I posted this in another thread talking about 'essential' handbags - it was more based on styles or types of bags than brands per se, though I did give examples of what bags I own in respect of each type:
"An essential bag list:
1. Work tote: should ideally fit on the shoulder so you have free hands if you want. Should be able to hold full A4 size documents and a small laptop/netbook, phone, diary, makeup touch-up kit and snacks. My personal choice is the Anya Hindmarch Carker in black leather - black is my most common wardrobe neutral and features significantly in my work wardrobe.
2. Weekend and nights out bag: This bag your go-to bag on the weekends or for casual evenings out during the week. Again, probably a shoulder bag although it is definitely a matter of personal choice and probably made with reference to your general wardrobe style - casual sporty ladies will probably prefer a shoulder bag, more refined lady-like classic ladies will probably prefer a hand-held bag. This bag needs to be able to hold a wallet, keys, lipgloss and maybe a snack (or maybe not - I may be the only one who needs regular infusions of food!). This bag should also be able to transition from casual to dressy, day to night. My personal choice is a black leather shoulder hobo with gold hardware by Bally - the shoulder hobo style is casual but the gold hardware takes it up to stylish. Another excellent choice would be the LV Speedy 30 - in damier ebene for myself.
3. Traveling tote: this is the piece you take on the plane for the flight and for hauling around personal stuff while traveling. It's large but not an overnight bag. Probably in a bright colour or pattern and either hand held or shoulder. It's also an extremely personal choice of style and should express how you feel at your most jet-setting. Just looking at this bag should make you remember past journeys and imagine future travels. This bag should be able to hold - magazines, books, small bottle of water, gum, wallet, passport, snacks (yeah, again) diary, small laptop/netbook, iPod, makeup. My personal choice is a leather classic shape Longchamp tote with the silver toggle in bright red - so cheerful.
4. Day clutch/zippy day bag: this is also a supreme matter of personal choice. But a small bag capable of fitting into your larger work or traveling tote is essential for those with busy lives seeking to streamline - pop it in your big bag in the morning and then when you head out to lunch or for a spot of quick shopping, rather than lug a massive shoulder bag around, you have your little day bag right there. I personally love a clutch for this and have a gorgeous little camel leather flapover clutch by Oroton that I use all the time. Another choice that works is an LV shoulder pochette.
5. Evening bag: this is the bag you use when you're heading out for a glamourous night on the town. Whether on a date or out to an evening event i.e. wedding, cocktail party, this bag should complement your outfit and hold your essentials. This is not the time for a shoulder bag - this is the hour of the evening clutch or minaudiere (?sp). I found mine after years of looking - an Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black satin cigarette case from the 2002 Tom Ford collection (think). It's tiny, it holds lipstick, ID, credit card and keys. Perfection.
Needless to say, I own more than 5 bags. But I find myself returning to these 5 again and again as they really do meet my needs. Something to remind myself of next time I'm pining in a store somewhere..."
And the thread itself is here: http://forum.purseblog.com/handbags-and-purses/what-bags-would-you-consider-essential-432918.html
"An essential bag list:
1. Work tote: should ideally fit on the shoulder so you have free hands if you want. Should be able to hold full A4 size documents and a small laptop/netbook, phone, diary, makeup touch-up kit and snacks. My personal choice is the Anya Hindmarch Carker in black leather - black is my most common wardrobe neutral and features significantly in my work wardrobe.
2. Weekend and nights out bag: This bag your go-to bag on the weekends or for casual evenings out during the week. Again, probably a shoulder bag although it is definitely a matter of personal choice and probably made with reference to your general wardrobe style - casual sporty ladies will probably prefer a shoulder bag, more refined lady-like classic ladies will probably prefer a hand-held bag. This bag needs to be able to hold a wallet, keys, lipgloss and maybe a snack (or maybe not - I may be the only one who needs regular infusions of food!). This bag should also be able to transition from casual to dressy, day to night. My personal choice is a black leather shoulder hobo with gold hardware by Bally - the shoulder hobo style is casual but the gold hardware takes it up to stylish. Another excellent choice would be the LV Speedy 30 - in damier ebene for myself.
3. Traveling tote: this is the piece you take on the plane for the flight and for hauling around personal stuff while traveling. It's large but not an overnight bag. Probably in a bright colour or pattern and either hand held or shoulder. It's also an extremely personal choice of style and should express how you feel at your most jet-setting. Just looking at this bag should make you remember past journeys and imagine future travels. This bag should be able to hold - magazines, books, small bottle of water, gum, wallet, passport, snacks (yeah, again) diary, small laptop/netbook, iPod, makeup. My personal choice is a leather classic shape Longchamp tote with the silver toggle in bright red - so cheerful.
4. Day clutch/zippy day bag: this is also a supreme matter of personal choice. But a small bag capable of fitting into your larger work or traveling tote is essential for those with busy lives seeking to streamline - pop it in your big bag in the morning and then when you head out to lunch or for a spot of quick shopping, rather than lug a massive shoulder bag around, you have your little day bag right there. I personally love a clutch for this and have a gorgeous little camel leather flapover clutch by Oroton that I use all the time. Another choice that works is an LV shoulder pochette.
5. Evening bag: this is the bag you use when you're heading out for a glamourous night on the town. Whether on a date or out to an evening event i.e. wedding, cocktail party, this bag should complement your outfit and hold your essentials. This is not the time for a shoulder bag - this is the hour of the evening clutch or minaudiere (?sp). I found mine after years of looking - an Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black satin cigarette case from the 2002 Tom Ford collection (think). It's tiny, it holds lipstick, ID, credit card and keys. Perfection.
Needless to say, I own more than 5 bags. But I find myself returning to these 5 again and again as they really do meet my needs. Something to remind myself of next time I'm pining in a store somewhere..."
And the thread itself is here: http://forum.purseblog.com/handbags-and-purses/what-bags-would-you-consider-essential-432918.html
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