I have a confession to make: When I first started my collection, I was a little shortsighted. My goal was comparable to a math equation: acquire as many classic and timeless pieces without going over my allotted “bag fund” budget. A Birkin (at this point, at least) was out of the question. Same with a Kelly. But, high up on my *somewhat* realistic list was a Prada Galleria Medium Saffiano Leather Bag, a Valentino Rockstud Leather Tote, and, of course, a Chanel Classic Flap.
When I thought about all the bags I wished to purchase, I didn’t necessarily concern myself with how functional, durable, or practical they’d be. Years later, I’ve checked off all three of them from my “to-buy” list. I’m embarrassed to admit they’ve received a lot less use than I anticipated. There are numerous reasons why. The Valentino lacks a top zipper, and the Prada is pretty stiff. I only learned this after carrying the bags quite a few times. Then there’s the Chanel, which, though gorgeous, doesn’t work as an everyday bag for me. Though it’s the perfect counterpart to a fancy dinner or swanky gala, those aren’t frequent occurrences at the moment. (Sigh.) Most days, I’m hauled up in my apartment working, which means carrying a Classic Flap to and from errands isn’t quite necessary. (That’s where my wallet keychains come in, but I digress.)
As my admiration for purses has grown, so has my understanding of what makes a bag perfect for someone. While one person may love the space and functionality of a tote, someone else may prefer a more elegant bag with a clasp.
Personally, I’m an unwavering fan of the camera bag. Forget the brand or designer; if it’s small, compact, durable, and features a reliable zipper and crossbody chain, I’m almost always game. Given it has taken me quite a few handbag purchases to learn the camera bag style is what works best for me, I can now say my discovery helps drastically tailor my search when I’m considering a new bag.
I’ll rarely filter for totes or small shoulder bags. Usually, I head straight to the crossbody or camera bag section; and luckily, the style happens to be very on-trend, meaning there’s no shortage of bags to fantasize about.
While I do appreciate the diversity in my collection, it helps knowing that when I stick with my favorite bag style, I’m confident knowing my purchase will pay off. I don’t know about you, but the worst feeling is purchasing a bag, be it $200 or $2,000, just to find out that you could have done without it. Though there’s always the option of consignment, it’s still something I prefer to avoid.
So I must ask: Do you have a favorite bag style as well? What styles typically work best for your lifestyle? Are you more likely to purchase a bag based on how well it will fit into your life? Or, would you take a chance on a bag and find a way to slowly incorporate it?
My favorite bag style is about the size/shape of the Celine Nano Luggage Bag and Nano Belt Bag. Slightly larger than a camera bag, but smaller than a Speedy or Neverfull. A cross-body strap or long shoulder strap is a must though, regardless of the bag size! I loathe carrying bags top-handle only.
Large totes and backpacks.
I have discovered that I prefer wallet on chains size bags/very small crossbodys! I have never even used my small belt bag despite owning it for a year, solely because I have never needed the extra space, yet, and even my small Chloé Hudson is left un-used only because it feels terribly heavy compared to my Gucci Dionysus WOC! My next purchase will probably be another small WOC size thing to alternate with!
Totally agree with you! I feel silly sometimes carrying my larger bags, they just look so empty! Even my LV Speedy 25 I sometimes carry a second pair of sunglasses in a big case just to make it look fuller. I hated to sell my Chloe Marice Saddle but I just never used it. Mini’s all the way!! (ask me how I feel in 7-10 years when I have kids!)
I drop a magazine into the bottom of a Speedy to help it keep it’s shape and avoid that deflated look.
So smart. Great tip!
Now that I’m retired my children frequently ask me to babysit, which I enjoy. However, my youngest grandson is 2 and loves to run away from his “Nana” in public. Therefore, the only bags that work for me are crossbody’s and totes to carry his endless supply of food, diapers and drinks. I still own and covet my Chanel’s and Birkin’s, but I would look pretty silly running after him with a Birkin swinging from my hand or a Chanel on my shoulder! 🙂
I think it depends on where I’m going. I personally like using wallets as clutchs and crossbody bags. I also prefer bags that aren’t too flashy for formal functions.
I’ve learned through much trial and error (aka lots of wasted money) that my two sweet spots are either small crossbodies or roomy totes. While medium sized bags make up the bulk of trendy, interesting bag shapes, I’m currently trying to offload all of my medium bags on Poshmark because I rarely use them.
On the weekends, I like a hands-free crossbody that’s just big enough to fit the essentials (phone, card case, lipgloss, keys, sunglasses). The bag itself can take many forms, whether it’s a flap, open top, camera bag, top handle, etc. but the important thing is that it’s small so it sits close to by body and doesn’t hurt my neck/shoulder.
During the week I prefer light, roomy totes like my Goyard or Longchamp. They’re basically weightless with my daily essentials and there’s plenty of room if I need to shove a laptop, gym clothes, jacket, or books in there; if your work bag isn’t extremely light when empty, you know you’re going to suffer when it’s loaded up with all your junk!
I used to carry my life in my bag so my go-to bags were large totes and shoulder bags that were roomy. Now I find that I can fit everything I need into a smaller bag. I have a Coach Dreamer that is fabulous and I mostly use that and other similar size bags during the week, and love a cross body or camera bag for the weekend when I am in a restaurant or running errands. I may invest in a wallet on chain soon because I think I may even be able to pull that off!
I have a medical condition which requires me to carry a few more things everyday than the normal person, but i have found that otherwise going minimum is the way to go for me. Beyond my medical device/supplies, i carry a very small square wallet, sunglasses (in soft case), hand sanitizer, a very small calendar, and small charging dock. I also love camera bags just so they are on the larger side (i.e. Fendi camera bag, Gucci small marmont shoulder bag, etc). But IDEALLY, I love a camera bag/crossbody with the option of a hand held strap as well. This allows me to grab it in/out of the car easily and have 2 carry options when needed. My favorites of this style are my LV pochette metis, Gucci marmont small top handle bag, and Proenza Schouler Tiny PS1.
yes, http://www.snobaddict.com is very favorite bag style
After buying a Gucci Disco Soho bag, I discovered that camera bags are the way to go. I’ve purchased 2 more Discos in different colors since I love it so much. For work, I prefer shoulder bags.
What I don’t like are top handle bags. It’s a good thing that most top handle bags come with a detachable shoulder strap nowadays.
I love a good hobo bag. It serves as a great cross body (depending on the brand), and can hold all my stuff. I, as well, have wasted money on bags that just don’t serve the purpose.
Huge totes and shoulder bags (when I don’t need to carry my apartment around:))
Tote, camera
I like large bags like the Coach Hampton flap bag. It’s big and can fit a lot in it. Or I like bags with tons of inside organization like my Lug bags. Mostly I go for large totes by dooney or coach. Even if I don’t fill them all the time, I like knowing that have the ability to function with more in them. I find small bags to be useless for me. I live in a rural, casual area, and don’t go out at night or have events to go to that would require a small evening type of bag.
A crossbody or a big tote for me. It’s simple. That’s my go-to style.
Torn between tote and hobo. Might be leaning towards the hobo because I like the way it sits on my shoulder.
I feel like I don’t have good bag diversity anymore because almost all my bags are crossbody or shoulder with a long strap. I love my few totes but I rarely wear them because I don’t like having something bulky right under my arm.
I have a soft spot for a cute satchel though. I’m still falling for those all the time.
My favorite bags are those that have a personality. For example, I am in love with Jamin Puech bags. They are always so whimsy and unique. Recently I only go for crossbody styles, I rarely use my totes.