Purse paradox: how do you deal?

[Diva_k3000]

I am relatively new to designer bags. So far, my choices have been more practical, versatile, etc. So far, my designer purchases include a Mansur Gavriel small tote, a Mulberry Bayswater, and a Gucci soho disco. I’m an attorney, so I pretty much have to wear more polished, professional looking work bags that can carry all my stuff during the week.

As I browse all the lovely bags, I find myself in a paradox: I spend the majority of my days at work, so the majority of my bags should be able to carry all my work stuff. I want to treat myself to something really nice, but I just can’t seem to justify a huge investment ($2000+) in a bag that will either (a) get used hard to carry all my work stuff or (b) only be able to be used a few days a week outside of work.

What is your philosophy on this? Do you spend more on your trusty work bags or bags you can use off-duty? Do you have a particular “budget” for each type and is it different? Do you even wear designer bags to work or are your designer things strictly for off-duty? The Bayswater is a good example of a bag that does both—what are some others that won’t look too casual for work, but not too stuffy outside of work?

 

[IntheOcean]

I personally prefer to have at least one bag for every occasion. You spend quite a lot of time at work, so it would make sense to have a work bag in addition to an evening and casual one.

I think if you genuinely enjoy the luxury handbags and can afford it, I really don't see why it wouldn't be a good choice to invest in a designer bag for work. Especially in your field. It doesn't necessarily have to be super expensive, you can find great designs under $2000 and even more if you go preloved.

I would say a great example of a versatile bag is a PS1 or, if you like a more structured look, PS1+ by Proenza Schouler. The Medium size holds quite a lot, the Large can fit even more, and they're quite sleek and understated, but very nicely made.

Check out Louis Vuitton, their canvas is very durable, although it is somewhat flashy - everyone will know you're carrying a designer handbag, for some people that can be an issue in the workplace.

I've noticed Senreve became quite popular lately, they're work bags first and foremost, but look quite casual and can definitely be worn on a day off.

Check out Givenchy Antigona, I'm not sure about its pricepoint, but it's a beauty.

I'm sure there are tons more other bags out there, those are just a few I know of.

I feel like if a bag doesn't have a flashy logo spread across the front and too many bells and whistles, it would typically be perfectly appropriate in both work and casual settings.

 

[Amazona]

My bag closet has a budget and I have a divide of 70-30 between bags I can use for work vs bags for free time only. Basically I carry a large bag for work and medium/small bags and small backpacks for free time. Travel bags I have a few of - around 5 bags and backpacks together, all of which I use regularly.

I think it's totally okay to spend good money on a bag that you will use now and then; my most expensive bag is a M Alexa which I've used for work a few times but mostly it's my trusty companion for free time activities and I don't regret spending money on it. I love the bag, it fits my needs and it's so pretty!
I do have several other bags I could never use at work and they get use every few weeks, even months, and I still think they're necessary to have.

There is no real limit to the amount of money you should use for a bag of any kind. If you don't feel like the 2000+ investment is right, then get something cheaper by all means - maybe a sale find, preloved or just plain cheaper, so that you yourself can justify the price. That's what counts. I know people who earn serious money, like 50 times as much as I do and they buy bags from River Island etc. It's not about what someone else thinks you should have. It's about what you want and what feels right for you.

 

[the_black_tie_diyer]

I agree that it absolutely makes sense to treat yourself to a really great bag for work, as that is where you spent most time.

Now I have no idea how you get to work, what the typical "setting" is you work in, so forgive me for some unsolicited story:

Have you thought about splitting "purse" and "work"?

When I worked as a technical writer, I had to carry files, drawings, sometimes a laptop, books. Now I could have gotten a really large bag and stuff it all in, but that's not always practical. So I split into my personal bag, and a Rimowa Business Trolley for all the files and other work stuff. A small trolley like this, makes also a great "suitcase" for a weekend trip in conjunction with another personal bag. I always thought this looked professional enough for a "corporate setting". Sorry for the rather blurry picture, but it's really a tad bit older ...



Now that I wanted to place some links, I come to realize Rimowa has dropped the business and pilot trolleys. Unbelievable.

Well, Montblanc has something similar:

https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/leather/travel-bag/124152-my4810-trolley-pilot.html

or Tumi

https://de.tumi.com/en/arrive-arriv...117178-1041.html?cgid=bags_wheeled-briefcases

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[papertiger]

It's a very good question.

I'd rather spend good money on bags I can use for work or days out. That tends to be casual cross body like your Gucci SD or Hermes Evie or smarter hand-held.

Party/occasion bags seem to take care of themselves. Because they last longer because they're carried less I just know they're there when needed. There's no need to keep buying them as they hardly ever wear out. Occasionally something spectacular jumps out but it would have to knock me sideways.

 

[leechiyong]

I love micro bags, but my work laptop is a behemoth. I carry a moderately priced laptop case (Coach Rogue Brief) that also fits my larger items and a handbag to take to lunch or easily transition to evening.

 

[tickedoffchick]

Not sure what kind of law you practice or where, but I have to agree with those who suggest you invest in a nice high-end bag for work, though the Mulberry certainly seems like it would work in that setting depending on the color. Of course, if you regularly have to carry large numbers of files around outside the office, you may want to take the suggestion someone else made - they actually sell bags designed for attorneys. https://www.korchmar.com/collections/catalog-cases

 

[Shelby33]

I have the opposite opinion. To me work bags are utilitarian, it should look good and be well made, etc, but I would rather spend money on a bag I LOVE for outside of work-even if it was just for the weekends or dinner after work. I'd want a bag that I could really enjoy in my free time. It would be MY bag for ME, that's it. Everytime I looked at my work bag I'd think about work and that's not what I want to be thinking about on the weekends. I never wore scrubs on my days off you know?

 

[sonicxml]

For work bag you might be able to go with an understated past season but good quality bag from a designer house, like Loewe, Phoebe Philo’s Celine, or Mulberry as you mentioned. That way you are enjoying designer bag quality without a huge investment.

 

[ladysarah]

I am relatively new to designer bags. So far, my choices have been more practical, versatile, etc. So far, my designer purchases include a Mansur Gavriel small tote, a Mulberry Bayswater, and a Gucci soho disco. I’m an attorney, so I pretty much have to wear more polished, professional looking work bags that can carry all my stuff during the week.

As I browse all the lovely bags, I find myself in a paradox: I spend the majority of my days at work, so the majority of my bags should be able to carry all my work stuff. I want to treat myself to something really nice, but I just can’t seem to justify a huge investment ($2000+) in a bag that will either (a) get used hard to carry all my work stuff or (b) only be able to be used a few days a week outside of work.

What is your philosophy on this? Do you spend more on your trusty work bags or bags you can use off-duty? Do you have a particular “budget” for each type and is it different? Do you even wear designer bags to work or are your designer things strictly for off-duty? The Bayswater is a good example of a bag that does both—what are some others that won’t look too casual for work, but not too stuffy outside of work?

Ah my dear- you are not alone - we ve all bought bags for imaginary lifestyle scenario.. I got better over the years but ultimately we just have to adapt our lifestyle to suit our handbag collection .

 

[Sparkletastic]

I am a firm believer that we should have our best in our every day lives. No buying “nice” things and saving them for special occasions or “someday.”

So, I try to invest the most in the bags I will carry the most. That makes far more sense to me than spending the most on a bag I’d only wear to galas or something so unusual / stylized that it will only go with an outfit or two or even worse would just sit in my closet. I will spend what I need to to get beautiful yet functional bags as my everyday bags.

If you want beauty, style and function, you may have to spend more as most work bags are fairly utilitarian and most pretty bags aren’t suitable for work. My main “work day” bag is a Max Mara large Whitney. I adore this bag because it’s functional, extremely well made, gorgeous and yet discreet. I also have a Chanel tote that I use when I’m not going to be around brand sensitive clients. I also have a blah Knomo tote that I keep but, when I wear that I almost always am also carrying a second handbag that I love - such as one of my Chanel flaps.

My other comment would be that I often wear two bags in the same day. I may carry my Max Mara to work meetings and then switch into a fun Diorama to meet Mr. S or my friends in the evening. So, that is the other way I can “justify” spending on beautiful bags that aren’t made to carry files, laptop, etc.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Etriers]

I agree that it absolutely makes sense to treat yourself to a really great bag for work, as that is where you spent most time.

Now I have no idea how you get to work, what the typical "setting" is you work in, so forgive me for some unsolicited story:

Have you thought about splitting "purse" and "work"?

When I worked as a technical writer, I had to carry files, drawings, sometimes a laptop, books. Now I could have gotten a really large bag and stuff it all in, but that's not always practical. So I split into my personal bag, and a Rimowa Business Trolley for all the files and other work stuff. A small trolley like this, makes also a great "suitcase" for a weekend trip in conjunction with another personal bag. I always thought this looked professional enough for a "corporate setting". Sorry for the rather blurry picture, but it's really a tad bit older ...

View attachment 4580341

Now that I wanted to place some links, I come to realize Rimowa has dropped the business and pilot trolleys. Unbelievable.

Well, Montblanc has something similar:

https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/leather/travel-bag/124152-my4810-trolley-pilot.html

or Tumi

https://de.tumi.com/en/arrive-arriv...117178-1041.html?cgid=bags_wheeled-briefcases

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Hey Oliver This is what I do too! I caught a glimpse of myself once in lobby mirror shlepping a heavy tote to a meeting and realized it was not elegant for me to look like a pack mule. (Nothing against mules of course—they always look great.) I use a spinner pilot case and either hand carry my purse (usually a Birkin) or it sits on top and rides along. I walk faster, my posture is better and I look much more professional and pulled together.

 

[Clearblueskies]

I usually carry two bags, a briefcase or tote for work things, and a handbag (which I sometimes put in the larger bag). It used to be that I carried loads of stuff around, but slimmer laptops and electronic files have made it much less of an issue for me.

 

[indiaink]

...it would have to knock me sideways.

I absolutely love this! There are so many bags in the world now... this 'knock me sideways' is my new mantra. Fitting for both work and play! And if it does, that's the one you want!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Ah my dear- you are not alone - we ve all bought bags for imaginary lifestyle scenario.. I got better over the years but ultimately we just have to adapt our lifestyle to suit our handbag collection .

I don’t know if you meant the other way around but I love this as you’ve written it. In part because I’ve done this. I got tired of feeling I didn’t have the lifestyle to wear certain bags. I thought - why don’t I??? So I upgraded my clothes and activities to match the bags I wanted because it was really a case of my heart trying to tell me how I wanted to live. It may sound odd but, I realized that a handbag should never have a better life outlook than me. That being said, I take my “good” bags everywhere. Yesterday I had to run into Target in my silver microcannage Diorama. Why not? It was what I was wearing for the rest of my day (brunch and then afternoon fun) Why would I change out of it?

OP, I just thought of another solution that I’ve been executing on recently which I LOVE for its functionality and fashion fun. Not sure why I didn’t mention this option in my earlier post.

Very often I carry my work bag for laptop, files, etc and tuck in a beautiful WOC. When I go to lunch or out that evening, I only wear the WOC. I’m typically not a micro bag girl but, this solution works because if there is something bulkier I want / need to carry (like say my makeup bag so I can freshen up before evening activities) it’s in my larger bag. But, I still have my cute bag for moving through life.

I have a so black Dior Diorama WOC and a silver Fendi tube WOC and want to add a couple more to my collection. The Fendi was bought preloved from Fashionphile and cost under $1000. One note. For me the WOC still has to fit my basics. Credit cards / ID are a no brainer because they have slots. So I make sure the WOC can also fit keys, lip gloss, iPhone and smallish sunglasses. Both WOC’s have that capacity yet, they take up almost no space in my laptop bag.

HTH!