Has anyone permanently switched from big bags to small?

[LemonDrop]

I think of my Speedy 25 as a big bag. But what has helped me is I carry travel sizes of everything. For example I don't need Advil or allergy meds every day but when I need it I NEED IT ! So I carry a tiny med pouch with a couple Advil and Zyrtec instead of two bottles. I carry one emergency Kleenex, tampon etc..... I carry a lot of small amounts of things in a cosmetic PM size pouch. This helps me actually think of my 25 as a big bag because I carry so little.

 

[tenKrat]

For the most part, I have. My bigger LVs are MM size, but I prefer to use my BB bags nowadays.

 

[catsinthebag]

I feel like I am more interested in smaller bags. I like being hands free and am finding that I do not need to carry as much as I think I need to carry. When I first started buying LV - I gravitated to the larger bags. Fast forward a decade, within the last two years I've started buying smaller/crossbody bags. I carry my Neverfull GM during the week and it is feeling too big although I wouldn't want it in a smaller size. I reach for my Felicie and Favorite mostly on the weekends. I'm planning to buy a Speedy B 25 next. I think that will give me the best of both worlds.

I bought the Speedy B 25 in Empreinte last fall, and I can honestly say it is, as you say, the best of both worlds. There is no perfect bag, but this one comes close for me! I think it's because it looks small, but holds a surprising amount. Like so many of you, I've tried to downsize, with mixed results. Once a week I need a big Longchamp tote, but the rest of the time, a bag that size feels cumbersome. My Chanel Reissue 226 is great for a dinner out, but has no extra room once my "essentials" are in there. The Speedy B 25 is as perfect as it gets for me -- doesn't look or feel too big, but still holds everything I need with a little room to spare.

 

[fashion_junky]

Yes, on the weekends I always use smaller, cross-body bags now. I use my Neverfull for work during the week because I need to bring my laptop, but on weekends I transfer my wallet and other SLG's to a cross-body like my reverse PM. Shoulder bags/handheld bags just aren't as practical for me anymore and they hurt my shoulder. My daughter is old enough now that I'm not lugging a ton of stuff around. I much prefer the convenience and ease of smaller bags!

 

[j19]

I definitely prefer smaller bags, for awhile I used my mini pochette just to carry my phone and key pouch as a mini wallet. Just recently
I got the pochette accessoires nm and it's the perfect size for me. I definitely want to get a bag like the speedy 25B or something similar when I want to carry a bit more

 

[Frenchie D.]

Not sure if you like the Delightful, but I recently got one in PM size and it's a great in-between size. Looks more like a purse than a tote, and still holds all of my essentials. My Speedy B25 is also a good small, but not too small, bag.

I do have the Delightful pm and it was my favourite for several years. But for me that qualifies as a big bag. A really big bag lol

 

[Frenchie D.]

On the other hand...you never know when you're going to have to quickly build a satellite out of chewing gum and string, or rescue a team of trapped nuclear physicists, so I do have a tote in the car with a MacGyver-esque assortment of things "just in case." So maybe it's just that now my car has become my purse.

Yup, you just never know and it is best to be prepared!

Where I now live our family doesn't have a car. But if we did I would definitely have an emergency bag in it

 

[Frenchie D.]

I've really enjoyed reading your replies. I agree that variety is needed, since different situations reqire different bags. I am a stay at home mom and my everyday look is casual/dressy casual, and I am rarely out for the whole day. And if the kids are with me I definitely want to take a separate cosmetics bag with wipes, sanitiser, tissues, sun block (we live in the tropics), plasters, as well as water. So for this I need a bigger bag, such as speedy 30 or Delightful pm. I have tried going out with the kids with just a small bag and it works, but I wouldn't do it for a whole day out.

 

[its.Katania]

I wish i could switch to all small bags, but i have to carry my macbook to work so no chance of that happening any time soon. Sadly

 

[prepster]

This is all so interesting to read. So many good ideas!

 

[Dawn]

I just can't. My kids are 11 and 14 now and I still need a bigger bag. Wallet, toiletry bag with sanitizer, tissue, bandaids, a pen, feminine products, Advil. Then I need a separate mini long bag for more pens, lip balm, make up, nail clipper. Then small flat pouch for documents, extra room for a sweater cause I always layer, a scarf, key pouch, phone, sunglasses. I always have some food, bars or fruit. Minimizing is an art form I have not mastered. I am jealous of those who have.

But you are ready for anything!

 

[Frenchie D.]

I've been playing with my SLGs, trying to find the best way to fit the essentials into my new Favorite MM. And it is not easy. I can fit my Emily wallet, keys and lift card, and a very small makeup bag.
I wish they would make it a bit bigger. Just a bit. Such a beautiful bag otherwise.

 

[lara0112]

this might be a good thread to post this in. it's from a very vintage book about handbags and what women tend to carry inside. it's my own picture, but i cannot recall the name of the book.
View attachment 3592916

very insightful - however you calling this a very vintage book makes me feel old.... (It does mention ipods/blackberrys/mobile phones, so can't be older than 15 years?)

 

[lara0112]

I have 5 kids but hate carrying very big bags except for work - I am, however, not the ready for anything type - tissues, some wet wipes and diapers for the two small ones, that's it. the older kids have to carry their own stuff, which is really only an issue when we travel.

my work bag however is another matter.... I wish I could get rid of this huge tote full of stuff - so not elegant and so heavy

 

[Louisgyal37]

Personally, I don't see the fun in permanently switching to smaller bags. Too limited for me. I love variety and need small and medium bags permanently for random lifestyle changes that may occur...