Bag Realizations

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Emily1830

Emily1830

Decade Club
Jul 26, 2013
4,089
10,394
#1
I had a realization that I am initially drawn to the aesthetics and branding of a bag, but after I have the bag, I use the bags that have the most functionality and practicality for my needs. This is not to say that I don't consider practicality when choosing bags--I do--but I learn that some bags aren't as practical as you think.

Case in point. I just got the Hermes Evelyne, which I've wanted for ages and thought would be the perfect mommy bag. After wearing it a few times, both with and without my kids, I realized that it's better when I'm alone (or without the stroller). I find I prefer bags with a handle and a long crossbody strap when I'm with the stroller so I can attach it by the small handle to the stroller hook. The Evelyne is gorgeous but heavy, and I'm loathe to hang it off the stroller handles. I also found it best to use with a bag insert, but this limits the size of the bag, which I thought was going to be spacious.

What about you?? Any major bag realizations?
 
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#2
Silly World bag realizations:
1) I'm going to drop bag upside-down in a carpark. No matter what color or cost.

2) Every bag needs to be worn on-shoulder, at some point. So get designs with straps or big enough handles.

3) The hardware scratches. And no one else gives a sh!t or notices.

4) Take brand repair/warranty promises lightly. Store could disappear tomorrow.

5) Collonil, collonil, collonil! Because that coffee will spill eventually.

6) Do not buy anything tpf/instagram/fb recommends. Only what works for self. Because posed photos are not same as USING bag.

7) White paint is hard to scrape off leather. But can be done. If determined enough.

8) I really dislike longchamp le pliage bags. Nothing can cure this. Just embrace the waterproof timbuk2 messengers & smile/nod at others.

9) Carrying pacsafe feels about the same as carrying hermes. If I am living right.

10) Absolutely every bag looks better near dogs & bicycles.
 
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#3
Subbie said:
Haha, that is a hilarious list, and so true!
Out of curiosity, how do you feel about vegan leather (polyurethane) bags, in terms of ease of cleaning? I've been interested in vegan bags recently, and I see that some companies claim that their PU leather is very easy to clean, because you can just wipe away stains with soap and water. Do you find that to be true? If so, is that enough to make you want to buy a vegan leather bag instead of the real thing?
Click to expand...
I can attest that the Von Holzhausen Technik “ leather” cleans with soap and water just fine.
 
#5
I just realized how convenient crossbody bags are but they have to be a decent size.
I like outside pockets a LOT.
I can wash my teal Nikki in the washing machine as long as I condition after.
All of my leather bags make it through downpours just fine.
Using a conditioner with UV protection is worth it.
Never leave bags around my cat.
I carry a lot with me so no matter how cute the bag is, if it's too small I won't use it.
I can get preloved high quality older bags that I love very cheaply.
 
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#8
I just realised I don't like hobo bags. I thought I loved them. Until I took my M Effie out again and remembered exactly why it's the only hobo I own and why it comes out a few times a year. I LOATHE how that bag is deep as a sleeping bag! It's pretty but it's got to go.
 
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#10
Yes-Stella McCartney bags are vegan and very easy to clean!
Subbie said:
Haha, that is a hilarious list, and so true!
Out of curiosity, how do you feel about vegan leather (polyurethane) bags, in terms of ease of cleaning? I've been interested in vegan bags recently, and I see that some companies claim that their PU leather is very easy to clean, because you can just wipe away stains with soap and water. Do you find that to be true? If so, is that enough to make you want to buy a vegan leather bag instead of the real thing?
Click to expand...
 
#12
remainsilly said:
Silly World bag realizations:
1) I'm going to drop bag upside-down in a carpark. No matter what color or cost.

2) Every bag needs to be worn on-shoulder, at some point. So get designs with straps or big enough handles.

3) The hardware scratches. And no one else gives a sh!t or notices.

4) Take brand repair/warranty promises lightly. Store could disappear tomorrow.

5) Collonil, collonil, collonil! Because that coffee will spill eventually.

6) Do not buy anything tpf/instagram/fb recommends. Only what works for self. Because posed photos are not same as USING bag.

7) White paint is hard to scrape off leather. But can be done. If determined enough.

8) I really dislike longchamp le pliage bags. Nothing can cure this. Just embrace the waterproof timbuk2 messengers & smile/nod at others.

9) Carrying pacsafe feels about the same as carrying hermes. If I am living right.

10) Absolutely every bag looks better near dogs & bicycles.
Click to expand...
 
#14
I learned that the reason I hated crossbody bags was because I was wearing my big old heavy bags that way. I recently bought a darling little bag from a fellow TPF'er (is that a "word"?) and, lo and behold, when you have the right sized bag, cross body works. Duh, I am a slow learner. This little Massaccessi Penelope, or as I call it, the copper Penny, is a great crossbody bag.
Copper penny.jpeg
 
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#15
Subbie said:
Haha, that is a hilarious list, and so true!
Out of curiosity, how do you feel about vegan leather (polyurethane) bags, in terms of ease of cleaning? I've been interested in vegan bags recently, and I see that some companies claim that their PU leather is very easy to clean, because you can just wipe away stains with soap and water. Do you find that to be true? If so, is that enough to make you want to buy a vegan leather bag instead of the real thing?
Click to expand...
I remember when vegan leather was called PVC & polyurethane.
Sure, just sponge & go. Same as laminate flooring & plastic.
Real leather outlasts it by many years, can be repaired & is friendlier to Earth.
No, not buying fake leather. Sorry.
 
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