Have you bought a bag that breaks your personal bag design "rules"?

[mellome]

The heart says yes, but the mind says no.

Have you ever loved the look of a bag so much that you bought it knowing that it is probably too small for you, or too impractical?

Once the novelty wore off, did you end up finding it annoying?
Do you still use it?

I'm trying to talk myself into/out of buy a bag that is smaller than I'm used to and closes with only a magnet (and not even the kind that clicks into place): the Jacquemus Grand Bambino

 

[Christofle]

My Loewe T-pouch; I'm not at all a clutch person but I had to have it when I saw the painting. It is just so cheery and each one is slightly different and unique.

I still definitely reach for it but rarely; it's more of an art piece that I'm happy to have in my collection.

 

[Fimpagebag]

The heart says yes, but the mind says no.

Have you ever loved the look of a bag so much that you bought it knowing that it is probably too small for you, or too impractical?

Once the novelty wore off, did you end up finding it annoying?
Do you still use it?

I'm trying to talk myself into/out of buy a bag that is smaller than I'm used to and closes with only a magnet (and not even the kind that clicks into place): the Jacquemus Grand Bambino

From hard won experience, I can only ask the same question I should’ve asked myself whenever I bought a bag I knew was too small for me…

“No matter how much you love the look, would you deliberately buy shoes too small for you to wear?”

 

[Sparkletastic]

Yes. And, it never works out if it’s a functional issue - too small, black hole, fussy closure, strap drop to small. So, I have learned to never violate those rules I have.

If it’s a style rule (For example: I don’t like hand carry or clutches) then it has a slim chance of working out.

But, with all the amazing bags now and in the future, I’d rather wait for the perfect one than be on the handbag struggle bus.

 

[880]

Have you ever loved the look of a bag so much that you bought it knowing that it is probably too small for you, or too impractical?

Of course! Life is too short to be practical all the time. But. You have to love them beyond practical considerations. Here are two of mine. Every time i look at them, I smile. Every time I wear them, I feel so fabulous

duret.com custom, entirely hand stitched Buffalo Dalmatian


Louis Vuitton Stephen sprouse long ‘knitting needle’ alma

note: given that I only carry an iPhone, a card case, a single key on a lanyard, a mini bottle of hand sanitizer; and occasionally, in the summer, a valextra sunglass case, a mini bag like the Evelyn TPM is the most practical for me. These larger, heavier structured bags, no shoulder or cross body strap, are pure indulgence.

 

[JenJBS]

The heart says yes, but the mind says no.

Have you ever loved the look of a bag so much that you bought it knowing that it is probably too small for you, or too impractical?

Once the novelty wore off, did you end up finding it annoying?
Do you still use it?

I'm trying to talk myself into/out of buy a bag that is smaller than I'm used to and closes with only a magnet (and not even the kind that clicks into place): the Jacquemus Grand Bambino

A couple times. Both times I regretted it and got rid of the bag.

 

[jellyv]

Oh my yes. The classic instance for me is deciding between two sizes of a bag I like. The small one is cuter and in reality too small; my sunglasses case is big and bulky but I like it because it really protects, and when I downsize my cosmetics case I always feel annoyed. For these reasons I should give it a miss! For sure! But the bigger version is going to feel heavy and I'm sensitive that way. So the small version wins the round, and quickly I realize (yet again) I should've gone the other route.

 

[mellome]

I still definitely reach for it but rarely; it's more of an art piece that I'm happy to have in my collection.

Very nice! I think one day if I have a larger collection I'd be happy to have some become art pieces.

“No matter how much you love the look, would you deliberately buy shoes too small for you to wear?”

Good point...especially as someone who likes to stuff her bags full

Yes. And, it never works out if it’s a functional issue - too small, black hole, fussy closure, strap drop to small. So, I have learned to never violate those rules I have.

Ahh deep down I think I know this. I don't know what it is about this bag design that is making me waver! I'm not sure if my rules are true functional issues or just born out of anxiety (absolute necessities fit but what if I'll need my...sunscreen/powerbank/tissues/sunglasses or what if the magnet/flap closure is not secure enough) and are things I need to stop stressing about

You have to love them beyond practical considerations. Here are two of mine. Every time I wear them, I feel so fabulous

Beautiful! Maybe I never thought of going custom...hmmm..

 

[mellome]

The classic instance for me is deciding between two sizes of a bag I like....So the small version wins the round, and quickly I realize (yet again) I should've gone the other route.

This is a consistent problem for me too!
I've recently convinced myself I don't need to take my waterbottle everywhere and went from long wallet to cardholder so I'm trying to figure out how small I'm comfortable going. Likewise I don't want a heavy bag but I don't know if I can cut down enough things.

 

[Joule]

YES. I know perfectly well what works for me, but I have found myself caught up in the excitement on occasion and broken my own rules - only to return the bag after being forced to admit my failure to think things through.

 

[880]

Oh my yes. The classic instance for me is deciding between two sizes of a bag I like. The small one is cuter and in reality too small; my sunglasses case is big and bulky but I like it because it really protects, and when I downsize my cosmetics case I always feel annoyed. For these reasons I should give it a miss! For sure! But the bigger version is going to feel heavy and I'm sensitive that way. So the small version wins the round, and quickly I realize (yet again) I should've gone the other route.

A smaller sunglass case is the only thing that allows me to downsize a bag . This case protects oversized lenses and I am careful re the temples. . . For a smaller pair of glasses, another TPFer showed me that the entire pair fits inside the case (Though I have not tried a smaller pair yet myself

Light Gray Leather Soft Glasses Case | Valextra

Shop now the Light Gray Leather Soft Glasses Case by Valextra. Discover online the widest collection of luxury handbags and small leather goods made in Italy.

www.valextra.com

 

[topglamchic]

I completely agree with @880 who has been a handbag lover for a long time. I always love to hear your view @880!

I will give this caveat. If you are a true handbag lover/collector and you are early in your journey follow your rules. Once you have a majority of your rules covered and your personal holy grails acquired than it's easier to let loose and put your rules aside.

A good example of this, is with the mini bags. Since I have a WOC and other different sized handbags it is easier for me to justify getting a mini bag, a bracelet wallet (or any other teeny tiny item). I can carry a mini bag as an accessory to wear with my WOC and style it as such. I can carry a bracelet wallet to accessorize my backpack etc etc...

 

[fettfleck]

Oh yes…

1) Slouchy bags - they may look cool on other people, but not on me because I am a preppy dresser. Style crash, not working plus I never find anything in it, even when it is medium or smaller size… Sold those.

2) Charlotte Olympia ming vase style box clutch. Does not even hold my phone, only keys, cards, cash and probably a lipstick, if I would use those. Usually I am a medium bag user, bag needs to at least fit an umbrella and optimally my iPad. But too beautiful and reminds me of my asian heritage and a keeper, because I can use it for the occational wedding or opera visit. Rarely comes out though.

3) Some of my MJ aera Louis Vuitton limited edition bags. Use them so seldom as they are rare, still might chip and I love them. Keeper still because I like art and still can occasionally use them.

 

[Pollie-Jean]

Yes. And, it never works out if it’s a functional issue - too small, black hole, fussy closure, strap drop to small. So, I have learned to never violate those rules I have.

If it’s a style rule (For example: I don’t like hand carry or clutches) then it has a slim chance of working out.

But, with all the amazing bags now and in the future, I’d rather wait for the perfect one than be on the handbag struggle bus.

This

 

[mellome]

A smaller sunglass case is the only thing that allows me to downsize a bag . This case protects oversized lenses and I am careful re the temples. . . For a smaller pair of glasses, another TPFer showed me that the entire pair fits inside the case (Though I have not tried a smaller pair yet myself
https://www.valextra.com/en-us/glasses-case-SGNL0064028LOCGC99GC.html

That case is so unique! I was thinking I could get away with just....wrapping the lens with microfiber cloth, but this is a way more protective and lightweight!

2) Charlotte Olympia ming vase style box clutch. Does not even hold my phone, only keys, cards, cash and probably a lipstick, if I would use those. Usually I am a medium bag user, bag needs to at least fit an umbrella and optimally my iPad. But too beautiful and reminds me of my asian heritage and a keeper, because I can use it for the occational wedding or opera visit. Rarely comes out though.

Ok that bag is gorgeous, and I'm the same, it's nice having my iPad around! Sounds like I should be looking at more medium bags.

I will give this caveat. If you are a true handbag lover/collector and you are early in your journey follow your rules. Once you have a majority of your rules covered and your personal holy grails acquired than it's easier to let loose and put your rules aside.

Ok, this has me pegged, I don't own a lot of bags yet, and that's probably affecting my judgement! Maybe I'm not cut out for mini bag life...not until I have medium bags covered.