What is the one thing you look for in a handbag other than brand, design & material?
- Thread starter handcandy
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I only see two things: brand and design. The other things I look for are really subcategories of those two such as function and usability are part design, durability and timeless are also partially design and brand. So I am not sure if I look for anything else. Mainly the ability to use in my life, how it looks, durability and I am a sucker for history.
Yes, those cover it.
Brand gives price & quality idea.
Design gives style & function/use idea.
Material gives me idea about care needed & durability.
I'd add color & lining type, which could fall under design. As would type of strap/carrying method.
And level of warranty/care service, which could fall under brand.
Mostly, will bag tolerate a curious dog nose prodding it without suffering much?
And how well would it endure my clumsiness & need to hoard starbucks receipts?
Brand gives price & quality idea.
Design gives style & function/use idea.
Material gives me idea about care needed & durability.
I'd add color & lining type, which could fall under design. As would type of strap/carrying method.
And level of warranty/care service, which could fall under brand.
Mostly, will bag tolerate a curious dog nose prodding it without suffering much?
And how well would it endure my clumsiness & need to hoard starbucks receipts?
Functionality and finesse in design, durability in material, quality in the craftsmanship, lightness, all of these come before brand or price. I'd never buy a bag that was not going to work for me, my life, my taste and my surroundings incl. weather.
What makes a bag good, bad or middling can be many small things.
I have a Chanel Tote that looks wonderful. Its leather and color are great but it feels thick, stiff and awkward to carry and its straps slide off my shoulder annoyingly. I'd rate it middling.
I just received a Cole Haan tote that immediately disappointed me when I took it out of the box. I didn't like the color which was different from what I had seen online when I ordered it - shade of color matters, and I thought it was going to have more body. I think this one will quickly get slouchy. I also didn't like its shape, which, while it looked like it did online, I did not like when in hand. It was overall rather dumpy looking. It's going back.
I have a Barney's house-brand leather tote I love. Its bright color makes me happy to wear it and its leather is top quality, lovely to touch. It looks well on me and I like the cut and structure of it. It's a great bag.
I have a Dooney & Burke tote I'd also rate middling. I like its color and shape. It's leather is as stiff as a new horse halter before oiling, but it is well designed inside. I don't like its flashy gold logo which I try to turn toward me to hide when I carry it.
I recently returned a Saint Laurent Sac de Jour that was gorgeous, but I thought would scratch up immediately. Leather that resists scratching is important to me.
I have a Chanel Tote that looks wonderful. Its leather and color are great but it feels thick, stiff and awkward to carry and its straps slide off my shoulder annoyingly. I'd rate it middling.
I just received a Cole Haan tote that immediately disappointed me when I took it out of the box. I didn't like the color which was different from what I had seen online when I ordered it - shade of color matters, and I thought it was going to have more body. I think this one will quickly get slouchy. I also didn't like its shape, which, while it looked like it did online, I did not like when in hand. It was overall rather dumpy looking. It's going back.
I have a Barney's house-brand leather tote I love. Its bright color makes me happy to wear it and its leather is top quality, lovely to touch. It looks well on me and I like the cut and structure of it. It's a great bag.
I have a Dooney & Burke tote I'd also rate middling. I like its color and shape. It's leather is as stiff as a new horse halter before oiling, but it is well designed inside. I don't like its flashy gold logo which I try to turn toward me to hide when I carry it.
I recently returned a Saint Laurent Sac de Jour that was gorgeous, but I thought would scratch up immediately. Leather that resists scratching is important to me.
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Design followed by material is more important to me, followed by its weight. Not so particular on which brand as long as it's not certain brand I totally dislike.
How I can carry the bag: crossbody, handheld etc....Whether it's open or closed (zipped/magnet, compartment? etc are all part of the design. That's why that's that's more important than brand.
How I can carry the bag: crossbody, handheld etc....Whether it's open or closed (zipped/magnet, compartment? etc are all part of the design. That's why that's that's more important than brand.
Honestly, a prime factor for me is how well the bag holds its value. I'm notorious for changing my mind about bags so it's pretty important for me that they retain their value.
For me a bag has to meet my "thresholds" in 5 categories or I don't buy it.
Style
Quality (Materials and construction)
Function / Size
Staying Power
Resale Value
Brand is important because I've learned certain brands meet my criteria above. But I don't buy a bag simply because it's a certain brand.
Staying power is important because I don't want chase friends. I wan to love my bag as long as possible.
BUT! If I tire of it I want to be able to recoup funds for another purchase. So resale value is critical.
Style
Quality (Materials and construction)
Function / Size
Staying Power
Resale Value
Brand is important because I've learned certain brands meet my criteria above. But I don't buy a bag simply because it's a certain brand.
Staying power is important because I don't want chase friends. I wan to love my bag as long as possible.
BUT! If I tire of it I want to be able to recoup funds for another purchase. So resale value is critical.