What have you learned through your handbag addiction?
- Thread starter JudieH
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I've learned that I really CAN take a deep breath and walk away. I tell myself that if I continue to obsess over a bag for another two weeks, I will reconsider. Know what? There is usually a NEW bag that I "love" at that point, or the newness of thinking about the first one is gone. If I find a bag I cannot stop thinking about, I WILL buy it, but I'm okay for now.
There are priorities a lot higher than bags. We have a lot of home improvements to do, and that is my top priority right now.
Oh, and despite my obsession with bags for the past year, I'm STILL not sure they ***** shoes!
There are priorities a lot higher than bags. We have a lot of home improvements to do, and that is my top priority right now.
Oh, and despite my obsession with bags for the past year, I'm STILL not sure they ***** shoes!
Oh, girl, I am SO glad I broke myself with HH, because I've been having B-Bag feelings - luckily, they have passed and are just a pleasant "no, you don't" thought now. If I ever win the lottery -
Alas, I have modified a couple of my Inkas (taken the silly 'latch' off, and glued the leather piece to the bag so it doesn't hang down) but the rest are pristine. I imagine I'll store them for the next time I get that urge - it really is the best bag of that type (for me) I've ever found.
Another thing I've learned: (but only because I found tPF) - I am SO not alone! Yay! I have company in my handbag madness!!!
Alas, I have modified a couple of my Inkas (taken the silly 'latch' off, and glued the leather piece to the bag so it doesn't hang down) but the rest are pristine. I imagine I'll store them for the next time I get that urge - it really is the best bag of that type (for me) I've ever found.
Another thing I've learned: (but only because I found tPF) - I am SO not alone! Yay! I have company in my handbag madness!!!
Ever since finding this forum, I have purchased, returned and sold countless bags! It's insane! I have recently gone through a major rehaul of my collection (yet again) and decided to clean out the bags that I was no longer satisfied with.
Now that my closet is nearly empty but for a few chosen remaining bags, I feel the itch (yet again) to purchase more bags. However, I have decided to take a different approach this time.
In the past, I would read posts here and I can admit, I would get caught up in the frenzy of the latest "it" bag on the forum and would purchase it. Now, I am going to take my time and try to avoid these impulse purchases. I need to create a wish list of sorts and make myself WAIT before buying. Now I know it may be hard for me to do that should the bag be on sale or whatnot, but I am going to try. My latest itch is for the Jenny Yuen bag but I have considered this bag for a while now, I just wasn't sure. So, I am going to think about it for a while. And it helps that the bag is not in stock at the moment
I also know I cannot do arm bags so no matter how seductive the bag looks or how much it appeals to me, I will refrain from purchasing a bag that is not shoulder bag.
What about you? What have you learned?
To be wiser in choosing bags and to not feed into impulse. Instead, I do my research before purchasing it!
I have loved reading everyone's responses, and I have been nodding my head in agreement with all of you.
I have learned not to get caught up in the hype of It bags, I have learned that arm or hand bags do not work well for me. I have learned that Bohemian styles (by that I mean fringes and long tassels and strings) look very silly on me.
Also, I have learned to be quiet about my addiction. My friends and family would die if they knew how much any of my bags cost. If I say (lying through my teeth) that a bag cost $100, they are shocked into silence!
I have learned not to get caught up in the hype of It bags, I have learned that arm or hand bags do not work well for me. I have learned that Bohemian styles (by that I mean fringes and long tassels and strings) look very silly on me.
Also, I have learned to be quiet about my addiction. My friends and family would die if they knew how much any of my bags cost. If I say (lying through my teeth) that a bag cost $100, they are shocked into silence!
What I've learned:
* Every bag you love will eventually go on sale, often sooner than you expect.
* You CAN talk yourself out of a bag you love. It can take time. Sometimes months. Sometimes you'll have relapses. ("I think I'm finally going to buy that bag....No, no, no...") But it can be done.
* There's no such thing as a too-big purse. Every time you buy a purse you think is too big, carry it for a week and see what happens.
* You need a rule: The DH is not allowed to complain about your purses if when you're out he says every few minutes "Can I put this in your purse?..."Can you put this in your purse for me?"..."I'm tired of carrying this in my pocket can you put it in your purse?"..."Where's your purse? I need to find something I put in it."
* If the bag is described as "bohemian" that means the cats will find things on it to chew.
* It's good to be happy. So long as you pay cash.
* Carry vinyl in the rain.
* Every bag you love will eventually go on sale, often sooner than you expect.
* You CAN talk yourself out of a bag you love. It can take time. Sometimes months. Sometimes you'll have relapses. ("I think I'm finally going to buy that bag....No, no, no...") But it can be done.
* There's no such thing as a too-big purse. Every time you buy a purse you think is too big, carry it for a week and see what happens.
* You need a rule: The DH is not allowed to complain about your purses if when you're out he says every few minutes "Can I put this in your purse?..."Can you put this in your purse for me?"..."I'm tired of carrying this in my pocket can you put it in your purse?"..."Where's your purse? I need to find something I put in it."
* If the bag is described as "bohemian" that means the cats will find things on it to chew.
* It's good to be happy. So long as you pay cash.
* Carry vinyl in the rain.
I have learned so very many things over this last year at tPF:
1 - if I need to research a bag the info is here on tPF
2 - I like a wide variety of bags from Kooba to Bbags to Prada to LV
3 - bags can look so sexy in the crook of your arm
4 - a bag can ~make~ a simple outfit of jeans and tshirt look special
5 - a wonderful bag can make me feel pretty
6 - good leather is worth the price
7 - my beloved au lait coffees can stain a bag
8 - Lovin My Bags can fix anything
9 - most people do not get the allure of fine handbags, it's our thing not theirs
10 - pay cash, debt is for the birds
11 - one $1,000 bag really is worth 3 cheaper bags
12 - don't settle
1 - if I need to research a bag the info is here on tPF
2 - I like a wide variety of bags from Kooba to Bbags to Prada to LV
3 - bags can look so sexy in the crook of your arm
4 - a bag can ~make~ a simple outfit of jeans and tshirt look special
5 - a wonderful bag can make me feel pretty
6 - good leather is worth the price
7 - my beloved au lait coffees can stain a bag
8 - Lovin My Bags can fix anything
9 - most people do not get the allure of fine handbags, it's our thing not theirs
10 - pay cash, debt is for the birds
11 - one $1,000 bag really is worth 3 cheaper bags
12 - don't settle
Oh, I don't even know where to start!
But the most important lessons are, I guess:
- tons of tips regarding Ebay
- I've gotten better at telling fakes from the real thing (and to think I thought I was good before! I didn't know anything...)
- Always to get the best quality I can afford. I won't regret it.
- It's not weird to have a savingsaccount, where you put money aside for bagpurchases. Ok, well, maybe it is, but other people have those accounts too!
But the most important lessons are, I guess:
- tons of tips regarding Ebay
- I've gotten better at telling fakes from the real thing (and to think I thought I was good before! I didn't know anything...)
- Always to get the best quality I can afford. I won't regret it.
- It's not weird to have a savingsaccount, where you put money aside for bagpurchases. Ok, well, maybe it is, but other people have those accounts too!
I've learned to only get classic bags that will stand the test of time. That's why I love the Chanel house. They produce some cute trendy bags, but I tend to look over them and stick with bags I know I can wear for years to come. I don't like to buy "it" bags that are hot right now, but might not be in the seasons to come.
I love bags. I love the one on my arm and the one on the shelf and the one in the store and the one on the website and the one on ebay. I am going to try to sell the ones I cannot see using every day with any outfit forever. Try. Tomorrow maybe.
I have learned I adore satchels but slim shoulder bags are fun to carry. I have learned cross body bags are useful and comfortable but need to be squishy so they don't bounce! I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model.
If I really want a bag another will come along. Just bought a Coach I have been hunting for a year! Yippee!
Still trying to remember to COMPLETELY empty the bag before it goes on the shelf so I don't forget where that widget I will need in two days is. Where is my Coach initial charm? Where is that wallet on a string? That shoulder strap?
I have learned I adore satchels but slim shoulder bags are fun to carry. I have learned cross body bags are useful and comfortable but need to be squishy so they don't bounce! I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model.
If I really want a bag another will come along. Just bought a Coach I have been hunting for a year! Yippee!
Still trying to remember to COMPLETELY empty the bag before it goes on the shelf so I don't forget where that widget I will need in two days is. Where is my Coach initial charm? Where is that wallet on a string? That shoulder strap?
I keep on learning more things about myself. Clearly I have a handbag addiction and instead of trying to deny it, I am going to fully embrace it! 
I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun!
I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable.
I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out.
Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each?
I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.
I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun!
I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable.
I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out.
Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each?
I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.
I keep on learning more things about myself. Clearly I have a handbag addiction and instead of trying to deny it, I am going to fully embrace it!
I love the chase of finding a new bag. It can be so much fun!
I'm also learning that I definitely need to see a bag irl before committing to it. Therefore, any online purchase I make must be returnable.
I'm also very easily influenced by this board. I hear a couple of raves about a bag and I'm off running to check it out.
Finally, I'm learning that perhaps I should not spend so much on one bag, since I am constantly changing my mind about a bag after a purchase! I have a few non-returnable bags right now- Gustto Baca, Kale Mason II to name a few- too much time has lasped so I cannot return it, but maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had paid less than $300 for each?
I love my Lucky hobo and I paid $150 for it, so I know you can find good quality leather bags without spending a fortune.
ITA about needing to see a bag in person. most of the time when i purchased online, i've never been completely happy with my new bag.
another thing i've learned is that a bag is just a bag. As nice as a particular bag is at some point in time, there's always another bag in the future that i will love more.
I I love carrying my world with me. Mary Poppins is my role model. quote]
I'm the same way! My DH calls me the 'girl scout' because I always have different, random things because, "Well, you just never know!"
What I've learned about bags is the same as clothing, gotta know my style. I'm also realizing that over the years my style changes. A bag may be a great deal, or on super sale, but if it's not me, I won't use it--it will be another bag sitting on the shelf, or e-bay. I appreciate good quality and bags are one thing I will spend big $$ on, however, I've also learned that most will go on sale, so I shop much wiser now--I only buy the bags I truly love. I'm much smarter about the bags I purchase and the price at which I purchase them. It's not about quantity, it's about quality and the bag's value to me.