Why are you addicted to bags?
- Thread starter Piarpreet
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I like bags because they are a bit of luxury in the everyday. It's hard to explain, because (like many women here, I think), I don't carry a bag for anyone else. If no one knew it was a high end designer purse, I'd be okay with that. Heck, most people I know don't care a bit about bags and have no idea what I've spent on mine! 
But something about picking up that bag and walking out the door with it makes me stand a little taller.
I often hear people lament about "wasting" money on "foolish things" like handbags. But I don't view it as any more of a waste than any other discretionary spending. Some people go to sporting events, others spend money on electronics and video games and some collect antiques. I don't believe one of those is any better than the other. My best friend's husband once rolled his eyes and commented to my husband that he would never let his wife waste money on a bag. Bless him, my husband replied that he would never consider "letting" me do anything, and wasn't that a nice new car he (best friend's hubby) had just bought, while we would never waste money on a car that lost half it's value the minute you drive it off the lot. Shut him up good!
Anyway, back to the question, I like my bags because having them and carrying them makes me happy. Simple as that.
But something about picking up that bag and walking out the door with it makes me stand a little taller. I often hear people lament about "wasting" money on "foolish things" like handbags. But I don't view it as any more of a waste than any other discretionary spending. Some people go to sporting events, others spend money on electronics and video games and some collect antiques. I don't believe one of those is any better than the other. My best friend's husband once rolled his eyes and commented to my husband that he would never let his wife waste money on a bag. Bless him, my husband replied that he would never consider "letting" me do anything, and wasn't that a nice new car he (best friend's hubby) had just bought, while we would never waste money on a car that lost half it's value the minute you drive it off the lot. Shut him up good!
Anyway, back to the question, I like my bags because having them and carrying them makes me happy. Simple as that.
Plus, my old-school mother taught me to spend a lot for a few high-quality items instead of having many inexpensive things. As I get older, I realize how much that sunk in. With respect to fashion, her mantra was to spend more on coats, shoes and bags - the things you wear every day. With a truly great coat, pair of shoes or bag, everything else can be J.Crew or Banana. I think she was right. Of the three, I think bags are the most interesting and can add the most to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit.
Also, a little luxe with me every day reminds me that I'm worth it, cheesy as that is
[/QUOTE]
This is what my aunt always said to me. Good quality bag, shoes and coat and you can wear whatever else you want.
Also, a little luxe with me every day reminds me that I'm worth it, cheesy as that is
[/QUOTE]This is what my aunt always said to me. Good quality bag, shoes and coat and you can wear whatever else you want.
I like bags because they are a bit of luxury in the everyday. It's hard to explain, because (like many women here, I think), I don't carry a bag for anyone else. If no one knew it was a high end designer purse, I'd be okay with that. Heck, most people I know don't care a bit about bags and have no idea what I've spent on mine!
Anyway, back to the question, I like my bags because having them and carrying them makes me happy. Simple as that.
Totally agree. It is really a bit of luxury in the everyday life. It is also super versatile and can make or break any outfits, whilst also stands the test of time - especially the premium designer ones. Thus, it's a great investment
And indeed, carrying them makes me happy and instantly feels more stylish even when I am wearing flip flops and t-shirt!
I find handbags to be a cathartic form of escapism from the harsh reality that I am an unfortunate member of.
I couldn't agree more and basically do just that!
My style of clothing is casual.....I have been a stay at home mom since 1981........the reason I still am is my youngest child has a disability and I am still in 'stay at home mommy' mode. I mostly wear good jeans, good shirts, solid cardigans (cashmere/merino wool/cotton only) when chilly....sometimes add a scarf...sometimes add bulky jewelry.....and always wear a great bag. The only thing that really changes the look of what I'm wearing is a bag. I have so many white cotton shirts that might make me look as though I wear the same shirt/blouse everyday but I'm not......however!.....my handbag changes the look.....at least it does to me....I feel my bags give me style that I don't get any other way.
Think of this. When we put on our clothes, we look in the mirror, we walk out the door. From that point on, after we leave our houses to go to work or the store or volunteer or whatever it is we do.....we don't see ourselves or the clothes we are wearing....others see them but we can't possibly see ourselves unless we carry around full length mirrors.....of course we don't.
HOWEVER!
We Do see our bag.....we pick it up, we toss it from our self to our car, from our car back to self, from our self to the counter at the store......to the table at a restaurant......and so on. You play with your bag, you organize your bag, you decorate your bags with scarves or charms........Wait! I think I hit on something as I've typed and thought......
A bag is a toy!
Do we ever grow out of that joy of playing? Am I on to something here?....my bags are my toys....I really think I just hit the nail on the head.....they make me smile, they give me joy, I do play with them! I couldn't pick my toys as a child......I wanted to but in a family of 6 children, toys were a luxury. As a grown woman, I can pick my toys and apparently, bags are my toys.....am I making up for the toys/dolls I didn't get as a child? Am I now sicker than I thought I was? EGADS! I'm going to stop thinking........
I will leave you with this......my Dad passed away about a month ago.....I miss him terribly, I miss his wit...,.his charm.....his wisdom. He noticed I have a craving for handbags and one day said....a little over a year ago....
"You have so many bags, if you keep buying and aren't careful, you'll have nothing to put in them."
Last edited:
When I started working, I used to just buying a sturdy bag and wear it until it breaks. I used to dream about owning even just 1 LV bag but it was too expensive before.
I got my first LV bag after I realized I can finally afford one (even a brand new one!) And once I got my first LV, I never looked back
I got my first LV bag after I realized I can finally afford one (even a brand new one!) And once I got my first LV, I never looked back
I am similar to the OP in that my weight tends to fluctuate so I have a hard time buying clothes that may or may not fit in the future. On the other hand, purses always fit! I think my obsession started in high school when I fell in love with Michael Kors. It's funny looking back on it now because in high school and college all of my friends were in love with cheap bags from target and stuff and I was obsessed with MK and Marc Jacobs. My friends all thought I was crazy for considering spending so much money on a purse and I thought they were crazy for wasting $30 on a bag that may fall apart in less than a year.
I would gladly spend a lot of money on a bag that is well made and will last me for years and years. Luckily I have a husband who also agrees and allows me to splurge every now and then
I would gladly spend a lot of money on a bag that is well made and will last me for years and years. Luckily I have a husband who also agrees and allows me to splurge every now and then
OK, this may sound silly but please bear with me!
I have loved containers since I was a little girl. I remember totally relating to the Winnie the Pooh story where Eeyore receives an empty honey jar from Pooh for his birthday. Pooh feels bad because he ate all the honey, but Eeyore says, "it's a jar for putting things in." He then places Piglet's saggy balloon in the jar and is happy as can be.
I've always loved "things for putting things in." My mother's jewelry box was an obsession for me as a child -- I loved the idea of a special box to hold all your treasures. And a purse is a portable version of that!
Very silly, I'm sure, but if I really look back to where my purse obsession may have its roots, that's it. It didn't really turn into a purse thing until my late 20s-early 30s, but I have always loved jewelry boxes, secret compartments, and stuff to hold my stuff. Add beautiful leather and a strap to make it portable, and I am a goner!
I have loved containers since I was a little girl. I remember totally relating to the Winnie the Pooh story where Eeyore receives an empty honey jar from Pooh for his birthday. Pooh feels bad because he ate all the honey, but Eeyore says, "it's a jar for putting things in." He then places Piglet's saggy balloon in the jar and is happy as can be.
I've always loved "things for putting things in." My mother's jewelry box was an obsession for me as a child -- I loved the idea of a special box to hold all your treasures. And a purse is a portable version of that!
Very silly, I'm sure, but if I really look back to where my purse obsession may have its roots, that's it. It didn't really turn into a purse thing until my late 20s-early 30s, but I have always loved jewelry boxes, secret compartments, and stuff to hold my stuff. Add beautiful leather and a strap to make it portable, and I am a goner!
This is such a good thread and conversation
I was very young when I asked and begged my mom to buy me a bettyboop wallet in pink color, I think I was 7 years old that time...One day she came home from the market and gave me the bettyboop wallet I was the Happiest kid in the whole wide world Now that I'm 30 I do still love bettyboop but more on sleep wear or collectible figurines and cute notebooks or callendar she will always my cartoon sister Fast forward after collage and got my own apartment and got my job that pay my bills up to now..I always like handbag and shoes, It comes with clothing I can wear anything as long It's gray or black and Sale is a must in my clothing...lol I can wear Walmart,target,f21 anything that sells cheap and affordable. Because I'm more worried about my handbag and shoes and if possible I want them matched... I'm pretty good how I spend my money on my Bags and Shoes I do have Premium designer that I luv it so much and really take good care of them...and couple of Contemporary designer bag that I used more as my WORK handbag. It comes to shoe I like to match in my bag and the color So I'm always in a hunt for the colors and ofcourse I always do research about the brands and Quality...I like flats and a little heels
and comfiness is a must.Funny thing is most of the people that I know specially my friends and family they assume most of the time that I'm wearing a full Designer outfit they always tell me that You look very expensive...those bag and shoes are so nice...and that outfit is to die for....Sometimes I laugh and tell them that maybe couple of things are expensive but not Everything.
Have a great day everyone!
I was very young when I asked and begged my mom to buy me a bettyboop wallet in pink color, I think I was 7 years old that time...One day she came home from the market and gave me the bettyboop wallet I was the Happiest kid in the whole wide world
Now that I'm 30 I do still love bettyboop but more on sleep wear or collectible figurines and cute notebooks or callendar she will always my cartoon sister Fast forward after collage and got my own apartment and got my job that pay my bills up to now..I always like handbag and shoes, It comes with clothing I can wear anything as long It's gray or black and Sale is a must in my clothing...lol I can wear Walmart,target,f21 anything that sells cheap and affordable. Because I'm more worried about my handbag and shoes and if possible I want them matched... I'm pretty good how I spend my money on my Bags and Shoes I do have Premium designer that I luv it so much and really take good care of them...and couple of Contemporary designer bag that I used more as my WORK handbag. It comes to shoe I like to match in my bag and the color So I'm always in a hunt for the colors and ofcourse I always do research about the brands and Quality...I like flats and a little heelsand comfiness is a must.Funny thing is most of the people that I know specially my friends and family they assume most of the time that I'm wearing a full Designer outfit they always tell me that You look very expensive...those bag and shoes are so nice...and that outfit is to die for....Sometimes I laugh and tell them that maybe couple of things are expensive but not Everything.
Have a great day everyone!
This is such a good thread and conversation
I was very young when I asked and begged my mom to buy me a bettyboop wallet in pink color, I think I was 7 years old that time...One day she came home from the market and gave me the bettyboop wallet I was the Happiest kid in the whole wide world
and comfiness is a must.Funny thing is most of the people that I know specially my friends and family they assume most of the time that I'm wearing a full Designer outfit they always tell me that You look very expensive...those bag and shoes are so nice...and that outfit is to die for....Sometimes I laugh and tell them that maybe couple of things are expensive but not Everything.
Have a great day everyone!
Lol u r my tpf soulmate
Walmart
Betty boop
Matching shoes and bags?
Hahahah
yes, yes, yes.....if it sounds silly to some then add me to the silly list. i couldn't agree more.....you triggered a memory for me, thank you. lunch boxes! i loved lunch boxes as a child.....might that be where the addiction started? i think you are on to something.....it starts in childhood, I'm certain.
Great post!
Bags are my toys I guess, LOL. I love arranging my things in it just so, choosing and wearing a bag that goes with my clothing that day, and I just get pleasure from looking at my bag during the day.
My little granddaughter once asked me why I had so many bags, and I told her I really liked them, and that it was similar to her and her stuffed toys. She has a lot of stuffed animals, and I have a lot of bags, LOL. I think she understood that analogy.
The women in my family always used nice bags. My mother always splurged on leather bags and shoes/boots. One of my aunts always matched her bag to her outfit, (red dress - red bag) and I always admired how nice she looked. I've always loved bags, but it wasn't until I realized what a bag can do to accessorize an otherwise plain outfit, and that it can add so much to ones appearance, that I really started to buy bags, for every and all occasions.
