What 5 affordable bags in which 5 colours would be in your wardrobe?

[Rij]

Hey All,
Am a handbag virgin with a very newfound interest in designer handbags. Obviously I don't know much and am overwhelmed with the choices. So the question I am asking is - If I were to build a collection of about 5 bags in mostly neutral colours and a bit of a budget constraint (maybe an average of $500 - I know it is quite less sigh), what are my best choices?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[papertiger]

I would recommend going for one at a time rather than thinking about a whole collection. That widens your budget possibilities new or pre-loved and you can actually start to think about what fabulous bag would you absolutely love and get most wear out of

What colour would you most like and that you'd be happy wearing every day?

 

[Amazona]

If I was starting my collection now and those were my spex, I would get:

- a large, sleek tote. Anything from Mulberry Tessie to DvF Voyage to LV Neverfull.
- a Gucci Jackie canvas hobo, an easy-to-carry classic and will work from the office to outings.
- an Alexander Wang Mini Rockie. A small crossbody with enough space&attitude to go from day to night, also great for travel.
- a black or grey Lumi Saara backpack. Everyone needs a fab backpack and this one converts into a work appropreate satchel.
- a red or pink Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir or Neo in Small or Medium. One red/pink bag is needed in every collection!

 

[tearose]

my collection would be:

- a black everlane petra tote

- meli melo maisie medium crossbody bag in blue heron

- mansur gavriel mini mini bucket tote with ballerina pink lining

- marc by marc jacobs q natasha bag in black

- haerfest agnes satchel in wine

 

[soramillay]

i collect what I like but if you plan to have only five, I suggest:

A large black tote for folders, laptop, travel, e.g. Fossil Sydney tote
A top handle satchel with convertible strap e.g. Fossil Sydney satchel
A hobo with convertible strap e.g. Rebecca Minkoff Moto Hobo
A dressy convertible bag for dinner or going out e.g. Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody
A Le Pliage type nylon tote for wet days e.g. Longchamp

I didn't include a bucket bag or a bagpack because either people like them or they don't, so you know yourself best. Carrying those, you'll probably figure out what you like most.

 

[Summerfriend]

I'd go for;

1. tote (everyday/work)
2. ladylike top-handle bag (church, weddings, ladies who lunch type situations)
3. slouchy shoulder bag or crossbody (weekends, travel, shopping)
4. clutch (evenings, dressy events)
5. "fun" small bag with a chain strap (date night, going out with friends, etc.)

As a first step, I think you should look at your lifestyle and modify these 5 depending on what you do and what your most frequent 5 "looks" or needs are. Start by making a general list of the TYPES of bags and what you need them for; that way you won't get distracted and derailed by the first shiny pretty thing you see. Also, once you have specific types/uses identified, it will be easier for forum members to give you specific recommendations (like specific brands, specific pieces) to fit your needs.

Next, start looking at and researching bags so you know what's out there. When you see something you like, see where it fits into your list. It takes patience and discipline, but try to fill in your WHOLE list with specific bags (maybe even a choice of 1-3 in each category) before you start buying any. Then you can see all at once which ones make sense to get in which colors to have a well-rounded and usable collection. You'll also be able to see, at a glance, how you need to divide up your budget - for example, maybe you really want a higher-end, more expensive tote, so you opt for something less expensive for your "fun" bag (or whatever).

Then, you get to start buying. I agree with the advice not to try to get everything all at once, especially if it means compromising and getting bags that don't really fit your needs perfectly. Better to save for one at a time, or wait for sales, or take your time searching the pre-loved market. Your patience will be worth it in the end.

Best of luck, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Can't wait to see what you end up with!

 

[earthx]

1. Micheal Kors Medium Selma in Black/Luggage ($298): a low maintenance bag that can be used in a formal environment (by removing the strap)

2. Longchamp Le Plige Nylon Large Tote in Black/Chocolate/Navy/Red ($145): everyday, worry-free bag.

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli ($695): Everyday cross-body bag that can be dressed up and down by removing the strap. Can be find on sale on the site for under $500 or a pre-loved one on eBay for cheaper.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo in Grey/Taupe ($428): Sadly discontinued in the stores but the perfect hobo in my opinion. The longer strap is helpful as well.

5. Michael Kors Large Quilted Sloan Shoulder Bag in Black ($328): a smaller bag for formal events, dinner dates, made classy with the chain straps.

Hopefully this helps in a way

 

[leechiyong]

What bags do you gravitate towards using most? That should be the lead off. So many here have such different tastes and lifestyles, what may work for one of us won't work for another (for example, I live off crossbodies, but for many they're far too small). Sure, having a list can be a baseline, but $2500 is a lot to spend off the bat based upon others impact. Take a look at the brands recommended here and determine what styles work for you.