Building Your Collection: The 5 Bags Every Girl Needs

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#136
An updated list (most of these actually overlap):

Everyday bag - MBMJ Fran, MBMJ Karlie
Catch-all tote & office bag - Longchamp Le Pliage
Slouchy bag - MBMJ Preppy Nylon Natasha
Dresser upper - Coach Sabrina, Kate Spade Gold Coast Meadow
 
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#137
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
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This is a great thread for someone just starting a collection (me ;). Thanks!
 
#138
i don't usually carry much on me & i am petite.

chanel woc, YSL black clutch : casual outings, to grab a bite, drinks
chanel red flap, YSL red clutch: dinners, special events etc
LV speedy 30: this actually acts as a tote for me. i throw in my water bottle, ipad, books etc. a good throw about bag

still lusting after some other bags but the list keeps changing though sometimes i feel i shouldn't spend so much as the above bags for me already caters to all my lifestyle needs :thinkin:
 
#139
Catch all tote: LV Neverfull MM DE, Tods G line shopping tote in black
Everyday favorite: Prada Saffiano lux tote in dove grey, LV Speedy B 30 in DE, MBMJ petal to the metal Natasha
Instant dresser upper: hmmm don't have one.... Currently use my LV pochette in mono...
The office bag: LV Speedy B 30 in DE, MK Hamilton in luggage
Slouchy bag: LV Noe in mono (kind of slouchy), yellow Stuart weitzman

Hmmmm.... I guess I have more than enough.... And some don't fit here! :giggles:
 
#140
Catchall tote LV Neverfull GM DE

image-1063507115.jpg

Everyday favorite Gucci vintage Boston bag in black diamanté
and LV Montorgueil PM in monogram

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Instant dresser upper
LV Sherwood PM in monogram vermis (I rarely carry it though). I usually use one of my Aldo or Bebe clutches

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Soon to be replaced by the LV Sobe in black


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Office bag LV Alma MM in Epi Leather Indigo


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and LV Hampstead GM DE


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Slouchy bag Gucci Bamboo bar medium hobo

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Those are my bags in those colors and styles
 
#141
Wow, this is a very helpful thread. Here I thought I needed to replace my current crossover. Instead I need to add more purses. ;) That makes all my likes go on the must have list. Basic black is covered now for the color.
 
#144
Emgie said:
Any suggestions on where to donate the excess bags one has accumulated over the years? I love them all and want them to go to good homes...
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A woman's shelter? There is a charity that teaches interview skills and provides professional attire but the name is escaping me - maybe someone knows what I am talking about remembers the name?
 
#146
Great list! I've put a lot of thought recently in the type of bags that I have / are missing and I just ordered the last two. Which oficially makes me bag content, cause I don't need more than one of each type...

1. Catch all- Midnight metallic boots'n bags tote "linea Frida"
img.purseforum.com/attachments/bags-bags-bags/your-bag-showcase/1985003d1355612774-paulina-loves-colombia-img_4358.jpg
2. Dress up- Gold metallic boots 'n bags clutch/purse "Linea Platino"
img.purseforum.com/attachments/bags-bags-bags/your-bag-showcase/1985014d1355613762-paulina-loves-colombia-img_4374.jpg
3. Everyday "the most you"- Velez black "preppy" bag
img.purseforum.com/attachments/bags-bags-bags/your-bag-showcase/1966512d1354387787-paulina-loves-colombia-preppy1.jpg
4. Office- Was missing, just ordered Jack Georges Sienna woven dowel tote in cherry
jackgeorges.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/i/sienna_woven_w7664.jpg
5. Slouchy- Colombian traditional leather purse
img.purseforum.com/attachments/bags-bags-bags/your-bag-showcase/1966533d1354388547-paulina-loves-colombia-limonpiel1.jpg
6. Crossbody - Was missing, I need a crossbody with interior organization where I can store all my small OCD crap and easily find it. I used to have this vintage lovely Bree lady top 1
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NyOBS--hL.jpg
but it fell apart completely and the leather started making me look homeless.

So it will be replaced, and I just ordered Coach Legacy Archival Rambler in black cherry.
cdna.lystit.com/photos/2012/10/18/coach-silverblack-cherry-legacy-archival-rambler-product-1-5017114-839452491_large_flex.jpeg
 
#150
I like OP's summary of different functions and here are my selections:
The Catch-All Tote - Hermes Birkin
The Everyday Favorite - LV speedy or boston bags from other designers
The “Instant Dresser-Upper” - Hermes Kelly 28 or 25 or any cute clutch from other designers
The Office Bag - LV Alma
The Slouchy Bag - Hermes Massai or Lindy
 
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