Want to help me choose a bag?

[zoebartlett]

For DF,

I began a thread in Hangout recently, asking for help choosing a new bag. I'm still on the hunt for something, but I *think* I've narrowed it down to these bags. I'm open for other suggestions too.

I tend to shove stuff into my pockets rather than use a purse or bag. I don't like carrying anything, so I'm thinking of getting a cross-body bag. I want something that I can use everyday, whether it's in a casual or more professional setting. I do have a real purse that I can use for special occasions.

So, here's what I've found so far:

1. http://www.etsy.com/listing/62599763/sling-bag-shoulder-purse-handbag-small (Athena Tapestry -- 9x7,” $39 including shipping, upholstery grade fabric)

2. http://www.etsy.com/listing/66310174/red-valentine-heart-cross-body-bag-a (A Helping Hand, Red, I’d get it without the heart, 8x9.5,” $46.75 including shipping, upholstery grade fabric )

3. http://www.etsy.com/listing/60626864/tapestry-cross-body-bag-a-shoulder-to (A Helping Hand, Tapestry, 8x9.5,” $46.75 including shipping, upholstery grade fabric)

4. http://www.etsy.com/listing/63819151/black-and-taupe-paisley-cross-body-bag-a (A Helping Hand, Black and Taupe Paisley, 8x9.5,” $46.75 including shipping, upholstery grade fabric)

5. http://www.bagsbuy.com/piel-leather-mini-hobo-2578/288577/617707?cm_mmc=cj-feed-bb-_-none-_-none-_-none

6. http://catalog.thirtyonegifts.com/WebProject.asp?BookCode=nyt10flx&from=2# (page 18, the Organizer Shoulder Bag, either in black, brown, or the black one with the white medallions on it)

7. http://www.amazon.com/Hadaki-Scoop-Sling-Cross-Body-Black/dp/B003PIPWES/ref=sr_1_130?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1296558733&sr=1130&searchContext=B00405R4J6,B002I3ZHU0,B003BWJFBY,B003VPWTGY,B003VPWTGY,B004ALIB6U,B004JY51HK,B001PCF1P6,B004ARMSUO,B003PIPWES,B004CMDEVY,B004J8CRG4,B00411X6CS,B003THDJKE,B0046HTI1A,B00478S51W,B0036QVEWS,B003ZUYUMG,B00439KWDE,B004I1WY24,B00335X434,B004B5P1YK,B001RYNRC6,B003ELQAH4 (black or maybe red?, 10.75x11”, nylon, ~$40 plus shipping)

8. http://www.etsy.com/shop/christystudio (“Beverly” bag, all colors, $53 including shipping from Malaysia, brushed cotton twill, cotton lining.) -- If I got this bag, I'd still most likely get a smaller one too. This isn't originally what I wanted, but thanks to Aggal who suggested it, I'm probably going to get it.

 

[dragonfly411]

Zoe - I really really like the first one.

The second to last is really nice as well! I like it in black the best!

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks DF! [*]

I love the first one too. I keep eying that one and the "Helping Hand" bags, especially the "Tapestry" (#3) and the "Black and Taupe" (#4) ones. I love red too (#2), but if I get the last bag, I'll probably get it in red, so I may be able to cross off #2. Maybe. Whyyyyyyy can't I make up my mind? This shouldn't be such a hard decision.

Part of why I can't decide is that I originally wanted something that I could keep just the basics in: wallet, keys, phone. Then I thought, well, what if I want to put a few other things in there also, like a book or maybe a bottle of water?

 

[dragonfly411]

Zoe - I think it's wise to have both a smaller and a larger bag. The smaller bag is convenient if you happen to be out, or traveling, or if you go to an amusement park or something. The larger back is good for day to day or for flights.

 

[lizzyann]

I like #1 because I think it would work well for everyday.

I also like #8 because it is very stylish and seems like it holds more. But I like the two sizes that you mentioned too. I saved this etsy seller. They have really cute styles!

 

[packrat]

I like 2, 3, 4 best

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks DF and Lizzy! One thing that I really like about #1 is that it's made from upholstery fabric, so it should be pretty durable. There are many other patterns on Janine King's Etsy site as well.

Lizzy -- don't you love Christy Studio?! I'll have to keep checking her site to see what else she makes in the future.

 

[zoebartlett]

I like 2, 3, 4 best

Those are my other favorites, which is why I'm having a hard time deciding. It's especially hard not being able to see them in person before ordering.

 

[lizzyann]

Zoe, are you into Coach at all? Reason I ask is that I'd be willing to bet you could get a cross body bag for under $100, maybe even around $80 at the Coach outlet. They are running an add'l 20% off . These are a couple of styles I found on Ebay just to give you an idea of their styling. The signature fabric is very durable like a tapestry so I figured I'd throw that at you! I don't know these sellers, these are just to show you some ideas!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AUTHENTIC-C...H_Handbags&hash=item35af9c10d7#ht_2453wt_1141
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-F43893-COAC...H_Handbags&hash=item5642471662#ht_2606wt_1141
http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-43631-COACH...WH_Handbags&hash=item3cb4c7b3d0#ht_500wt_1156
http://cgi.ebay.com/COACH-SIG-SWING...andbags&var=&hash=item7b67c17b36#ht_227wt_571

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks Lizzy! I've never been into designer bags really, so I hadn't considered Coach. When I went to Macy's to look at bags, I saw a few Coach and D&B bags that I liked though. I do like the ones you posted from Ebay. Thanks again!

 

[qtiekiki]

I love #8... it's stylish yet practical.

Did you look at lesportsac or kipling?
There's some cute ones at kipling: http://www.kipling-usa.com/family/i...1&clickid=topnav_handbags_&categoryId=2999759

ETA: I have a kipling duffle bag that I use for traveling. I had that bag since 1990.

 

[tionnasmith]

I prefer 2nd one....