STYLE TALK
Ava
POSTED: Sat, 10/10/2009 - 8:58am
What's in your handbag....
I've just spent some time clearing out my handbag. It's amazing how many things end up cluttered in there (mostly receipts!) I just wondered whether you lovely ladies carry any unusual objects or whether your bag is a shrine (and immaculate) or if you simply use it as a storage centre?I always carry: My iphone and earphones (great for listening to music when I'm travelling or on the tube), my wallet with cash cards (very rarely do I carry change as it ends up weighing so much!), a lightweight umbrella (this is England, plus it rained last time I went to Paris and the States), a small pack of sunflower seeds and almonds (these usually end up all over the bottom the bag) but are a must to avoid those pesky migraines, Migraleve, an emery board, my filofax and fountain pen (despite the greatness of iphone technology - I still like a little nostalgia such as actually writing by hand. One day we'll lose that simple skill), a compact mirror, safety pins, my Chanel hydrating lip treatment SPF15 (basically a glorified chapstick but it feels lovely to applicate), a book (whatever I'm currently reading), Ibuprofen, a pack of handy wipes (very useful for sticky fingers), my notebook, keys.
Gosh that sounds a lot! Most things are quite light and compact though - so I'm not carrying around a massively heavy bag like some of the girls do! The bags are sometimes so big and heavy even before you put things in, that you wonder if the poor girls will be needing a chiropractor before long?
I have a few different bags but my favourites are my Louis Vuitton Speedy which I use everyday and my Lonchamp Pliage bags which I use for travelling as they are so versatile. As I do travel so much, I have a bag packed with my passport and some handy toiletries in ready to go...I just add a few clothes and we're away! I always aim to travel light, wherever we go - it's so much easier and faster to travel with hand luggage than put it through baggage. Also, in the UK, IRIS is brilliant for saving time at passport control...you just walk on through and it scans your...well, as the name suggests, Iris! Ava.
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Vintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 10/27/2011 - 5:44pm
Handbag Dreams
I am a purseophile.LOL.And really consider myself a Collector.But I am reigning in my desire for a new bag,until the cruise next July.I will buy a handbag in Italy.A friend told me of a place in Florence,with wonderful bags.That will be a dream come true...to be in Italy and buy a beautiful Italian purse.Dream....OXOjas
POSTED: Sun, 10/30/2011 - 8:31am
Me too I think
I have noticed, that I too might be a purseophile! Laughing. I keep finding new ones at the thrift store then I will return an other one. (trying to keep the clutter down. So yesterday I found a woven bag with a leather closure. The strap is broken the clasp is broken and it needs pockets on the inside. However I LOVE this bag, Think earth meets funky, meets, native american...So I'm going to take it to a leather repair place when I get to PA (I don't think we have any where I am in NC) Did I mention, I had a fun day at the thrift store yesterday.Marilyn
POSTED: Sat, 10/29/2011 - 10:40am
Italian bags
Before you splurge in the shops, check out the market stall as you can,if lucky, pick up some very good quality leather bags at half the price, not the mock high end designer ones but often made by local designers in the softest leather. Beware the street sellars with their mock Prada etc for 20 euros!!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 10/29/2011 - 4:19pm
Good Ideas
I will keep that in mind.I really like to support local designers and craftspeople.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Mon, 06/27/2011 - 9:10pm
In my summer bag-a large Kate
In my summer bag-a large Kate Spade tan leather and woven material in natural shot with gold thread-are my cell phone, wallet, sunglasses in their case, lip gloss, and hand sanitizer. Oh, and eyebrow filler. I never go anywhere without it. I have such pathetic, sparse eyebrows. Full eyebrows are very youthful, don't you agree? I love my summer bag, it's great bag for holding library books, newspaper and the like.Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:26am
Summer Bag
Yours sounds just right.I feel your pain with the eyebrows.Had mine dyed awhile ago.But will return to pencil(frugality).I will add an eyebrow pencil to my carry along make-up. Usually gloss and an SPF lip balm,sunscreen,concealer and powder.Hate a shine on my nose.Love bags and my collection grows.Working on a Kate Spade.Have what I call my Kate Spade moment...change my bags often.She does daily,I hear.Of course,she has an endless supply.OXOChristineE
POSTED: Thu, 06/30/2011 - 9:31pm
Jean, get on their mailing
Jean, get on their mailing list. They have wonderful sales throughout the year, but I believe the summer sales are the best. That is how I've built my collection over the years. There's a sale right now, 25% off the lowest price and free shipping...but hurry, they don't last long!Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:19pm
Took your advice
and am on the mailing list.Saw Some lovely items caught my eye.Thanks for the suggestion.oxoAva
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 6:29am
BTW
Everything I wrote here still stands! I have replaced the sunflower seeds with cashew nuts though and I now also carry a small digital dictaphone which is invaluable (the one on my Iphone no longer works!)Kelly11
POSTED: Sat, 10/16/2010 - 5:50pm
Did any read the Fall post?
Merille mentions she is thrilled the big bags are leaving. But then mentions a brand that when I checked the website looked rather large. I am struggling with which new bag to purchase for fall. I have a cute little one I almost never carry as between 2 cell phones, keys, wallet, filofax ( I am desperately trying to just have it all on my phone but really the screen is TINY, who can read that?) bottle of water, etc. What are you all carrying this fall?Ava
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 6:21am
Longchamp
For everyday use, I use one of my Longchamp pliage bags (currently a dark brown one as that seems to go with everything.) Because the bag is nylon it is so light. There is plenty of room for everything (I don't fill it up & weigh it down though!) It's just a really useful bag (they last for ages) and they aren't terribly expensive to buy, unlike some seriously expensive designer bags. My LV is great for going out and about too. I use both for travelling, the pliage folds away into my LV. I used to have many handbags (Ralph Lauren, YSL, Mulberry, Versace etc) but I never really used them that much - so I sold them all on eBay! With the money, I've bought things I do use. Its taken a long time (and its been a long process) but I'm finally building a wardrobe (including bags) that is very useful and doesn't just sit there looking pretty! I've had a huge cull of clothes, shoes, bags & accessories...and I feel so much better for it! I'm now buying Parisian inspired clothing and taking great care to ensure they are pieces that I can & will wear often, so they aren't sat on a hanger for months on end. The cost per wear factor is important too...I have things from Zara that have cost a few pounds from a charity shop that I wear more than designer items in my wardrobe such as the £6,500 Ralph Lauren runway gown - it remains unworn with the labels attached!bren67
POSTED: Wed, 10/26/2011 - 8:19am
what one to buy?
I have looked at there site.and love them,but,i am only 5ft, and small frame..what one would i get for a petite woman? BrenVintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 10/27/2011 - 10:14am
Hi Bren
I am petite.Mine is a beige shade and medium sized.It suits me perfectly.Plenty of room in it and it is light.I got mine on eBay from France,at a fabulous price.Since it is such a light shade it will be a summer bag.Whichever one you choose you won't be disappointed.Enjoy.Oh and please tell us what you do get .OXObren67
POSTED: Thu, 10/27/2011 - 5:12pm
hello vintage..
I too have been looking on ebay,i have never orderd anything from them,but the beautiful handbags are nice looking! I want a Longchamp soon!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 10/27/2011 - 5:34pm
Bren!
Go for it!!And please tell me what happens.Good luck.OXO JeanVintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 8:04am
Longchamp
seems to be the way to go.I might forget Kelly and Birkin and go with that.What are you going to do with the RL dress?Marilyn
POSTED: Sat, 10/30/2010 - 6:13pm
Longchamp
My pliage saw me through the summer beautifully, it is now having a well earned rest in favour of my black Emmerson and red Florentine purchase of a few years back and of course my Radley when a smaller one is required. No more bag purchases needed though wouldn't say no to a red pliage. But frugality reigns.Ava
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 3:00pm
Sorry!
I didn't answer your question. Doh! The RL dress? Well, I'm ever hopeful that I will be swept off my feet and taken to a wonderful ball. Failing that, I will probably end up selling it. I've had it a while now and whilst it is utterly gorgeous (and has the same name as me), realistically, I'd be better off using the money to buy something I will get more wear out of. Perhaps a Chanel jacket for instance?Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 3:31pm
That is a conundrum
LOL.How to sell your namesake?A Chanel jacket would ease the pain.Did your lovely things arrive?I Googled that designer and really liked the clothes.Very real and wearable and smart.Wear them well.Ava
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 5:08pm
The reality is...
...it's *just* a dress (I would never have said that before I came onto this site!) A few years ago I would have (and did as I obviously have this dress) only buy items from designer boutiques. I loved this dress and absolutely had to have it! The problem is...I ended up with an amazing wardrobe....filled with clothes I never wore! Many things I have sold since Christmas on eBay (I still have more to go) and oddly now, I get more of a kick, shopping in Charity shops (helps them raise money too) than in Knightsbridge. I love finding bargains that cost pounds instead of hundreds of pounds! I fear I was rather too materialistic. Now, I rather spend my money on family and doing things with my wonderful other, travelling, going to the theatre, eating out in nice places and treating myself when I feel the need, rather than *constantly*. I wish I had learned this earlier in life...but at least I have learnt it now! I've learnt that just because an item has a designer label in it...it doesn't necessarily make it stylish or well made (diffusion lines can be particularly bad) or wearable (some clothes I had & still have, were / are just too expensive to wear...doh...stupid eh! (for example I've a gorgeous Dior jacket hanging up, unworn and I've just sold a RL jacket I never wore and a Maxmara coat I loved but never wore..amongst many others.) Silly me.Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 6:04pm
Reality
You are in a good reality,I'd say.Growth and change can be an interesting challenge.You learned the lesson in plenty of time.We all seem to go through a "label" stage.Now,I refuse to advertize for anyone.And you are right...dresses etc.are simply that "things".Things may give us pleasure,it is fleeting.They do not bring happiness.I work with a person,who fully believes,things will make her happy.Consequently,she is very unhappy.It is sad to see.So you keep on your path.I do admire you.Ava
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 9:47am
Kelly & Birkin
are still on the list....when I'm a millionaire! Ha! When I've finished my book and sold it...which BTW isn't going to be any time soon...I seem to be rather distracted at the moment. I'll pick it back up soon enough and carry on until the job is done! It's not writer's block; everything is in my mind...it's the getting it on paper; dictaphone; storage disk that's casuing my sweet interlude. Ah well, during this sweet interlude I am practising my French side, so all is well!Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 10/29/2010 - 6:09pm
Dreams
Kelly and Birkin are merely that and in fact I think the cost is insane.Comes under the rubric : more money than brains.I eagerly await your book,so when the time is right I shall be the first in line!!Ava
POSTED: Sat, 10/30/2010 - 11:27am
Firstly -
Reality - yes, it's an eye opener. A good film to watch is 'The Joneses'. The story tells itself - both sides of the Atlantic!Secondly -
Dreams - you're right. The prices are insane (though some bargains can be found in vintage stores :-) ) I wouldn't pay full price again LOL - not now! My hard earned cash will not go straight into lining the pocket of (sorry Mireille - LVMH - they've even got their mitts into Hermes now!) I bought my Speedy - but that's the last new bag I bought and will buy (oh, apart from any Le Pliage - which are good value for money and not horribly expensive!) There are so many more things to life than an 'IT' bag (didn't those crafty marketing companies do their job well back in the 80's/90's?) Chanel and Hermes bags were once much more affordable ... then came along Mulberry (bayswater), Chloe (remember the paddington?), Balenciaga and *all* the others .... and UP went the prices! Handbags and perfume are the core of these conglomerates. A good book to read (though now a little dated) is Deluxe: How luxury lost its luster by Dana Thomas.
You're a wise woman Jean and we love you for your wise words :-) You will of course get a copy of the book once it's done!
Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 10/30/2010 - 12:06pm
As Robin Williams said...
Reality what a concept!In keeping with our discussion,I received an article from The Mnmilist blog about corporate control in our lives.Worth a read.In fact forwarded it to Marilyn and Diva.Nothing is what it seems.
In the bag department,I am slowing down my acqusitiveness.Really how many bags do I need?Probably zero.I love an Italian bag by Valentina.From time to time they are available at Winners (TKMaxx)and at a deep discount.Beautifully crafted and convenient.Now I look and say,as my friend Norma says,"Think of this as a museum.Nothing is for sale"
Thanks for saying I have wisdom.It is a goal of mine..to be wise and old.So far so good.LOL.
I will order the movie and the book.Be very well.OXO
Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 10/25/2010 - 4:34pm
Hi
Yes,I read that too.In the past,I have tried to convert to a smallish purse and found myself carrying a tote bag for the overflow.Too silly.My bags tend to be more medium sized.Right now carrying a gorgeous Italian,leather bag my sister found for me.It is tan colour and has a stylish belt closure.Lots of great pockets for cell and essential make-up,notebook etc.Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 10/26/2010 - 9:45am
In my fashion world...
one can never have too many gorgeous bags or white shirts.Lately,after becoming a fan of MaiTai's blog,I crave a Kelly and a Birkin.Well lets all fall down laughing.I have champagne tastes on a water salary.But one of the fun things in my collecting is scoring a great bag at a great price.Therefore,I am looking for a look alike,at a reasonable price.This will be fun.And as this is a city with Embassies,I will troll the higher end consignment shops.Stay tuned....Jeanette
POSTED: Mon, 10/25/2010 - 1:16pm
I just purchased a rather
I just purchased a rather large handbag (I'm a fan of them! My father once described my handbag as "luggage".) It was the new Mulberry for Target black pebble tote. Really loving it! Very sturdy for my wallet, make-up bag, cell phone, keys and will fit, as needed, an umbrella, winter gloves, a notebook for work, it even fits my little netbook. So, yes it's big, but I love it!Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 10/25/2010 - 4:29pm
Useful
and glam.Nya_Nya
POSTED: Tue, 05/25/2010 - 4:26pm
My handbag necessities
I'm actually quite organized: large wallet, sunglasses case, a bottle of water, mobile, keys, and a small toilet case with a felt-tip pen, tissues, hand cream, lip balm, and nail-cuticle-oil-pen. Sometimes my iPod, too, and gloves in the winter. That's it. My wallet is organized, too - I get that from my father who always has all the banknotes arranged by size and nicely straightened out and a special compartment for receipts. My mother, on the other hand... Let's just say that when she is searching for her keys in her handbag, the only way to find them is to turn it upside down! :D