I prefer to have oversized bags because that is my preference, but I got a couple of cross bodies so I can have some variety. I do get annoyed some times with smaller bags because I always want to carry more. The funny thing is that I sometimes end up stuffing my large bags to give them some shape since I never carry anywhere near enough to fill them.
Big bag lovers: can you successfully carry smaller bags?
- Thread starter bluejay21
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I have a large range of sizes on my bags... But I find that Large bags are more me, I just enjoy and feel good with really large bags...
COACH ADDICT said:
On weekends tend to downsize the bag used. 'Found' a Dooney & Burke in the closet. Cannot remember what it is called but it is shaped like a barrel. Decided to use it. Found myself struggling to get things in and out & I didn't have much in it to begin with, but it looked quite though albeit not practical fort usage.
The three bags I bought and kept this year are small and they have become my favorites. Now, I notice how heavy my bigger bags are when they are loaded - including my bal work and we, which are the lightest bags I own (when empty).
It has been refreshing to just narrow down to essentials - drivers license, credit card, atm card, TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods rewards card (I go in there too often to not have it on me), some cash, lip balm, compact and keys. I was in Canada recently and not lugging a proper bag (had my Givenchy nightingale with me but only used my Fendilicious chain wallet) was liberating!
So, yes, I have successfully made the switch to smaller bags. I still love and use my bigger ones though, but encourage every big bag girl to try out a small one from time to time.
It has been refreshing to just narrow down to essentials - drivers license, credit card, atm card, TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods rewards card (I go in there too often to not have it on me), some cash, lip balm, compact and keys. I was in Canada recently and not lugging a proper bag (had my Givenchy nightingale with me but only used my Fendilicious chain wallet) was liberating!
So, yes, I have successfully made the switch to smaller bags. I still love and use my bigger ones though, but encourage every big bag girl to try out a small one from time to time.
I don't carry a lot, but still prefer a larger bag. Two reasons - one is that with a smaller bag I feel like I have to file everything I carry. It all has to be arranged just so in order to fit. With a larger bag it all fits in whatever fashion I put it in there. The second reason is scale. A larger bag looks better because I'm tall. A small bag makes me look like I'm carrying something that shrunk.
I leaning towards it. I can get into the crossbody, but as far anything else small bags make me fell like Im a fourth grader.
I am torn. I love the look of big bags and can not carry smaller ones just because of the look but at the same time I can not really benefit from my bags because they all get too heavy for me to carry! This always limits what I carry around 
all of my bags are already heavy when they are empty!
How do you guys deal with that? Is it just a matter of adaptation and getting used to it?
all of my bags are already heavy when they are empty!How do you guys deal with that? Is it just a matter of adaptation and getting used to it?
^ I won't buy a heavy bag! If it's heavy when empty, it's not for me because I have to load it up for my day.
I'm guessing those who run out of the house with "only a credit card, ID, phone and lip balm" aren't leaving the house for hours at a time, or have a car to pile their other stuff in. When I leave, I have to carry items for at least 10 hours, and often for several different activities and climates. So I have to have a sweater, scarf, book, anything I need for a whole day, with me when I leave in the morning.
I'm guessing those who run out of the house with "only a credit card, ID, phone and lip balm" aren't leaving the house for hours at a time, or have a car to pile their other stuff in. When I leave, I have to carry items for at least 10 hours, and often for several different activities and climates. So I have to have a sweater, scarf, book, anything I need for a whole day, with me when I leave in the morning.
I can carry a smaller bag only temporarily though lol To run errands or make quick trips, I will carry a cross body or small clutch. But my everyday bag is usually a med (or large) hobo. I'm always the chick digging for her wallet/keys 
I am torn. I love the look of big bags and can not carry smaller ones just because of the look but at the same time I can not really benefit from my bags because they all get too heavy for me to carry! This always limits what I carry around
How do you guys deal with that? Is it just a matter of adaptation and getting used to it?
Have you considered switching to nylon bags instead of leather bags?
For me, the tradeoff is if I don't carry it in my bag, I have to carry it in my hand. I'd much rather have my hands free for other stuff, like my coffee cup.
I might be in the minority here, but personally, I will never go back to a big bag (esp a full big bag), unless it's a big bag with very little in it - my body and back can't take it! It helps that my commutes are now much shorter than when I was in NY, and with technology like the Kindle or iPad - I do not need to carry books the way I used to. I love carrying the Chanel Reissue 225 - I'm 5'2" and the chain fits me perfectly and it fits everything I need: lucas paw paw, lipstick, NARS blush, travel blush brush, wallet, phone, earphones, kindle, house key and tampons for emergencies. It helps that I don't carry huge wallets anymore - I've abandoned my MBMJ clutch wallet ages ago and used an HH and now an nonBrand leather ID pouch. It's incredibly freeing not having to lug around a big bag 
I think Ann Wintour is indeed onto something - though she does have assistants to lug her things! I often envy men, not needing to carry anything other than keys and a wallet.
I think Ann Wintour is indeed onto something - though she does have assistants to lug her things! I often envy men, not needing to carry anything other than keys and a wallet.I might be in the minority here, but personally, I will never go back to a big bag (esp a full big bag), unless it's a big bag with very little in it - my body and back can't take it! It helps that my commutes are now much shorter than when I was in NY, and with technology like the Kindle or iPad - I do not need to carry books the way I used to. I love carrying the Chanel Reissue 225 - I'm 5'2" and the chain fits me perfectly and it fits everything I need: lucas paw paw, lipstick, NARS blush, travel blush brush, wallet, phone, earphones, kindle, house key and tampons for emergencies. It helps that I don't carry huge wallets anymore - I've abandoned my MBMJ clutch wallet ages ago and used an HH and now an nonBrand leather ID pouch. It's incredibly freeing not having to lug around a big bag
I know a lot of men who carry bags! They have keys, a wallet, a cell phone, a kindle or ipad or some such electronic gadget, a small notebook... and of course my more stylish male friends carry hair care products with them.
I find Chanel bags to be extremely heavy with the chain strap, and am selling my WOC because even for a tiny bag, it's heavy to me.
Different strokes!
Have you considered switching to nylon bags instead of leather bags?
For me, the tradeoff is if I don't carry it in my bag, I have to carry it in my hand. I'd much rather have my hands free for other stuff, like my coffee cup.
I just got a Prada tessuto (nylon) gaufre and while I absolutely love everything about it, its still on the heavier side.. maybe because of the gaufre style? I mean it incorporates alot of fabric in it KWIM? I can not imagine how would the leather version be...
The one I got is similar to this one but a bit bigger..
http://store.prada.com/en/IT#!/en/IT/woman/handbags/top-handles/BN1407_QR1_F0040
It seems like that Prada has way too much hardware on it for it to be lightweight.