Sveta's Blog

Help me to choose a bag!

November 18, 2013

I am done with shopping for this year. Honestly! However my birthday is next month and I decided that I will save my hubby some anguish and do the gift shopping for him :-)
I am not a bag lady. Actually I am as bag illiterate as they come. But I really need to add at least one neutral bag to my collection.
Currently I have 2 totes - silver and tan python. Between them they cover my warm and cool spectrums. Totes are very useful for me to those days when I need to carry my gym clothes in addition to my lunch to work. I was honestly thinking I would not need any other bag and I am covered!
However I discovered that for those days when I don't need to carry my gym clothes to work my totes are too big for me and I need smaller bags. I have one very structured tomato red satchel but even while red is neutral if does not work every single time - and sometimes I just want a quiter bag for an outfit.
So this brings me to a need for a neutral satchel which is big enough to fit my wallet and lunch but not too big that they get lost in it. My ideal satchel would be black and white but I don't see many of those. I want a good quality but not overly expensive bag, ideally under $200. So as our Shannon I turned to Danier and here is what I found in styles I like and size I need:
Celia satchel in black and taupe (pic 1 & 2)
Etta satchel in black (pic 3)
Barrel satchel in black and dove (pic 4) Website does not show dove anymore though but it is the same color as pic 5 :-(
Round Shannon bag in dove-  or maybe black (pic 5)
Lori satchel in bone (pic 6)
Kelly satchel in taupe or black (pic 7/8)
Two-tone satchel in black and white (pic 9)

Here is the problem: I cannot decide on the color. My outerwear is cobalt, cream, black, purple, tan and red. My clothing neutrals are black, white, cream, navy, some browns, greys and taupe. For colors I wear purple, burgundy, red, cobalt, teal.
I don't own a black bag - do I need one? Or maybe grey or taupe is better for me? I do like black and white satchel (pic 9) but I ned to see in person it it is big enough for me - dimenwions look a bit small online...
I have not looked at them in person yet: I was going today but suddenly had to work the whole Sunday :-( What do you think - which color and style for me? Or none of the above?

Thanks in advance!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

38 Comments

  • carter replied 10 years ago

    Oh that's so hard. They're all gorgeous. My top 3 would be 3, 6 and 9. Bag envy;-)

  • Emily replied 10 years ago

    I really like #8 - Kelly in Black.  The shape is clean and modern, but the enamel detail gives it a little extra pizazz.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Aaaaahhhhhhhhh yes…beautiful Danier handbags :)  I've seen #3 in person and loved it (in fact it was my second choice for my recent black handbag purchase) and you know I love the shape of #5 since that's the one I bought in black.

    I would suggest going with a black handbag since you don't own one. My reason is that it will go with all of your outwear. Although grey and taupe would also go with all of your outwear, there can be such varying cool and warm tones to those colours that can make them difficult to work with - for example, a particular shade of taupe may work well with your cobalt coat but not your purple coat IYKWIM.

    FWIW I find the size of the round one in #5 just right for me but it can be a bit "floppy" when unzipped (falls over). That doesn't bother me but I thought I would mention it.

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    I love #9!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I like the shape of #5 because it is unusual. I think the dove would look wonderful with your new coat. 

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Thank you, carter and Emily. I am drawn to bags with clean lines and minimal hardware lately...
    Shannon, see what you started? :-) I was actually considering black until I got the black coat - now I think that maybe I need another color to avoid all black look? But maybe I can use my red bag with black coat...

  • replied 10 years ago

    With your dark brunette hair Sveta, black might be nice. I love the shapes of 3 and 8 and the color blocking of 9. I get to shop for my prezzies too, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Happy early birthday. :D 

  • Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

    I say go for black, and get a colourful scarf to wear with your black coat. I can't advise on style, purses are so personal. I'm still trying to figure out my requires shape and capacity...keep getting it wrong...

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    #9! because that is the one I want :-)

  • replied 10 years ago

    Yes, 9 is the one I vote for as well! (Really)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Ah, the bag dilemma. I am still debating a new bag, too, and several of these are on my personal "maybe" list, including the cream #6 and the B&W, #9. I do wonder if they are the correct scale for you. I am even worried that they might be on the small side for me, although when I tried the cream one on it looked pretty good. I just wasn't sure if I liked the compartment set up on it. 

    I suggest you go for black (and get some black booties...joking!!) In all seriousness, you really need two! :) You see...not only do you need a new scarf and gloves and hat for your new coat, you also need a bag.....

    Perhaps on the Boxing Day sales you could add a little extra? :) 

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Those are all nice choices! I think you need to see them in person to make a decision. I know I ended up with a completely different bag than I thought after only seeing them online. You really have to touch and hold it, and look at the lining to tell.

    You mentioned that you'd like a black and white bag. Have you looked at this one?:
    http://bananarepublic.gapcanad.....=556681003

    I haven't seen it in person, but I've been admiring it online. It might be bigger than what you're looking for, though.

    1
  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I love that BR one and Sveta and I were ogling it one day in the store together. But it is more pricey. Of course with a 40% off day it might not be too bad. I like the size of it. 

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    My first choice would be 9 because it instantly adds fun to any outfit plus color blocking is totally in AND it is not all black so doesn't get boring.  Second would be 8 because it is clean and sophisticated and it seems to match your style persona (with the little I know about your style!).

    May I also suggest the Brahmin (or is it Kate Spade?) striped satchel that Goldenpig and Rae seem to rock every time they bring it out?!  I am not sure if it is your taste or style but still!  It always seems to jazz up any outfit!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    My favorites are 2, 3 and 4. 

    I am not sure I am loving the curved top on 5 and I find 7 and 8 to be almost regal. 

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    3, 5 and 9 are just stunning bags.  I think any of these would be lovely with your wardrobe.

  • rute replied 10 years ago

    my favorites are 1 or 2!

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    I love 3 (for black) and 6 (for cream). So beautiful. Why don't I know this brand? Self-preservation, probably.

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    Oh, and BR is 35% for the next few days, making that black and white bag quite reasonable.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Thank you for your help, ladies. No wonder I cannot decide because you are all over the map too! :-)
    Parsley, like you I cannot buy a bag online because I really have to see and touch it and look how it works with my body. With Canadian not-very-friendly online shopping policies I cannot just order them to look and then send back: too expensive!
    That BR bag looks nice. I do remember petting it in the store...I guess I need to pay a visit to BR again.
    Neel, I would love to have that white and black Brahmin bag Rae and Natalie rock but again with Canadian online shopping hurdle I need to see it first :-(
    Maybe I can get to Danier this week and do some on the spot research...

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    I'd really love to see you find a black and white bag. I have a consignment satchel much like the BR bag and it works with everything. ( the one in the photo).

    1
  • Mander replied 10 years ago

    5, 8, and 9 are my favorites.  I like the wide zipper on 5 in particular -- it seems that it would make it easy to access things at the bottom, which is often a problem for me.  I also like the two-tone look of 9.

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I like 4, 8 and 9 best, these bags look like they have the least hardware and a flatter shape.  I don't recall any of your current bags with heavy hardware or details to them.  Since you already have some printed bags, a solid black bag may be the best bet, but if you can swing too, I think the white and color block bag could also be a fun addition. 

  • replied 10 years ago

    Does #6 come in black? That would be my choice

  • karymk replied 10 years ago

    I am completely unfamiliar with Danier.  I guess it is Canadian.  I would love to try their bags if you like them, they look really nice and the price is so reasonable! I hope they ship to U.S.

    Any of these would work but I like the bags that mix two "colors" best.  Just seem more fun and stylish.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    I'm hopeless at this but I wanted to say that the color of #5 might be too close to your silver one, and as you are a minimalist, I'd get whatever adds the most variety for your buck.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    I am back again.  I looked at them all again and realized that my problem with some are that the drop isn't long enough to wear on the shoulder.  I find with the heavier coats and the amount of stuff I carry, I need a bag I can sling over my shoulder.  Sometimes the ones with both wrist and shoulder straps are either too short or too long and flop. 

    You definitely need to go try them on.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    I like #2 for you.

  • replied 10 years ago

    I absolutely love my black and white bag so black & white would be my choice. I get compliments all the time on it. I am not a purse person at all...this made me become a purse person! It doesn't even work very well with my lifestyle, but I smile every time I see it.

    http://www.6pm.com/hobo-greta-.....ce-leather

    I wouldn't recommend the purse I have unless your wallet is small or you plan to buy an organizer for it.

    1
  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Joy, you black and white satchel is beautiful!
    Mander, it is a good point about the deep zipper. Actually this was one of the reasons I was attracted to #4 and 9 - they have zippers almost to the bottom on the sides!
    Lisa, you are right: I don't like much hardware on my bags. Out of those #1-2 I was not sure about the studs (need to see in person) but all others seem pretty minimal to me.
    Zap. #6 does come in black but this is cream I am really attracted to. Somehow this bag in black did not excite me at all...
    karymk, yes, Danier is a Canadian brand, the one we are really proud of :-) I am pretty picky to colorblocking though, the colors must be just right together for me to love them but black and white combo always has my heart!
    Una, good point!
    Dianthus, I definitely need to check in person!
    mtgirl, It is a pretty bag!
    I am leaning towards the black or black and white bag now. Maybe I need both? ;-)

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Late to this but the black & white one gets my vote - I think you need to actually put all your stuff in a bag & try carrying it before buying. Ormaybe it's just me - some just don't look right once my stuff is in them :)

  • Windchime replied 10 years ago

    Black and white bags have really been catching my eye lately. With your wonderful fashion sense, I can definitely see you rocking a bag like the one in your 9th pic.

    On the other hand, there could be times when the black suits an outfit or occasion more than the colorblocked bag. Maybe you do "need" both!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    #1, #9 or #5 in black. 

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    I guess I'm the only one, but I like #7. I also like #5 which has a great shape. But #7 has a great color and a modern/retro vibe that I like, plus a strap for versatility.l

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Here is the bag from Banana Republic I was petting in Toronto...hmm, still like this one too! What do you think?

    1
  • Marley replied 10 years ago

    #9!  I have the Brahmin black and white "Precious" and it pretty much works with everything in my wardrobe - and I think black and white is so much more fun, than plain black.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Well, I really like the BR houndstooth, too. I think you actually need two bags -- plain black and B&W in some combination. And hey. I need a B&W bag, too. :) 

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    LOVE the black and white one for you! My other pick is #1.

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives