What 5 handbags should every woman own?

[pinkshoulders]

The lawyer in me objects to the way the question is framed! There is no universal "should." I would not want a Chanel flap or anythign LV, because they are so not me. And the beauty of color is in the eye of the wearer -- and her skin and hair color!

 

[hawaii_babie]

1. Chanel Flap
2. Hermes Birken
3. Louis Vuitton Vernis
4. Prada Nappa
5. MuiMui

 

[Jenova]

^

Some don't even own one.

Point taken.

A fun bag, a rucksack, a gym bag, a work bag for files and an evening bag. It does not matter which brand they are as long as you enjoy using them.

If I won a Chanel, LV or Hermes, I would sell them on immediately, as I find them somewhat dull.

 

[doreenjoy]

I've been watching this thread for a while because -- gasp! -- I only have five bags. Yes, it's true. Here's what I currently consider essential.

1. large deerskin hobo (mine's from BV and is black)
2. more structured, medium-sized hobo (mine is lambskin, baltic blue, from BV)
3. dressy clutch (from BV, it's patent leather)
4. dressy clutch number 2 (I love clutches)
5. flat leather backpack (fits my laptop) from a local designer/leathercraftsperson named Julia Duren

I didn't count my nylon Longchamp tote because it's not what I'd consider part of an outfit -- it's just for tossing stuff in that I need to haul around.

 

[VintageChic]

1) Large carry all weekender bag
2) Work/Everyday bag (so on the larger side)
3) Small clutch for going out or special occasions
4) Satchel - midsize bag that can be used for either work or weekends
5) wildcard - something fun that you love!!!!

 

[tennisd]

1. Chanel (flap)
2. Louis Vuittion (speedy)
3. Hermes 35 Birkin
4. YSL (Muse or Muse 2)
5. Balenciaga (any... part-time, work, or city)

Not really in those order.

 

[ChaChaWeed]

I always like to see articles on bags in magazines and a lot of them consider Hermes and LV the classic designers. I have a friend with a Birkin and while I admire the design, it seems like a pain in the neck to carry and to get stuff out of--even Jane Birkin said she couldn't handle it, it was too bulky and heavy!

I think there aren't any classic styles that suit all women or all women's needs. It's nice to think that there are, but it comes down to re-defining "classic", I think.

A classic bag should be comfortable, usable and make you feel sexy, energetic, organized, hip or well-dressed (any of these) when carrying it.

My classics are:

1. A cute top-handle satchel for more formal atmospheres
2. A slouchy hobo that holds lots of junk for daily use
3. A patent bag (any style) that can resist stains and rain
4. An RM Devote tote (yes, I'm biased here) which you can stuff to the brim and still look great carrying
5. An evening clutch in metallic or patent

Not to say I wouldn't be delighted if I got a Chanel or Hermes or Dior or even top-end Burberry as a gift, but I can't (and won't) afford them in my current life. I fall out of love with bags too frequently...my bags last about 5 months on average.

Also: all that said, some friends consider their bike-messenger bags the most useful and classic in their wardrobe! It's all about your needs.

 

[prisma]

a balenciaga city
an LV Speedy
a chanel flap
a gucci beltbag
an evening purse

 

[Stelladog]

for me they would be:

1. Chanel Flap
2. Hermes Birkin
3. Louis Vuitton Mahina XL
4. YSL Muse II
5. Balenciaga City

 

[jburgh]

Ladies,

Been thinking about this recently as I was building my collection. Rather happy with it but would be very interested to hear what you think... What 5 handbags that are timeless and classic that you think every woman should own?

Bella Luna - thanks for posting this fun thread. If I had to limit myself to 5 essential bags, this would be my list:

1. One slouchy hobo, for casual use: A BV Veneta or Pyramid is my choice.
2. A more structured bag in an E-W design - Either a Jimmy Choo Ramona, or Hermes Kelly.
3. An evening bag/clutch that could be dressed up or down - Perhaps a BV Knot or a Jimmy Choo Ciggy.
4. A Crossbody bag for those times when you don't need to carry a lot, but must have hands free - I like the BV small messenger styles or the Balenciaga Besace.
5. A big lightweight weekender or travel bag - Mine is an old Dooney and Bourke Canvas duffle with a shoulder strap, but I also like the Longchamp Le Pilage.

All the beauty and workmanship is worthless to me if the bag is not functional. Sure, I'm guilty of having a few bags that are "collector's items" or totally impractical, but those are few and far between.

 

[Rockerchic]

Here are 5 bags that I consider absolute classics. I certainly don't think every woman needs to own these 5 but I do think they have achieved classic status

Hermes Kelly
Hermes Birkin
Chanel flap
LV Speedy
Balenciaga city

I do own 4 of the 5 and love them. I have owned all 5 at one time or another but don't have a speedy at the moment. I do feel like buying one again from time to time.

 

[HauteMama]

5 bags that makes her smile.

Words of wisdom. I find it interesting that there are 28 brands recognized with subforums on tPF, and some people are willing to dismiss 23 of them as superfluous, not classic or unnecessary.

The 5 styles (NOT brands) that would be essential to my lifestyle would certainly not be appropriate for others. There was a past thread discussing clutches and whether everyone needs one, for example. Despite me liking them, not everyone has a use for them, just as I have no use for the enormous, oversized bags popular a few years ago. We are all different, and I choose to embrace the difference.

 

[H_addict]

HauteMama, ITA!





Here is my lis:

1. a day bag/tote
2. an evening bag
3. an evening clutch
4. a casual shoulder bag
5. a travel tote

 

[margaritas]

^^

My picks are similar to yours. I also think 3 bags are actually enough. Anyway regardless of brands, I feel every woman should have the following:

1. Everyday bag (Balenciaga City)
2. Shoulder bag, perhaps for dressier occasions or when you do not have a lot to carry (either Chanel med/large classic flap or the reissue)
3. Clutch (either Balenciaga Envelope Clutch or Chanel timeless clutch)

And just to make five:

4. Maybe an alternative everyday bag (if anything, I would probably go for Balenciaga Work)
5. Travel tote (haven't got a clue what I would like if I get this but probably something I won't worry about getting dirty and is durable)

*The name of the bag in the brackets are what I would want personally.

 

[trisha48228]

Here goes:
1. LV Mono Speedy 25 or 30 (can be dressed up or down, for a daily bag).
2. Some sort of gorgeous black scrumptious clutch (for dates).
3. A Hermes Birkin (or if you can't afford that, an LV Damier Alma), for a work bag.
4. A gorgeous slouchy hobo bag in beautiful leather, preferably black or tan.
5. A beautiful red or turquoise bag for a pop of color (I'm looking for something gorgeous in red!).
6. (I added a number, sorry!) A cross body bag for hands free shopping. (I like the Sak Silverlake convertible crossbody clutch in black, the dressier one with the golden brass hardware since it fits flat against the hip and doesn't pouch out). It also can be folded and turned into a clutch.

Love the list. Do you own all of these things.