What causes an addiction to handbags?

[pbnjam]

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!

[emoji1][emoji106]🏻 The feeling of confidence is wonderful. I'm happy for you. Your beauty really shines through.

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

My friend told me that it doesn't matter what you have. None of this would fill the void if you're not with God. So I guess she is trying to say that without religion there will always be some kind of void. And we will try to fill it with material things or anything. Anyways all this is vague. But I don't agree with any of that so I just dropped the subject.

 

[violeturq]

Do u have a HG bag that you have wanted for years??

Not really. My HG bag would be one I've designed myself, lol! But someone else would have to make it. Although I used to make and sell leather clutch and shoulder bags (as well as belts) many years ago and I do still have my leatherwork tools, they only work for the 'artisan' look. I don't have the machinery to get same finish to linings etc. as a commercial bag manufacturer does. The best I can do is something akin to a very early Mulberry... and my personal HG would have more like a Givenchy/Prada finish to it

I am obsessed. The purse section in any store is my favorite. I walk around and around staring.

Yep, that's me! Only I don't just stare... I have to pick them up and try them out

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?

Yes... you've hit the nail on the head about rather having something imperfect now rather than waiting. I never was any good at waiting for Christmas Day as a child... I had to go snooping round my Mum's wardrobe where she'd have hidden my presents

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...
...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.

Yes I do have clothing to match the bags... in fact I often buy a bag to match a single outfit... only to find it's not practical for me (too small, too structured, too big, not structured enough!).

You're right about selling them, of course. I only recently parted with a Mulberry I bought in 2007 which I never even used. I bought it because I fell in love with the look and colour of it in the store. But when I got it home I didn't like the feel of it on my shoulder and realized I didn't actually like the hobo style. Should have done something about it straight away, but I enjoyed getting it out to look at occasionally. How sad is that!!!

 

[violeturq]

I think it's more or less human nature to get a little bit OCD about hobbies/interests/something. It could be a lot worse like drugs, alcohol or sex. At least the handbag addiction isn't too harmful (other than the economic drain). Some folks are compulsive about exercise, others about collecting figurines. Men get crazy about their motorcycles, cars, boats, golfing.

Oh yes I get your point. I am a passionate person and do get a bit carried away sometimes with things I find interesting.

 

[papertiger]

It occurred to me a few years ago I am not a buyer for the 'History of Handbags Museum' and had to let go of my 'lesser' exhibits.

Lots of light-hearted comments on here but anything that is a true addiction can be damaging.

Only the person themselves can work out whether their addiction (or 'addiction') is making them happier or more miserable. If it's the latter (like any addiction) they should seek professional help.

I love my bags. Not just any bags in general but the actual ones I actually have already. I think if I was never satisfied with choices I would just STOP and consider if I'm looking for something no bag can give me and perhaps should be looking elsewhere entirely.

 

[violeturq]

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

Yes that's what I suspect. And it's quite likely that the lack is different for each of us. Would be nice to work it out though, wouldn't it? If I could work out mine, hubby and I could buy a house with fewer rooms, for a start, lol!

 

[violeturq]

It occurred to me a few years ago I am not a buyer for the 'History of Handbags Museum' and had to let go of my 'lesser' exhibits.

Lots of light-hearted comments on here but anything that is a true addiction can be damaging.

Only the person themselves can work out whether their addiction (or 'addiction') is making them happier or more miserable. If it's the latter (like any addiction) they should seek professional help.

I love my bags. Not just any bags in general but the actual ones I actually have already. I think if I was never satisfied with choices I would just STOP and consider if I'm looking for something no bag can give me and perhaps should be looking elsewhere entirely.

Oh my bag collecting definitely doesn't make me unhappy And I never buy anything on credit, or anything I can't afford. I just wonder sometimes why I'm soooo drawn to buying bags, but still never seem to have EXACTLY the right one, lol!

 

[soramillay]

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

If handbags have given you confidence and inspiration for upping your style, that is a wonderful relationship and yes, you look amazing! I think what it comes down to is what kind of personal relationship we have with our handbag addiction.

 

[Piarpreet]

If handbags have given you confidence and inspiration for upping your style, that is a wonderful relationship and yes, you look amazing! I think what it comes down to is what kind of personal relationship we have with our handbag addiction.

I know i dont need all my bags but they have become my art. I have them color coordinated and it makes me happy to look at them. Im not sure if its a healthy relationship but my pug and my bags make me smile all the time. Just so beautiful

 

[KCeboKing]

Yep, that's me! Only I don't just stare... I have to pick them up and try them out

Lol!! Oh I should have been clarified...I definitely pick them up and try them all on!! [emoji173]️[emoji1]

 

[KCeboKing]

Not really. My HG bag would be one I've designed myself, lol! But someone else would have to make it. Although I used to make and sell leather clutch and shoulder bags (as well as belts) many years ago and I do still have my leatherwork tools, they only work for the 'artisan' look. I don't have the machinery to get same finish to linings etc. as a commercial bag manufacturer does. The best I can do is something akin to a very early Mulberry... and my personal HG would have more like a Givenchy/Prada finish to it



Yep, that's me! Only I don't just stare... I have to pick them up and try them out



Yes... you've hit the nail on the head about rather having something imperfect now rather than waiting. I never was any good at waiting for Christmas Day as a child... I had to go snooping round my Mum's wardrobe where she'd have hidden my presents



Yes I do have clothing to match the bags... in fact I often buy a bag to match a single outfit... only to find it's not practical for me (too small, too structured, too big, not structured enough!).

You're right about selling them, of course. I only recently parted with a Mulberry I bought in 2007 which I never even used. I bought it because I fell in love with the look and colour of it in the store. But when I got it home I didn't like the feel of it on my shoulder and realized I didn't actually like the hobo style. Should have done something about it straight away, but I enjoyed getting it out to look at occasionally. How sad is that!!!

I screwed that somehow lol. Yes! I definitely pick them up and try them all on as well!! Then have to remind myself I don't need a new one. Haha.

 

[Precious84]

You gotta have a Holy Grail. My Holy Grail is the Chanel Classic Double Flap in the jumbo size with caviar leather and in GHW. I just bought it yesterday. Made me willing to sell my two other Chanel bags, a navy jumbo classic flap and a vintage flap to fund it. For me to be that willing to sell these two Chanel purses, it means that Holy Grail has got to be worth it

 

[violeturq]

I screwed that somehow lol. Yes! I definitely pick them up and try them all on as well!! Then have to remind myself I don't need a new one. Haha.

Haha... I too keep reminding myself how similar a bag is to one I already have. If I've spent too long in the bag department, I walk away to the other side of the store, or even to a different floor. But if I can't get a bag out of my head after about 10 minutes, then I know I really do need to get that one

 

[immigratty]

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.

I most certainly do. I have been collecting for over a decade. I don't just go out and binge buy. I wait three months [for the most part] before I purchase a bag, and I have to LOVE IT...not just like it before I spend my hard earned duckets. I remember each and every bag in my collection, and the way they are displayed, I can actually see many of them on display. I switch up my bags regularly, and rarely carry any bag two days in a row [except my school bag...but even getting out of that as well].

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

+1

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

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HUN-TEE u betta WERK!!

It occurred to me a few years ago I am not a buyer for the 'History of Handbags Museum' and had to let go of my 'lesser' exhibits.

Lots of light-hearted comments on here but anything that is a true addiction can be damaging.

Only the person themselves can work out whether their addiction (or 'addiction') is making them happier or more miserable. If it's the latter (like any addiction) they should seek professional help.

I love my bags. Not just any bags in general but the actual ones I actually have already. I think if I was never satisfied with choices I would just STOP and consider if I'm looking for something no bag can give me and perhaps should be looking elsewhere entirely.

THIS!!

 

[ladysarah]

It occurred to me a few years ago I am not a buyer for the 'History of Handbags Museum' and had to let go of my 'lesser' exhibits.

Lots of light-hearted comments on here but anything that is a true addiction can be damaging.

Only the person themselves can work out whether their addiction (or 'addiction') is making them happier or more miserable. If it's the latter (like any addiction) they should seek professional help.

I love my bags. Not just any bags in general but the actual ones I actually have already. I think if I was never satisfied with choices I would just STOP and consider if I'm looking for something no bag can give me and perhaps should be looking elsewhere entirely.

Excellent points PT. I think shopping is general can become an addiction and a crutch. There are many articles around, light hearted as you say, but if someone had a real addiction it can be problematic. http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/how-to-cure-shopping-addiction I am not talking about someone who goes on an occasional shopping spree or perhaps over spends a little now and then, but when it becomes the most important thing in life.

 

[Murphy47]

For me, I can't speak for anyone else, I believe it to be hereditary or nature. When I was as young as 4 I carried a little handbag everywhere I went and was very particular about packing it. One of my earliest memories is being at Disney and I took my fav handbag with my very favorite little dolls in it ("little kiddles", for anyone that remembers them, aging myself) and I left it somewhere. I was inconsolable, it ruined my trip. One of grandmothers had the same "condition". My husband was informed of this condition before we married.

We must be sisters.
I also had Kiddles. One of my fav toys EVER.