Is it just a bag? Or is it more?

[snsaundersva]

I just wondered what makes these objects we love so much so important? I know some people collect string, but my DH always says "it's just a bag to carry things". So I'm asking my fellow junkies, what makes this bag more special than that one? Why is it not "just a bag" to you?

 

[babysunshine]

It is entrusted with my belongings, and with me wherever I am outside. So using a proper good quality bag is like telling myself and others that I take care of my things, and I care about presenting an image that says I am a responsible and well organized person.

 

[allyloupuppy]

I've always said "its not just a bag to me" its a "BAG"!!! Which is why I invest my valuable money and I can fork over the ridiculous prices. A bag is something I value, a well made, good quality bag. And it makes ME happy! I don't buy for what other people think!

 

[papertiger]

To some people it is just a bag. But those people have 'just' bags (kind of the opposite of the 'it' bag).

Personally, I've always been the same, since I was a toddler not just with bags with everything. Age 3: Why wear tights when you can have lurex fishnets? Why's Mummy wanting me to buy me mud coloured, sausage-shaped shoes when the same shop has those in red with the flower buttons?

It's not only a bag. It's invested with so much more than our money and time and possessions . Our identity, our hopes and our insecurities are all indicated to others (the few who understand 'bag language') and our inside knowledge, achievement and status (to the very few who understand the bag and the bag's brand's language (bag dialect if you will).

 

[Amazona]

For me, a bag is both a way to lug my stuff around but also something beautiful for me to enjoy as well. If I carry a lovely bag I always have a visually pleasing object near me to give me an instant pick-me-up. I may also use a bag as a means of communication; I can wear a simple outfit and by switching bags, project an image that's - depending on the bag I carry - anything from sporty and laid-back to ultra professional.

 

[neverandever]

For me, a bag is both a way to lug my stuff around but also something beautiful for me to enjoy as well. If I carry a lovely bag I always have a visually pleasing object near me to give me an instant pick-me-up. I may also use a bag as a means of communication; I can wear a simple outfit and by switching bags, project an image that's - depending on the bag I carry - anything from sporty and laid-back to ultra professional.

Well said! I agree 100%.

To me, they are not just practical. They are beautiful things that I enjoy wearing.

 

[Mariapia]

To some people it is just a bag. But those people have 'just' bags (kind of the opposite of the 'it' bag).

Personally, I've always been the same, since I was a toddler not just with bags with everything. Age 3: Why wear tights when you can have lurex fishnets? Why's Mummy wanting me to buy me mud coloured, sausage-shaped shoes when the same shop has those in red with the flower buttons?

It's not only a bag. It's invested with so much more than our money and time and possessions . Our identity, our hopes and our insecurities are all indicated to others (the few who understand 'bag language') and our inside knowledge, achievement and status (to the very few who understand the bag and the bag's brand's language (bag dialect if you will).

I couldn't have said it better, Papertiger!

 

[ValentineNicole]

To some people it is just a bag. But those people have 'just' bags (kind of the opposite of the 'it' bag).

Personally, I've always been the same, since I was a toddler not just with bags with everything. Age 3: Why wear tights when you can have lurex fishnets? Why's Mummy wanting me to buy me mud coloured, sausage-shaped shoes when the same shop has those in red with the flower buttons?

It's not only a bag. It's invested with so much more than our money and time and possessions . Our identity, our hopes and our insecurities are all indicated to others (the few who understand 'bag language') and our inside knowledge, achievement and status (to the very few who understand the bag and the bag's brand's language (bag dialect if you will).

Well said. I agree - a bag is a treasured item. It's a reflection of one's personality, style, and - to an extent - status.


For me, my handbag is a reflection of my mood, my feelings on a given day, a look I'm going for. There's a lot that goes into what bag to carry, and it's not solely based on who the designer is. Despite that many people covet all three, there is a huge difference in the look you achieve whether you're carrying an Alexander Wang Rocco, a classic Hermes Kelly, or a bright yellow PS1. I don't think anyone would argue, though, that all can be status symbols.


Buying a beautiful, well-made handbag, in a sense, is no different than preferring a luxury car or a nice home. If a home is simply a place you sleep, or a car is simply a form of transportation, then a bag is just a thing to carry your belongings. As human beings, though, we know this isn't true. We look to invest our money in items that we get joy out of, that will last us, that will fit our personalities - and our budgets. Any item can be simplified, but for those of us interested in fashion, we know our bags are so much more.

 

[reckfly]

More, because they're my bags. I was unemployed for years and years and couldn't afford proper bags. I also became more or less of a social recluse so I didn't really need nice bags but I would look longingly upon my friends who'd started spending on bags. That sort of represented a new phase of life for me (and to be honest, it really is, kind of like a rite of passage).

I never had any proper bags for nice occasions (or a nice wallet I bought) and now I have bags that I can switch around. I'm also pleased that I think my purchases have been controlled so far.

 

[papertiger]

Well said. I agree - a bag is a treasured item. It's a reflection of one's personality, style, and - to an extent - status.


For me, my handbag is a reflection of my mood, my feelings on a given day, a look I'm going for. There's a lot that goes into what bag to carry, and it's not solely based on who the designer is. Despite that many people covet all three, there is a huge difference in the look you achieve whether you're carrying an Alexander Wang Rocco, a classic Hermes Kelly, or a bright yellow PS1. I don't think anyone would argue, though, that all can be status symbols.


Buying a beautiful, well-made handbag, in a sense, is no different than preferring a luxury car or a nice home. If a home is simply a place you sleep, or a car is simply a form of transportation, then a bag is just a thing to carry your belongings. As human beings, though, we know this isn't true. We look to invest our money in items that we get joy out of, that will last us, that will fit our personalities - and our budgets. Any item can be simplified, but for those of us interested in fashion, we know our bags are so much more.

100%

 

[surfchick]

As others have said it's an accessory to complete an outfit like a statement necklace or ring. I don't really wear a lot of jewelry everyday so my purse is my everyday statement.

 

[cwxx]

As others have said it's an accessory to complete an outfit like a statement necklace or ring. I don't really wear a lot of jewelry everyday so my purse is my everyday statement.

+1!

I think, like a lot of women who live and work in the 'real' world and not blogger/fashion land, I tend to dress in simple, tailored outfits b/c that's what's makes me look good and doesn't make my looks the first or only thing people remember about me. No shade on those who do that for a living So bags and sometimes big rings are my way of standing out without overwhelming

edit - oh and shoes! How could I forget shoes!

 

[KristyDarling]

For me, a bag is both a way to lug my stuff around but also something beautiful for me to enjoy as well. If I carry a lovely bag I always have a visually pleasing object near me to give me an instant pick-me-up. I may also use a bag as a means of communication; I can wear a simple outfit and by switching bags, project an image that's - depending on the bag I carry - anything from sporty and laid-back to ultra professional.

This is me, too. As with a beautiful piece of jewelry, a fabulous bag pleases my eye and gives me happy moments throughout the day. It's also a reflection of me, my style, my mood. Along with everything else I'm wearing, my bag is part of my nonverbal self-expression, which hints at who I am and what I might be like as a person. I love the quality of luxury items, but I'm also practical and frugal-minded. So my resulting aesthetic is "high-low." Most of my clothes are on the "low" end of the spectrum (mostly Zara and H&M, with the occasional piece by Equipment/Isabel Marant/Rag&Bone), so my bags represent the "high" end of my image.

 

[westvillage]

Remember that line from 'Love Actually' when the comedian Rowan Atkinson, as the fussy jewelry counter SA , says, when he's being hurried ("Just put it in the bag!) while filling a clear plastic bag with potpourri and ribbons and such…" SIR this is SO much more in the bag." Well that scene runs through my mind every time someone even gets close to the "but it's just a bag" line ... even when I think I can see them thinking it!

 

[LaLaLea]

Great topic for us bag lovers! I think it's because it is something we wear like a coat or perfect pair of boots, not just something we carry like a paperbag. A perfect bag is just like a perfect coat! We feel good wearing it, it is not troublesome to get in and out of, looks good on us, or maybe in fact enhances our style, brightens our day. I know I'm always in a good mood when I love what I wear.