How many bags do we really need?
- Thread starter Contessa
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This is an excellent thread!
Hope it remains active like Lo's as I think it can be inspirational and work nicely with that thread as well.
I"m going to think about this over the weekend and respond soon...
But in short I don't think we need nearly as many handbags we might think!
My handbag collection has never been smaller AND I've never been happier if that makes sense. I used to get a bit stressed when I'd choose a handbag to wear on the day since I'd feel a bit guilty having all the others just sitting in my closet. Well not anymore! And no longer do I feel that mixed feeling when I buy a new bag where I"m asking myself "should I? or do I really need another bag after I have SO many?". Now my buying is empowering since it feels 100% happy.
Each and every bag is now worn and enjoyed often. Granted I don't have that many bags anymore but I choose that.
Have a great weekend everyone and I hope this thread continues....
Hope it remains active like Lo's as I think it can be inspirational and work nicely with that thread as well.
I"m going to think about this over the weekend and respond soon...
But in short I don't think we need nearly as many handbags we might think!
My handbag collection has never been smaller AND I've never been happier if that makes sense. I used to get a bit stressed when I'd choose a handbag to wear on the day since I'd feel a bit guilty having all the others just sitting in my closet. Well not anymore! And no longer do I feel that mixed feeling when I buy a new bag where I"m asking myself "should I? or do I really need another bag after I have SO many?". Now my buying is empowering since it feels 100% happy.
Each and every bag is now worn and enjoyed often. Granted I don't have that many bags anymore but I choose that.
Have a great weekend everyone and I hope this thread continues....
This is a very interesting dilemma and it's great to see different points-of-view. I recently did the purge thing and have on consignment/sold 15 bags! It still leaves me with a substantial collection but I feel much better. I went on a massive binge last year and now I realise that many of those bags weren't being used or my style, I have decided to do something about it. I have also made sure not to replace them with the same number of bags!!! I am looking for the perfect red bag now and it's taking much longer than I anticipated!
I guess we only ever really NEED just one bag at a time, but it really depends on your lifestyle.
Some women can get away with one bag, and just buy another when the other gets worn out or they grow tired of it.
Others like to have maybe a smaller, nicer bag, and then a larger everyday one.
I haven't been using bags lately, but I like to have a small variety...an everyday bag that can take a lot of wear but it also comfortable to use, a nice professional looking bag for job interviews. I also have some really comfortable bags in different colors that I like for different seasons. I guess I couldn't get away with having just one at a time, because I do like to switch it up every now and then. However, I no longer feel the "need" to buy a new one every month.
I think my point (if I get to it, haha!!) is that everyone needs their version of a well-rounded collection. I have my nice leather bags (pink, purple, blue and a classic black), my comfortable cotton bags (yellow, black, white, brown) and a few larger totes for when I need my computer or some extra clothes or whatever. Maybe someone else could just get away with one brown bag and one black bag, but I prefer to have some color since I wear a lot of neutrals.
Some women can get away with one bag, and just buy another when the other gets worn out or they grow tired of it.
Others like to have maybe a smaller, nicer bag, and then a larger everyday one.
I haven't been using bags lately, but I like to have a small variety...an everyday bag that can take a lot of wear but it also comfortable to use, a nice professional looking bag for job interviews. I also have some really comfortable bags in different colors that I like for different seasons. I guess I couldn't get away with having just one at a time, because I do like to switch it up every now and then. However, I no longer feel the "need" to buy a new one every month.
I think my point (if I get to it, haha!!) is that everyone needs their version of a well-rounded collection. I have my nice leather bags (pink, purple, blue and a classic black), my comfortable cotton bags (yellow, black, white, brown) and a few larger totes for when I need my computer or some extra clothes or whatever. Maybe someone else could just get away with one brown bag and one black bag, but I prefer to have some color since I wear a lot of neutrals.
I've been feeling this way A LOT lately!
Sometimes I find myself staring at all my bags and getting tired. It makes me sort of stressed out to have so many, when the truth is that I can only use one at a time...so I guess I could just live with one if I really forced myself.
I, too, have been looking for the "perfect" bag for a long time now. But I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist. Perhaps I'd be better off if I just kept my very favorite one...
But I love them all, they're my babies! lol
Sometimes I find myself staring at all my bags and getting tired. It makes me sort of stressed out to have so many, when the truth is that I can only use one at a time...so I guess I could just live with one if I really forced myself.
I, too, have been looking for the "perfect" bag for a long time now. But I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist. Perhaps I'd be better off if I just kept my very favorite one...
But I love them all, they're my babies! lol
LOL!
I used to have around 30, all old Balenciaga bags in different styles. I sold most of them, and kept a black weekender and a clutch.
After that I have added three Hermès bags, two of the same style and the third a JPG. I have one LV tote and LV lugage (a few other bags as well)
If I were to scale down even further (I still have too many bags) I´d keep one weekender, one clutch, one tote bag and one Birkin. I guess I only "need" four bags
My answer to the question is: 4, big bag, clutch, big tote, and one hand bag
Hi Contessa,
I love this thread and it is a nice complement to Lo's purge conversation. I think there are a few things that factor into this decision because women are like snowflakes and no two are the same. I think the following facets play a role:
Lifestyle: I think this is a biggie. I would sometimes get frustrated because I would look at people who carry the same bag for months on end and it's just fine. I can carry the same one for several weeks with the occasional switch for a particular event but I play a number of roles right now. Three kids in sports means a couple of different crossbody styles plus totes to carry blankets/sports drinks/you name it. I recently realized that I only need a couple of nice leather bags and a couple of Longchamp bags. I was buying styles for an imaginary lifestyle as opposed to what I actually needed on a regular basis. My current number of bags is pretty small in comparison to most people here but it is a deliberate and ongoing effort; I love a great handbag and I have to be mindful so I don't get overwhelmed.
Personality: I like to have only a few handbags but I feel like I've been on the buy/sell treadmill a couple of times in the last couple of years and I HATE IT. I realized that I was often using TPF to procrastinate dealing with some other issue or task. I gave up TPF for Lent this year and was amazed at how content I was. Sometimes it's about more than just a bag.
I come to tpf because I've met some of the most interesting and lovely ladies here, and the conversations are often far beyond a handbag and touch on a number of timely and engaging topics. Again--for me, it's about more than just a bag, which can be a mixed blessing at times.
Here is what I've found I really need:
I've also decided that I'm going to keep a couple extra that I just love that aren't must-haves but that I enjoy and still use regularly. Lately, I've been on a major sell-off and have been selling off almost anything that isn't nailed down. It has felt great but I also realize that I am leaving a big void and not to fill it up again.
Contessa-I feel we are at a similar point right now. We love our bags but they can quickly take over and the joy of owning something lovely and practical becomes a more consuming effort that takes up too much space in our homes and in our minds.
I love this thread and it is a nice complement to Lo's purge conversation. I think there are a few things that factor into this decision because women are like snowflakes and no two are the same. I think the following facets play a role:
Lifestyle: I think this is a biggie. I would sometimes get frustrated because I would look at people who carry the same bag for months on end and it's just fine. I can carry the same one for several weeks with the occasional switch for a particular event but I play a number of roles right now. Three kids in sports means a couple of different crossbody styles plus totes to carry blankets/sports drinks/you name it. I recently realized that I only need a couple of nice leather bags and a couple of Longchamp bags. I was buying styles for an imaginary lifestyle as opposed to what I actually needed on a regular basis. My current number of bags is pretty small in comparison to most people here but it is a deliberate and ongoing effort; I love a great handbag and I have to be mindful so I don't get overwhelmed.
Personality: I like to have only a few handbags but I feel like I've been on the buy/sell treadmill a couple of times in the last couple of years and I HATE IT. I realized that I was often using TPF to procrastinate dealing with some other issue or task. I gave up TPF for Lent this year and was amazed at how content I was. Sometimes it's about more than just a bag.
I come to tpf because I've met some of the most interesting and lovely ladies here, and the conversations are often far beyond a handbag and touch on a number of timely and engaging topics. Again--for me, it's about more than just a bag, which can be a mixed blessing at times.
Here is what I've found I really need:
- Wristlet: Large enough for my wallet/mini skinny and cell phone
- Small crossbody: for a few key essentials for sports events and quick outings
- larger convertible crossbody: to keep my stuff plus kid stuff when we are out for the day
- Black Satchel: For times when I need a more structured and formal bag
- Everyday Hobo: This is my weakness--I have a few of these and really only need one
- Do it all bag: This is the bag that can go anywhere and everywhere. Currently, it's my Belen Echandia dark grey LM midi. If I were only going to keep one quality bag, this would be it.
- Brown hobo: This is my other weakness--I love me some brown bags. I only have a couple but it is a contstant battle not to get just one more.
- Lonchamp Bags: This is a recent discovery for me. These bags really fit my casual lifestyle, are very light and keep me organized and looking a bit more put together.
I've also decided that I'm going to keep a couple extra that I just love that aren't must-haves but that I enjoy and still use regularly. Lately, I've been on a major sell-off and have been selling off almost anything that isn't nailed down. It has felt great but I also realize that I am leaving a big void and not to fill it up again.
Contessa-I feel we are at a similar point right now. We love our bags but they can quickly take over and the joy of owning something lovely and practical becomes a more consuming effort that takes up too much space in our homes and in our minds.
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I only have five bags right now after purging five but I'm already contemplating selling off a couple more. I like smaller bags and one is a gigantic heavy PITA that I've only used once! I feel like I should keep it because it was expensive and an HG of many Coach lovers. OTOH, when will I use it??
TejasMama I really liked how you said that you were buying for an imaginary lifestyle and needed to stop! I had a metallic oversized clutch that was absolutely beautiful but never had a chance to use it! I am not a flashy person at all.
Right now I've been rotating between two bags and feel good about it. Neither were bought at FP so that makes it even better!
TejasMama I really liked how you said that you were buying for an imaginary lifestyle and needed to stop! I had a metallic oversized clutch that was absolutely beautiful but never had a chance to use it! I am not a flashy person at all.
Right now I've been rotating between two bags and feel good about it. Neither were bought at FP so that makes it even better!
Thanks, runner. I realized a few years ago that I did the same thing with clothes when I switched from an executive environment to working at home. I've got that covered now.
I also realized that I truly only need one hobo, one black satchel and two cossbodies ( plus wristlet). Reading my first post makes me realize that I could rethink this more.
That said, does anyone think weather plays a role? For example, a thick leather bag is perfect in the winter but I don't carry it all from April til October.
I also realized that I truly only need one hobo, one black satchel and two cossbodies ( plus wristlet). Reading my first post makes me realize that I could rethink this more.
That said, does anyone think weather plays a role? For example, a thick leather bag is perfect in the winter but I don't carry it all from April til October.
^^Yeah, I think weather plays a role. Probably don't want your leather bag in drenching rain, and I would not wear your twin LM Midi in rain...can't guarantee the contents won't be soaked by the time we got home! Your Longchamps do the trick on those days.
I like your thinking, Ms. Tejas.
I like your thinking, Ms. Tejas.
Just to be clear, this thread wasn't intended to compete with Loquita's, nor was it posted to see which one has the greatest longevity. Hugs Lo! 
Back to topic......
TejasMama......great points. See......because we are moving to a new home, I find that during my packing, I've been doing some soul searching....especially regarding things I haven't worn in years, but have.....and really don't want to toss or donate!
I've packed most of my handbags, prepared a few for sale, but the "A-HA" moment really came when my boy reminded me of how many bags I have and whether they're all truly necessary. And the answer is, NO.......they're not all necessary....as beautiful as they are!
My Grandmother had an obsession for clothes. She had 4 FULL closets, AND it still wasn't enough LOL!!! (Bless her heart) So.....I'm reminded of my bag stash........while I LOVE the newest & latest......it's more about WANT than need. But then........I'm puzzled because, as we discuss "weather" and the elements......it touches upon wanting to admire these lovely additions....not wreck them or harm them in any way.......
But aren't handbags meant to be worn????
How many of us rotate/wear our bags regularly?
Back to topic......
TejasMama......great points. See......because we are moving to a new home, I find that during my packing, I've been doing some soul searching....especially regarding things I haven't worn in years, but have.....and really don't want to toss or donate!
I've packed most of my handbags, prepared a few for sale, but the "A-HA" moment really came when my boy reminded me of how many bags I have and whether they're all truly necessary. And the answer is, NO.......they're not all necessary....as beautiful as they are!
My Grandmother had an obsession for clothes. She had 4 FULL closets, AND it still wasn't enough LOL!!! (Bless her heart) So.....I'm reminded of my bag stash........while I LOVE the newest & latest......it's more about WANT than need. But then........I'm puzzled because, as we discuss "weather" and the elements......it touches upon wanting to admire these lovely additions....not wreck them or harm them in any way.......
But aren't handbags meant to be worn????
How many of us rotate/wear our bags regularly?
Absolutely. I hate carrying heavy leather bags when it's hot outside! I prefer a wristlet or a light cotton bag.