Welcome to The Purse Forum.

BagsRmyLife · Nov 9th, 2007, 10:37 AM

I learned about lots of new brands I would have never found anywhere else!!!

HauteMama · Nov 9th, 2007, 10:47 AM

I've learned that I really CAN take a deep breath and walk away. I tell myself that if I continue to obsess over a bag for another two weeks, I will reconsider. Know what? There is usually a NEW bag that I "love" at that point, or the newness of thinking about the first one is gone. If I find a bag I cannot stop thinking about, I WILL buy it, but I'm okay for now.

There are priorities a lot higher than bags. We have a lot of home improvements to do, and that is my top priority right now.

Oh, and despite my obsession with bags for the past year, I'm STILL not sure they trump shoes!

indiaink · Nov 9th, 2007, 05:36 PM

Oh, girl, I am SO glad I broke myself with HH, because I've been having B-Bag feelings - luckily, they have passed and are just a pleasant "no, you don't" thought now. If I ever win the lottery -

Alas, I have modified a couple of my Inkas (taken the silly 'latch' off, and glued the leather piece to the bag so it doesn't hang down) but the rest are pristine. I imagine I'll store them for the next time I get that urge - it really is the best bag of that type (for me) I've ever found.

Another thing I've learned: (but only because I found tPF) - I am SO not alone! Yay! I have company in my handbag madness!!!

Originally Posted by JudieH

I love reading everyone's responses thus far. Thanks for sharing! I found myself nodding my head in agreement with many of you.

Indiaink, I am so sorry to hear about your HH! That happened to me with Balenciaga. I really overdosed and purchased bag after bag after bag. Thank God I have been able to sell most of my bags and am now down to 2 (a Day and a messenger and trying to sell off the Messenger). Ironically, I started this obsession with a Day and now I am back to just wanting one B bag- a Day.

I am sure you will be able to resell your bags. Just consider it a lesson learned! At the very least, the bags were not terribly expensive, right?

Jlee91 · Nov 10th, 2007, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by JudieH

Ever since finding this forum, I have purchased, returned and sold countless bags! It's insane! I have recently gone through a major rehaul of my collection (yet again) and decided to clean out the bags that I was no longer satisfied with.

Now that my closet is nearly empty but for a few chosen remaining bags, I feel the itch (yet again) to purchase more bags. However, I have decided to take a different approach this time.

In the past, I would read posts here and I can admit, I would get caught up in the frenzy of the latest "it" bag on the forum and would purchase it. Now, I am going to take my time and try to avoid these impulse purchases. I need to create a wish list of sorts and make myself WAIT before buying. Now I know it may be hard for me to do that should the bag be on sale or whatnot, but I am going to try. My latest itch is for the Jenny Yuen bag but I have considered this bag for a while now, I just wasn't sure. So, I am going to think about it for a while. And it helps that the bag is not in stock at the moment

I also know I cannot do arm bags so no matter how seductive the bag looks or how much it appeals to me, I will refrain from purchasing a bag that is not shoulder bag.

What about you? What have you learned?

To be wiser in choosing bags and to not feed into impulse. Instead, I do my research before purchasing it!

bagshopr · Nov 10th, 2007, 06:52 PM

I have loved reading everyone's responses, and I have been nodding my head in agreement with all of you.
I have learned not to get caught up in the hype of It bags, I have learned that arm or hand bags do not work well for me. I have learned that Bohemian styles (by that I mean fringes and long tassels and strings) look very silly on me.
Also, I have learned to be quiet about my addiction. My friends and family would die if they knew how much any of my bags cost. If I say (lying through my teeth) that a bag cost $100, they are shocked into silence!

BigPurseSue · Nov 11th, 2007, 01:22 AM

What I've learned:

* Every bag you love will eventually go on sale, often sooner than you expect.

* You CAN talk yourself out of a bag you love. It can take time. Sometimes months. Sometimes you'll have relapses. ("I think I'm finally going to buy that bag....No, no, no...") But it can be done.

* There's no such thing as a too-big purse. Every time you buy a purse you think is too big, carry it for a week and see what happens.

* You need a rule: The DH is not allowed to complain about your purses if when you're out he says every few minutes "Can I put this in your purse?..."Can you put this in your purse for me?"..."I'm tired of carrying this in my pocket can you put it in your purse?"..."Where's your purse? I need to find something I put in it."

* If the bag is described as "bohemian" that means the cats will find things on it to chew.

* It's good to be happy. So long as you pay cash.

* Carry vinyl in the rain.

caxe · Nov 11th, 2007, 01:55 AM

I've learned that there IS too much of a good thing.

ladysalesrep195 · Nov 11th, 2007, 04:02 AM

I have learned so very many things over this last year at tPF:

1 - if I need to research a bag the info is here on tPF

2 - I like a wide variety of bags from Kooba to Bbags to Prada to LV

3 - bags can look so sexy in the crook of your arm

4 - a bag can ~make~ a simple outfit of jeans and tshirt look special

5 - a wonderful bag can make me feel pretty

6 - good leather is worth the price

7 - my beloved au lait coffees can stain a bag

8 - Lovin My Bags can fix anything

9 - most people do not get the allure of fine handbags, it's our thing not theirs

10 - pay cash, debt is for the birds

11 - one $1,000 bag really is worth 3 cheaper bags

12 - don't settle

JoannaSweden · Nov 11th, 2007, 04:05 AM

Oh, I don't even know where to start!

But the most important lessons are, I guess:
- tons of tips regarding Ebay
- I've gotten better at telling fakes from the real thing (and to think I thought I was good before! I didn't know anything...)
- Always to get the best quality I can afford. I won't regret it.
- It's not weird to have a savingsaccount, where you put money aside for bagpurchases. Ok, well, maybe it is, but other people have those accounts too!

missisa07 · Nov 11th, 2007, 04:59 AM

I've learned to only get classic bags that will stand the test of time. That's why I love the Chanel house. They produce some cute trendy bags, but I tend to look over them and stick with bags I know I can wear for years to come. I don't like to buy "it" bags that are hot right now, but might not be in the seasons to come.

Kathyy · Nov 11th, 2007, 10:41 AM

I love bags. I love the one on my arm and the one on the shelf and the one in the store and the one on the website and the one on ebay. I am going to try to sell the ones I cannot see using every day with any outfit forever. Try. Tomorrow maybe.

I have learned I adore satchels but slim shoulder bags are fun to carry. I have learned cross body bags are useful and comfortable but need to be squishy so they don't bounce! I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model.

If I really want a bag another will come along. Just bought a Coach I have been hunting for a year! Yippee!

Still trying to remember to COMPLETELY empty the bag before it goes on the shelf so I don't forget where that widget I will need in two days is. Where is my Coach initial charm? Where is that wallet on a string? That shoulder strap?

JudieH · Nov 15th, 2007, 08:27 AM

I keep on learning more things about myself. Clearly I have a handbag addiction and instead of trying to deny it, I am going to fully embrace it!

I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun!

I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable.

I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out.

Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each?

I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.

momo43 · Nov 15th, 2007, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by JudieH

I keep on learning more things about myself. Clearly I have a handbag addiction and instead of trying to deny it, I am going to fully embrace it!

I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun!

I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable.

I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out.

Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each?

I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.

ITA about needing to see a bag in person. most of the time when i purchased online, i've never been completely happy with my new bag.

another thing i've learned is that a bag is just a bag. As nice as a particular bag is at some point in time, there's always another bag in the future that i will love more.

TejasMama · Nov 15th, 2007, 04:39 PM

[quote=Kathyy;4366560]I I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model. quote]

I'm the same way! My DH calls me the 'girl scout' because I always have different, random things because, "Well, you just never know!"

llson · Nov 15th, 2007, 04:45 PM

What I've learned about bags is the same as clothing, gotta know my style. I'm also realizing that over the years my style changes. A bag may be a great deal, or on super sale, but if it's not me, I won't use it--it will be another bag sitting on the shelf, or e-bay. I appreciate good quality and bags are one thing I will spend big $$ on, however, I've also learned that most will go on sale, so I shop much wiser now--I only buy the bags I truly love. I'm much smarter about the bags I purchase and the price at which I purchase them. It's not about quantity, it's about quality and the bag's value to me.

Nov 9th, 2007, 10:37 AM	#31
BagsRmyLife Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: - NyC - Posts: 5,169	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I learned about lots of new brands I would have never found anywhere else!!!

Nov 9th, 2007, 10:47 AM	#32
HauteMama Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,845	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I've learned that I really CAN take a deep breath and walk away. I tell myself that if I continue to obsess over a bag for another two weeks, I will reconsider. Know what? There is usually a NEW bag that I "love" at that point, or the newness of thinking about the first one is gone. If I find a bag I cannot stop thinking about, I WILL buy it, but I'm okay for now. There are priorities a lot higher than bags. We have a lot of home improvements to do, and that is my top priority right now. Oh, and despite my obsession with bags for the past year, I'm STILL not sure they trump shoes!
HauteMama Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,845

Nov 10th, 2007, 06:52 PM	#35
bagshopr Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 989	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I have loved reading everyone's responses, and I have been nodding my head in agreement with all of you. I have learned not to get caught up in the hype of It bags, I have learned that arm or hand bags do not work well for me. I have learned that Bohemian styles (by that I mean fringes and long tassels and strings) look very silly on me. Also, I have learned to be quiet about my addiction. My friends and family would die if they knew how much any of my bags cost. If I say (lying through my teeth) that a bag cost $100, they are shocked into silence!

Nov 11th, 2007, 01:22 AM	#36
BigPurseSue Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Amid the prairies of the Midwest with the tiger swallow-tail butterflies. Posts: 1,315	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? What I've learned: * Every bag you love will eventually go on sale, often sooner than you expect. * You CAN talk yourself out of a bag you love. It can take time. Sometimes months. Sometimes you'll have relapses. ("I think I'm finally going to buy that bag....No, no, no...") But it can be done. * There's no such thing as a too-big purse. Every time you buy a purse you think is too big, carry it for a week and see what happens. * You need a rule: The DH is not allowed to complain about your purses if when you're out he says every few minutes "Can I put this in your purse?..."Can you put this in your purse for me?"..."I'm tired of carrying this in my pocket can you put it in your purse?"..."Where's your purse? I need to find something I put in it." * If the bag is described as "bohemian" that means the cats will find things on it to chew. * It's good to be happy. So long as you pay cash. * Carry vinyl in the rain.

Nov 11th, 2007, 01:55 AM	#37
caxe Established 1976 Joined: Mar 2007 Location: The Southeast, US Posts: 4,963	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I've learned that there IS too much of a good thing.
	__________________ Let's get it on. It's time to get down!

Nov 11th, 2007, 04:02 AM	#38
ladysalesrep195 Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: near Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,490	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I have learned so very many things over this last year at tPF: 1 - if I need to research a bag the info is here on tPF 2 - I like a wide variety of bags from Kooba to Bbags to Prada to LV 3 - bags can look so sexy in the crook of your arm 4 - a bag can ~make~ a simple outfit of jeans and tshirt look special 5 - a wonderful bag can make me feel pretty 6 - good leather is worth the price 7 - my beloved au lait coffees can stain a bag 8 - Lovin My Bags can fix anything 9 - most people do not get the allure of fine handbags, it's our thing not theirs 10 - pay cash, debt is for the birds 11 - one $1,000 bag really is worth 3 cheaper bags 12 - don't settle

Nov 11th, 2007, 04:05 AM	#39
JoannaSweden Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 613	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? Oh, I don't even know where to start! But the most important lessons are, I guess: - tons of tips regarding Ebay - I've gotten better at telling fakes from the real thing (and to think I thought I was good before! I didn't know anything...) - Always to get the best quality I can afford. I won't regret it. - It's not weird to have a savingsaccount, where you put money aside for bagpurchases. Ok, well, maybe it is, but other people have those accounts too!
JoannaSweden Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 613

Nov 11th, 2007, 04:59 AM	#40
missisa07 (Isabel) Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 7,094	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I've learned to only get classic bags that will stand the test of time. That's why I love the Chanel house. They produce some cute trendy bags, but I tend to look over them and stick with bags I know I can wear for years to come. I don't like to buy "it" bags that are hot right now, but might not be in the seasons to come.
	__________________ http://twitter.com/theHiLife http://theHiLife.tumblr.com

Nov 11th, 2007, 10:41 AM	#41
Kathyy Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 873	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I love bags. I love the one on my arm and the one on the shelf and the one in the store and the one on the website and the one on ebay. I am going to try to sell the ones I cannot see using every day with any outfit forever. Try. Tomorrow maybe. I have learned I adore satchels but slim shoulder bags are fun to carry. I have learned cross body bags are useful and comfortable but need to be squishy so they don't bounce! I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model. If I really want a bag another will come along. Just bought a Coach I have been hunting for a year! Yippee! Still trying to remember to COMPLETELY empty the bag before it goes on the shelf so I don't forget where that widget I will need in two days is. Where is my Coach initial charm? Where is that wallet on a string? That shoulder strap?
Kathyy Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 873

Nov 15th, 2007, 08:27 AM	#42
JudieH OP Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Making my dreams come true Posts: 3,263	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? I keep on learning more things about myself. Clearly I have a handbag addiction and instead of trying to deny it, I am going to fully embrace it! I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun! I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable. I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out. Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each? I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.
	__________________ You can read my blog at http://judiesjuice.wordpress.com.

Nov 15th, 2007, 04:39 PM	#44
TejasMama Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,469	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? [quote=Kathyy;4366560]I I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model. quote] I'm the same way! My DH calls me the 'girl scout' because I always have different, random things because, "Well, you just never know!"
TejasMama Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,469	__________________ ____________________________ "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." --Albert Einstein ____________________________ Finding Mindful Habits Here: www.zenhabits.org

Nov 15th, 2007, 04:45 PM	#45
llson Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,957	Re: What have you learned through your handbag addiction? What I've learned about bags is the same as clothing, gotta know my style. I'm also realizing that over the years my style changes. A bag may be a great deal, or on super sale, but if it's not me, I won't use it--it will be another bag sitting on the shelf, or e-bay. I appreciate good quality and bags are one thing I will spend big $$ on, however, I've also learned that most will go on sale, so I shop much wiser now--I only buy the bags I truly love. I'm much smarter about the bags I purchase and the price at which I purchase them. It's not about quantity, it's about quality and the bag's value to me.
llson Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,957

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.