I am a firm believer that bags are meant to be worn. However, when I first started buying designer bags, I was nervous to carry them. The first designer purchase I ever made, a Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag in navy leather with a candy cane lining, it sat in my closet unworn for months. I would leave my Morning After Bag sitting in its dust bag, perched carefully inside the top shelf of my closet. I was in college back then, and every single day after class I would come home and take my bag out and place it carefully on my bed while I did homework, then I would put it back before bed. This routine lasted several months before I finally got the courage to carry my bag to class or out on errands.
Times certainly have changed since then, because I now make it a point to use my designer bags immediately upon purchase. Sometimes I even carry them out of the store, I’m the person who is that excited to wear my new bag right away. I don’t shy away from taking my bags with me just about anywhere, because it’s important to me to get use out of my expensive purchases. I love that carrying a designer bag can make even a trip as mundane as a grocery store run feel fun, and my bags do give me that feeling no matter where I’m off to. I travel with my bags, carry them to work, and wear them with leggings.
However, I do set some limitations around the use of my bags. In fact, I have two places that I make it a rule to never bring my designer bags. The first? A nail salon. I am a frequent nail salon patron (I’ve been addicted to dip nails lately!), but I never carry any of my designer bags with me to get my nails done. I was shocked a few weeks ago when I saw a woman’s gorgeous blush pink Gucci Marmont camera bag sitting on the floor of the salon a few weeks ago. I own the same bag, and the idea of putting mine on the floor of a salon sent shivers down my spine. I’m pretty sure I was more concerned about the woman’s bag than she was, but I couldn’t help but glance over periodically throughout my manicure to make sure the bag was okay. Beyond the horror of putting my bag on the floor of a public place, there are many extra accidents waiting to happen in a nail salon, I would never be able to relax with my expensive bag on the floor. With polish, nail oils, and acetone laying around, that is a handbag tragedy waiting to happen.
The second place I won’t carry a designer bag? A doctor’s office. With so many germs flying around, the last place I want to carry my expensive bag is to a flu incubator. I know germs touching my bag are inevitable, but it seems like the least I could do is leave the bags in my collection at home during doctor visits. Besides, I am usually at my least fashionable ever during a doctor’s visit and style is the least of my concerns, not even a designer bag can salvage my look.
Do you have any places you won’t bring your designer bags? Leave us a comment to let us know where!
I’m an attorney and I won’t carry a designer bag to work because I don’t want to risk any negative reactions from clients. I take care to look polished and professional, but I don’t want a client wondering if they’re overpaying so that I can buy designer goods. This is the same reason why I won’t buy a flashy car.
I am a teacher and I do wear my Celine phantom only because it isn’t overtly noticeable.
Same. I even take off my engagement ring most days and just wear my wedding band. That’s probably taking it too far, but I feel more comfortable that way. No one notices if their attorneys are wearing bespoke suits that cost thousands of dollars, but they notice handbags and flashy jewelry.
I get it. Some of my work has involved traveling to rural, small towns and interviewing hourly workers. On those trips, I leave behind all of my jewelry. People are already disinclined to trust lawyers so the last thing I want to do is give them a reason to conclude I’m some snotty attorney from the big city who looks down on them.
I could be wrong but this is my feelings. I would rather see an attorney that I would hire with a fancy car and handbag. I feel like they must be a good lawyer because they can afford to buy luxury items. I feel if I see an attorney with a car or bag not as good as i have is not a great lawyer.
You are welcome to your opinion, but there are some things to consider. First, not all attorney’s chose to buy designer items. Also, many attorneys may be paying back their law school loans in excess of $150,000 plus. Due to strict rules, law students are prohibited from working, during their 3 years of law school, due to the expectations of success placed on them for passing both law school and the law exam. If they don’t have a family member who can support their living expenses, as I did with my daughter, or they don’t have enough in savings they have to take out loans to survive these years. Many students go directly from college to law school so they have double the student loans of other students. Attorneys may also have house payments, family, medical obligations, etc. that they need to pay. Hopefully, their knowledge and skill set is more important than the bag they carry or the car they drive. Again, you are entitled to your own opinion, but perhaps you can give this some thought. Thx!
I agree with paughg9….I NEED my attorney to look the part!!! Our point of view is from a client standpoint where yours is from the attorney standpoint. I have worked for private law firms and now for the City Attorney (I am a paralegal) However, I think it is silly of you “dress down” because of how you think people will view you… people aren’t looking at you the way you think. Taking off your wedding ring that leaves me speechless…. who cares what people think?? WOW just WOW
Law students are prohibited from working? I have seen many law students hold full-time jobs while going to school. There were also quite a few of military officers
My husband went to law school in New Jersey- he was prohibited from working during his 3 years of law school; my daughter went to law school in Colorado-she was prohibited from working during her 3 years of law school; my sister went to law school in Oregon-she was prohibited from working during her 3 years of law school. I don’t know what you are referencing, but it doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in debating my knowledge and experiences against something you “have seen”. I lived through it and I know the rules imposed on students.
SOME schools have rules “banning” law school students from working, while plenty of schools don’t have such rules. You having seen 2 people in your life not be able to work during law school doesn’t mean it’s a global rule.
The American Bar Association dropped their 20 hour a week work limit for full-time law students so it’s fully up to individual schools.
Many law schools have programs specifically tailored to students who are working full time while in school now. It’s not 1950 anymore.
“Due to strict rules, law students are prohibited from working, during their 3 years of law school…”
The way you wrote it without qualifiers made it sound like no law school allows its student to work. Turns out, it is up to the school to choose whether or not to allow its students to work. Many, if not most, California law schools allow their students to work. I am sorry you took my question as an attack. It wasn’t.
For your own sake, I hope you never pick an attorney that way. Some of the best attorneys I’ve ever met were the most unassuming. Every attorney should look professional, but some just don’t put a high priority on luxury and it has no bearing on their skill.
Some of the most successful women I know don’t wear labeled luxury accessories (they may wear discreet expensive items), However they get their status through other endeavors. It wouldn’t matter to me either way in choosing a lawyer, doctor, realtor, etc. However, personally I don’t wear Chanel, Gucci, etc to a job interview, but I will wear a contemporary brand usually Tory Burch. In the end, it is all about what makes us comfortable.
Another attorney here! I always felt very comfortable bringing designer bags to work, but I note that (1) I mostly only encounter other corporate attorneys, and don’t see clients very often since they’re mostly international corporations and (2) I’ve practiced in LA, SF, and now Orange County, so it’s not at all unusual to see designer handbags on everyone.
Practice area and location definitely make a difference! I’m in L&E so I conduct employment investigations and meet business owners. Plus, while I’m in a large city, I travel to more rural areas. I already stand out (female, minority, younger) and the last thing I want to do is emphasize the otherness by carrying designer goods that the people I’m meeting might consider frivolous and/or showy. I expect I’ll feel comfortable carrying an understated designer bag if and when I make partner, but as an associate, I like to fly under the radar in that regard.
I agree about maintaining an appearance of propriety. I also understand your particular situation since my daughter and sister are attorneys, but they are very different. My sister doesn’t carry any high end bags to work, but my daughter does because she’s always done her own thing. She has always been a strong leader and independent person who unknowingly influences people. Her bag and work bag are in her office and her clients (personal injury) discuss their cases in there with her. She’s focused on assisting her clients and no-one seems to notice or care about her bags. Admittedly, I don’t carry high end bags and it’s not due to my clientele, but to my caustic, gossipy and very distracting co-workers. ? Everyone does what’s right for them and it should come without prejudice or judgment from others, IMO. ?
My approach certainly isn’t for everyone and it will be highly dependent on practice area, location, and clientele.
Yes, this is true, but it is also more complicated than that. It can also be determined by someone’s comfort level, their priority level, a reward for a large settlement, etc. There are attorneys and judges in my family and I’ve seen both sides so it’s all subjective, IMO.
Hair salon! I carry my cards, phone, and some chapstick/lipstick in makeup pouch I got with a free gift with purchase from a make-up company.
My hair salon has these plastic baggies they give you for your bag so that you don’t have to risk it! But I totally feel you on that—hair dye + your beloved bag = one big mess should something happen!
This article was eye opening. ?
I try not to use my designer bags when traveling. I do pack them for use when I reach my destination but to carry one through the airport and have to put them on the floor (in planes) or even the overhead bin… I don’t think so.
I agree. I lost a gold necklace at airport, fell off while rushing through security. I’m afraid of being detained a few minutes, while my bag has already exited to the front of the line and someone might just scooped it up.
Same. I bring my contemporary bags, not the premiere.
Same here. These days I just use a Le Pliage tote during travel due to prior incidents.
I don’t bring my designer bags to the gym…too many germs.
I don’t even go to the gym for this exact reason.
I won’t carry mine into a beauty salon especially when I’m getting highlights in my hair!
I don’t take them to amusement parks and very touristy spots. After Helenhandbag on IG had her Birkin bag stolen on vacation, I changed my thought process. My bags range from $1500 – $3000 and I would die if they were stolen let alone a bag that’s at least $10,000.
Wow, I’ve never thought of the possible risks at a nail/hair salon. Very true but stylists (at least my stylist and my nail girl) are very aware of the cost of the designer bags their clients carry so they have a little shelf or a hook to hang it, far away from hair dyes, nail polishes, etc. Sometimes I feel like they’re more concerned about my bag than I am.
The gym is probably the only place I don’t take my bag to since I don’t need it there.
I will not carry it to the beauty salon (fear of hair dye hitting my babies) or any place with shaddy people who would swipe my bag in a moments notice.
+1 for salons. Charity / volunteer work occasions. Job interviews (which is not the same as work). These are the main ones off the top of my head.
I had a pair of diamond earrings stolen out of a Prada bag at the hair salon in the 90’s. I left my bag on the floor (I know, I know..) when going to get my hair washed and after my cut, went to put my earrings back on and they were gone. This was before cameras and it was a big busy salon so there was no way to figure out who stole them. After that I realized I should never leave my bag alone and also never bring an expensive bag to a salon. Just too risky for so many reasons.
Nail salon
Sporting events
I don’t understand not carrying a designer bag to work. Am I the only one that puts their handbag out of sight? I don’t walk around work carrying my handbag. On top of that, I could care less. Don’t like it…don’t look at it. Life is way too short to not enjoy your things because someone may pass judgement or get offended. What others have to say about you is not your business.
Thank you! It may be due to my mature age, but I don’t care what anyone says. I work in the government and previously worked in the contracting business and had a co-workers make comments about my Rolex with 2 carats of diamonds on the bezel and I thought… are you kidding me? They thought I should worry that people would pre-judge me. Well, at that particular job the senior VP did make a comment at a meeting one day and to be frank, I could not have cared less. I also have a 4 carat wedding set and carry any number of designer handbags as I have a walk in closet full of designer bags. I make no excuses nor do I apologize to anyone. I have worked hard to have the things that I have. My father worked in a factory and my sister and I are the first to go to college. I admit to feeling a sense of accomplishment when I sit in my driveway of my home in my BMW wearing my watch and ring and carrying one of my favorite bags… I think back to my youth and am so proud of what I’ve accomplished and I don’t just use my material possessions as a litmus test, it is just one area that I am discussing today. I’m proud of the fact that I have zero debt, a very healthy savings account and a retirement account that will support me in the standard I have become accustomed to. This hasn’t always been the case, but it is now and I am happy and secure with who I am and the fact that I love beautiful quality items and nothing beats a beautiful handbag. And no, there is no where I won’t take one of my bags. I have different bags for different events and even when it’s raining I have a bag for that. :0)
If I’m just in the office and interacting with colleagues, I’ll bring a designer bag and keep it in a drawer in my desk. If I’m doing something client-facing, I do not bring a designer bag.
Yes hospitals are full of germs … but if I didn’t bring some of my favourite designer bags to work I would hardly ever get to use them. And, if I am to be covered in hospital bacteria, my bags will inevitablely get contaminated 🙂
I don’t bring my bags when I’m around my horses. It’s just too dusty/sweaty in the summer months or muddy in the winter. There is also a nice sense of freedom with my horses; I don’t want to worry about keeping my bags (or my own appearance) nice. When I’m with my horses the focus is on them.
Plus – my young mare has a habit of picking things up with her teeth and tossing them. It wouldn’t be fun to see her try the same trick with my fav Céline bag!
My mare already ran off once with my Neverfull! She must be a Louis girl!
Sounds like heaven!!!
I don’t use any of my logo bags for any work related functions. By that I mean I don’t use when meeting with clients and I also don’t use for work functions where I am interacting with colleagues and owners. I wore my Gucci loafers recently to a work function and was uncomfortable with the attention from colleagues. It’s probably my own insecurity about what I deserve and spend money on. I also don’t like to flaunt what I have … it’s making me rethink owning obvious designer goods. I mean the side eye I get at Target whenever I carry LV is ridiculous.
dive food establishments, the ghetto, ethnic food markets
What is dive food establishments and ethnic food markets? And what is making a place a ghetto, poverty level? Or something else? Sorry if this is a stupid question, English is not my first language and these expressions are new to me, except for ghettos, although I don’t know exactly what makes one.
There is no stupid question and while I can’t speak for what the author meant, let me try and explain it, since I reside in the U.S.A. The dictionary defines a “ghetto” as “part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or groups”. It can also be associated with poverty, housing projects (old, dilapidated apartment buildings) crime, theft, murders, gang violence, illicit drugs are bought and sold, etc. It’s an area where residents struggle to meet their basic needs, but many are able to make it out of the ghetto to live and work in safer areas in the city.
A “dive food establishment” is an old, run down place, such as a bar or restaurant, that serves food and/or drinks; the food served can be cheap and surprisingly good. Lastly, an “ethnic food market” is a food market, maybe indoors or outside, that is run by minorities for example, Asians and the food is indigenous to their culture. If it’s a “live, outside market” or “wet market” the animal can be butchered in front of the customer so it is “fresh”. These markets also have a variety of fish and other sea animals. Also, dead ducks, chicken, etc. are hanging from their necks for purchase. There is a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, noodles, rice, spices, etc. The odor emanating from these outdoor markets can be pungent or amazing, depending on a persons tolerance to various aromas. However, an “indoor ethnic market” is typically a grocery store. It can be Asian, Middle Eastern, etc. where a variety of foods are purchased. For me, these markets are both interesting and fun and provide an enlightening cultural experience. I hope this information was of some help to you!
Well deciphered. I”m from New Zealand so was a bit unsure of these terms too but they are what I kind of assumed. 🙂
Well deciphered. I”m from New Zealand so was a bit unsure of these terms too but they are what I kind of assumed. 🙂
Hey Whit! Don’t forget truck stops, outhouses, fishing holes, mud wrestling, bar hopping and strip clubs! I think that’s all…did I forget anything? ?
I guess as long as you you have enough room in your pockets to keep your ID, credit card, and KKK membership card you don’t really need to bring your luxury bag to any of those places, huh?
Hahahaha!!
This blog is not meant for any of your political views!
The gym for sure. ? yuck
This is the most pretentious humblebragging drivel I ever wasted vision reading. Seriously, if something as mundane as where to wear an overpriced purse is a discussion worthy, bloggable conversation topic, then that says a lot about your mentality.
All of these bags are primarily manufactured by poor asian women and children and then sent to the design houses for detailing and “certification for authenticity”. Designer goods are a scam, there is no such thing. None of this stuff is actually handmade, and just because you don’t understand the labor hours and craftsmanship it would take a single designer to craft 50 bags, doesn’t mean you have the right to pretend buying this stuff isn’t delusional, unethical, and pointless. I like nice things too. But honestly if someone has to put forth an essay about why not to carry a handbag that they paid 5k for to a freaking messy nail salon or places where sick ppl are, then you lack a sense of priority and purpose. That is common sense and not newsworthy in any way. The world is screwed. I hope your purses are the first thing destroyed in the apocalypse and you are forced to focus on stuff that actually matters. Shame on you for publishing a story this vapid. People are currently dying in the places your stupid bags are made. I hope your next luxury bag has Coronavirus stitched into its seams.
lol, why did you read it or why do you even read this blog ever if you think it’s pointless drivel? And to insult a bunch of strangers on a blog that doesn’t pertain to you says a lot about YOU. And none of that is good. To those starving children in Africa sewing your shoes, a $5 Walmart bag is a luxury to them. Luxury bags are relative. If someone can afford a $5 or $5,000 bag after saving up for it, good on them.
You remind me EXACTLY like my sister in law
What is wrong with you and why are you following this blog? You act like the women commenting on this blog aren’t talented, educated ladies with very busy lives. Obviously you are delusional if you don’t know that the women who can afford to buy these bags aren’t at the top of their game. I would imagine that a lot of them, like myself collect bags and enjoy discussing the many facets of collecting beautiful handbags. I’m sure the women here make many valuable contributions to society and if they choose to have a frivolous hobby such as feeling passionate about their handbags, then they have earned that. I guess you’d hate to see my walk-in hand bag closet, but guess what? I don’t care what you think. So move along and troll another blog as you are in the minority here!
Your response was well written! If I wrote what I wanted I probably would have been banned from this blog. ? Seriously, it was frustrating to read such hateful words, but this “troll” appears to feed off of negativity; I wasn’t going to give this person the satisfaction of playing into their delusional mindset.
You wish “death” on people?
Many of my designer bags are heavy compared to my LeSportSacs or Kiplings. When I go where I need to walk or stand for a long period of time, I don’t bring my designer bags.
Agreed! I made that mistake years ago when I traveled with a Fendi bag. I didn’t realize how heavy it was, carrying it all day. When I got home I sold it and got about 95% of my money back. Anyway, lesson learned.
I agree, it’s better to keep designer handbags like Gucci, Burberry, etc. at reserve for special occasions!
I don’t bring designer bags to the gym, client sites, the playground, or when I travel.
I won’t carry mine around my grandchildren. Their messy hands, runny noses, dirty faces…no.
Anywhere where I would be served or evaluated based on my appearance, e.g. shopping for a new car.
I carry my designer bags everywhere else except when traveling. Actively trying not to make myself a target and carrying a cheapo bag is a good way to look like I have nothing to steal. My jewelry is always silver and my watch isn’t expensive so without an expensive bag and with very basic clothing I feel safer.
What I don’t do is worry over germs. Germs are present whenever there are people around, so I don’t panic about not taking my bag to the doctor’s office, public transport etc. Flu and most other diseases spread with direct contact (as in, when you touch a handle, shake hands, push on the Stop button on a bus and so on) or as droplet infection via air so being overprotective and hypochondriac over a bag doesn’t help one bit. You’ll most like get that flu just sitting at the lounge of a doctor’s office (or any public place) and breathing in.
Yes! If you think about it, a person will never be able to germ-proof oneself completely. People who fret about door handles think nothing of picking up a merchandise while shopping or opening mail, without even realizing the many hands that have touched such items 🙂
I only take them out when I go to a lunch or dinner with my girlfriends. I can be unintentionally hard on my bags when I’m traveling or running errands. Taking them out for these special days make the days feel even more special. I used to take them to work (I’m a psychologist) but the negative patient comments changed my mind.
It honestly boggles my mind that people have an opinion re: what bag anyone carries, etc. In my office, as a City employee, some of my co-workers made negative comments about my bag and stated that my husband “bought me everything”, which is not true. I carried one beat up old LV that was purchased used for about $350. Eventually, I grew tired of their comments and scrutiny and opted to carry an old Kate Spade to work instead. Their comments detracted from my work and I wanted to take the focus off of myself and it worked.
Not sure why a dr’s office would be an issue if you don’t set the bag down. There are airborne illnesses everywhere and taking a handbag in that area won’t affect a thing.
the gym, very busy public places in high crime cities, casual travelling
My rule will always be designer for flashy events, contemporary for normal life. I have a stiff leather tote from Mango and that’s my everyday/work bag but ONLY for that purpose. If I need to go to farmer’s market, I switch to normal H&M canvass totes. Recently I need to visit hospital twice a month for check-ups and I’m using my trusty cheap (and washable) beltbag. For flashy events like corporate meetings or Saturday night balls or night-out of the town, I always turn to my manly (but slightly embellished for that extra kick) envelope clutches.
Flea Markets
Places I wouldn’t take anything pricey:
Other places I wouldn’t bring expensive ANYTHING: