What causes an addiction to handbags?

[Ludmilla]

http://cliparts.co/cliparts/6ip/o4z/6ipo4zopT.jpg

This causes handbag addiction^

His name is Gus.

He's very sorry & will stop infecting tpf members with his madness.

Until Thursday.

Then all bets are off.

And he'll be body-slamming rational thought to the ground again.

Before eating its vital organs.



Some say root of all addiction is fear.

But Gus is much more fun to look at & has cute purple ears.

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
I thought it was Ugly Jack who drives me to buy more and more bags. He will be happy to hear that I have to blame Gus instead. [emoji6]

 

[Aelfaerie]

I refuse to even count my bags anymore, I know I have more than 100...and that'll always be my number if asked...100'ish. lol that's my story I'm sticking to it.

Out of curiosity, do you remember the details of each of your bags? I only have 30 or so pairs of shoes, but I find myself gravitating to the same 3/4 all the time and forgetting a few pairs that I own.

 

[Aelfaerie]

I cannot stop myself from buying handbags, to the point where I've even started buying a few 'preloved' (expensive) ones. I've realized it's a real addiction I have, but for the life of me, I cannot work out what's behind it. I now have so many bags that I'm starting to fill up yet another wardrobe in yet another bedroom.

Although I do have a few low end names such as Fossil and Radley, I also have a very good supply of premium bag names (Gucci, Mulberry, Marc Jacobs etc.) but I still just cannot find the perfect bag. I would love to have just a few for everyday use and a few for going out... (few enough that they would only fill ONE wardrobe instead of several!), but every bag leaves me wanting more. If the design is perfect, then I can't get the colour I want, if the colour and design are right, then the type of leather is not what I want. If all those are right, then the finish isn't my idea of perfection... there's always SOMETHING that means I never find my perfect bag.

I sometimes like bags enough to use them for a week or two, then the 'imperfections' really annoy me and it gets stored away. But I rarely sell any, as I still like the bag to look at... just not to use! Anyone else relate to this?

It's got to the point where I really envy my friends who seem to be happy carrying around a single favourite bag until it either goes out of fashion or falls apart, lol!

From a psychological point of view, handbag addiction must be fulfilling some need we addicts have... there must be a reason for it.
Anyone out there a psych with any ideas as to what causes some of us to be genuine 'addicts' of handbags?

It's probably a mixture of the shopping high (when dopamine and endorphins hit your brain after purchasing something new and exciting) and impatience (you'd rather have something imperfect now than something perfect later down the road). As long as you're not hiding your purchasing habits or going into debt for it, it shouldn't be too bad. Except you did mention you envied others with a more curated bag collection?

 

[Manelieht]

That does seem a bit like a problem. Not because you have so many, rather because they lose their appeal and won't get worn.
Imperfections on bags are everywhere! But that does not keep me from appreciating them on different days for different occasions.
I would try to take a good look at all of them and see if you can create looks around a special bag. I actually take out the bag and then match the clothing, accessories and shoes. I rotate my bags for almost every outfit, unless it is really just an errand. But my bags usually match the look I am wearing and I find that makes me enjoy each one a lot more. Even some bags that I have grown out of a bit can be reinvented with a matching look!
You may find some bags just won't work for you. And then I think you should sell them and invest elsewhere.
Do you have a variety of clothing and accessories to match your bags? If not, maybe it is better spent there.

I do have a lot of bags...and I buy about 2 new ones a year. But I can stop myself and limit the number of bags a year and I usually make good decisions and am very happy with the bags I chose. So the only thing I can related to is wanting more bags.

 

[remainsilly]

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
I thought it was Ugly Jack who drives me to buy more and more bags. He will be happy to hear that I have to blame Gus instead. [emoji6]

Ugly Jack may be name he uses in Europe.
Similar to "Santa Claus" changing titles.
Only, Gus gives feverish germs. Rather than candy canes.

 

[remainsilly]

That does seem a bit like a problem. Not because you have so many, rather because they lose their appeal and won't get worn.
Imperfections on bags are everywhere! But that does not keep me from appreciating them on different days for different occasions.
I would try to take a good look at all of them and see if you can create looks around a special bag. I actually take out the bag and then match the clothing, accessories and shoes. I rotate my bags for almost every outfit, unless it is really just an errand. But my bags usually match the look I am wearing and I find that makes me enjoy each one a lot more. Even some bags that I have grown out of a bit can be reinvented with a matching look!
You may find some bags just won't work for you. And then I think you should sell them and invest elsewhere.
Do you have a variety of clothing and accessories to match your bags? If not, maybe it is better spent there.

I do have a lot of bags...and I buy about 2 new ones a year. But I can stop myself and limit the number of bags a year and I usually make good decisions and am very happy with the bags I chose. So the only thing I can related to is wanting more bags.

Good post

 

[pjhm]

I think the "addiction" is because something else is lacking in our lives but I don't know what that lack is.....

 

[Marisaa]

Everyone is addicted to something....and this isn't bad addiction to have....expensive yes but all addictions are. I embrace it. t least I have something to show for my money

This!

 

[Ludmilla]

Ugly Jack may be name he uses in Europe.

Similar to "Santa Claus" changing titles.

Only, Gus gives feverish germs. Rather than candy canes.

You've made a valid point here. [emoji1]

 

[Piarpreet]

For me it was always because I wanted to feel pretty. Yes, i know it sounds weird. i have always been overweight and didnt see clothes fit well on me. Handbags gave me back my confidence because even if I gained weight they always fit and they would complete an outfit. They make me feel feminine and dainty, which you dont necessarily look at 250lbs, and felt like carrying a bag made me smile. Seeing the color the design the uniqueness makes me very happy to see when I open it or place it on the table. I am a bag lover for sure. I adore my bags and admire them. But truly, they have changed me.

Look how differently I dress now. And even though I am heavier now (60lbs more) I feel like I have never been this beautiful before


Me in 2009

Me on a saturday

 

[pbnjam]

For me it was always because I wanted to feel pretty. Yes, i know it sounds weird. i have always been overweight and didnt see clothes fit well on me. Handbags gave me back my confidence because even if I gained weight they always fit and they would complete an outfit. They make me feel feminine and dainty, which you dont necessarily look at 250lbs, and felt like carrying a bag made me smile. Seeing the color the design the uniqueness makes me very happy to see when I open it or place it on the table. I am a bag lover for sure. I adore my bags and admire them. But truly, they have changed me.

Look how differently I dress now. And even though I am heavier now (60lbs more) I feel like I have never been this beautiful before

View attachment 3252925
Me in 2009
View attachment 3252930
Me on a saturday

You are beautiful! How you dress in 2009 is how I dress all the time except at work. [emoji3]

 

[Piarpreet]

You are beautiful! How you dress in 2009 is how I dress all the time except at work. [emoji3]

I didnt feel good. Always sweats and tees. Always hiding my shape. Felt very butch queen. It depends on the person's self
Esteem but now getting ready gives me LIFE!

 

[pbnjam]

I believe there is a genetic predisposition to addiction that gets expressed in different ways. For my grandpa, it is alcohol. For my dad, he collects lot of junk -> sinks, pipes, tools, anything for home improvement. For me, I used to collect dvds/ movies, coupons, and now handbags/ slgs.

 

[Piarpreet]

I believe there is a genetic predisposition to addiction that gets expressed in different ways. For my grandpa, it is alcohol. For my dad, he collects lot of junk -> sinks, pipes, tools, anything for home improvement. For me, I used to collect dvds/ movies, coupons, and now handbags/ slgs.

Thats true. My dad is an alcoholic and chain smoker and here I am. 100 (not exagerating) bags later

 

[papertiger]

For me it was always because I wanted to feel pretty. Yes, i know it sounds weird. i have always been overweight and didnt see clothes fit well on me. Handbags gave me back my confidence because even if I gained weight they always fit and they would complete an outfit. They make me feel feminine and dainty, which you dont necessarily look at 250lbs, and felt like carrying a bag made me smile. Seeing the color the design the uniqueness makes me very happy to see when I open it or place it on the table. I am a bag lover for sure. I adore my bags and admire them. But truly, they have changed me.

Look how differently I dress now. And even though I am heavier now (60lbs more) I feel like I have never been this beautiful before

View attachment 3252925
Me in 2009
View attachment 3252930
Me on a saturday

I think you look beautiful in both pics but I do see your point, you don't look like you're hiding yourself in the second pic