What have you learned through your handbag addiction?
- Thread starter JudieH
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i think that i've learned that i really am addicted/obsessed/infatuated with bags. and i've learned that i'm not alone! 
i love you guys!
i love you guys!
I've learned that:
I can find "the perfect bag for now", but never "the perfect bag".
I can't do the different bag everyday thing. I switch about once a monthish.
I can't stand to change wallets.
My bag addiction was evident even before I was ever aware of it. I has so many backpacks in high school, I could have opened a store. Jansport ruled!
I can't pass up a good deal on a tote. Any tote, any color. Target it the bane of my existence for that reason. A new tote every trip, every time!
I have to stare at everyones bag wherever I go.
Leather is the best smell in the world.
I prefer silver hardware as a rule, but do own some gold.
I really, really love my bags.
My friends don't understand, but you guys do. I love that!
:tpfrox:
I can find "the perfect bag for now", but never "the perfect bag".
I can't do the different bag everyday thing. I switch about once a monthish.
I can't stand to change wallets.
My bag addiction was evident even before I was ever aware of it. I has so many backpacks in high school, I could have opened a store. Jansport ruled!
I can't pass up a good deal on a tote. Any tote, any color. Target it the bane of my existence for that reason. A new tote every trip, every time!
I have to stare at everyones bag wherever I go.
Leather is the best smell in the world.
I prefer silver hardware as a rule, but do own some gold.
I really, really love my bags.
My friends don't understand, but you guys do. I love that!
:tpfrox:
judy, thats exactly what i have done also;i just recently gave away to my sis in law a ton of bags...i had to really figure out what my style was personally, not what looks good on paper or on someone else...that took a long time and many, many bags. i too, have bought and returned soooo many bags its ridiculous...i think too that as your life evolves and changes so does your wants and needs in a bag...my kids are older so i have no use for huge bags for everyday use...i just dont carry that much...if i need to bring more with me, i have a few large bags that i throw everything in, including my everyday bag, which is a small lv minna street bag or one of my other small bags. i wear them mostly cross body and could never have anything that doesnt have a long strap. i could never do an arm bag either, as gorgeous as they always look...i think you have to wear whats comfortable and practical for your life...
I've learned that my husband is wonderfully supportive and very indulgent especially when I talk details of handbags.
LOL Same here.
1. Definitely that a bag will go on sale, just like clothes do. If you know it won't, there are plenty of other places to get that bag if you're patient and knowledgable! Patience is key! The money you didn't spend on buying it at retail price, can go to something else!
I still have trouble talking myself out of sale purses, but ever since August, I've pretty much felt like I'm done and waved off any other bag that comes into sight. Without the help of tPF, I would have never thought of consignment shops online, and through that I got a scrumptious Prada Pushlock in black (goatskin? lambskin?) leather with gorgeous gold hardware that is different from the recent pushlocks. To boot, I have not seen any other pushlock as unique, though I'm sure there's another floating somewhere in the world.
2. I haven't been itching since then, but I when I spot another purse, I think about it for a bit, and realize why pay $$$ when I got the pushlock for only 670? If I see a bag for less than 700, I compare it to the pushlock and I know it's just not the same. Anything over 700, same result. This pushlock is my benchmark. Thank goodness.
A cheaper purse can give me satisfaction, but it won't match the delight I feel from just looking or carrying the pushlock that came from Switzerland!
3. Learning the difference between the quality of materials in different bags, mainly differences in leather. Paying for any amount of canvas, nylon, or faux-leather bags, just doesn't add up to one genuine leather bag (but Mat & Nat purses, are genius) If the body is not made of leather, forget it, the money for a canvas or nylon purse can continue go to groceries and gas instead.
4. Trendy bags and it bags are not for me. I can oogle them, but they are not for me.
5. Make the purchase count, definitely ditto to the gal that said quality over quantity. Get something you absolutely love, don't get something just because you can afford it.
I still have trouble talking myself out of sale purses, but ever since August, I've pretty much felt like I'm done and waved off any other bag that comes into sight. Without the help of tPF, I would have never thought of consignment shops online, and through that I got a scrumptious Prada Pushlock in black (goatskin? lambskin?) leather with gorgeous gold hardware that is different from the recent pushlocks. To boot, I have not seen any other pushlock as unique, though I'm sure there's another floating somewhere in the world.
2. I haven't been itching since then, but I when I spot another purse, I think about it for a bit, and realize why pay $$$ when I got the pushlock for only 670? If I see a bag for less than 700, I compare it to the pushlock and I know it's just not the same. Anything over 700, same result. This pushlock is my benchmark. Thank goodness.
A cheaper purse can give me satisfaction, but it won't match the delight I feel from just looking or carrying the pushlock that came from Switzerland!
3. Learning the difference between the quality of materials in different bags, mainly differences in leather. Paying for any amount of canvas, nylon, or faux-leather bags, just doesn't add up to one genuine leather bag (but Mat & Nat purses, are genius) If the body is not made of leather, forget it, the money for a canvas or nylon purse can continue go to groceries and gas instead.
4. Trendy bags and it bags are not for me. I can oogle them, but they are not for me.
5. Make the purchase count, definitely ditto to the gal that said quality over quantity. Get something you absolutely love, don't get something just because you can afford it.
and how to stop a fake at fifty paces (even training husbad to do the same!)
I have learned I do have my limit. I thought I would be insatiable, and that was scary. But no, I do have a limit and that feels good. I keep editing down my collection, and now I'm using all my bags and loving them. Whenever I buy a new one, I let one go. I give my bags to my friends. They cherish and use them. I have learned my bag personality -- and that has taken almost a lifetime! I have learned I am not alone in this love of handbags.
I love this! Here's what I've learned:
1) It pays to be picky. Limited Edition bags are not THAT hard to get, and so not worth having an anxiety attack over.
2) Classic bags are worth the money. The fewer bells and whistles, the more clothing they'll match.
3) Trendy bags are fun if the prices are 'fun' too.
4) Typical markup on a designer bag is 30%, so a good 'deal' is at least 30% OFF.
5) Know your style and only buy what fits into it. I loved the MJ Sweet Punk line - unfortunately, I'm more sweet than punk, and it looked ridiculous on me.
6) Control the bag obsession by being 'French' about it - find one bag you absolutely adore, and wear it to DEATH. Replace only when it's on it's last legs.
7) Create bag karma - give away a bag you used to love to your mom, and your aunt/cousin/sis might discover something in her closet to give away too.
8) If prices are reaching those of diamonds, consider the diamonds. They'll last longer.
9) Give your leather the best care you can - clean, condition, and protect diligently, and it'll go the distance!
10) The purse forum is naughty. But in a good way.
1) It pays to be picky. Limited Edition bags are not THAT hard to get, and so not worth having an anxiety attack over.
2) Classic bags are worth the money. The fewer bells and whistles, the more clothing they'll match.
3) Trendy bags are fun if the prices are 'fun' too.
4) Typical markup on a designer bag is 30%, so a good 'deal' is at least 30% OFF.
5) Know your style and only buy what fits into it. I loved the MJ Sweet Punk line - unfortunately, I'm more sweet than punk, and it looked ridiculous on me.
6) Control the bag obsession by being 'French' about it - find one bag you absolutely adore, and wear it to DEATH. Replace only when it's on it's last legs.
7) Create bag karma - give away a bag you used to love to your mom, and your aunt/cousin/sis might discover something in her closet to give away too.
8) If prices are reaching those of diamonds, consider the diamonds. They'll last longer.
9) Give your leather the best care you can - clean, condition, and protect diligently, and it'll go the distance!
10) The purse forum is naughty. But in a good way.
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