Bag Wish List

Let’s face it, most of us shop based on want rather than need. Frankly, I deplore shopping for something that I NEED. It usually involves a hyper search through websites and local stores looking for something that I love an want to fill a basic need.

So, how do you assess what you really need? It’s really a process of evaluation and elimination. What do you have? What do you use? What needs repair? What need to go? Answering these essential questions, will help you figure out what you need and keep you focused on a goal rather than being distracted by all the beautiful an fun bags out there.

I’ll use myself as an example. My larger bags include a few that are beginning to see some wear and tear so it’s time to make decisions on what I repair or remove from my options. Every wardrobe needs a black, metallic, tan/brown and a pop of color at minimum in my opinion. I have these, but the tan/brown options are truly in need of repair or removal. With spring coming up soon, I feel I need to focus on this area as I will be using it the most. So, in a few simple observations, I’ve drilled down to my need: a brown toned medium to larger size bag with handles.

After that, it still isn’t easy to decide. Do I want dark brown to light tan? Do I want gold or silver-tone hardware (if any)? Cross-body, shoulder, top-handle? There are still dozens of choices to make. The brown bag I’ve carried the most is a Katherine Kwei double-top-handled Edna bag that I’ve practically destroyed, yet still gets compliments.

I’ve narrowed it down to these few options. The final stage of this courtship will be in-store actually putting it on, feeling the comfort an weight of the bag. Tell me what you think?

The Proenza Schuler PS11 is one of the hottest handbags right now. (bagbliss post: the new it bag?) In fact, getting my hands on one would be very difficult, but I’m drawn to it anyway! I love the richness of the brown leather and the structured design and beautiful hardware make it very attractive. The shoulder strap would be comfortable for both shoulder or even cross body carrying. It’s 11″ x 7″ x 4″ so it would carry everything I need, but it is a bit smaller than my typical day bags. Perhaps it is time to downsize? $1850
Proenza Schouler Boutique at Net-a-Porter

The Fendi Calfskin Silvana Tote is a lovely lay-bag that has such fine craftsmanship. It’s another flap bag an I haven’t owned one in a long time! I love the top handles and the long handle option. The leather is so rich looking and it has an interesting pebble grain on the sides of the bag to contrast with the smooth grain. Minimal hardware provides just the right accent. Not too dressy an not too casual. It’s $2090
Find here at LUISAVIAROMA

The Prada Cervo Bowler is another awesome bag. The leather is distress so it has a more casual appearance. A zip top opening make for easy access and I love the top handles with the long shoulder strap. It’s a large bag at 16 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ x 7 . This is probably the closest bag to what I am used to carrying. It’s $2150
Prada Boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue

I fell in love with the Yves Saint Laurent Roady Hobo on my last trip to New York. It’s available in the range of colors including dark brown, golden brown, but this Marina blue is so rich and amazing! It’s a hobo which I always love an it’s a slouchy casual style. This is a head vs. heart situation. My head says buy brown and structured because I need it. My heart says buy this beautiful blue and slouchy because I love it. The price is even better at $1295
Yves Saint Laurent Boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue

What would you do?

This entry was posted on Friday, January 14th, 2011 at 11:55 am and is filed under Bag Trend Alert, Featured, Fendi Handbags & Purses, Gallery, Gift ideas for the Purse Lover, Handbags, Proenza Schouler Handbags & Purses, Yves Saint Laurent Handbags & Purses. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.