What do you look for in a bag?

[IzzyBunny]

Do you aim to buy classics with staying power? Bags that are hip and happening? Or whatever, depends on mood?

Personally I try and aim for what I hope are classics with staying power, I’m not very adventurous at all I feel. Sometimes that backfires, I purchased the LV Trevi a few years back thinking it was reaching classic status only to discover they’ve gone onto discontinue it! Regardless, I still love it to bits and would never part with it, I’ve even been asked if I’m willing to sell it but I couldn’t possibly.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I want bags with staying power and style. Ideally, My purchases would be "forever" bags in my collection. But realistically, with changes in trends and my ability to get bored, I'm looking to get 10ish years out of most of my bags.

That being said, any and all bags I buy have to meet these criteria.

• Love - I have to adore how the bag looks.
• Functionality - It has to work well for me and be a bag I place in active rotation (no closet lurking bags)
• Quality - Luxe materials and craftsmanship
• Resale Value - I want to be able to get my money out if I sell in a few years

 

[remainsilly]

1) Timeless lines & features useful to me.
Run screaming from anything white or covered in fur/exotic skin.
Or with chunky metal bits, to jangle & sizzle as branding irons in summer sun.
Or any bag which takes 20 minutes of fiddling to open/close clasp.

2) Choices sometimes are not popular.
Example: mulberry alice zipped tote
Many here tried small size for few months, declared it uncomfortable & out of fashion. Then bought other stuff.
I bought large size, in color wanted. And continue to love using it years later.

3) Sometimes are not used as designed/ intended.
Example: mulberry bayswater (tree logo era)
Others here complained thick leather bag was too heavy & lacked shoulder carry option.
I added carabiner clips to side straps, then attached guitar strap.
Used as flight bag, in pinch, with some pouches for nav. tools.
Once used to transport injured bat.

4) I dislike hermes birkins & kellys.
So won't buy the awkward beasts.
If others find this choice scandalous, not my problem.

5) Purchases do not follow "rules."
Example: red hermes bolide
Broke my personal rule--"expensive bags must be black."
Because liked color so much.
As result, wear more than thought. Usually with weird charm dangling (another rule broken).

6) Bags are not flashing billboards.
Logo prints & obvious "mug me" signs do no favors.
If cannot peacefully cruise a lumber aisle, without being followed by camera phones & giggly-squeak voices--bag is too annoying for my daily use.

7) Care nothing for resale value.
Or obsessively tabulating cost per wear.
If it works, it works.
If does not work, donate & done.
Simple.
Use my time on other things. Such as obsessing over whether bike chain has excessive filth build-up. Or if 3 clif bars will cram into pocket too small actually to hold 1.

Hope helps.

 

[Shelby33]

I usually look for the overall look, great leather, functionality (deal breaker), and durability. I don't look for classic or trendy. If I buy it I expect to use it for a long time, so I don't worry about classic or trendy at all. I have had most of my bags for quite a few years, like 5 or 10.

 

[immigratty]

Do you aim to buy classics with staying power? Bags that are hip and happening? Or whatever, depends on mood?

Personally I try and aim for what I hope are classics with staying power, I’m not very adventurous at all I feel. Sometimes that backfires, I purchased the LV Trevi a few years back thinking it was reaching classic status only to discover they’ve gone onto discontinue it! Regardless, I still love it to bits and would never part with it, I’ve even been asked if I’m willing to sell it but I couldn’t possibly.

here are my rules.
1. do I love the bag...not just today, but in months or even a year from now. I always wait at least 3 months before I purchase a bag. I never make 'impulse' purchases. if it makes my heart sing after 3 months the way it does the first time i see it...the bag is mine.
2. typically avoid obvious logos whether mono/siggy or large medallions, HURRIBLE
3. cost. while I find the upper threshold of "what I will pay" continues to increase, I do have an "upper limit" on what I will pay for a bag...albeit dynamic and ever changing.

but I find LOVE to be the most important. even if it's a $20 bag, what a waste if you never get any real use out of it.

 

[yochigga]

I generally tend to avoid trendy or happening bags, because it wouldn’t last for long, IMO. Once the trend is over, it’d only sit in your closet and whenever you look at it, you’d think it’s so “last year”. And don’t even talk about the resale value: it’d go down like a waterfall once it’s out of style.
I aim for classic styles more because they’ll never go out of style and can always elevate your overall look without being too much. Like duffle, tote, simple crossbody bags, envelope-style bags, those are some classic styles for me. My collection might look a bit boring because of that, but it’s ok because I don’t really follow trends anyway. It also has to be functional. I don’t like a bag that’s too heavy or too delicate that I have to really take care of it. I baby my bags, but I know my limits. They’re just bags after all. And a bag is supposed to help you carry your things conveniently. If it doesn’t serve its main purpose then why buy a bag? Might as well grab a plastic bag instead it also has to have decent quality since I invest my money on it. I don’t want my bags to break and fall apart after only several uses good resale value is also what I consider when buying a bag. I usually buy bags that are popular but not-so-popular. Popular as in, not every women might know it, but the ones who are really into fashion and bags would definitely do.

 

[Amazona]

My big points for a bag are:
* Necessity - I have to need a bag to justify the purchase
* Durability - I don't baby bags and they have to tolerate use, carrying heavy loads and being subjected harsh weather
* Minimal branding - NO big logos or monograms!
* Minimal hardware&weight - I don't see the point of getting a bag that's heavy even when empty
* Functionality - Pretty but useless has no room in my closet!
* Timeless design - I don't do trendy, fashionable or It.

 

[happy27]

I strongly believe in love at first sight and, yes some of my bags might be impulse buys but I will talk myself out of buying if I think for too long....and a lot of them are seasonal and limited editions, so they will be gone forever if I don't seize at the first opportunity!
Personally I don't go for bags that are common even if that means good resell value. Eg black Chanel Classic flap might be a classic but it's so "plain" imo
Lastly, no exotics, leopard prints or furs. I once visited a crocodile farm and while they don't look like the friendliest creature I just can't imagine being bred and killed young just for bags and belts!

 

[2cello]

The bags I've been happiest with are love at first sight. If it's work to determine which bag to buy, well, that's too much like work.

I strongly believe in love at first sight and, yes some of my bags might be impulse buys but I will talk myself out of buying if I think for too long....and a lot of them are seasonal and limited editions, so they will be gone forever if I don't seize at the first opportunity!
Personally I don't go for bags that are common even if that means good resell value. Eg black Chanel Classic flap might be a classic but it's so "plain" imo
Lastly, no exotics, leopard prints or furs. I once visited a crocodile farm and while they don't look like the friendliest creature I just can't imagine being bred and killed young just for bags and belts!

 

[Emily1830]

I used to buy bags solely on the principle of "love at first sight." As a result, I bought trendy bags, fabric bags, exotic skins, and even white bags.

Now I buy bags that are classic and stand the test of time. Why? Because I simply can't make any more expensive fashion mistakes. Of course I have to love them too, but I have stuck to this and haven't regretted my classics (Chanel classic flaps, Lady Diors, LV Alma, etc.).

Bags also have to fit into my lifestyle and be useable.

Lastly, I have to be able to afford them and logically justify the price tag. My Chanel flaps were my most expensive bags but I treasure them the most and enjoy using them.

 

[glamourgirlpink]

Buttery leather that breaks in nicely and doesn't show wear too badly (love the well loved "Indiana Jones" type leather look), clean lines and comfortable straps, quality materials and under the radar/indie type luxury bags are my faves. Function is also huge, a messenger strap option is super helpful and the lining has to be nice (I'm a bit of a lining freak). Oh and not too heavy!

 

[IzzyBunny]

Honestly, when i was younger i would care less about the bag in question being a 'forever bag' and more if i liked the look and it was something that i felt i could carry off well and the practicality and functionality were major matters of consideration. Now, years later i sadly find myself slightly regretting some of those purchases. The Burberry Orchard and the Chloe Marcie are two examples, even though i would never part with either ever (sentimental value lol) . I just feel they are dated...aren't they? Now i feel it wiser to invest in bags with staying power while also making certain their functionality is not compromised. Say, like my Lady Dior and Givenchy Antigona amongst others. What do you say?