How others feel about bags / how you feel about bags

[Manelieht]

Wow! Thanks for all the replies ladies! It was very enlightening!

I love that a handbag always fits no matter if you lose or gain weight. I think the choice of handbag and wallet a woman has says alot about her.

I have been wondering about that. Is there anyone here trained in matching bag styles to character trades?

I have been obsessed with bags since my early childhood! Must have something to do with genetics as my two nieces have a huge collection of bags.

Oh wow, that sounds enabling! As a child I only admired how my mom wore here 80's style long shoulder strap, flap bag over one shoulder. It always looked elegant and I wanted to be like her.

I was always like the thread starter's sister, one cheap bag at a time until it fell apart.

A few years ago, out of nowhere, I suddenly got interested in bags...

I'm also one of those who didn't care about handbags at all... until I got interested. It's hard to know how the transition happened, it wasn't as though there was a "light bulb moment" or anything. I think I just started reading bag blogs and becoming more interested in the differences between designers and materials.

Then again, how does anyone get into any hobby, really? I feel like a lot of the time you start off with just a tiny passing interest, and the more you learn, the more you realise there is so much more to learn. I think any specialist topic is like that - it could look fairly one-dimensional to the passer-by, but there is such richness of detail if you dive deeply into it.

To me there's no particular distinction between, say, handbags or cross-stitching or basketball. I have absolutely no interest in cross-stitching or basketball but that's because I haven't really thought about them at all. I think it's entirely possible that, if I had committed myself to genuinely learning more about cross-stitching and basketball, I could have developed a keen interest in both.

What I mean to say is I don't think I'm fundamentally different to my friend who doesn't care about handbags, I don't think I have a "handbag appreciation gene" that she lacks and will always lack. To me it's more about how much you learn and are willing to learn about any new topic/hobby. And the reason that I picked up handbags rather than basketball is purely down to the fact that I like pretty colors and leathers and don't like getting sweaty.

Yes, that really could be how we get into hobbies. Though some things will just never interest me, no matter how much I learn about them. Interesting to hear how many started out not being much into bags at all!

Until 2 years ago I was in the couldn't-care-less group. I enjoy fashion as a whole and just can't understand why anyone would spend more than 1k on a bag. I have tons and tons of cheap bags of various designs. They don't last so I'll just keep on buying more. Fast forward 2 years and I stumbled upon tpf. Needless to say my eyes were since open to the world of designer bags. Bought 2 Chanel bags right away and never looked back since. I've thrown out all my cheap bags and now I only have designer bags. I hope to stop buying for now and simply enjoy my collection.
I can totally understand both camps as I had belonged to both.

I'm very similar in loving handbags. I'm a bit of a snob as well, in the best way possible.
I use to buy cheap, $20 bags and they would not last and I'd get tired of them much more quickly.
When I bought my first leather, designer purse four years ago, I then became much more interested.
I started buying designer, even if they weren't leather. Now, 98% of my purses are leather and designer. I love looking at the different types of styles and sizes. I buy smaller bags for shopping days and larger ones for when carrying it won't be a bother.

I clean them after an extended use and store them in their dust bags/pillow cases. A lot of times I'm too afraid to use them because I don't want them to get dirty or worn. I know it's irrational. But they're so beautiful and costly.

I know many people who don't care about their bags and abuse them. My mother is hard on purses and it makes me cringe.

I stopped buying cheap bags for a while, but recently a few just looked so fun and matched perfectly with a certain outfit that I bought them But I really do prefer something of better quality, real leather, nice hardware and a great design.

I have always treated my bags rather well, but it wasn't until TPF that I started using dust bags and stuffed my bags.

 

[flowerboy]

I love handbags noone around me really understands so I don't talk about it. My family wouldn't spend 10 dollars or more on a handbag. My MOM does have a unhealthy obsession with luggage, go figure. She has luggage that could last her 10 life times.

 

[trendybaggie]

I love bags. Since i was little. I make sure they are well taken care of. The umbrella will always go to the bag instead of over my head in the event it is raining. I reAd about bags everyday from the net... And i take them out of the closet for a look once in awhile... I am an addict.... Ckckck

 

[BgaHolic]

I've loved handbags as far back as I can remember. At this moment, I am on the hunt for a very lightweight leather bag in white. After checking out numerous bags I've come to the conclusion it is all in the marketing not the bag itself. I also found I don't like wearing popular bags that are seen on everyone from MK to LV. That does not mean I do not care for the designer it's just I found now that I am older I like more unique bags that can't be found everywhere. I would love if a designer would come out with a very lightweight unlined leather bag that does not cost 1k and over.

As someone else here said, I have no other vices so if this is it, I say what fun it is! BTW, there's an old fun thread about people like us who love bags and how much they love watching other people's bags. If you can find it, it will really make you chuckle!

 

[Silversun]

I honestly don't see the importance of buying those designer purses or whatever that is so expensive that I don't even wanna think of getting one. I'd rather spend that money to do other stuff but it's just my opinion. No offense at all to the bag lovers.

No offence taken, but just curious, what made you join this forum?

 

[Manelieht]

I honestly don't see the importance of buying those designer purses or whatever that is so expensive that I don't even wanna think of getting one. I'd rather spend that money to do other stuff but it's just my opinion. No offense at all to the bag lovers.

But that is contradicting...?_?

I like Marc by Jacobs cuz they are not too fancy nor showing off their logo or stamp or whatever that makes people recognize the brand

Marc by Marc Jacobs has a very big Logo Plate on most bags. They are also more pricey than some other contemporary designers. So this confuses me even more...

LV is the best

LV is VERY recognizable and has Monogram Prints, easily recognized prints, as well as big logos on belts or shirts...They are also among the priciest.

 

[InKarl we trust]

I just loved bags since I was in kindergarden... I can still remeber the great yellow leather bag my mum gave me...

So maybe she is responsible for my lust for great bags

 

[Pimpernel]

I love y'all's replies, it gives me insights about things I never really thought about until now... so keep them coming

I am not interested in bags as status symbols or fashion statements; I am intrigued about the history of bags throughout the centuries what makes a bag truly special in a personal way, what makes it a keeper for years and years though one's tastes and needs may change over time, I love the challenge of the search for the masterpiece that unites balance, craftsmanship, practicality, versatility and sheer treat for all the senses (please don't laugh, but the sound of the zip or the handles when they drop against the bag's sides, the softness or sturdiness of the touch, the way the colour seems to change under different lighting and to acquire patina, the heady musky smell of quality leather are all decisive for me to "bond" with a bag, as much as its size, features, etc.)

 

[Manelieht]

I love y'all's replies, it gives me insights about things I never really thought about until now... so keep them coming

I am not interested in bags as status symbols or fashion statements; I am intrigued about the history of bags throughout the centuries what makes a bag truly special in a personal way, what makes it a keeper for years and years though one's tastes and needs may change over time, I love the challenge of the search for the masterpiece that unites balance, craftsmanship, practicality, versatility and sheer treat for all the senses (please don't laugh, but the sound of the zip or the handles when they drop against the bag's sides, the softness or sturdiness of the touch, the way the colour seems to change under different lighting and to acquire patina, the heady musky smell of quality leather are all decisive for me to "bond" with a bag, as much as its size, features, etc.)

Nicely described! I feel the same way! Which is why I got into quality bags. Back in 2007, I owned a few very plasticy looking PU bags and I actually hated carrying them. My first leather bag (Fossil Vintage54 Satchel) was so different. Everything was high quality, from the lining to the stitching, the leather was perfect to the touch...and I like the smell of leather especially.
Since you mentioned "sound", with some heavy leather bags it even creates a distinct sound just when handling them or setting them down!

 

[babysunshine]

I feel just as OP feels. My mom cannot justify to herself spending hundreds much less thousands on a bag, she does not even own a leather one because she cannot get used to the smell. My sis loves bags like all kinds of bags out there, canvas, patent, even straw, she likes, but cannot justify saving up for ONE leather bag. Then there are my colleagues who I find obvious to think, the more well known the designer, the BETTER the bag. Sigh.

 

[misskris03]

I am like the OP, few understand my bag obsession, so I don't talk about it much IRL. My mother owns gorgeous bags but doesn't feel the need to own more than a couple at a time. I think I like them because they are both functional and beautiful (when done well) and as was mentioned above, the smell of a gorgeous leather is intoxicating.

Oddly, the only person I know who kind of gets my bag/shoe obsession is a gamer friend--he sees the importance of good design from both functional and aesthetic levels because a good video game balances them just like a good bag or shoe does.

 

[Manelieht]

I am like the OP, few understand my bag obsession, so I don't talk about it much IRL. My mother owns gorgeous bags but doesn't feel the need to own more than a couple at a time. I think I like them because they are both functional and beautiful (when done well) and as was mentioned above, the smell of a gorgeous leather is intoxicating.

Oddly, the only person I know who kind of gets my bag/shoe obsession is a gamer friend--he sees the importance of good design from both functional and aesthetic levels because a good video game balances them just like a good bag or shoe does.

Intresting! One wouldn't think that gamers appreciate bags! But I noticed something similar from friends in different scenes and also followers of my blog. Many really appreciate fashion, craftsmanship and leather!

I feel just as OP feels. My mom cannot justify to herself spending hundreds much less thousands on a bag, she does not even own a leather one because she cannot get used to the smell. My sis loves bags like all kinds of bags out there, canvas, patent, even straw, she likes, but cannot justify saving up for ONE leather bag. Then there are my colleagues who I find obvious to think, the more well known the designer, the BETTER the bag. Sigh.

My mom doesn't feel like real leather is important for bags, but for shoes she shops leather and a higher price range

 

[ninjanna]

A couple of my friends understand because they're like me - they love their designer bags and why we buy them. I don't really ask my other friends. I'd rather them not know that I drop tons of money on expensive bags.... but they probably know, anyone. I just don't want to bring it up.

My boyfriend doesn't understand why someone would buy expensive designer bags BUT he does understand why I love them. He thinks some bags that I have are good quality leather bags BUT he doesn't understand why they're so expensive. He doesn't really agree with me buying the bags but he has expensive purchases too so he says I should be able to buy expensive things, too. My mum buys LV bags primarily but she only has like... 1 or 2. Whereas my sister is just like me so she understands.