Purses / Handbags?!

What kind of purse do you carry? Do you like it? Do you have more than one?

I've had a purse from Target for a few years that I *love* . Perfect size, shape, holds all my stuff comfortably with room for taller things (like notebooks) to stick out, secure, etc.

But, it's falling apart. Like, the outside color is literally peeling off.

I've been trying to find a good replacement, but o..m...g. I apparently don't really like purses, because *nothing* seems to appeal to me or work for me. I've looked at thousands online, and been to a good 10 stores or so (high end and cheaper!) - and nada.

I finally broke down and bought something online... nice, a little expensive but on sale, so not crazy. But now that it's here - I don't really think I like it. It's just... not comfortable?

Would love to hear what you're carrying, if you're into purses, and what you love/hate about yours!

I only own one purse at a time always black and I use it until it falls apart and I'm forced to buy a new one. When I was younger I used to have a spring/summer purse in a white or off white colour, and the black purse was for fall/winter only...but those days are long gone.

I like a purse big enough to hold a water bottle and my wallet, but no larger. It must have a small inside compartment for gum, mints, lip balm and a outside compartment for my phone. I like a comfortable wide strap that can be extended to use as cross-body if needed. The past 10 years I choose a canvas or heavy cotton twill fabric, so I can toss my purse in the washing machine as needed.

Sorry, I'm pretty boring when it comes to purses, but I wanted to contribute. I bought the purse I'm using now on Amazon, I think it was less than $30, and I'm happy with it. The previous one I bought on Etsy.

I have probably 10-12 I have bought over the last 7-8 years.

All different types tho mostly neutrals, go with everything.

I don’t feel I spend to much on a bag. At most $40.00... I keep swearing I’m going to get a Micheal Kors one day , but what the hell do I need a $400+ bag for ? Lol nothing.

I have one right now but I feel like it's too small, I'd like to invested in a bigger (not huge) high quality bag sometime

Hey guilloche, would you ever consider a backpack purse?

I love them! I absolutely HATE purses. I DO NOT LIKE the way they feel strapped over my shoulder (which they're always sliding down and need readjusting every few seconds).

THE ONE TIME I WANTED A PURSE. OKAY. I. THE POOR BROKE AF GIRL. JUST ONCE. WANTED TO FEEL LIKE A LITTLE PRISSY RICH GIRL. I just wanted ONCE to say I owned a Coach purse, because you were the shyte if you owned a Coach purse. Bought the prettiest floral Coach purse that wasn't like all the other coach purses I've seen where it was just LOGO LOGO LOGO all over the damn thing. No. This was navy blue with white daisies on it. So cute! I fell in love...so I thought. The damn zipper...THE ONLY ZIPPER!!!!!! Broke WITHIN A MONTH. I spent 90 FRIGGEN DOLLARS ON CLEARANCE on the damn thing just to feel cool. NEVER AGAIN.

So now? I swear by the backpack purse. I've gone through two, both I got at Goodwill under $10 and $5. Trustiest steeds you could ever ask for. Yeah, they may look like grandma purses. They ain't fancy. They're black. But DAY-YUM. Could they take a beating! And oh, the pockets! I'm all about the one zippy pocket in the front-bottom where I keep my ciggies and lighters and hand sanitizer and whatever crap I deem fit. THAT DO NOT FALL OUT CUZ THEY ZIPPY. Oh so fly! Oh, and btw, they're so sturdy, wipe out all the crumbs and blast it with some hardcore lysol spray and BOOM. Back in business. I really only need two zippies, one for my cigarettes and one for all my other crap. And for something so small, it sure as hell fits EVERYTHING! It's a tiny little purse and all of a sudden I'm Mary Poppins, pull one thing out and another and another and it never ends. And it's light. And I love my backpack purse cuz no shoulder drama, and no one can steal my purse while I'm wearing it cuz it's attached to my friggin' body.

I'm in a silly mood so excuse the weirdness, but TEAM BACKPACK PURSE FTW!!!!!!

Lightly Toasted - you described me perfectly (one black purse, keep until it falls apart). I'm right there with you! I just don't know why it's such a struggle to find a new one that works for me! Thanks!

~Christina - Ha! I know (re: $400) right? Though, honestly, since I'm a "one purse for everything" kind of person, I am sort of starting to think that... if I found one that I really loved... I'd spend the money. Especially if it's something that might last a bit longer than my cheaper purses have. It's so disheartening to have them fall apart!

Blue Bird - It's so hard to find the right size, isn't it!?!

LiteraryLark - Awesome! Yeah, I actually looked at some hobo bags that convert - you can wear them on your shoulder, crossbody, or as a backpack - which I thought was ridiculously useful! I actually have a small, very old, backpack/purse (kind of outdoorsy looking) thing that I used to use in college. But, when my friends gave me a makeover, they forbid me from wearing it as an everyday purse! (They wanted to throw it out -omg! But I keep it to carry stuff when I go on short hikes!) I guess it doesn't really look appropriate for my age (mid-40s) But, I loved it (and obviously refused to toss it!)

And, wow - your Coach purse sounds like it was so darn cute! Do you still have it? Just thinking, it might be possible to get the zipper fixed?

LOL - but I love your enthusiasm for the backpack purses, and you're totally right about them being easier to carry and more secure!

If we're out in the country I'll take my late dad's maxpedition remora gearslinger or the larger multi-pupose bag. Both are tough yet, hardly look used which is why the fabric in both, 1050denier, was treated with Teflon before being double stitched. These EDC bags are a man's dream and dad's must be at least 15 years old. Plenty of hidden sections and great wearability its strap with a hidden pocket is comfy. Otherwise if dining out I'll take my favourite leather handbag. Made from soft nappa leather it looks good. I've had it for a few years now, but it's been maintained for with water based leather cream

Im team backpack i wanted one in grade school SO BAD!!! I dont think i got one until graduate school, out of my parents house and living on my own for a couple of years. My boss at work used to complain it wasnt professional. Another boss actually gave me a briefcase as a going away present. So now i have two briefcases i dont use

Forgot to add purse/wallet, mine being the maxpedition cmc. It's very tough and contains my handy tool card, and just enough spaces for bank debit cards and a little zipper for coins. I'd have liked the wallet to have molle so it could be attached to a belt. A nice clutchbag would be dandy, but at what price?

I do have more than one purse I love them . Saying that though I tend to carry things like messenger bags or backpacks. I like them because I can customize them and decorate them the way I like to.

Day to day as a rule I don't carry a purse. But when I need one I have a cloth hippie bag that is all kinds of colors and embroidered. I its weighs nothing so I'm only lugging around what I put into it. It's big enough to throw a book or two into and still have room for water. Once fall comes I switch over two my big black cargo bag. I prefer bags I can sling cross body and leave me hands free. I have about 4-5 black bags cause I couldn't find the right one. I mainly switch back and forth between two of them.

I have a black purse that is a cross body. I will use it until it falls apart. I hate purse shopping. I can never find the perfect one in the perfect size and I refuse to spend a ton of money on them. Although I have bought Kate Spade purses for my bestie and my niece.

No man-bag here, but I do have a cool waterproof backpack.

Thanks, I am loving hearing about everyone's purse-and-bag-habits!

I haven't been able to decide what to do with the one that I bought, as I'm stuck going absolutely crazy trying to replace the car now too (lots of stress, and I'm apparently super indecisive -who knew, right?! )

So, it's still sitting on a chair in my room, looking kind of sad. My sister thinks that I should just start using it, and that I'll get used to it. I don't know though, it feels oddly big, and the handles slip off my shoulder, but aren't removable to replace with a cross body strap. If I keep it, I'm wondering if I should just... take it somewhere and ask them to remove the shorter handles, so they're not in the way?

I'd love to keep looking, but I've spent SO MUCH TIME looking at purses... like, to the point that when I tried to sleep, I could see pictures of purses floating in my head!

Access_Denied - Thanks! Your big bags with lots of pockets sound awesome! I bet your handbag is just lovely too... is it hard to do the maintenance/upkeep? I'm looking at leather, but have never owned a leather purse - so I'm not sure what's involved in taking care of it?

Unaluna - Ha! You know, they have all kinds of "convertible" bags now... some look really nice, but still sneakily convert to a backpack for carrying convenience! I definitely get the appeal, sometimes having to carry something so inconvenient and uncomfortable!

Sorry you're not using your briefcases! Do you think you ever will? Maybe you could sell them on ebay, and put the cash towards something that will bring you more joy?!

VerMOZZica - Thanks! How do you deal with swapping purses when you have more than one? Is it a pain? (Maybe I'm just super lazy?!)

Nammu - Ah, that cloth hippie bag sounds perfect, and like a great size too! I think that cross-body makes a lot of sense too, to free up your hands and keep the purse securely attached to your body. Having 4-5 black bags... I get it! I'm really trying to avoid that, but gosh, it's so hard to find something that I like (as much as my old bag).

SlumberKitty - Thanks, and me too (re: purse shopping). It's so not fun! I think it might be more fun if it didn't feel like an emergency (like "oh no, my bag is falling apart - so I MUST find a replacement!"). It's so much harder feeling than it should be though! What do your friend and niece think of Kate Spade? I've seen some cute designs, and my sister has one she really likes... but the one that I saw had two large section with NO closure (no zip, but also no snap or anything!). I'm pretty casual, I could see tossing the bag somewhere and having everything just pour out (eek!).

Bpcyclist - Awesome! That sounds perfect and useful!

I like over the shoulder handbags, so my hands can be freed up. I'm currently carrying a fabric handbag decorated with fall leaves. It's made to change to a Christmas theme.

I also like handbags with cats on them.

I obviously have more than one pocketbook and change at the seasons.

I hope you enjoy your new one!

Hi @guilloche

Maintaining my leather handbag takes no trouble. I use a water-based leather cream, same actually for my GoreTex-lined boots because silicone-based cream can crack the waterproof membrane. I give the cream about ten minutes to soak in at room temperature, and then buff the leather to a shine.

Tough bags such as those made by Maxpedition are deep sprayed with Teflon™ to ensure high resistance against dirt and water need little maintenance, too. Just a wipe with a cloth over dad's old gear is perfect. These bags today are expensive, but will last well into the next generation I'm sure. My daughter has her beady eye on one of the bags, the Remora Gearslinger, but she ain't having it. (Yet). But her birthday next month will see it wrapped up, along with some other brand new gear.

I remember dad saying "Quality may be expensive, but in the long run of many years is good value."

Thanks TravelingLady - I'm smiling imagining your collection of bags with leaves and cats! I've seen some super cute bags with cat faces on them, I could totally see those working! And, thanks for the good wishes!

Hi, Access_Denied - Thanks for the note! That's good to hear (that it's easy to maintain them), like I said, I've never actually owned a leather purse and was a little nervous about not taking care of it properly!

I bet your daughter is going to be thrilled with her gifts! And it's amazing to think about that bag lasting through so many generations, wow! I totally agree with your dad about quality, makes sense!

I still haven't decided what to do about my purse situation. I'm leaning towards returning the bag I got, because of the way it's set up (even if I buy a crossbody strap, it's not set up right for it, so the strap will have to cross over the opening and the purse will be a bit weirdly lopsided, I think?)

My only hesitation is that I haven't found anything else yet.

Oh, and a little indie purse maker (well, she's gotten a bit bigger now) just had a sale this weekend - I was sooooo tempted. But, I read the fine print, and if you return a bag that you bought on sale, you can only get store credit (returns for full price items will get your money back). Since I can't actually see/touch her stuff unless I order it, it's not carried locally, it felt like a bit too much of a risk (it's expensive, but might be worth it - it all looks really lovely!)

I'm also trying to replace my car, and plan for a family trip, and find a new job, and maybe move, and just generally fix my broken down life, so I'm trying to not let my brain get *too* stressed/wrapped up in purse shopping. (But really, I just want to find something I like and not have to worry about it anymore!)

Thanks guys! It's really fun to hear what everyone else is doing!

I have some fancy beaded evening bags I have found in antique shops, plus shoulder bag I made with a red boa strap. Day to day, I use a denim blue jean bag I bought forever ago at a thrift shop I need to replace.
I like a shoulder bag because I can tuck it under my arm and keep it out of my way.

I admire high-quality evening clutches or whatever, but I'm not a purse woman. I carried a backpack slung over 1 shoulder until I carried the backpack over 1 shoulder, diaper bag over the other, and a baby in my arms.

Nowadays...I have a nicely made Osprey messenger bag, burnt orange; I carried that, absolutely stuffed, around Paris and Ireland a few years ago and it's still in great shape. Osprey is an outstanding brand.

Most days I carry a cross-body hemp bag with some patches and fabric I've sewn onto it. It's black and grey. I've also crocheted a long strand of blush-colored sari silk around one part of the handle.

Hi @guilloche

I forgot to add that I also have a Pacsafe women's daysafe anti-theft tech crossbody bag which I paid about £49 for, but I've just seen amazon dot com selling it for $39.95 which is very good value as the fabric has anti-slash steel netting inside and is RFID. Means this purse is as safe as it gets. Pacsafe make a number of various bags all of which are self-locking against thieves, so have a look at their website. This slim purse is perfect for lightweight carry so if you're into that, then it'll be worth it.

"Lopsided" you mention? No, because crossbody puses and small bags actually fit quite comfily on our shoulder when placed cross-body.

My daughter is hardworking at home. After she's schooled she helps prepare dinner. Being a tidy girl (unlike her mother!) she'll clear up the kitchen so it will all spic 'n' span for when we come home. I gift her some spending money for "girlie essentials" as she's growing up, sadly all too fast, but she's never been a grumpy soul so I guess we're pretty blessed that way. She rarely asks for money which is another thing we like.

I didn't know you were considering a move, find a new job, replace car... Well, this is a difficult equation because you need income which means securing a job first - I'd guess. But a home should be where your heart is: comfy and secure in a nice neighbourhood. My advice here is better a property that needs renos, but is situated in a pleasant area, rather than a great looking home but is in an area where crime is high.

As for cars, depends on your preferences. A neighbour of our's has a Honda Civic which she's kept for years. The car has been over the clock twice and still going strong. Honda engines are toughies and are generally cheaper than the German built/imported Volkeswagen.

Unless you're looking for a truck. Which I bought recently to help me overcome dreadful trauma and PTSD from that road accident - I bought a Land Rover Spectre 90 from tweakedautomotive dot com. It's quite the little thug of a truck, but I've been trained in defensive driving, and this little piggy in its black paint renewed my confidence 100-fold. It was expensive but well worth it, whereas you could probably buy a decent US truck for lots and lots less - are they called an SUV? Higher driving position and bright headlamps are perfect for this oncoming winter. Mine has a winch on it and a periscope for water wading on our often flooded roads.

...and our lives. Gosh, aren't our lives an everyday battle? Well, let's take one day at a time! Tomorrow hasn't happened yet. Let's deal with anxiety/worries with deeep breathing exercises and a gentle walk (unless it's pouring down!), a nice mug of self-care, hot chocolate or coffee or tea, and chill back and read, or watch a movie or telly. That is the best tonic. And then when we need all these other things: we must try and slot them in as we go along in life. That's what my partner says, and my dear boss. A little at a time, don't stress. Walk, let us learn to walk through our problems before we can run (speaking personally).

I wish you Good Night and sleep well. I woke up, but getting sleepy again. Catch you tomorrow, so nighty night and all our friends here.

Rosie