Main requirements while buying a handbag ?

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S

Sa26

Member
Aug 24, 2019
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#1
Mine are very few I’m not a bag snob At all.

1 Real leather
2 long lasting, a bag that will stay in good state for at least three years Which is is the general life expectancy of a contemporary designer bag.
3 it has to be black, hunter Green or burgundy I want a color that I can wear with almost anything and it won’t have color transfer problem, I adore the nudes and white but it really scares me to buy one and will grey in 3 days.
4 a bag that I can dress up or dress down. I love bags that I can wear in semi formal events and also everyday with jeans.
 
#2
I only have two:
  1. Do I love it? I have to absolutely love it and know it will stand up to everything else out there and the bags I already own.
  2. Can I afford it? Price only matters as long as it’s within the realm of what I‘m willing to pay. I do look for sales and discounts, but the lack thereof will only prevent me from buying it if it is out of my price range. If I don’t love it enough to pay full-price, I don’t love it and I’m better off holding onto the money.
Outside of that, I don’t have fixed requirements. My tastes vary too much to limit it. I love different bags for different reasons and they all feel special to me.
 
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#3
haha, I feel I'm quite picky :P

1) not too heavy when empty
2) comfortable enough to carry, especially when on the shoulder
3) easy to open/close or get in and out of
4) I love bags with structure
5) I love bags with feet
6) need to fit a phone, card holder, and keys
7) a relatively new one: not too similar to what I already have in my collection :doh:
8) another relatively new one: no more black bags! lol :lol:
 
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#5
Interesting topic! I have been carrying smaller bags lately and try to bring just essentials. I often consider the following criteria for bags:
  • Needs to fit phone, wallet, and small pouch/cosmetic bag at least
  • Comfortable and easy to carry
  • Versatility to wear with different outfits/situations
  • Durability to last at least 2-3 years
I think my requirements change if it's a work or travel bag. I tend to look for certain materials and a bigger size as I will carry paperwork/my lunch/books/clothes. It's also important for my bags to have a secure closing with a zipper or something of the like.
 
#6
My bag choices has evolved now that I’m older and admittedly they’re all over the place... I rock nondescript canvas bags to high-end designers (not astronomical though haha). So style-wise, there’s no rhyme nor reason as long as I-love-it. I have a bag for different purposes and moods and make it work.

The now/new constant though is it needs to be under the radar and inconspicuous. I’m no good with compliments so it’s gotta be low-key luxe. I can talk bags with another bag girl but for the most part, the luscious leather is hidden under my arm and hardly garners any attention. That’s why I own a lot of black leather bags, no logo branding and pretty much vintage designer so even if somebody notices, I can say it’s old and drop the subject. :doh:
 
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#8
1. I have to love it
2. Lightweight
3. Understated yet aesthetically interesting
4. Neutral color (back or white are my most worn bags)
5. Fits my lifestyle and my style
6. Structured
 
#9
1. Adequate strap drop (I need my space)
2. Wide enough straps (I have a gargantuan tote with spaghetti straps and OMG THE BRUISING, THE BRUISING)
3. Shoulder/crossbody option (top handle only bags make me stabby)
4. Little to no branding (I don’t want my bags to be louder than I am)
5. Made of leather (unless it’s a beater)
6. Dark, neutral colors (I am afraid of color transfer and want my bags to go with everything)
7. Secure closure (what’s in my bag is my business [and occasionally, the business of this forum])
8. Must be big enough to fit an expanded array of essentials (I have extra things)
9. Must fill a certain vacancy in my collection (although I like versatility)
 
#10
Joule said:
1. Adequate strap drop (I need my space)
2. Wide enough straps (I have a gargantuan tote with spaghetti straps and OMG THE BRUISING, THE BRUISING)
3. Shoulder/crossbody option (top handle only bags make me stabby)
4. Little to no branding (I don’t want my bags to be louder than I am)
5. Made of leather (unless it’s a beater)
6. Dark, neutral colors (I am afraid of color transfer and want my bags to go with everything)
7. Secure closure (what’s in my bag is my business [and occasionally, the business of this forum])
8. Must be big enough to fit an expanded array of essentials (I have extra things)
9. Must fill a certain vacancy in my collection (although I like versatility)
Click to expand...

yes I’m also a fan of dark neutrals. I always buy black but I once had an MK hunter green and used it so much. It was my first Michael Kors of the Mercer line.

I get kind of teased by my friends that I always buy black
 
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#11
Real leather, depending on budget preferably exotic or mock exotic leather..

fits everything I need

preferably blue!!!(most of the bags on my wishlist are blue)

if exotic ie expensive I want it to last more than 3 years!
 
#12
1. Do I need it?
There has to be a real need before I start looking for a new bag - I have no wish list right now, nor do I see myself having one in the near future. Now, let's see if you can count to 5 before I come across something I really, REALLY want...clearly I have a lot of trust in myself. :biggrin:
2. Is it practical?
Can the bag fit the things I want to fit in it and is it easy to organize? Is it easy to carry?
3. Is it pretty?
Do I really love the way it looks? Is it my style?
4. Does it fit me?
Do I really love the way it looks on me? Are the straps long enough?
5. Is it well made?
A bag has to endure my life which is not always easy. Even for me.
6. Is it on sale?
I don't pay full price. Period. Unless the bag is made by a Finnish artesan. Or it's really, really cheap. I don't haggle for an Ikea bag.
7. Does the bag make me feel good?
I need to love a bag. Unlike boyfriends, a quality bag will never let you down. Does it make me feel bubbly and happy inside? (We can be talking of either one - bag or boyfriend)
8. Is there a second hand market for the bag?
There's a good chance I'll be selling the bag in a few years.
 
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#13
Amazona said:
1. Do I need it?
There has to be a real need before I start looking for a new bag - I have no wish list right now, nor do I see myself having one in the near future. Now, let's see if you can count to 5 before I come across something I really, REALLY want...clearly I have a lot of trust in myself. :biggrin:
2. Is it practical?
Can the bag fit the things I want to fit in it and is it easy to organize? Is it easy to carry?
3. Is it pretty?
Do I really love the way it looks? Is it my style?
4. Does it fit me?
Do I really love the way it looks on me? Are the straps long enough?
5. Is it well made?
A bag has to endure my life which is not always easy. Even for me.
6. Is it on sale?
I don't pay full price. Period. Unless the bag is made by a Finnish artesan. Or it's really, really cheap. I don't haggle for an Ikea bag.
7. Does the bag make me feel good?
I need to love a bag. Unlike boyfriends, a quality bag will never let you down. Does it make me feel bubbly and happy inside? (We can be talking of either one - bag or boyfriend)
8. Is there a second hand market for the bag?
There's a good chance I'll be selling the bag in a few years.
Click to expand...

oh my goodness you’re even stricter than me!

I don’t want unnecessary bags, but I don’t only buy bags I can resell-I wouldn’t buy an IKEA bag lol, but if I did I’d expect it to wear out.

I bought a new navy bag because my Jimmy Choo was getting a bit used and I was scared of wearing out my favourite bag.

which is ridiculous as I could have either sold it as it towards a new bag, or worn it out and bought an even better bag.

I do pay full price, although I’d rather not, but I don’t have to need it, just want it.

I Think-on Friday I might be gifted a bag I like on someone else but wouldn’t buy, I see her 3 times a week or more so I’ll wear it until it wears out, I wouldn’t sell it although it’s not me, or gift it to my niece, who would Love it, -I’d Much rather do that-but the gift is for me

I need to reassess all of my bags and their condition and see which ones need updating, I don’t mind gifting, or if worn out donating, but the Dior I did sell I regret still so I’m not doing that again.

in the last fortnight I’ve gifted one SLG and donated another , so I can sort of justify receiving the bag, but tbh I don’t want it…maybe she’ll change her mind, then I’ll shop my bag collection again, although atm I’m using my new Caiman crocodile one every day since I received it..

the bags must cower when you arrive!xx
 
#14
cecchetti said:
oh my goodness you’re even stricter than me!

I don’t want unnecessary bags, but I don’t only buy bags I can resell-I wouldn’t buy an IKEA bag lol, but if I did I’d expect it to wear out.

I bought a new navy bag because my Jimmy Choo was getting a bit used and I was scared of wearing out my favourite bag.

which is ridiculous as I could have either sold it as it towards a new bag, or worn it out and bought an even better bag.

I do pay full price, although I’d rather not, but I don’t have to need it, just want it.

I Think-on Friday I might be gifted a bag I like on someone else but wouldn’t buy, I see her 3 times a week or more so I’ll wear it until it wears out, I wouldn’t sell it although it’s not me, or gift it to my niece, who would Love it, -I’d Much rather do that-but the gift is for me

I need to reassess all of my bags and their condition and see which ones need updating, I don’t mind gifting, or if worn out donating, but the Dior I did sell I regret still so I’m not doing that again.

in the last fortnight I’ve gifted one SLG and donated another , so I can sort of justify receiving the bag, but tbh I don’t want it…maybe she’ll change her mind, then I’ll shop my bag collection again, although atm I’m using my new Caiman crocodile one every day since I received it..

the bags must cower when you arrive!xx
Click to expand...
I have to ask myself all these questions when I see a pretty bag, otherwise I'd have a 100 bags that are pretty and not much else! :lol:
I regularly sell the bags I'm not in love with anymore or that I don't carry. I have to do it if I want to buy something new because I have a set a budget for my bag&SLG collection.
 
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