Minimum Viable Bag Collection

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renee_nyc

renee_nyc

O.G.
Dec 2, 2011
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4,386
#1
DH and I are starting a food business. As part of the manufacturing process we have been learning about 'minimum viable product' (a product with just enough features/benefits to satisfy users).

I'm also really prioritizing quality over quantity, being more conscientious about consumption. I got rid of 20 dresses, a few pairs of shoes and bags last month and I'm about to do a big purge of bags to make room for one HG bag (I know there is a thread on that and there are tons of threads on capsule wardrobes, and closet purging. )

But I'm curious – I did a search and couldn't find a thread that asked what do TPFers consider the minimum # of bag styles necessary for your lives?

Putting brands aside, I think mine are

1. Work tote big enough to fit a laptop
2. Shoulder bag with option to wear cross body
3. Clutch or evening bag
4. Something practical and handsfree like a convertible backpack (black)
5. Weekender/gym/beach bag

I am debating if I also need
6) A big messenger bag
7) A casual weekend bag

I have multiples of all of these so now I need to figure out what to purge.
 
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#2
renee_nyc said:
DH and I are starting a food business. As part of the manufacturing process we have been learning about 'minimum viable product' (a product with just enough features/benefits to satisfy users).

I'm also really prioritizing quality over quantity, being more conscientious about consumption. I got rid of 20 dresses, a few pairs of shoes and bags last month and I'm about to do a big purge of bags to make room for one HG bag (I know there is a thread on that and there are tons of threads on capsule wardrobes, and closet purging. )

But I'm curious – I did a search and couldn't find a thread that asked what do TPFers consider the minimum # of bag styles necessary for your lives?

Putting brands aside, I think mine are

1. Work tote big enough to fit a laptop
2. Shoulder bag with option to wear cross body
3. Clutch or evening bag
4. Something practical and handsfree like a convertible backpack (black)
5. Weekender/gym/beach bag

I am debating if I also need
6) A big messenger bag
7) A casual weekend bag

I have multiples of all of these so now I need to figure out what to purge.
Click to expand...

Interesting question. Keeping your goals of minimalism in mind, IMO I’d combine some categories and add one. For example, #1 and #6 could be the same bag; #2 and #7 could be the same bag. Depending on your lifestyle, you might need a dressy, top-handle bag that you could keep for years to take you to important meetings and dressy occasions when an evening clutch would be too formal. Good luck in your streamlining efforts!
 
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#4
Minimum necessary for life?
*1 medium-sized leather handbag & matching wallet
*1 40L durable/waterproof travel pack
*1 cordura sling or messenger

Use wallet as a clutch.

Carry medium bag & wallet daily.

Use sling or messenger for messy stuff = kayaking, hiking, etc.

Travel pack & sling/messenger = go anywhere in world without checked luggage

Necessary & nice to have are different things.:speedy:
Gave myself permission to be frivolous long ago.;)

Good luck to you.
 
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#5
I don’t like to have a lot of bags that I don’t use so I only have the following:

Leather tote for work

Satchel (with a long strap which allows me to wear this bag by the long strap on the shoulder and Crossbody in additional to arm and shoulder carry with the double handles). I can dress this bag up or down.

Crossbody

I may get a leather hobo but am not in a rush

But I don’t think I would be considered “normal” by tpf standards [emoji13]
 
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#6
Thank you! I came to a similar conclusion which is why I had those last two as optional. It sounds relatively simple when I just look at the categories, but when I look at the actual brands and styles I have, it makes it more complex to narrow it down.

For instance for work totes, I have two I really love: A Jerome Dreyfuss Python bag and an Hermès Garden Party 36. The GP is higher value but the other is the only exotic I have and it looks gorgeous.

I also have a vintage Chanel similar to a Ballerine that is in good condition and could be an evening bag.

All good 'problems' to have.

JolieS said:
Interesting question. Keeping your goals of minimalism in mind, IMO I’d combine some categories and add one. For example, #1 and #6 could be the same bag; #2 and #7 could be the same bag. Depending on your lifestyle, you might need a dressy, top-handle bag that you could keep for years to take you to important meetings and dressy occasions when an evening clutch would be too formal. Good luck in your streamlining efforts!
Click to expand...
 
#7
You are so right with nice/vs necessary. :D

I think I put bags for messy stuff in a different category so I'd have to add that.

remainsilly said:
Minimum necessary for life?
*1 medium-sized leather handbag & matching wallet
*1 40L durable/waterproof travel pack
*1 cordura sling or messenger

Use wallet as a clutch.

Carry medium bag & wallet daily.

Use sling or messenger for messy stuff = kayaking, hiking, etc.

Travel pack & sling/messenger = go anywhere in world without checked luggage

Necessary & nice to have are different things.:speedy:
Gave myself permission to be frivolous long ago.;)

Good luck to you.
Click to expand...
 
#9
jxwilliams said:
I don’t like to have a lot of bags that I don’t use so I only have the following:

Leather tote for work

Satchel (with a long strap which allows me to wear this bag by the long strap on the shoulder and Crossbody in additional to arm and shoulder carry with the double handles). I can dress this bag up or down.

Crossbody

I may get a leather hobo but am not in a rush

But I don’t think I would be considered “normal” by tpf standards [emoji13]
Click to expand...

Ha ha! TPF are the best enablers! Thanks for sharing!
 
#11
It seems like around 5 is a minimum number.

I spent time going through my closet over the weekend and I will be selling 8 bags.

That will still leave me with way more than 5 bags but it will cut my collection substantially and fund my HG bag in part.
 
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