with my current style now. I'm including a few pics of some of them, but they don't get used very often.

I'm pretty happy with my lineup--I've got nearly all the colors of the rainbow, plus neutrals. The only bags I would potentially add are a black evening clutch and a green satchel, to complete the rainbow. But otherwise I feel like I have a fab handbag to go with pretty much any outfit I wear!

How many handbags do you own? I'm curious to see if I'm on the high or low side. Pics appreciated if possible (either individual or group shots of your whole collection). Especially if you can show me how you organize your handbags in your closet! Right now I have all the satchels (except the clutches/small bags which are on a shelf) stuffed under my skirts/jackets on the closet floor, and that is not ideal. Which handbag is the most used and which is your favorite?

1. Red snakeskin structured bag (White House Black Market)
2. Fossil red diamond satchel
3. Red ruffle evening clutch (Nordstrom)
4. Fossil red North-South Executive tote (old, from Macy's)
5. Kate Spade orange slice straw bag
6. Dooney & Bourke yellow satchel
7. Kate Spade turquoise clutch
8. Guess purple and orange handbag (TJ Maxx)
9. Fossil floral satchel
10. Jack Georges brown briefcase (old, from Macy's)
11. Marc by Marc Jacobs dotty snake crossbody purse (Nordstrom)
12. Kate Spade Japanese floral Melinda satchel
13. Jason Wu for Target straw handbag
14. Jason Wu for Target Milu cat tote
15. Kate Spade grey croc tote
16. Fossil black chevron tote
17. Ralph Lauren black doctor's satchel (TJ Maxx)

Old purses:
18. Paul Frank Parisian handbag (I have more, not pictured)
19. Green mini satchel (unknown brand)
20. Ann Taylor Loft green flat handbag (too small, but matches jacket--gift from mom)
21. Grey evening bag (think it was a gift with an Estee Lauder makeup set)
22. Black sequin evening bag (worn, needs replacing & too small)
23. Coach black handbag (worn beyond repair)

I think my most used bag is the Fossil floral satchel and my favorite is the Kate Spade orange slice purse. The most expensive one was the Dooney & Bourke (the Kate Spade purses were all bought on sale). Which one of these do you like best?

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Posted in the Dressing category
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50 Comments

  • marianna replied 11 years ago

    You have beautiful collection! So versatile yet fun and pretty. Lovely.

    I currently have three handbags:

    - Pink/coral color blocked Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel (my first investment bag, purchased 3-4 years ago)
    - Gunmetal cross-body Marc by Marc Jacobs (this is currently my everyday bag, I wear it with everything).
    - Leopard print Michael Kors medium saddle bag. This one I seldom wear but I love its classic shape and fun print. It was sent to me as a warranty replacement from MK for a bag that broke and I probably chose something impractical but I still like it.
    - Longchamp tote -- used for travel only.

    I also have an evening clutch somewhere, but it never gets used because I never have an occasion for it!

    I buy one investment bag every few years and then wear it for a long time. (I suppose I'm not much of a bag lady!)

  • replied 11 years ago

    I also LOVE your handbags. I am kinda afraid to count how many I have because I buy purses as frequently as I buy lipstick (not necessarily a good thing but it never fails to lift my mood).

    I categorize mine as "pre-job move" which included small hand-held purses that looked great, but only held a wallet and car keys (we moved to a new building about 5 months ago and I now park blocks and blocks away). "Post-job move" requires a much larger handbag that can essentially carry everything I own because I have to park so far from the office.

    I did not anticipate that my new walking commute would have such a big effect on both my handbag and shoe needs. Suddenly I need big roomy handbags and really comfortable supportive shoes. I have one old leather bag and less than five pairs of shoes that currently fit my needs. So I have been shopping.

    Looking at your handbags, my favorites are numbers 1, 15, and 17. These would suit my new requirements best.

    Thank you for the pictures. I love the artistry of fashion and I love looking at your pictures for new ideas. I think I am going to try to find something along the line of numbers 15 and 17 for my next purchase.

  • replied 11 years ago

    I lied. I love all your purses. I am definitely going to do some shopping in the upcoming month. AND I don't think 23 is a lot of purses I think it is "about right."

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 11 years ago

    I am going to hi-jack a bit here. I have quite a few bags that I like/love but never use. The few times I have changed out bags in the morning, I have found something missing. My ID opens the door to the office and without it, I am at the mercy of the security staff.

    How do those of you who switch out with outfits make sure you have all of the necessities in the switch?

  • replied 11 years ago

    I love the idea of investment bags, but truthfully, I don't have that type of discipline. I love lots of bags with lots of choices. Right now, I have one usable bag that fits my lifestyle.

    Sorry for so many posts. Golden Pig got me all hyped up on leather satchels.

  • Traci replied 11 years ago

    I tend to tall passionately in love with something and then use it to death until the next lustful item enters my life. For years I would carry one bag every day until I tired of it and then get another. They were always cheap bags and they lost their luster very quickly. Now that I've owned a few well crafted bags I'm carrying them longer and trying to be more aware of whether or not they actually "go" with my outfit. I currently have 3 bags in rotation and that's pretty normal for me. I think I'm on the low end of the spectrum.

  • Belladogga replied 11 years ago

    Goldenpig - I'm so glad you did this post. It was great to see your full collection. I particularly like your new RL black doctor bag and the yellow satchel. After reading your post yesterday I spent a long time online trying to find a similar yellow bag that fit my budget.

    I'm not sure how many bags I have - more than three but probably fewer than 15.

    Dianthus - When I'm in an organised phase I try to allocate different categories of items (toiletries, pens, keys and cards) to particular pockets or sections of my bag. Sometimes I also use small ziplocks or other cases to keep similar items together in my bag. This makes it easier to switch bags because I can mentally check off categories as I change over. Of course any system can fall apart when you're in a hurry : )

  • Janet replied 11 years ago

    I did a quick count and I have 29. That includes everyday bags, formal and evening clutches, and straw beach tote. There are about 3 or 4 I rarely use and could stand to get rid of, but they're a little sentimental and don't take up much room, so I keep them. One or two I've fallen out of love with, and will probably let them go in time. I'm pretty happy with the collection I have now -- I never have that feeling that I can't find a bag to work with a given outfit.

  • replied 11 years ago

    That is easy: I have a very small number in comparison. I have 11 total.
    2 black : 1 satchel, one hobo.
    1 red satchel.
    1 cognac shoulder handbag.
    2 taupe: 1 tote I use to hold my work laptop and one satchel.
    1 orange medium crossbody.
    1 small black crossbody.
    1 red clutch.
    1 black beaded clutch.
    1 white/snakeskin studded satchel.
    It could be 12 if we count an orange tote I bought as a work laptop alternative. Still not here. They are all heavily worn and loved. No orphans.
    They all stay in their dust bags, with the original paper stuffing still inside, sitting on one of my closet's top shelves. This is a slow growing collection. I take a long time deciding on a bag, I started the collection about 6 years ago, when I bought my first investment bag. I add about 1 -2 bags a year.
    Do you find yourself using the small satchels as often? I do feel my bigger bags get the most traffic, since I need the room to hold my laptop.

  • cheryl replied 11 years ago

    Such a fun post. I love your bag collection. As I have said before I am head over heels for your orange slice bag, it just makes me so happy. Other favorites that jump out at me are the Paul Frank bag, that is so cute, #8 and #12 are also top on my list and I love the shape of your new yellow bag.

    I have a lot of purses but none of them are expensive or brand name. I tend to pick one and use it for quite a while but with the quantity I have I would like to start changing out daily to match my outfits. When I see everyones beautiful designer bags I just swoon but can't imagine ever seeing myself save up that much money for one.

    As for organization I am waiting to read everyones ideas, because mine have no organization at all, lol.

  • ramya replied 11 years ago

    hey GP u have a lovely collection....
    A question... how do you manage to change evry day...
    I ALWAYS seem to miss out somethin imp whenever i switch my bags:(

  • cinnamon fern replied 11 years ago

    I have six:

    - small brown leather
    - small cream suede
    - medium tobacco suede
    - medium burgundy leather
    - 2 large black (one is really a leather laptop bag, the other is large but insubstantial)

    With this number, storage is not really a problem!

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    Too many, and not enough.

  • nancylee replied 11 years ago

    Impressive collection, GP! I love all of your bags, but I think my fav is the Fossil print satchel in #9.

    Right now I have a total of 18 bags plus one brown/black leather tote:

    7 shoulder bags
    3 crossbody bags
    8 clutches (4 casual, 4 formal)
    1 leather tote

    I tend to rely on the shoulder and cross-body bags and rarely use the clutches--only for formal and special dinner occasions. (So, now I'm wondering why I have so many of them? Hmmm. I guess because each one is quite unique and better suited to specific outfits/occasions. They are also very small and don't take up much closet space!)

    Looking over my list now, I'm thinking I could use a nice cream bag (Angie is really selling me on cream as a neutral), and also a nice patterned summer tote.

    Right now, my favorite bag is my orange Michael Kors bucket bag (see photo). I'm loving all the orange this spring.

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  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Erm, I have about 20... but this is one of the things I collect, like boots, and I do switch them out almost every day. Like Angie, it's still not enough. ;)

  • Kristin L replied 11 years ago

    I think I can answer with too many - and not enough - as well! I have 18 currently in rotation and 5 or 6 that I have in the closet but not carrying because I have them up for swap. I'm finally learning the difference between weekday and weekend/special event purse.

  • goldenpig replied 11 years ago

    Thanks Marianna, Mary, Diana, Dianthus, Traci, Belladogga, Janet, Zap, Cheryl, ramrrr, cinnamon fern, Angie, nancylee, Rae & Kristin!

    Pre-YLF I only carried a couple of everyday bags--the red Fossil tote or black Coach purse for all my black, white, red and neutral outfits, and the brown briefcase for all the brown outfits. Kind of like my glasses (I have a red and a brown pair). My handbag collection has really taken off since I started getting more interested in fashion and creating outfits--the handbag is like another chance to be creative, finish off the outfit and tie in with the theme.

    Marianna, you do still sound like a handbag lady! :) I'm not familiar with Longchamp but it sounds expensive! Some people like to buy fewer investment bags but use them more frequently. I think I'm kind of in the middle--I do like designer bags, but not the super expensive (like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel) but more of the mid-range (like Fossil and Kate Spade) so I can have more variety and more fun colors and patterns.

    Mary, my handbag needs definitely have changed and I like bigger satchels and totes now to hold my laptop (it's a Macbook Air) and papers. All of the Fossil satchels and the grey Kate Spade tote and brown briefcase can hold my laptop. For the rest, I just carry my laptop separately. The orange slice and Milu totes are weekend only.

    Dianthus and ramrrr, I've been thinking about your question a lot because I do feel like it's a pain to switch stuff out of my purses daily and sometimes forget things. I need something that can carry my wallet, cell phone, camera and lipstick. I've been thinking about getting a cosmetic case to hold everything, and just switch that out from purse to purse. Well, I just realized I have the perfect solution! A little Paul Frank hot dog case that is just the perfect size to hold all of that and transfer from purse to purse! I've been saving it all these years but now I can finally put it to good use! So thank you!!!

    Janet, Kristin and Rae, I'm glad I'm not the only handbag collector! I was hoping Angie would chime in with her number so I wouldn't feel bad, because I know she's got an impressive collection! :)

    Nancylee, I love that orange bag!

    Zap, original paper stuffing and dustbags? Now that is impressive storage! I don't use the dustbags because I like to see everything. Maybe I will clear off one of the top shelves of my closet and try to put them up there instead of the floor.

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  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    I have about 20, I think. I'm another member of the "switch 'em out daily to go with my outfit" club!

  • Mo replied 11 years ago

    Although I've tried, I am not a bag girl. I like having my one everyday bag. For the last year it has been my purple Fossil Sutter. I do use evening bags occasionally when we go out or are traveling, but only have 2 of those. All in all, I'd say I have 7 bags, and my newest one has never been used! Red patent cute thing, but it has not left the closet in the many months I've had it :(

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  • citygirldc replied 11 years ago

    I'm really not a bag person but more of a shoe person. The first 6 bags are my go-to bags for everyday.

    my snakeskin tote bag
    black cross body Coach bag
    Black Ralph Lauren
    Aldo beige/ecru color cross body bag
    Makowsky red leather shoulder bag
    Anthropologie embroidered bag
    salmon color clutch
    chocolate brown leather hobo
    Then the-3 evening bags - gold,silver and pearl

  • Makrame replied 11 years ago

    I have five handbags, all cross body or shoulder bags.

    Black
    Cognac
    Grey suede
    Red
    Yellow/orange coloblock

    Actually, just remembered - I also have a small evening purse (black satin) that I have worn a couple of times to weddings and such.

    I also have two laptop bags - a checkpoint-friendly backpack (best thing ever!) and a small briefcase-like bag. I don't often bring my laptop to work so I only use those infrequently.

    I find changing bags frequently confusing (like others, I forget small objects in the pockets of my bags etc.) and honestly, my bags spend most of the day in my desk drawer. So I switch bags once a week at the most and will often base my outfits on what bag I am wearing rather than the other way around. In the winter I only carry my black or grey bags because of the salt and grime on the car that can accidentally transfer onto bags.

    GP, your bag collection looks marvelous - I especially like your Fossil bag and that Jason Wu tote with the kitty is fun, too.

  • ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

    Natalie, such fun to see your collection! Especially because it shows not only all your impressive wardrobe of bags but also a fabulous array of your different looks, from costume to casual! LOVED this.

    I'm relatively meagre with bags myself, and still a little shocked at having a 'spring-summer' bag that is terribly expensive by my usual standards:
    - Black leather everyday bag, slouchy hobo-ish and convertible to backpack
    - Floral-print cream canvas shoulder bag (Benetton, pricey for me, esp as not leather)
    - Black suede and silk bowler bag (switched with slouchy casual everyday, now and then, esp if going day to evening)
    - Lime green 'patent' pleather structured small tote
    - Brown woven basket-bag, tall satchel style
    - Small black satin sling bag, blast from the past (cheap college student!) recently rediscovered
    - Small black evening bag
    - Brown mock-croc clutch
    Only three are in regular rotation: the black leather slouchy, the basket weave and the lime patent. The rest are special-occasion only.

    These are all for *my* personal stuff. I also have a pile of totes and shoppers for hauling other stuff -- I'm paranoid about not having a bag when I need one. These range from a Longchamp-style folding tote in navy, to cheerful souvenir totes (Swiss flag, Singapore zoo, Irish sheep and clover) and jute hessian.

  • christy replied 11 years ago

    Fun thread! I don't have many handbags, but I am adding to my collection and I do tend to switch out a couple of times a week. My mom bought me one of these purse organizers for my birthday last year. If it wasn't for this, I know I wouldn't switch out as often as I do now. I'm sure there are other brands out there, but this is the one I have. I just take it out of the old bag and pop it into the new one. Brilliant! Most of my day to day bags are about the same size so it works well.

    http://www.pursetogo.net/

  • Kiwichik replied 11 years ago

    I don't have very many handbags but I'm working on it.

  • Irene replied 11 years ago

    I have...

    two black bags -one huge, another regular sized.
    one brown bag for winter, but it's leather, super heavy and hasn't seen the light this season.
    one dark red (almost maroon) that suits most of my clothes (YAY)

    for spring/summer
    1 moustard bag -it's sort of camel/moustard(orangey/yellowish, very practical.
    light brown bag (but it's in a real bad condition so probably will toss it)
    red super small bag, as cute as impractical for my life

    I'm waiting for the sales to add a green/hot pink/orange/crazy colored bag

  • Jewell replied 11 years ago

    I just love your orange slice bag pictured in #5!

    The answer to your question is not nearly enough!
    I have a total of 11 bags:
    -yellow ruffled Nine West shopper
    -blue Tignanello domed satchel
    -purple New York & Co. shoulder bag
    -printed Nicole Miller satchel
    -denim cross body for MOTG type outings
    -skirt purse with interchangeable covers
    -camel croco Michael Kors framed satchel
    -brown Dooney & Bourke toggle sac
    -black Kenneth Cole mini satchel
    -black wristlet
    -black evening clutch (w/ strap for wearing cross body)

    On my wishlist:
    -a replacement straw tote
    -a red bag
    -a green bag
    -a snake print envelope clutch

    The last picture shows how I’m able to switch my bags out daily without leaving something important behind. My checkbook holder also holds my ID and cards, and the zip pouch holds all my essentials.

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  • Kirti replied 11 years ago

    It is so much fun to see all your bags! I have three - a reddish brown crossbody handbag, a large brown Longchamp bag and a tan satchel for university. I want to add one bright bag for summer and I would love a Fossil satchel, if I could afford it!

  • replied 11 years ago

    Waving at Marianna...
    I see you are a fellow Marc Jacobs fan. Five of my bags are MBMJ and my crown jewel is MJ. I love him!

  • RandomThoughts (Andrea) replied 11 years ago

    I really have 2 bags that see any real use:

    Brown leather hobo back from Lucky
    White leather "doctor" type handbag from Wilson's

    I also have:
    Small black leather shoulder bag - Coach
    Small navy leather shoulder bag - Macy's (forget the designer)
    Large messenger type-ish bag, tan leather - Fossil
    Small cross-body bag, tan leather - Fossil
    Small red leather handbag - Wilson's
    Small black with hearts, faux leather - Macy's

    I should probably get rid of most of my "other" bags as they are hidden away. I would definitely like to get a bright orange or yellow mustard bag to add some color to my otherwise usually quite neutral outfits and to create more contrast.

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    You have a beautiful collection, GP. I like your fossil satchels the best. That yellow Ralph Lauren is quite wonderful too.

    I currently have seven bags, but two of them I NEVER use. I should donate them.

    For those of you wondering how to transfer all your belongings from handbag to handbag, I recommend putting bits and pieces into a cosmetics bag, which you can just pop into whatever bag you want to use. When I change bags, I only have to fiddle with my phone, wallet, cosmetics bag and glasses case. That minimizes the amount of stuff I need to worry about.

  • christieanne replied 11 years ago

    I'm going with too many and not enough. Handbags is the first thing I look at in ANY store.
    Been avoiding this post all morning and avoiding an inventory of my bags but time to face the reality (since my shopping afternoon just got postponed until tomorrow).

    Count:
    18 mid size and totes
    16 clutch/evening
    5 vintage ladylike small bags
    4 small crossbody

    In looking over my current closet I would like to ADD a red day clutch, something in python or snakeskin, and a different cobalt blue (the tote was a temporary Zara fix) and a replacement light bag (tan or blush) for the one I am dying turquoise.
    I have a ton of black but really it's because I have collected over the years and they are still holding up and fairly timeless.

    Storage:
    I have the colored bags hanging on strap outside of a bifold closet (picture 1) . Pic 2 is detail of velcro strap holder. It's double sided so you can hang on closet bar but I don't have space. I don't like to use the back due to fear of scratching leather.
    Pic 3 (sorry for upside down - it won't delete) is a wooden peg strip inside closet. It used to hold everything lol. All my black everyday bags are on there for summer. And the crossbody hanging below.
    Picture 4 is a small wooden chest holding most of my evening bags and small clutches. The delicate, beaded and patent bags are in covers. I use shoe bags for clutches.

    There is a bin of bags not pictured on top shelf of closet - all in dust covers but in a canvas storage bin of all the brown and spice tone bags. Some are vintage and I don't carry as often but I do like to pull out for fall. Plus my bronze briefcase.
    Another bin holds canvas briefcases,backpack, gear bags and those handy fold up big totes for travel.

    I am a very happy bag lady :)

    1 2 3 4
  • Fruitful replied 11 years ago

    Natalie, surprisingly I love #10! It's so understated, love the slim look (depthwise) and if my eyes don't deceive me it's got satchel-like straps.

    Strangely I am moving more and more towards low-key bags these days. I think it's because with my figure flattery priorities, bags with ALGO interrupt the streamlined silhouette I aspire towards. You can rock patterned and bright bags though. I also love the Jason Wu cat bag and the chevron Fossil.

    I do still love my yellow bag though! Yellow goes with nearly everything :)

    All my bags are PVC and cheap. I am planning on getting a mid-high end bag someday, for as bargainous a price as I can find while making sure it's authentic. You should check out The Purse Forum and you won't feel guilty :) some of those ladies are not "large collection but cheap", or "expensive but a few", rather they believe in quality and quantity!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I loved seeing your complete collection Natalie! Now that it's summer, I'd love to see more of that red satchel in #1 and the yellow (Dooney?) satchel. Love the Guess orange and purple bag too, right on trend with the color blocking.

    I have seven right now, and I've discovered that I love cross-bodies on other people but they seem to elongate my long torso even more than it already is! I have two of those, but they don't represent a major investment. My current favorites are Monty, Big Blue and that hobo-esque straw bag I picked up at Goodwill. These soft hobo shapes with short straps look the best *on* me, IMO. Rosy, the bag I recently dyed pink, is not working out so well. It's the color. I'm thinking of giving her a navy and white color-blocked makeover!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    4 evening bags
    1 oversized clutch
    16 various totes, satchels and cross body bags

  • Echo replied 11 years ago

    Angie's answer about sums it up. Handbags are one of my addictions, and to be honest, I am afraid to count.

  • teeandcee replied 11 years ago

    I own several but only use 3, a mustard one, an orange Coldwater Creek faux croc, and a gorgeous creamy kind of slouchy bag with a chain strap. I love this one and use it all the time.

    I am, however, keeping an eye out to add to my collection as I love bags and have learned here they're another important detail that will complete a look.

    Plus they always fit without trying on. :D

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    You have an amazing bag collection to go with your amazing wardrobe, GP!!

    I am pouting. I only have 4 "regular" bags, 1 macramé sac, and a couple of evening clutches inherited from mother and mother-in-law. In days past, that would not have been cause for a pout (I was not a bag lady) but ever since I got my bright yellow bag, I want MORE!!!

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    You have lovely bags, Natalie. I especially like your new yellow one, polka dot and #1.
    My bag collection is very small:
    pre-YLF:
    - Luce tan hobo
    - satin black beaded clutch
    post-YLF:
    - teal tote
    - big snake print tote
    - Chromia satchel in bright tomato red
    - black and white stripe patent clutch
    I also have checkered TH tote in pastel sherbet colors (apple green, lilac, yellow and orange) but I am not sure if it is still worth having. Maybe I should post "keep or toss" about it...
    I have made the following discovery about bags during my 2 years on YLF:
    - I really love how they complete outfits on others (Angie is a prime example)\
    - they don't really mesh well into my lifestyle. I walk to work an I lag a lunch and often yoga clothes because I go to the class after work. As much as I love the look of a satchel bag they are not big enough for all of this - and I refuse to carry several bags. Big tote or cross body are ideal for me.
    - it is very hard for me to fall in love with a bag so I find shopping for them daunting.

  • bj1111 replied 11 years ago

    just not a bag girl...like traci, i fall in love with one and use until it falls apart. i also hate switching bags.

    that said, i've bought my share of bags that i loved and used, but have not used out, have inherited many of my sister's designer hobos and a few special occasion or outfit specific ones. i want to wear more of these purses, but not enough to overcome my dislike of switching.

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Shall I just PM you a list of the ones I want you to send me *wink*! Great collection

  • Sylvie replied 11 years ago

    I'm hoping my bag collection looks as good someday as those of the "bag ladies" on this forum. Since I commute by train, I carry a "gear" tote on most days. Most handbags just can't handle a packed lunch, a laptop, and gym clothes. On the weekends, I can wear a "normal" handbag, but I default to a crossbody or small shoulder bag, since again, I'm on foot or public transport.

    In no particular order:

    1) Silver clutch (never used)
    2) Blue shoulder bag (rarely used - poor purchase)
    3) Gold convertible hobo/satchel (have been using this more recently)
    4) Green crossbody (my go to crossbody)
    5) Red patent clutch (only for dressy occasions but it's perfect)

    Not shown:

    Black/silver small shoulder bag (impractical and I need to purge it)
    Gear crossbody
    Gear daily commute bag

    I really want a yellow bag, but haven't yet found the right one.

    1 2 3 4 5
  • brown replied 11 years ago

    Amazing collection!!!! :)

  • rute replied 11 years ago

    13 bags
    3 clutches

  • Vildy replied 11 years ago

    Another one here like Angie: too many and not enough. I am often rethinking bags. I tend to climb to about 22 bags (regular, clutch, evening, tote) and keep up a continual purge, sometimes getting down to about half a dozen. But then it climbs upwards again.

    At one point I decided that I didn't want any more heavy bags encumbering me. I like to picture myself as traveling light, always arriving. Trudging under a bag that was heavy even when empty didn't suit that image. So I passed along some beautiful leather bags.

    I often have a conflict between wanting the bag to provide counterpoint or emphasis to an outfit and the idea that a bag is Luggage and I only need one. Even as a young girl, I never had just one. Though my mother did. It's funny that the idea of bags as pieces of luggage appeals to me since I never carry anything much in them. Occasionally, in winter, I will use a tote to stuff my winter accessories into when I take them off.

    When I was young, I mostly had clutch bags, usually printed. I remember when visiting at someone's house, the woman spotted my bag and showed me that it resembled her Klee painting. Obviously, though, I didn't carry much then, either. My father would chide me about going out without a wallet. Who does that? :)

    In junior high, in the early 60's, I had a friend who wanted to go into the army. Her very sedate mother was appalled. My friend also wanted a shoulder bag and it was strictly forbidden as her mother deemed it "rough-looking." I also did not understand why she wanted her hands free. Yes, there was a small bag in my hand but remember it held little and I was carefree in that respect. There's something that still appeals about having so few responsibilities, though today I am more likely to want crossbody bags to have my hands free for ... whatever. So, another conflict, all played out in terms of bags wardrobe.

    I change the shapes and sizes of my collected bags as well. Currently I am liking slimmer, snappier looking bags.

  • Abie replied 11 years ago

    Such great bags all around!

    Am I the only one in the one bag club? One day I will branch out. This is my current everyday bag. I also have a laptop tote that I can stick this bag in, and my laptop, lunch etc..

    I guess technically I have one more as I have a little clutch with a wrist strap in the event I go out but with an 18mo it hasn't seen much use.

    1
  • Chrizzle replied 11 years ago

    For all practical purposes, I have one handbag: currently a bronze glazed leather Giani Bernini bag that can be carried as a satchel, though I usually wear it crossbody. I love handbags and totes, and can spend hours looking at them in a shop or online, but I'm picky about the features I like in a bag, and I hate changing bags so I tend to carry the same one every day until I wear it out or get tired of it. In the past, my everyday bag hasn't always been neutral, sometimes it's been a color like aubergine, raspberry, or olive green. The last three have been matte metallic bronze or pewter.

    I do have a few clutches I use for dressier occasions: a metallic copper snakeskin, a silver satin, a beaded black, a gold leather envelope, but I can go a whole year without using any of them.

    Somewhere in my house, there is a cream-colored perforated leather satchel that was originally about $600 that I bought on a whim when I saw it marked down to under $100. I carried it one time when I was going to be meeting someone I wanted to impress, and then I carefully stuffed it with tissue paper, put it in its cloth dust bag, and forgot all about it until now. (I'm one of those "out of sight, out of mind" people, to a ridiculous degree.) I'm thinking I would really use that bag now that I've seen so many outfits here styled with light-colored bags. I vaguely remember packing it away in a bin with other bags I rarely used but didn't want to part with. Hope I can find the bin, and that the bag is still in good shape.

  • lyn* replied 11 years ago

    A small, useful collection:

    1. Pretty floral Fossil overnight tote (thanks! ^__~)
    2. Coral Fossil Maddox satchel
    3. Small black Fossil cross-body
    4. Larger fold-over brown Fossil cross-body
    5. Canvas military medic bag (call bag)

    And that's it :)

  • lyn67 replied 11 years ago

    I have 4 summer bags for work(beige, light grey, white, and coral red), 2 straw bags (turq+yellow) for holidays and summer casuals, 3 smaller cross bodies(brown leather, one olive canvas, and a tylish black and white patent), 3 clutches(black snackskin texturred patent, one oringe with a fringe, and one bow shaped tan and animal print) BUT I just realized that I have only 1 bag for the fall (a mustard yellow) and only 1 currently for the winter(dark grey)-how could that happen??...:-((
    BTW these are 14! alltogether and still not enough!!!
    As for the organizers, I once bought one on the ebay(as I couldn't find where I live) but was not at all please with the quality-and shape---so need another one, please can you some of you share some links?
    Thanks so much:-)

  • Mander replied 11 years ago

    I'm late to the party, but I wanted to chime in anyway. At the moment I have 28 (!!) bags, plus a few random shopping-type bags that I occasionally carry as handbags.

    The breakdown:
    Clutches -- 5
    Small shoulder bags -- 6
    Cross-body -- 3
    Satchel or messenger -- 3
    Big slouchy, briefcase, or tote style -- 11

    Most of the collection is pictured here, except for the canvas tote bags, a grey faux leather cross-body, and my old Mexican souvenir leather satchel.

    1
  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    I counted last night. I have 10 everyday bags and 3 clutches. I wouldn't mind a coral or green bag but I think I have enough to keep me happy right now. I am not in the market for anything at this point.

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I'm a doctor and mom of three on the go go go who likes to have fun with fashion!