Styles you've outgrown?

[tlloveshim]

Originally Posted by karmenzsofia

Interesting thread. I'm just getting into BE and have my eyes on a couple of bags, so I'll have to wait and see if I outgrow any of them, which is likely kuz I tend to get bored with everything: jobs, homes, places, things, people... There are so many bags that I thought I would be married to forever only to file for divorce soon after I was at the peak of my infatuation with them. So now I just accept as a fact of life that while I can be in love with a bag today, I might be out of love with it tomorrow, and I make sure I enjoy it while I have it.

I am the same way with bags! I can be totally in love with a bag but suddenly find that my love has nothing to do with practicality and I fall out of love faster than I fell in! I used to hold onto bags that I loved but didn't work for me because I was emotionally attached but I no longer do that. I fall in love with a style, color or leather but then I find out that the bag isn't working for me and I have to move on. I keep my collection small because I get anxious with too many bags and I'm doing better at buying on sale or considering what I want carefully so I don't lose any more money than I have on bags. I haven't outgrown bags so much as I've outgrown my need for more than I can honestly use. And I've accepted my fickle nature which makes me feel less guilty.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by tlloveshim

I am the same way with bags! I can be totally in love with a bag but suddenly find that my love has nothing to do with practicality and I fall out of love faster than I fell in! I used to hold onto bags that I loved but didn't work for me because I was emotionally attached but I no longer do that. I fall in love with a style, color or leather but then I find out that the bag isn't working for me and I have to move on. I keep my collection small because I get anxious with too many bags and I'm doing better at buying on sale or considering what I want carefully so I don't lose any more money than I have on bags. I haven't outgrown bags so much as I've outgrown my need for more than I can honestly use. And I've accepted my fickle nature which makes me feel less guilty.

I"m totally with you in accepting our nature.

And I think there's a lot of benefit that can surface from outgrowing styles. For instance, since I've moved away from say my LM or MMS I've gone right toward my HM OR SPM. Sounds good to me!

And I think it's great too for those that are loyal with their styles for the long haul.

This is an interesting thread!

[msterling]

When it comes to bags, I find what I like and I keep them. That wasn't quite the case when I first got into bags in 2007. However, I didn't know anything about bags back then and had to get through Coach (too common) and LP (too casual) before finding out that BE bags were perfect for me. I've been buying BE bags since January 2008 and I still have all of them - 8 bags plus some clutches and accessories.

I am glad that I don't get tired of my bags. I would hate to get into the routine of constantly buying and selling bags. That would drive me crazy and I would hate to throw away money like that. After switching to BE, I sold 3 LP bags and 1 RM bag and got almost all of my money back. However, I know I got very lucky with those sales and I hated the whole process of listing the bags and hoping to get good buyers. Because of that, I am very careful about what I buy.

My favorite styles are the TME Midi and LM Midi. With the exception of the Pewter SPM (needed a messenger bag), I haven't been seriously tempted by any of the other BE styles lately. I'm too practical to buy more bags when I know they won't work for me as well as the TME/LM Midi styles. Luckily, I enjoy bags, but I'm not obsessed with them. I'm happy to stick with bags that work for me and I like to keep the number of everyday bags in the single digits so that I can really use all of them.

I'm surprised that so many people have trouble with the LM Midi straps. I always put the back strap on top of the front strap and I carry the bag angled behind me a bit instead of hanging straight down because I don't like my arm sticking out. To me, the LM Midi is comfortable on the shoulder and I never have a problem with the straps slipping off. It's too bad that they don't work for everyone.

[Moonfancy]

I don't want to get rid of any my BE bags, although I do wish I could sell my Choco Crash MMS midi. It was my very first BE bag, and I hadn't yet found TPF when I ordered it, so I wasn't quite sure how big/small it would be. It is just too small. I will probably try to sell that bag as soon as I get another brown bag to replace it. It's the only brown bag I have at this time, but I REALLY REALLY want the Enchant Me in choco pebbled. Then, of course, I'll want something in choco crash again, but it will have to be bigger than a midi. I'd love to have a Hug Me in choco crash. Do y'all think if I had 2 inches added to the handles, I could wear the Hug Me on my shoulder?

[tlloveshim]

I did hate getting into the buy/sell cycle but I don't feel that way now. I'm not taking the same risks nowadays that I did a few months ago so feel much better about how my collection is developing. I was anxiously searching for the 'perfect' bag and buying/selling in order to find it. I'm no longer after the perfect bag any longer, just a nice well rounded collection that works for my life. I have a few bags that I love and have loved longer than my normal attention span; my clementine Hold Me, purple Surprise Me which I won in a BE contest and an Ignes Virginia in an out of stock leather that I adore! My new tinted wine Ignes will probably fit in with this group too! I see this process as almost a dating ritual. I'm getting to know all these different bags and now that I know what I'm looking for a little better now, I'm able to make wiser choices. Once I settled down with my dh, I'm content to keep him for life! I'm shooting for a more long lasting and meaningful relationship with my handbag collection now! LOL!

[bonniekir]

I seem to have favorite styles coming and going!
Now take the one I used a lot last year..the WTM midi..I hardly used it this year, but I think I'll feel like soon.

Also a thing like handheld bags..I never liked it, but by using the Hold me, I sort of felt ok wiith it, and now, I'm getting me some MMS large bags!

I also used to exclusivly carry my bags either over the shoulder or messenger style..now a bag on my shoulder is rare!

So, I'm seem to wander in and out of different ways to carry my bags.

Just like with the size..I seem to swich between large and medium sized bags, but always had a smaller one , just in case..

But the bags I at once feel will not work for me..and this is almost only the smaller bags..I give away as fast as possible..or if I have many bags in one style..they also wander off!
I prefer to keep a handable amount in each style, because I really, really dislike switching bags and only do this every second week or so. All the hassle with taking my extra specs, keys, wallet and so on out is not for me at all.

One style stays close to me ever since I discovered BE..and ..big surprise..it's the Hold me. This one is such an easygoing and "simple" bag to use at all occations, and for me it is especially when I shop.

I really admire you girls, who can handle all the things going on when you sell bags! OMG..so not me! Just to imagine to inspect the bag and take pics, then write and upload an add, then recieve and reply questions, for hopefully then shipping the thing..oh no..far too much involved for me

Styles I like are the LM, LMM, WTM midi and messenger,Hug Me, Rock Me,Kiss me, Angel Purse,Hold me regular and the Maxi..and what more?? Oh yes, the Travel set and the TMAnywhere!

I'm now entering "terra incognita" by ordering some TME large..a style which MY DILs loves a lot, but never really appealed to me, mostly because of the rolled handles and the new type..for me..the MMS satchel large.

[lovebags2]

Bonnie, I totally agree with you about the hold me!

I have to say at the moment the hold me is my favorite BE style and the only one I seem to be wearing anymore from BE as my everyday.

I'll save my large WTM's for travel since the shoulder strap does stay put very nicely and I won't mind fussing with the drawstrings for vacation days. I just don't want that for everyday anymore.

Once you see the simplicity of the hold me it's really hard to go back!

[h82bl82]

Originally Posted by karmenzsofia

Interesting thread. I'm just getting into BE and have my eyes on a couple of bags, so I'll have to wait and see if I outgrow any of them, which is likely kuz I tend to get bored with everything: jobs, homes, places, things, people... There are so many bags that I thought I would be married to forever only to file for divorce soon after I was at the peak of my infatuation with them. So now I just accept as a fact of life that while I can be in love with a bag today, I might be out of love with it tomorrow, and I make sure I enjoy it while I have it.

Hey Karmen! Waving at ya! I too get tired of bags and have really done a major bag purge in the past couple of months.

I think the bag that BE makes that is so gorgeous but doesn't work for me is the LM. I found the drawstrings, the zipped middle compartment, the straps and size were to cumbersome for me. I'm also gravitating towards simpler bags that are super lightweight. Still haven't found anything yet that will stay on my stupid shoulders.

[TejasMama]

This is so interesting to read bucause the LM straps are so comfortable for me. I love my MMS midi dearly but for comfort, I go for the LM midi. I think some if it is what we are used to and how our shoulders are shaped. What works for one person doesn't work for another.

I have yet to grow out of my BE. I really love the styles and they are 'me' enough in that I always enjoy carrying one. They are a great fit and easy to carry with my lifestyle.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by h82bl82

Hey Karmen! Waving at ya! I too get tired of bags and have really done a major bag purge in the past couple of months. I think the bag that BE makes that is so gorgeous but doesn't work for me is the LM. I found the drawstrings, the zipped middle compartment, the straps and size were to cumbersome for me. I'm also gravitating towards simpler bags that are super lightweight. Still haven't found anything yet that will stay on my stupid shoulders.

I agree with you about the LM. I've also found the same holds true for the TMA style from my own experience.

I"m looking forward to seeing if new styles appear for spring as you can see I've outgrown most of the styles by now. That's okay though. I still love my hold me, wtm (for travel), spm and weekender set. That's good enough!

[*suzi*]

I have found that the WTM Midi, Love Me Midi and Hold Me are my favorite styles. I like the TME Midi too, but I think I would prefer it with two zips now that I have seen picures of it being done. I pretty much can tell what will work for me, and so far have not really outgrown them yet. I have been sticking with just one of each style, so that keeps me excited to carry them again. The one thing I really like about my BE bags is that I am never uncomfortable carrying them. I know this sounds crazy, but every time I carry my other bags I feel so uncomfortable when people notice the brand. I really don't carry my bags for other people to notice. When they do, I always feel like I look as if I am trying too hard. Does that make sense? I just really enjoy well made bags, and wear them for me. I would rather impress people with who I am and maybe my own personal style than what brand I wear. Kwim? In any case, the BE bags I have seem to continue to bring me the joy of having a beautiful, well crafted leather bag without anyone knowing how much I spent on it.

Okay, enough deep thoughts for me this evening. I typically only start contemplating these things when I've indulged in my favorite adult beverage!

[lanasyogamama]

Originally Posted by lovebags2

Oh no. I don't want to discourage you from trying this style since you might love it. I"ve discovered thru my handbag journey here that what one person dislikes in a style another truly adores! But, I will share with you my reasons why I sold my deerskin YSL. Actually I sold two (a tan and black): The shoulder straps weren't comfortable. I often find this occurs with two straps and they never stayed put. That's such a deal breaker for me and unfortunately why I've shyed away recently from several of my BE's. Also it was a tall bag. And that's something I struggle with since I like to locate my items quickly. You just never know when a Starbuck's drive thru will call my name for something yummy! Lastly, I noticed that the shape would change significantly depending on how much I had filled it with my contents. I like more of a "consistent" style if that makes any sense. I know you really shouldn't go by me since I"m such a fussy person. I"m sure if you go on the YSL forum they will have lovely things to say about this bag and would enjoy helping you. They're very friendly there too.

Lovebags, I didn't mean to imply that you had discouraged me, I just kind of forgot about them!

[TropicalGal]

Originally Posted by *suzi*

\ The one thing I really like about my BE bags is that I am never uncomfortable carrying them. I know this sounds crazy, but every time I carry my other bags I feel so uncomfortable when people notice the brand. I really don't carry my bags for other people to notice. When they do, I always feel like I look as if I am trying too hard. Does that make sense? I just really enjoy well made bags, and wear them for me. I would rather impress people with who I am and maybe my own personal style than what brand I wear. Kwim? In any case, the BE bags I have seem to continue to bring me the joy of having a beautiful, well crafted leather bag without anyone knowing how much I spent on it.

What you said really struck a note with me, Suzi. I have an LV Speedy that I bought ages ago...and I actually like the LV Mono for vintage reasons...and yet, I feel very uncomfortable when I'm wearing it because it has become a nouveau riche status thing. Also, people look at me as if I'm trying to impress, when I'm really not. So, I tend not to carry it.

Often when I carry my BE's, people recognize incredible leather and comment on the beauty of my bag and are aware that it is a 'major' handbag. I just say it is made especially for me by an atelier in Italy. This is my kind of luxury and status. The quiet, quality kind.

[teaparties]

I've cycled through so many bags.. my mom thinks I'm ridiculous for buying new ones, but it's just a bad habit of mine! I recently purchased a Linea Pelle bag this summer and loved it for a while.. but I'm ready for something new. I always think that my next bag will be THE bag that I'll use for years and years, but I get tired of it. I'm really looking forward to a BE bag -- I have a feeling that it just might work out for me in the long run!

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by *suzi*

The one thing I really like about my BE bags is that I am never uncomfortable carrying them. I know this sounds crazy, but every time I carry my other bags I feel so uncomfortable when people notice the brand. I really don't carry my bags for other people to notice. When they do, I always feel like I look as if I am trying too hard. Does that make sense? I just really enjoy well made bags, and wear them for me. I would rather impress people with who I am and maybe my own personal style than what brand I wear. Kwim? In any case, the BE bags I have seem to continue to bring me the joy of having a beautiful, well crafted leather bag without anyone knowing how much I spent on it.

I absolutely agree with you. Quite a few of my bags are permanently stuck in their boxes at the moment because they are too recognisable. I don't mind people noticing that I have a Mulberry bag because Mulberry spotting is a bit of a friendly local game in the UK but I do hate being caught with a Chloe or a Balenciaga.