Welcome to The Purse Forum.

meechelley · Sep 20th, 2008, 02:23 AM

Hi everyone! I just want to first say I LOVE reading this forum. I have never purchased higher quality bags because I was a poor college student

. I have recently graduated woohoo.. and I'd like to treat myself after those years of hard work and I'm tired of the cheaper bags breaking so easily

... I don't know much about designer bags so I thought that this would be the best place to ask! I am completely indecisive about what designer... what style... or colors... but I do know I want an everyday bag that I can also take to work. I would absolutely love any advice! Thanks in advance! Sorry if I sound like a complete newbie

Stormy Heart · Sep 20th, 2008, 02:32 AM

Congradulations Miss Graduate !
What career path will you be taking ?
You'll get tons of advice but need to give us clues about price range, wardrobe colors, are you petite, avg, or tall ? Are you comfy with a shoulder carry or will your hands be free enough for a satchel ? Would you like a basic classic or a more trendy bag ?
(PS everyone was a newbie sometime)

lily25 · Sep 20th, 2008, 05:25 AM

I highly recommend a tote bag, preferably something that you can wear with most of your clothes, and something trendy since you are young (recently graduated)...

Look up Marni and Miu Miu bags!

I like this one:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/34094
And purple is all the rage this winter...
I'd buy it but I promised I'd behave this winter, and respect the whole financial crisis... I got too many stuff lately.

happy942 · Sep 20th, 2008, 08:33 AM

meechelley, what are you looking for in the bag? Do you prefer leather or fabric? What type of colors are you looking for (it can be a family of colors or dark v. light-colored)? What is your typical style? What is your price range? Which brands are you lusting after currently?

irishlass1029 · Sep 20th, 2008, 09:28 AM

How I dove into the "bag pool" for the first time was my lifelong "dream bag." I didn't care if it was practical or reasonably priced, I just wanted it. So I saved up for a LONG time and refused to buy anything until I got THAT BAG.

It's different for everyone, but mine was Gucci. I didn't even know enough about them to know what style I wanted, but I got it in Rome 25 years ago and I've been hooked on Gucci ever since. Of course, it's not to everyone's taste, but what is the brand YOU secretly lusted after since childhood? I am sure you have one. Once you've honed in on the designer, you can look online and see what just makes you melt. THAT will be the bag for you. You'll know!

coco13 · Sep 20th, 2008, 04:43 PM

I went for a LV as it was a classic and I'd admired it for ages. I really would advise going for something you know you'll be able to use in a few years; you never forget your first time! :-)

meechelley · Sep 20th, 2008, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

Congradulations Miss Graduate !
What career path will you be taking ?
You'll get tons of advice but need to give us clues about price range, wardrobe colors, are you petite, avg, or tall ? Are you comfy with a shoulder carry or will your hands be free enough for a satchel ? Would you like a basic classic or a more trendy bag ?
(PS everyone was a newbie sometime)

I am currently an engineer but the environment in the office is pretty casual. We all wear jeans and my project group are all pretty young as well. I tend to wear earth tones although I do like pastels every once in a while. I am also really short... I'm 4' 11" and 5' on a good day

... hah... Is there something that combines trendy and classic looks (since its something I want to also wear to work..) but not necessarily boring?

Originally Posted by happy942

meechelley, what are you looking for in the bag? Do you prefer leather or fabric? What type of colors are you looking for (it can be a family of colors or dark v. light-colored)? What is your typical style? What is your price range? Which brands are you lusting after currently?

I guess what I am looking for is a bag that I can wear everyday and to work. Something I can go to the grocery store with.. random shopping urges... day trips... I am also thinking I want leather but if I see an awesome looking fabric bag I will not discriminate

. And with color maybe something medium to dark colors so it can match with alot of my clothes (suggestion from lily25 ^__^ ty!). My typical style... I love wearing jeans... and converses. In terms of price range.. I want something that will make me happy and fuzzy inside so as of right now there isn't one. If I really like it and its too much atm... I'll just save for it longer

.

I'm not too particular on a brand... I haven't longed for any particular brand so much that it made my heart thump whenever I heard about it. Although I am a lil hesitant to buy Coach or LV because since I could remember they have always been around me. In high school... everyone had a LV bag... (I'm sure most of them were fake) but it was just everywhere... then in college... everyone had a Coach bag... it was also my ex roommate's favorite brand so she would always take me with her to the coach store. So.. as much as I do love some of the designs from Coach... I would not prefer it. I did see a Coach limited edition purse at South Coast Plaza during early summer/late spring of this year... which I absolutely loved! But I have not been able to find a picture of it online.. and I don't remember the name of it. I'll probably have to make a post about it in the Coach forum to ask them about it

.

Thank you VERY much for all of your advice and questions! I really really appreciate everyone for helping me out with my first bag!

No Cute · Sep 20th, 2008, 07:51 PM

Sounds to me like a darker blue or purple, or a black or truffle color would suit your needs. And something larger, right?

My best find since joining tPF is Ignes, www.ignesbags.com , where I can customize my own bag. I, too, wanted a special bag for a special reason, and Ignes is the way I went.

I am also currently eyeballing a Tano Boogie in blueberry or grape (I do a lot of eyeballing...lol). See this link to see them (and get a tPF discount): http://www.musthavebag.com/ The Tano truffle is the most gorgeous brown I've ever seen.

I also love Elliott Lucca's styles: www.elliottlucca.com

Such fun you're going to have!

No Cute · Sep 20th, 2008, 08:49 PM

Congratulations!!! Can't believe I didn't say that in my post!

Here's another fun bag, but I don't know how much it holds. But it's a great bag [URL]http://www.funkylala.com/product_info.php?products_id=1520 From what I understand, Bliss Lau's first collection was her thesis, so she's a recent grad too.

missmary · Sep 20th, 2008, 10:36 PM

Hi, meechelley! Check out the Belen Echandia forum. The ladies there are so passionate about BE bags! BE has some great styles that are very versatile. And the crash leathers can make a simple bag so unique!

Rebecca Minkoff bags will also take you in and out of the office.

Anyhow, Make sure you do lots of research and ask lots of questions before taking the plunge. Also, you might want to wait for some sales in November or December. I'm guessing you could get some really great deals for an awesome bag.

MonkeyGirl · Sep 20th, 2008, 10:39 PM

it depends on how much you are willing to spend. if you want something that is in the 500-800 dollar range then i would suggest rebecca minkoff, but if you are willing to spend more then i would suggest chloe. both of these brands are supposed to have really nice leather bags. i have never owned them, but i have heard amazing things about them. good luck picking the perfect bag!

lily25 · Sep 21st, 2008, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by No Cute

I am also currently eyeballing a Tano Boogie in blueberry or grape (I do a lot of eyeballing...lol). See this link to see them (and get a tPF discount): http://www.musthavebag.com/ The Tano truffle is the most gorgeous brown I've ever seen.

ITA, Tano is fantastic, and affordable. i recently discovered the brand and it is a revelation!!! And Tano Forum is cool too!!!

Elsie87 · Sep 21st, 2008, 05:12 AM

I think a Balenciaga City would look great on you!

These bags look great with jeans, they're lightweight and roomy and the leather is great. They also come in a wide variety of colours, so check out the Balenciaga forum.

Here are some of my Bbags, to give you an idea:

*Sky Blue City (regular hardware)

SB1.jpg

*Bouton d'Or Floral City (giant hardware)

Bal2.jpg

*Electric Blue First

First1.jpg

*Anthracite Part-Time

PT1.jpg

misstrine85 · Sep 21st, 2008, 07:59 AM

I would say a mulberry bayswater, i think its a classic.

Miss Sooky · Sep 21st, 2008, 12:33 PM

As a work bag for a young, successful woman, I would suggest anything from the Louis Vuitton Epi range, the Mulberry Bayswater or Mabel perhaps, a YSL muse (but not the huge versions), Anya Hindmarch Carker or even a bespoke Ebury which can be made really very special indeed - I have a personalised Ebury that was a gift and as well as the bag being so gorgeous and sufficiently flexible to take me everywhere, I see the message inside the bag all the time and smile. It also has my name and a unique number on the inside, the dustbag and box - it truly is a bag to mark significance in life and that might be a good fit for you as you celebrate your achievements?

Sep 20th, 2008, 02:23 AM	#1
meechelley OP Member Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 264	First bag! need advice Hi everyone! I just want to first say I LOVE reading this forum. I have never purchased higher quality bags because I was a poor college student . I have recently graduated woohoo.. and I'd like to treat myself after those years of hard work and I'm tired of the cheaper bags breaking so easily ... I don't know much about designer bags so I thought that this would be the best place to ask! I am completely indecisive about what designer... what style... or colors... but I do know I want an everyday bag that I can also take to work. I would absolutely love any advice! Thanks in advance! Sorry if I sound like a complete newbie
meechelley OP Member Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 264

Sep 20th, 2008, 02:32 AM	#2
Stormy Heart HellBent for Leather Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,173	Congradulations Miss Graduate ! What career path will you be taking ? You'll get tons of advice but need to give us clues about price range, wardrobe colors, are you petite, avg, or tall ? Are you comfy with a shoulder carry or will your hands be free enough for a satchel ? Would you like a basic classic or a more trendy bag ? (PS everyone was a newbie sometime)
	__________________ May Peace Prevail on Earth and in Our Hearts

Sep 20th, 2008, 05:25 AM	#3
lily25 ♥.Blessed & Happy.♥ Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Athens Posts: 2,822	I highly recommend a tote bag, preferably something that you can wear with most of your clothes, and something trendy since you are young (recently graduated)... Look up Marni and Miu Miu bags! I like this one: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/34094 And purple is all the rage this winter... I'd buy it but I promised I'd behave this winter, and respect the whole financial crisis... I got too many stuff lately.
	__________________ ✿ . . ✿ . . . .wish list: Valextra Medium Boston in Powder Pink Hermes Picotin PM in Potiron Hermes Massai in Ebene . . . . ✿ . . ✿

Sep 20th, 2008, 08:33 AM	#4
happy942 Member Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,916	meechelley, what are you looking for in the bag? Do you prefer leather or fabric? What type of colors are you looking for (it can be a family of colors or dark v. light-colored)? What is your typical style? What is your price range? Which brands are you lusting after currently?
	__________________ Collection Complete?

Sep 20th, 2008, 07:51 PM	#8
No Cute Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,561	Sounds to me like a darker blue or purple, or a black or truffle color would suit your needs. And something larger, right? My best find since joining tPF is Ignes, www.ignesbags.com , where I can customize my own bag. I, too, wanted a special bag for a special reason, and Ignes is the way I went. I am also currently eyeballing a Tano Boogie in blueberry or grape (I do a lot of eyeballing...lol). See this link to see them (and get a tPF discount): http://www.musthavebag.com/ The Tano truffle is the most gorgeous brown I've ever seen. I also love Elliott Lucca's styles: www.elliottlucca.com Such fun you're going to have!
No Cute Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,561

Sep 20th, 2008, 09:28 AM	#5
irishlass1029 KOFYTYME Joined: Aug 2008 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 12,201	How I dove into the "bag pool" for the first time was my lifelong "dream bag." I didn't care if it was practical or reasonably priced, I just wanted it. So I saved up for a LONG time and refused to buy anything until I got THAT BAG. It's different for everyone, but mine was Gucci. I didn't even know enough about them to know what style I wanted, but I got it in Rome 25 years ago and I've been hooked on Gucci ever since. Of course, it's not to everyone's taste, but what is the brand YOU secretly lusted after since childhood? I am sure you have one. Once you've honed in on the designer, you can look online and see what just makes you melt. THAT will be the bag for you. You'll know!

Sep 20th, 2008, 04:43 PM	#6
coco13 must get Birkin... Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Bath, England Posts: 437	I went for a LV as it was a classic and I'd admired it for ages. I really would advise going for something you know you'll be able to use in a few years; you never forget your first time! :-)

Sep 20th, 2008, 08:49 PM	#9
No Cute Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,561	Congratulations!!! Can't believe I didn't say that in my post! Here's another fun bag, but I don't know how much it holds. But it's a great bag [URL]http://www.funkylala.com/product_info.php?products_id=1520 From what I understand, Bliss Lau's first collection was her thesis, so she's a recent grad too.
No Cute Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,561

Sep 20th, 2008, 10:36 PM	#10
missmary Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 847	Hi, meechelley! Check out the Belen Echandia forum. The ladies there are so passionate about BE bags! BE has some great styles that are very versatile. And the crash leathers can make a simple bag so unique! Rebecca Minkoff bags will also take you in and out of the office. Anyhow, Make sure you do lots of research and ask lots of questions before taking the plunge. Also, you might want to wait for some sales in November or December. I'm guessing you could get some really great deals for an awesome bag.

Sep 20th, 2008, 10:39 PM	#11
MonkeyGirl ♥In your eyes♥ Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Waiting for July!!! Posts: 2,495	it depends on how much you are willing to spend. if you want something that is in the 500-800 dollar range then i would suggest rebecca minkoff, but if you are willing to spend more then i would suggest chloe. both of these brands are supposed to have really nice leather bags. i have never owned them, but i have heard amazing things about them. good luck picking the perfect bag!
	__________________ My Hopefuls LV Monogram Speedy 30 [X] Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Starfish Pendant [] Rebecca Minkokff Wine Nikki [] LV Monogram Cles [X] Rebecca Minkoff Light Grey Matinee [] Last edited by MonkeyGirl; Sep 20th, 2008 at 10:43 PM.

Sep 21st, 2008, 05:12 AM	#13
Elsie87 Dior Glamazon Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,735	I think a Balenciaga City would look great on you! These bags look great with jeans, they're lightweight and roomy and the leather is great. They also come in a wide variety of colours, so check out the Balenciaga forum. Here are some of my Bbags, to give you an idea: Sky Blue City (regular hardware) SB1.jpg Bouton d'Or Floral City (giant hardware) Bal2.jpg Electric Blue First First1.jpg Anthracite Part-Time PT1.jpg
	__________________ "Resistance is futile" My collection of all things luxury: http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-showcase/elsie87s-collection-336426.html

Sep 21st, 2008, 07:59 AM	#14
misstrine85 Bagaholic Joined: Sep 2008 Location: cph Posts: 304	I would say a mulberry bayswater, i think its a classic.
	__________________

Sep 21st, 2008, 12:33 PM	#15
Miss Sooky Member Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Curled up with a book Posts: 3,216	As a work bag for a young, successful woman, I would suggest anything from the Louis Vuitton Epi range, the Mulberry Bayswater or Mabel perhaps, a YSL muse (but not the huge versions), Anya Hindmarch Carker or even a bespoke Ebury which can be made really very special indeed - I have a personalised Ebury that was a gift and as well as the bag being so gorgeous and sufficiently flexible to take me everywhere, I see the message inside the bag all the time and smile. It also has my name and a unique number on the inside, the dustbag and box - it truly is a bag to mark significance in life and that might be a good fit for you as you celebrate your achievements?

Welcome to The Purse Forum.

Our Purse Forum, or TPF, is the #1 online social network for everything designer handbag related. Join over 200,000 enthusiastic members in this friendly community and start engaging in the discussion today.