Tacky totes

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is it a problem to buy some water at the theatre?

Sometimes it's so overpriced, the sensible side of me refuses to pay. Like at Cirque recently, $15AUD for a bag of M&Ms and a bottle of Pepsi. I was so incredulous (and still am), I'm convinced I was charged for something extra that wasn't actually asked for.
 
Personally, I bring a small bag or clutch inside my tote to use if I will be out later in the evening and will be coming straight from work or a day of errands. I don’t really care what size bags other women wear though. I love a nice bag regardless of size! I do wonder what they could possibly be storing inside though!
 
I’ve noticed a lot of women lately carrying medium-large totes (i.e. Neverfull, MK jetsetter, etc.) in the evening. I strongly associate that size and shape of bag with a work bag, etc. and I always find it strange to see women carrying a Neverfull at a restaurant in the evening, for example. I feel so strongly about this that I will plan ahead if I’m planning on meeting up for after work dinner/drinks and carry a smaller purse/clutch in my larger tote and switch; use a smaller satchel or shoulder bag (not a tote) that day for work; or utilize the detachable pouch that came with my Mansur Gavriel tote. It just strikes me as somewhat of a fashion faux pas to wear a large tote like that to dinner or to a theater performance, other evening event, etc.

Let’s talk about it: do you ever carry totes in the evening (after 6pm?) Have you noticed others doing this?Do you, like me, plan ahead and try not to? Am I crazy for doing this? What do you think about it?
I do plan ahead and bring bags or even clothes for a change in the evening. I just like looking my best. I have one me. Why not take care of me with the nice clothes / bags I have in my closet?

That being said, I don’t have a time of day expectation for any bag. And, I’m not a tote fan in general but, anyone with kids, work items or a commute knows they can be lifesavers. We took our DS & DS to fine restaurants and nice events as children because 1) I wanted them with me and 2) I wanted to expose them to variety of things and 3) I wanted to train them on how to properly behave in all environments. (Can’t stand kids being “let loose” in public to misbehave or cause a ruckus. Sheesh!) At those times, I had to carry a bigger purse. So, I guess I’d probably give room for the totes because I don’t know what function they may be solving.

Same with things like heels at a formal event. Yes heels are traditionally more formal but, just because I can easily wear them, why should anyone else forgo comfortable, stylish flat options? I think function has to ***** fashion at times.
I don't think the OP is judging anyone, but we all see style choices (or lack thereof) everyday, and this forum is a place where we can share our opinions about them. I agree that a smaller bag generally looks better and more polished for an evening event than a tote, but this thread brings to mind that I often see the opposite end of the spectrum too--an overly formal super-sparkly or beaded bag for a nice dinner on a weekday, for example. Both bother me, but the tote bothers me less. Overall, the idea of "dressing for the occasion" may be passé to some, but I'm still a believer in it, and in my personal opinion, the women who usually look best from a style perspective are the ones who nail it despite their very busy lives. And yes, some minimal planning, such as keeping a WOC or small bag at the office for unanticipated evenings out, goes a long way.
This! :yes:
Casual=comfortable. People like to be comfy..
I see this comment all the time and truly don’t get it. What kind of non causal clothes are people buying that aren’t comfortable? Why does anyone own any clothing that’s uncomfortable?

I can go from well dressed super casual in jeans, a nice T and sneakers to a formal ball gown and heels and I’m always comfortable. “Comfort” isn’t an excuse for not dressing to the occasion. Fashion may be an excuse as long as it’s not at the expense of others (a person would be a selfish jerk to wear shorts, flip flops and a t shirt to a white tie wedding cuz they just feel like it.)

That was all a long winded way of me saying people should just buy comfy clothes they love in all categories. Problem solved.
 
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