Help find a bag for the poor and ho-hum?

[Mara]

HA HA i used to love that across the body prada nylon bag!!!! i considered getting it but never did so then this year when i saw the across the body LV one that matata had i was like I WANT IT, MUST HAVE. and i have worn it daily since. it''s just SO me.

i''m still thinking. hmmm hmmmm.

 

[dani13]

I agree with Deco re: the Kate Spade's (sorry, Mara!!). They are so not in style anymore...I remember I bought a black nylon one (EEK!!) in '00, and I used it for a few months, and then to the back of the closet it went...haven't seen it in years...

TG- have you looked at places like Bloomies? I love Ellen Tracy bags and Kenneth Cole's...some of them are so cute. I was in Bloomies the other day, and I saw a KC that was really adorable- it was $500 though...

Keep looking, and I am sure one of us will come up with something for ya!!!

 

[Tybee]

Hi Traveling Gal!
I can really relate!
The purse that I carried around for ever was an over-the-shoulder job that I bought in Guatemala years ago.
Just this year I realized that I needed to grow up and get myself a more stylish purse.
I really like the simple lines of Kate Spade. I bought a really nice Kate Spade "sam" style bag on ebay in black.
I LOVE it.
I actually just bought a second one on ebay in brown leather.

 

[Tybee]

WHAT A DORK I AM!
Guess I should have read the whole thread before posting my bag!!! LOL!
Ah, but fashion comes late to the uninformed (me!)
Tooo funny!

(seriously uncool!)
Tybee

 

[Mara]

dont worry tybee!! i still see some very stylish lookin'' ladies on the streets of SF Bayarea with the CLASSIC nylon kate spades!!!

decoanddani

 

[Tybee]

LOL!
I''m a notorious post skimmer! That''s what I get!
I''m not worried! I''m aware that I''m tragically unhip!
I''m a school teacher, for goodness sakes!
I''m getting my fashion education here, though!
Look out paycheck!

 

[dani13]

OMG...do I feel like a jerk or what????

My apologies, Tybee!!!

Help me out here, Deco!!!

 

[Tybee]

Oh please!
Don''t feel bad!
I''m seriously amused!
Just more proof that I need a fashion tutor!
Hee hee hee hee.
We all could play SAVE TYBEE''S OUTFIT...
I wouldn''t mind.
Not that my budget needs me to get more hip, but... he he!

I did have to laugh at myself for not reading ahead, though before posting!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/14/2006 8:53:26 PM
Author: Tybee
Guess I should have read the whole thread before posting my bag!!! LOL! Ah, but fashion comes late to the uninformed (me!) Tooo funny!

I see the humor, Tybee -- but *really* ... it''s just Dani & I! It''s not like "the world" or anything!

Trying to stay completely "hip" is a losing proposition! At least for one''s wallet! God knows I don''t keep up like I did when I was working in NYC every day ... subway shame will really keep a girl on her toes!

I''m a shell of my former fashion-saavy self

-- and, BTW, at my BEST I probably closer to the UGLY BETTY character than the Trust-fund Glamazons.

 

[TravelingGal]

LOL Tybee, I love that you can laugh at yourself. I think the bag is not for me, but I wouldn''t call out of style...otherwise wouldn''t they not sell it?

We went to nordstroms to return that shirt. Mara, TGuy picked out that first coach bag you posted, which I thought was funny. Other that than, not one single thing that I thought was worth putting 2 or 3 C-Notes down for. My new, old prada might have to be the solution for now.

I am still looking over all the threads you all posted. I''m on page 24 of 37 on the shoulder bags one the bluefly site. I think maybe BCBG or Hype may be up my alley. At least those bags catch my eye (in that price range, that is).

Subway shame, eh Deco? Man, that is way too much pressure in a young woman''s life. Thank goodness I just bury myself in my home office. I might have bathroom shame when I look in a mirror, but other than that, it''s pretty ignorantly blissful!

 

[moremoremore]

Traveling...I have no idea what your style is...or what you're looking for...you said you have back problems? Have you thought about a small Longchamp tote? They are inexpensive and SUPER light and super cool while b/c they are so un-assuming and classic.......I have a large black one to just throw stuff into for work and I find myself wearing it over my expensive bags...The only problem is the lack of interior pockets...I have to admit that those Kates look dated to me...I really like the second coach and the studded one....

My best advice is to look online....for shopping haters like us, it's a life saver...I look online and then go with a mission to see it in person...I like bagborrowsteal to "window"shop for ideas...Do you like Dooney's? Some of the smaller ones are reasonable,and if you have a designer craving, tht will definitely be satisfied...very classic shapes but with a modern look! good luck with your search!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2006 6:32:06 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/14/2006 6:17:32 PM
Author: TravelingGal
veins and buttah

Veins & buttah ... veins & buttah ... I''m ON IT!

(ixnay on the fanny pack-aey or I''m never getting married on the same weekend as you EVER again)


ETA: what about
this Via Spiga? I ruled it out earlier because of the ''brown'' factor ... but it''s goatskin ... like a certain B-BAG!!!! Could be veins! Could be buttah! And at $100 smackers ... ya can still get a $200 one with your CHANGE!

FYI Deco,this bag is no longer available.

Moremoremore, thanks for the rec. I will look into it since I don''t know what they are. I am looking for a good all round purse...good with a suit, but doesn''t clash too much with flip flops. Something that doesn''t scream status, but something that doesn''t scream Forever 21 either. I''ll get there. So many good tips already, including online shopping sites!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/14/2006 10:56:44 PM
Author: TravelingGal
FYI Deco,this bag is no longer available.

WOW ... those Bluefly clearance vultures move FAST!

As of, uh, whenever I posted it was avail in both colors! *shrug*

ETA:
Via Spiga "Taryn" in Tan is still avail at Zappos

or This black Via Spiga is still avail at Bluefly?

or
this YUMMY teal looks *heh* kinda like a certain BLUE INDIA Twiggy B-bag for one TENTH the price.

 

[TravelingGal]

I know, I am obviously too slow to react to this thread. I''m still looking through bags. I don''t know how you fashion conscious ladies do it!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:05:42 PM
Author: decodelighted
this YUMMY teal looks *heh* kinda like a certain BLUE INDIA Twiggy B-bag for one TENTH the price.

 

[TravelingGal]

Oh Deco, I do like that last one! I'm not into tassles, so I like that it doesn't have it, and I do love blue (my fav color). I wear lots of green and blue. Hm.

What is it, as the link you posted above isn't working. I wonder if it's too big or not. The coach bag Mara posted I think was about 10 inches by 6 by 3, I think, which is about the size I am going for. Something slighty bigger would be OK, as long as it was squishy...


ETA, maybe your clearance finds are disappearing because some PSers are lurking and can't afford the bbags, lol!

 

[decodelighted]

This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it''s the shape you''re looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

 

[TravelingGal]

LOL, I don''t need buttery or veiny, but those words did strike me on the other thread.

I like it!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:25:53 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Oh Deco, I do like that last one! I''m not into tassles, so I like that it doesn''t have it, and I do love blue (my fav color). What is it, as the link you posted above isn''t working.

I''ll try it this way

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2030053837&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2037487287&N=2037487287+4294967285&Ne=10&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

or you can just search "Handbags" "Leather" "Blue" on Bluefly. It''s $168 14" x 8" x 4"

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:26:07 PM
Author: decodelighted
This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it''s the shape you''re looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

Checked...it''s 10 inches deep...I have to check and see if that would be too much. I hate fishing for stuff. My wallet is tiny, as is my phone. To tell you what I carry, I can fit everything I carry in a ziplock sandwich sized back and still have room left over. Amazing what back pain will do for culling the stuff you carry!

Thanks Deco. I am still checking out that blue one though...I like the style. Styles always look more fun when they are in color.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:29:35 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/14/2006 11:25:53 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Oh Deco, I do like that last one! I''m not into tassles, so I like that it doesn''t have it, and I do love blue (my fav color). What is it, as the link you posted above isn''t working.

I''ll try it this way

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2030053837&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2037487287&N=2037487287+4294967285&Ne=10&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

or you can just search ''Handbags'' ''Leather'' ''Blue'' on Bluefly. It''s $168 14'' x 8'' x 4''

OK, checking my laptop bag to see if that will work for stuff factor. I like. Must check out their return policy, because I gotta be able to return. I haven''t seen anything in that style out there in my recent hunts.

It''s casual, and it doesn''t clash with my current suits. It seems it would be OK for flip flops too. Hm hm.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:35:01 PM
Author: TravelingGal
OK, checking my laptop bag to see if that will work for stuff factor.

I bet it would be squishy. I''ve def returned things to Bluefly before - but rarely... I usually like the stuff!

I also snuck over to the B-bag thread to compare photos & sizes ... Via Spiga 8 x 14 x 4?

he first is 7.5 x 13 x 2.2
the city is 9.8 x 15 x 5.5
the twiggy is 7.10 x 15 x 6.25

 

[decodelighted]

Hey .. am I crazy ... but I think the brown one is back in the system?? Here?

 

[TravelingGal]

No, but somehow your mimes must be jiving with mine because that link took me to the BCBG bag I was looking at. The green one is back in session though. Weird.

ETA, I looked at it again...the tan one shows different dimension and shows it on a body. I think it will be too big. The reason I fear size is that my husband starts asking me to carry his keys and wallet, and it just gets so heavy! The bigger the bag, the more crap you find to put in it.

Thanks for trying to help me. But I think I have to see something before I buy it. That blue one was awful close. Hubby liked it until he saw how big it was and said it wouldn't be good for my back. If it was just slightly smaller...

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:30:44 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 11/14/2006 11:26:07 PM
Author: decodelighted
This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it''s the shape you''re looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

Checked...it''s 10 inches deep...I have to check and see if that would be too much. I hate fishing for stuff. My wallet is tiny, as is my phone. To tell you what I carry, I can fit everything I carry in a ziplock sandwich sized back and still have room left over. Amazing what back pain will do for culling the stuff you carry!

Thanks Deco. I am still checking out that blue one though...I like the style. Styles always look more fun when they are in color.

TGal ~ I can so relate to everything you have said -- down to the part where your significant other thinks you need to shop and spend money more! I swear, I feel like I''m getting hives when I''m forced to shop for myself.

I also carry very small purses - I''ve tried larger ones, but I just don''t like them. I have no idea what to fill them with, and I don''t want a heavy purse any way (I also have back issues). I, too, can fit basically everything I normally carry into a ziploc bag (and a small ziploc bag at that!)

So, by even posting here I''m risking being ''outed'' on PS for being terribly unstylish (which I don''t deny -- my friends have to take me shopping so that I''m not wearing clothes that are multiple seasons old -- I keep wearing it until it falls apart otherwise). But, I fail to understand why I should pay over $100 for a tiny purse ... maybe I''ll get over it one of these days, but it has not happened yet.

Any way, just yesterday I bought a new purse that I really needed (mine was starting to show some wear). I cannot find a pic of it, but it is Kenneth Cole Reaction -- black purse with white threading and a magnetic closure (but I *think* I also saw some zippered ones). I got it at SteinMart for $37. I''ve already thrown out the tag so I cannot look up the product number or anything. Just a thought from another shopping-challenged, small purse kind of gal. The SteinMart I went to had quite a few smaller sized purses ~ in general, I think small purses are hard to find so I was quite excited.

The dimensions of the purse are 8" wide, 5" tall, and 2.5" deep.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2006 12:01:33 AM
Author: turtledazzle

Date: 11/14/2006 11:30:44 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 11/14/2006 11:26:07 PM
Author: decodelighted
This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it''s the shape you''re looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

Checked...it''s 10 inches deep...I have to check and see if that would be too much. I hate fishing for stuff. My wallet is tiny, as is my phone. To tell you what I carry, I can fit everything I carry in a ziplock sandwich sized back and still have room left over. Amazing what back pain will do for culling the stuff you carry!

Thanks Deco. I am still checking out that blue one though...I like the style. Styles always look more fun when they are in color.

TGal ~ I can so relate to everything you have said -- down to the part where your significant other thinks you need to shop and spend money more! I swear, I feel like I''m getting hives when I''m forced to shop for myself.

I also carry very small purses - I''ve tried larger ones, but I just don''t like them. I have no idea what to fill them with, and I don''t want a heavy purse any way (I also have back issues). I, too, can fit basically everything I normally carry into a ziploc bag (and a small ziploc bag at that!)

So, by even posting here I''m risking being ''outed'' on PS for being terribly unstylish (which I don''t deny -- my friends have to take me shopping so that I''m not wearing clothes that are multiple seasons old -- I keep wearing it until it falls apart otherwise). But, I fail to understand why I should pay over $100 for a tiny purse ... maybe I''ll get over it one of these days, but it has not happened yet.

Any way, just yesterday I bought a new purse that I really needed (mine was starting to show some wear). I cannot find a pic of it, but it is Kenneth Cole Reaction -- black purse with white threading and a magnetic closure (but I *think* I also saw some zippered ones). I got it at SteinMart for $37. I''ve already thrown out the tag so I cannot look up the product number or anything. Just a thought from another shopping-challenged, small purse kind of gal. The SteinMart I went to had quite a few smaller sized purses ~ in general, I think small purses are hard to find so I was quite excited.

The dimensions of the purse are 8'' wide, 5'' tall, and 2.5'' deep.

LOL turtledazzle. I think it''s fine for us to be outed for being unstylish...my husband always is quite proud that my outfits won''t drive us into the poorhouse. Since he is equally laid back, it works for us. Not that I don''t appreciate style, but as I said, it takes way too much effort to stay current...or even classic for that matter sometimes! I would much rather spend my money on travel.

Funny that there is no way I''d spend $$$ on a bag, but I don''t even blink when I spend 1000s for a trip.

I do have lots of cheaper purses, and I bring them around once in awhie. I find that they go back in the closet because they are shoulder bags, which is why I am hesitating on these. The style that everyone posted here is so much better than over the body, but not as comfortable for me. I will not suffer for fashion.

The Prada over the body bag is the only "designer" bag I have ever bought, and I admit, I was impressed today how well it cleaned up (they must treat that nylon). I bought it because it was so light and comfy. I abused that bag and it is still in good shape. So I do think sometimes you get what you pay for. I might take a photo and post tomorrow for grins.

 

[winternight]

A Longchamp tote is a great idea - I was just in Paris and they were incredibly popular there. Its not really dressy, but durable and simple.

I have a Prada tote that I absolutely love, I always said I wouldn''t spend that kind of money on nylon, but its well made, has great leather accents and most importantly a giant silver dragon,

.

I think a LV is another great idea - they are long-lasting, quality bags and add some style to whatever you''re wearing. I think once you get a quality bag and start wearing it you''ll come over to the dark side...

You could also get a small Burberry for that price on sale or from the outlet, recently I saw the dark brown check with the black knight print at the outlets - very classy IMO. Of course it depends on where you live, Burberry is super hot in DC.

Maybe you really need two+ new bags so one bag doesn''t have to be everything?

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2006 12:11:15 AM
Author: winternight
A Longchamp tote is a great idea - I was just in Paris and they were incredibly popular there. Its not really dressy, but durable and simple.

I have a Prada tote that I absolutely love, I always said I wouldn''t spend that kind of money on nylon, but its well made, has great leather accents and most importantly a giant silver dragon,

.

I think a LV is another great idea - they are long-lasting, quality bags and add some style to whatever you''re wearing. I think once you get a quality bag and start wearing it you''ll come over to the dark side...

You could also get a small Burberry for that price on sale or from the outlet, recently I saw the dark brown check with the black knight print at the outlets - very classy IMO. Of course it depends on where you live, Burberry is super hot in DC.

Maybe you really need two+ new bags so one bag doesn''t have to be everything?

I live in So Cal. And I couldn''t tell ya what is hot here. I never look at people in terms of what they are wearing or carrying. I''m just not that observant in that way, but I love to people watch to observe behavior.

But lol...not two bags, thanks. I''m struggling enough to buy one.

 

[Mara]

Date: 11/14/2006 11:26:07 PM
Author: decodelighted
This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it's the shape you're looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE i like this. but not enough to give up my dream of a BI day...mmm mmm good. even though greg would probably PREFER this bag over the b-bag. tee.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2006 2:14:26 AM
Author: Mara

Date: 11/14/2006 11:26:07 PM
Author: decodelighted
This Via Spiga .. available in three colors: black, brown or olive -- is also CLEARLY B-bag inspired ... but it's the shape you're looking for - zip top, veiny, buttery goatskin.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE i like this. but not enough to give up my dream of a BI day...mmm mmm good. even though greg would probably PREFER this bag over the b-bag. tee.

I liked it too Mara, but I think it's too big for me...i.e. too deep. It says it's a medium bag. I wonder if there is a small...

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


ETA, won't work. No zipper, no flap. Just a magnetic snap. I'm theft ready as it is (absentminded), I don't need any more help. Wah.