Favorite thing about handbags!

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

I like to be able to carry everything in one bag (typical handbag contents, agenda, files, jacket, dog leash, small purchases, lunch) Hence the tote is my bag of choice. If I have multiple bags, inevitably I’ll misplace something. My MIL would have all these crossbody pouches (one for her phone, another her wallet, another for placards and id cards, another for glasses...then separate lanyards for keys) It was an ordeal for her to remove her jacket. I want everything neat and contained. Also I cannot stand putting things in my pockets..as noted above, something will get misplaced.

Among my favorite bags is the large size Chloe Baylee..big enough to fit everything but not overwhelming when carrying minimal items.

C67893D2-3242-417D-8982-E3D3BE3204EA.jpeg
 
Ok, I have two questions!

1. What's your favorite thing about handbags in general?
2. What's your favorite thing about a certain handbag(s)? Pick one you already own!

1. For me, its being able to elevate an outfit and make it look fancier even if I'm wearing t-shirt and leggings.
2. For my Polene bags, one looks like a flower and one looks like a dumpling.
 
  • Insightful
Reactions: papertiger
1. The leather. My head still swivels like that Exorcist kid when I pass gorgeous leather on the street. No attention given to who is carrying it ... it’s all the leather.

2. That it’s a given now that bags can have both a top handle AND a crossbody strap. After the Coach Court line, I waited more than a decade ... maybe two ... to see that design again. Love the versatility.
 
1. The leather. My head still swivels like that Exorcist kid when I pass gorgeous leather on the street. No attention given to who is carrying it ... it’s all the leather.

2. That it’s a given now that bags can have both a top handle AND a crossbody strap. After the Coach Court line, I waited more than a decade ... maybe two ... to see that design again. Love the versatility.

I agree wholeheartedly with point 2!! I found I don't love shoulder bags because you can only wear them on your shoulder. If it doesn't let me carry it top handle, crossbody and shoulder bag, I don't want it.
 
1. I feel naked without one. They have the potential to make or change an outfit. AND, they generally fit the same way when I gain or lose a few pounds. Probably why I also like shoes.

2. While I was historically turned off by dual straps (short and long), I have come to really appreciate them, especially when both the top handle and shoulder strap are removable. My current favorites with dual carry options are the Coach Swinger and Claire V Maribel.
 
1. Just like @westvillage it’s all about the leather for me too. I just love how leather looks, feels, smells… I love how good leather softens as it ages and starts to show more and more character with time.

2. EDIT because I’m the idiot who put two reasons for what I like about handbags rather than answering the question :rolleyes: Hmm I’m going to pick my poppy red Mulberry Lily bag. I love the colour, it brightens up and elevates my outfit each time. I love that bag.
 
Last edited:
I have sort of a philosophical reason for loving bags. I don’t feel any love for shoes or clothes. In fact, I detest shoe shopping and find clothes shopping tiresome (not as detestable, but not enjoyable either).

1. I love bags because they hold my private things. Like my private self that I don’t show to the world, the world doesn’t know what I have in my bag. It’s a part of me that stays secret even when I’m carrying it out and about.

2. My favorite thing about my fendi peekaboo essentially is that it is neither open top nor flap nor zipper. It’s turnlock only. So I have super easy access on both sides, but I can close it when I want to.
 
1. They’re accessible to everyone, regardless of body shape or size. I also am drained by shoe and clothes shopping because I wear sizes (11 shoe, US ~14 clothes) that most contemporary or luxury brands have decided they either don’t want to cater to, or will only produce a very limited quantity for, so my size is never in stock. Bags are different - for the most part, I could get any bag I loved and “participate” in the fashion world without worrying about whether or not it’s going to fit me.

2. Favorite thing about my Goyard Artois is the color - bright blue, the same color as my Alma Mater’s color. Reminds me of fun college days!
 
This is a fun and useful topic!

1. I think handbags have an ability to elevate, or complete, an outfit. Most of my clothing is on the cheaper side. But bags (and shoes...) is something that I prefer to be of good quality and thought-out design. It's an accessory but with a very important function.

2. Compartmets would be my favorite feature! Sadly, most designer handbags eschew them :lol: (And I have to use pouches to keep things in order.) That's why my absolute favorite bag of all is the Proenza Schouler PS1. Super easy to use.
 
1. They’re accessible to everyone, regardless of body shape or size. I also am drained by shoe and clothes shopping because I wear sizes (11 shoe, US ~14 clothes) that most contemporary or luxury brands have decided they either don’t want to cater to, or will only produce a very limited quantity for, so my size is never in stock. Bags are different - for the most part, I could get any bag I loved and “participate” in the fashion world without worrying about whether or not it’s going to fit me.

2. Favorite thing about my Goyard Artois is the color - bright blue, the same color as my Alma Mater’s color. Reminds me of fun college days!

I am feeling that body shapes and sizes very hard right now. I recently ordered some clothes online from sustainable brands and they were clearly made for the opposite of me! Tall, skinny models and that's it! I'm short, I'm Asian, and every single item of clothing looked ridiculous on me, especially the pants! I looked like I was swimming in fabric.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ItsPurseonal
Top