[Deb9530]

I've recently become a real handbag/purse enthusiast and suddenly have all sorts of questions:

1. is there a difference between 'handbags' and 'purses'?
2. to build a well-rounded collection, what are the basic or staples (i.e. a hobo, a tote, a clutch, etc) and/or what handbags basically serve the same purpose?
3. I really enjoy the soft/buttery/washed leathers - do I treat them as a leather or a suede/nubuck?
4. What is your take on a reversible or multi-use handbag? Do you find you only use one choice or do you change around and like that option?
5. Do you like the mid-range (sold at TJMaxx for example) handbags or you save for a high-end one?

I need direction, so if this is a repeated question, please direct me to the proper thread. THANK YOU !!

[sep]

Hi Deb,

Welcome to tPF!!!

1. I don't think so
2. I think its best to buy the syles the best fit your lifestyle so you will get the most use out of them... some people prefer handbags and some prefer to be hands free... some of the ladies with small children really like messenger bags with lots of pockets... although I have a few different styles I tend to use bags that I can put on my shoulder the most...
3. Depends on the bag... You can do a search once you know the kind of bag you want to treat and probably find care recommendations... or post a new thread...
4. I don't think I've seen a reversible bag that I've really liked but I'd be open to it...
5. I like em all

[dcblam]

Indeed, welcome!

You ask some very good/interesting questions and for the most part, I think most of us have learned from trial and error!

Let me repond as well:

1) nope, same thing unless you are from Europe where purses = wallet!
2) I suppose it all depends on how you use your bags...after about a year of buying buying buying, I realized my bags were on the bigger size and I needed smaller bags, including clutches! So, I would say focus on bags of varied dimensions in order to give you maximum flexibility.
3) as per Seps suggestion, rely on the instructions from the manufacturer or post here for advice from others w/the same bags
4) I'm not sure what you mean by reversible or multi-use handbag....?
I think of multi-use as bags that have several strap configurations....and I think they are FAB to have!
5) Love 'em all.....gotta go with what make you happy AND if you have a certain function in mind when purchasing bags......am not one to take any old bag out in bad weather!

Hope this helps and again, welcome to the "obsession"

[indiaink]

Welcome, Deb! Indeed, those are a lovely set of questions - just what we love to answer!

In my opinion, you 'purse' your lips, and carry a handbag. And in Europe, as had been mentioned, a 'purse' is a wallet. But I often find myself saying 'purse' anyway - too many years of it; it's ingrained.

Can't answer the 'well-rounded' question - I have one wallet, a number of toiletry bags (makeup bags, and I don't wear makeup!) and a number of handbags from Coach to Hayden-Harnett to Not Rational, with a few Hobo International bags thrown in, and one Mulberry. I think 'well-rounded' is basically up to the individual. Around this joint, Deb, we got nuts for stuff that many others don't. But that's why we're here, you see. Addicts, all of us.

For washed leather or the really soft buttery leathers, that's going to be up to the manufacturer - and also just asking here. Many of us have treated our bags for water/stain repellant - I use Wilson's Leather and Suede Protector. On the flip side, I've got several Coach 'pebbled leather' bags and their care cards say not to use anything. Always best to ask here if you have questions. But that doesn't really answer your question - suede is considered the 'rough side out' - in other words it has a NAP. You don't use conditioner on that, but a 'protector'. Nubuck is a really fine grained soft leather, not sure if you'd use conditioner on that either, but a protector. SO - I'd treat suede/nubuck with a protection spray - and I wouldn't necessarily do that with regular leather; again, it depends on the finish.

I've never felt the need for a reversible bag...

Well, TJ Maxx has high-end bags at a mid-range (or really good) price - but then that question depends on what you consider 'high end'. For me it's a price point - I'd love to have a Balenciaga bag, but would never pay the price. The most I've paid for something has been a Mulberry bag ... and I'm working my nerve up to get a bag for an amount of $ my husband would kill me for if he found out. But I haven't got it yet. So.

Nice conversation starter, m'dear, and you are guaranteed to get a lot of different answers! Again, welcome to the madness!

Originally Posted by Deb9530

I've recently become a real handbag/purse enthusiast and suddenly have all sorts of questions:

1. is there a difference between 'handbags' and 'purses'?
2. to build a well-rounded collection, what are the basic or staples (i.e. a hobo, a tote, a clutch, etc) and/or what handbags basically serve the same purpose?
3. I really enjoy the soft/buttery/washed leathers - do I treat them as a leather or a suede/nubuck?
4. What is your take on a reversible or multi-use handbag? Do you find you only use one choice or do you change around and like that option?
5. Do you like the mid-range (sold at TJMaxx for example) handbags or you save for a high-end one?

[Stormy Heart]

Hello and more welcome !

1. ditto Sep, ditto Dcbalm
2. ditto, ditto
3. YES TREAT WASHED LEATHERS AS YOU WOULD SUEDE AND NUBUCK ! Nubuck is buffed, snuffed, or lightly sueded leather btw. 'Fine grained' refers to a natural fine grain
4. Convertibles are my favorites and I use them every and all possible ways.
5. Mine range from Ethnic Handwovens to Linea Pelle, Ralph Lauren and Botkier
to Antique German Silver.

good words India !

[jeh3v]

To answer your questions...

1. I alternate the term handbag and purse, and I think the two are interchangeable.
2. I don't think that there are "staples" necessarily, and I tend to like styles and brands on two totally separate ends of the spectrum!
3. As everyone else said, the care for each individual purse/handbag will vary.
4. I don't see anything wrong with reversable or multi use bags! I have one where the strap can be worn shorter on longer for a cross body style, and while I haven't used the longer strap yet, I think it will definitely come in hand while traveling!
5. I love all handbags I tend to love some of the higher end bags that I'm currently saving for, but I also think it's great to have a kick around bag that's still beautiful!

I'm fairly new here too and I love it so far! to TPF! Consider your obsession officially started!

Originally Posted by Deb9530

I've recently become a real handbag/purse enthusiast and suddenly have all sorts of questions:

1. is there a difference between 'handbags' and 'purses'?
2. to build a well-rounded collection, what are the basic or staples (i.e. a hobo, a tote, a clutch, etc) and/or what handbags basically serve the same purpose?
3. I really enjoy the soft/buttery/washed leathers - do I treat them as a leather or a suede/nubuck?
4. What is your take on a reversible or multi-use handbag? Do you find you only use one choice or do you change around and like that option?
5. Do you like the mid-range (sold at TJMaxx for example) handbags or you save for a high-end one?

I need direction, so if this is a repeated question, please direct me to the proper thread. THANK YOU !!