it's shopping time! What is your favorite handbag?

[summer_gphib]

Until last month I had the perfect bag. It was a very special Christmas gift that my mom had bought me for Christmas. We were on vacation and some asshat decided to break the window in my car while we were down at the beach, and take my purse. I still feel like I'm in mourning for it. Insurance wouldn't cover it because it didn't meet the deductible. I've yet to buy another one, and can't afford to shell out the money to replace it. It's a Disney Dooney... here is a stock photo

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

I bought a Nine West bag from Ross for $19.95. It has lasted eons, goes with EVERYTHING, is small enough to look like a purse (as opposed to luggage) but is being enough to fit HP and the Deathly Hallows with room to spare. This is a requirement--any bag I buy MUST be big enough to fit my largest novel or else it's a no-go. I stopped using it but recently found it in a box I never unpacked after the move. I'm very happy about this.

You really need a Nook or Kindle. They fit in a bag much more easily!

[christiangirl]

No way! They may be good for plan rides, but it could never replace the smell and texture of a book for me.

[SWTXBelle]

My new love -


It's a little bigger than I expected, but I love, love, love it.

Summer, I am so sorry you lost your purse.

[summer_gphib]

Bell that is fantastic! I'm so crazy about the Disney Dooney collection.

[NinjaPoodle]

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

I've had very very very good luck with a Fossil purse. It's very good quality for a nice leather purse. Prices aren't outrageous, and you can usually find some on sale at Macy's.

I agree. I've liked them since the beginning. They have a nice range of designs and the leather is really nice.

[katydidKD]

<3

[ellebud]

Originally Posted by katydidKD

<3

I gave that purse to my daughter for her 16th birthday. Ages beautifully and she still uses it.

[DubaiSis]

I love Paul Smith, and this thread may have just cost me some money because I ran into a bag I'm feeling rather that I MUST have.



This is one similar to one I talked a friend into buying. I've been coveting it ever since and it was more or less one of a kind (same-ish fabric, more of a sling shape), so I'll never get another chance.



And here is my current bag. Although it's not pristinely authentic, it's still a lot of fun!

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by katydidKD

<3

Ditto.

Also:


And recently:

[NinjaPoodle]

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

I agree. I've liked them since the beginning. They have a nice range of designs and the leather is really nice.

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

I've had very very very good luck with a Fossil purse. It's very good quality for a nice leather purse. Prices aren't outrageous, and you can usually find some on sale at Macy's.

The Fossil store in the Westfield Mall here in SF re-opened in a larger space and sell clothing. Who knew? To celebrate their re-opening, the had a drawing for a $50 gift card yesterday. I won! Whoo hoo! It wasn't enough to buy a bag but I picked up some nice sunglasses. I saw some bags that made me drool!

Trail Messenger $158


Estate Messenger $148

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by ellebud

Go shopping. I am NOT being snide. Go to your local department stores (high and medium end), boutiques and check out all the handbags. Everyone wants and needs something different. You are looking for lots of different things: weight, color, pockets, straps, size against your body, tote, shoulder, satchel, composition (leather/plether/fabric etc.) THEN look for sales.

Bloomingdales is having several sale events for fall coming up. Macy's is probably having the same thing. (I am including the stores in MY area...sorry for skipping other stores.) Obviously the Neiman/Saks is good for a look but very tough on the wallet. But some of the high end designers sell a different line at Target I believe. So, there are times that you will find what you want by the designer you like there.

And, despite the fact I guess you live in Arizona...have the bag weather proofed. Or, at least bring a plastic bag to cover the purse in case you get caught in a rain storm. Or both. Nothing ruins fine leather like water...or grease...or ink stains...or coffee.

My problem is that it's so hard to tell what is going to last. Maybe I am just clueless, but I feel like I look at the stitching and the zippers and all that stuff, think they are fine, and then shell out $35 or so for something that is falling apart in a matter of weeks. I'd like to shell out $100-$150 for something that is going to last me, but I can't figure out how to tell. Like, if I buy a Coach or a Kate Spade, is it really made better? Or am I just too hard on my handbags, and I should stick to the cheapies?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

I don't feel like going through 100 pages of this thread, so does anyone have an opinion on Guess? I found some stuff I like, but I want to know if they are durable.

[ellebud]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

My problem is that it's so hard to tell what is going to last. Maybe I am just clueless, but I feel like I look at the stitching and the zippers and all that stuff, think they are fine, and then shell out $35 or so for something that is falling apart in a matter of weeks. I'd like to shell out $100-$150 for something that is going to last me, but I can't figure out how to tell. Like, if I buy a Coach or a Kate Spade, is it really made better? Or am I just too hard on my handbags, and I should stick to the cheapies?

Save your receipt. Purses can be investment pieces. And nothing fries my cookies faster than spending some serious money (whatever anyone thinks that number is) on something only to have it fall apart.

My daughter bought (ok, I bought) some sunglasses at Bloomingdales. In December. Six months later they fell apart. I took them back. Since they were on my Bloomingdales charge the associate looked it up. She credited the full amount of 125 to a new pair of glasses.

Yes, generally more expensive things are made better. But not always.

I crave a Nancy Gonzalez handbag. But the choice is: new handbag or a new powder room?

........I'll wait for a sale.

[NinjaPoodle]

Emerson City Bag

Fossil. I.LOVE.their.bags. The end.