Building Your Collection: The 5 Bags Every Girl Needs

#31
For me the slouchy bag and the everday favorite are the same. :smile: I still need a dressy bag but I don't like most evening bags. Probably because I have no dressy mode period!
 
#32
I love your OP! To me, if one bag can play multiple roles, all the better... versatility is a good thing. So, at a maximum one could have 5 bags in a core bag wardrobe, but could get away with fewer. For example, for me, the slouchy could also be the work bag and the everyday bag!
 
#33
I like this list a lot - it reminds me of the conversation I have with myself every time I shop for a bag, "Where am I going to use this?" The more categories it falls in the better!

I would not have understood the need for an office bag either until two promotions ago. Now I get it. Serious jobs require serious bags.
 
#35
Thinking about this again, I'd say that the 'slouchy bag' should be the 'ratty bag'. I think of my everyday bag as the one I grab when I run out for groceries or something, but it can still be a good leather bag. I think there's a whole other category of low maintenance bag that you grab when you think you're going to be somewhere grimy or outdoorsy or when you're groggy and might spill a bit of a drink on a weekend morning. This would be like a canvas bag or something for me, not designer stuff!

I tend to want more variety in my everday bags. I don't have enough dressy events to go to to warrant a lot of varitey in the structure/evening bag category.
 
#36
I found 4 of the 5 categories matched as follows:

  • The Catch-All Tote: Speedy 35, Herve Chapelier 925N nylon (this is the one that gets dirty and goes in the washer)
  • The Everyday Favorite: Marc Jacobs Stam, Big Buddha Monet (how I wish this was done in leather, it's synthetic. just a breeze to carry around)
  • The “Instant Dresser-Upper”: Chanel flap, LV Beverly MM (if only I had somewhere to go)
  • The Office Bag: n/a
  • The Slouchy Bag: MbMJ Teri and MbMJ Bowler (these are pretty eye catching just bumming around)

This gave me a good idea of what else is sitting in my closet that's not one of those "reach for" bags. Good reason to eliminate the "unnecessary" in the new year...
 
#38
Good stuff! I think my "slouchy bag" could end up being my "everyday bag" although at the moment I cycle fairly often between my Mulberry Alexa in oak, YSL Roady in navy, Longchamp Victoire in black and Miu Miu bow in green.

The dresser upper though, for me, is definitely the Bottega knot clutch! And I just end up using my everyday bag as my office bag. Maybe I should get a proper office bag. More excuses to shop!
 
#43
Tashi Delek said:
I recently realized that I’d been accumulating too many bags of the same style/color/shape and wasn’t getting maximum use out of anything. I decided to stop buying random bags and invest in a few good pieces that would be able to carry me through every occasion. I wanted to have a diverse, versatile, and usable collection. In the end, I came up with a list of 5 essential bag types. For any of you considering purging your collection or looking for advice on how to build a collection without accumulating 20 purses you don’t use well, I hope this is helpful!

Note: The bag suggestions I made are based on personal preference and what I’m aware of out there. Feel free to add to the list or make suggestions about adjustments to this!

Building Your Collection: The 5 Bags Every Girl Needs


  • The Catch-All Tote
Every girl needs one of these carry-all totes for the beach, travel, shopping, or books. While extremely useful, they don’t have to be utilitarian! Totes often come in fun colors and patterns and because they’re so big, they’re capable of immediately sprucing up an otherwise drab outfit.
What to Look For: To get the most use out of your tote, look for one that it large enough for you to be able to throw in any and all miscellaneous items (for me, it absolutely MUST fit my laptop and still have room for at least a few books). It should also have long enough straps that you can carry it on your shoulder and hands-free while running errands.
Suggestions: Goyard St. Louis, Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Longchamp Le Pliage (long handles)


  • The Everyday Favorite
This is the bag that you automatically reach for every morning on your way out the door. Because this is something you’ll be using a lot, make sure it goes with your wardrobe and is large enough to fit all your everyday needs (cell phone, wallet, make-up bag, etc). Of all the bags in your collection, this is the one that should scream personality. It’s all about YOU and your style.
What to Look For: Look for a bag that is versatile enough to be worn with most of your closet, as well as something that is easy to use and carry. For me, this means detachable shoulder straps! Also pick something that is classy enough for nicer daytime events or casual dinners (for example, a last minute lunch downtown with friends). You’ll get the most use out of this bag if it’s day-to-evening. I actually have two bags that I consider my ‘everyday favorites’ but between the two, I have my whole wardrobe pretty much covered: one dark gray satchel with silver hardware, and one brown Boston bag with gold hardware.
Suggestions: Balenciaga City/Part-Time/Work, Louis Vuitton Speedy, Chanel GST or Jumbo Flap, Rebecca Minkoff MAB, Mulberry Alexa, Proenza Schouler PS1, Gucci Jackie


  • The “Instant Dresser-Upper”
This bag is your go-to for nights out on the town, receptions, nice dinners, and special events. Whether it’s a clutch or small purse, these bags are capable of instantly dressing up any outfit.
What to Look For: You want something relatively small since all you need to be able to fit in here are your phone, a small wallet, keys, and lipstick. Depending on your style, your purse can be leather, exotic, rhinestone-covered, studded or patent. I’ve never been much of a clutch person (prefer cross-body and shoulder purses) but for those of you that don’t mind not having handles/straps, clutches look lovely and chic.
Suggestions: Rebecca Minkoff MAC, Chanel M/L or Small Flap, Judith Lieber Clutch, Lauren Merkin Clutch, Fendi Baguette


  • The Office Bag
Every girl needs one bag that’s office appropriate: not too flashy or conspicuous but elegant, refined, and understated (if you work in the fashion industry, disregard!).
What to Look For: You want a bag with clean lines and at least a little bit of structure. Avoid conspicuous logos, monograms, tassels, flashy hardware, patterns, and distracting colors.
Suggestions: YSL Muse, Bottega Veneta Campana, Mulberry Bayswater


  • The Slouchy Bag
This is the bag you reach for on lazy, comfy, casual days. It’s buttery soft and slings right over your shoulder making it the perfect companion for a quick trip out to the grocery store.
What to Look For: A hobo with a wide opening (so it’s easier to use) and roomy strap that sits comfortable on your shoulder. The softer the leather, the better the bag will fall, so look for leather you love.
Suggestions: Balenciaga Day, Bottega Veneta Hobo, Marc by Marc Jacobs Faridah Hobo, Rebecca Minkoff Nikki
Click to expand...
Ok, Here's the Budget Challenge. Using Tashi's Structure, what would be your reccomendations for a new bag collector, with no bag costing over $300?
The Catch All Tote:
The Every Day Favorite:
The Instant Dresser-Upper:
The Office Bag:
The Slouchy Bag:
I may be naive, but I am thinking if i can build a wardrobe of 5 classic bags that will meet my needs, i'l be able to stop this obsession! Thank you for your suggestions, please!
 
#45
SuziAck said:
Ok, Here's the Budget Challenge. Using Tashi's Structure, what would be your reccomendations for a new bag collector, with no bag costing over $300?
The Catch All Tote:
The Every Day Favorite:
The Instant Dresser-Upper:
The Office Bag:
The Slouchy Bag:
I may be naive, but I am thinking if i can build a wardrobe of 5 classic bags that will meet my needs, i'l be able to stop this obsession! Thank you for your suggestions, please!
Click to expand...
For your challenge, here are my thoughts:

Catch-all tote: there is a great tote on J crew right now. Love it.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/handbags/leatherbags/PRDOVR~51634/51634.jsp

Everyday favorite: Michael Kors Grayson Large Satchel. You will have to find one on sale or on ebay to get under $300, but it will be worth it.

Instant dresser-upper: I have had great luck with inexpensive clutches at Banana Republic.

The Office Bag: Back to J Crew. brompton Hobo. I love the Burgindy.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/handbags/leatherbags/PRDOVR~29063/29063.jsp

Slouchy Bag: I would go with any hobo from Marc by Marc Jacobs that you can find on ebay under your limit. Or Tano Boogie Bucket, which was just discontinued, but there are still some around.

Fun question!
 
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