I need a new purse because A) Summer is fast approaching B) Mine is starting to annoy the shit out of me C) Because I want one.

Any recommendations for bright colored handbags? I'm not looking to spend more than $50.

5/26/2011 10:39:29 AM

Finally a female topic I dont feel strange while reading... at least not yet!

5/26/2011 10:40:25 AM

I do not have an answer to that because I suck at purses, but I do have a question of my own to post: How much do you think your bag matters at social/professional functions? I don't buy pricey purses because I am pretty rough on them, and I also don't change mine to match my outfits and stuff. Most of the ones I have are fairly casual ones, like right now it's a blue corduroy fold-over top kind of bag. I feel weird about going to business functions with them though because everyone else seems to have Coach bags and whatnot. Do you think people care and judge me or should I not give a crap?

5/26/2011 10:43:16 AM

You can get great designer bags for a fraction of the price at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I've seen gorgeous, $400 Dooney & Bourke bags for around $90 on clearance.

5/26/2011 10:43:16 AM

I think every professional woman should splurge on one or two nice handbags and a nice clutch for social occasions. A high-quality bag will last forever, and, depending on the function, can reflect on your style and attention to detail. This is important for me, being in the "creative" field.

Also from a networking/professional standpoint, stylish clothing and accessories, particularly handbags, can be a GREAT icebreaker with other female professionals. Handbags and shoes are GREAT conversation starters.

That said, to me, spending $100 or more on a designer bag is silly. Hence why I shop at TJ Maxx or at secondhand stores to get great deals on classic designer items.

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 10:47 AM. Reason : d]

5/26/2011 10:46:15 AM

I get compliments on my purses all the time and usually they are free ones that were included in a gift bag. Also, I just pick one out to use for the rest of the season. Last summer I bought 2 $10 purses from target and loved them. I'm not so crazy about the new ones this year though.

I usually don't care what someone thinks about my purse or if it is name brand. If someone is going to judge me by the name on my purse, then I don't want anything to do with them anyway.

5/26/2011 10:47:19 AM

Hand + Bag.

Get it????

5/26/2011 10:48:29 AM

Target does make cute bags ... perfect if you want to rock a trendy style that may not be particularly enduring.

But with some designer brands, you're paying more for quality of material. If maintained properly, a well-structured leather bag will last a lifetime. You may spend a hundred bucks, but it might last 20 times longer than a cheaper version.

5/26/2011 10:50:18 AM

yeah, I put my bags thru hell so I kind of like just being able to throw them out at the end of the season. Also, one time at a bar someone spilled beer on my friends coach purse. She almost had a melt down about it. If someone spilled beer on my purse, the outside of it of course, I wouldn't really give a shit.

Also, I don't see how women carry around such large purses. Is that really necessary?

5/26/2011 10:53:55 AM

Quote :

" I get compliments on my purses all the time and usually they are free ones that were included in a gift bag. Also, I just pick one out to use for the rest of the season. Last summer I bought 2 $10 purses from target and loved them. I'm not so crazy about the new ones this year though. "

In general I agree with that, but I also feel like maybe I need to grow up to at least a step or two above the American Eagle purse I'm rocking right now. Lately I've just been grabbing my wallet and tossing it in at least a slightly nicer leather purse when I go to something. I don't particularly care to own a designer one per se, but will probably look for a decently sturdy and professional one to keep around. If it happens to be a designer one, so be it.

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 10:55 AM. Reason : ^ haha I remember that (if we're thinking about the same day)]

5/26/2011 10:54:13 AM

If you want a really, really nice bag that will last forever, check out Tumi or find a Tumi outlet. They have some of the best-constructed bags on the market and will last forever! And you can find some beautiful bags for under $200.

http://www.tumi.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4110929

5/26/2011 11:05:49 AM

^^ oh yeah, same day.

5/26/2011 11:08:11 AM

I like funbags better

5/26/2011 11:12:38 AM

Quote :

"I'm not looking to spend more than $50."

I'm out

LOL

I may be able to do some searching for ya later today

5/26/2011 11:19:30 AM

I AM A PURSE SNOB.

I hate fake purses, can spot one a mile away, and think less of people who carry them.

I only carry one brand of purse/wallet/etc - kate spade. I know she's not a top top top designer but I am in love with almost everything she does. And I legitimately collect them - I try to have one item from each collection.

5/26/2011 11:52:26 AM

yeah, I hate the brands that try to look like other brands. It's kind of pathetic imo.

5/26/2011 11:56:23 AM

Quote :

"I hate fake purses, can spot one a mile away, and think less of people who carry them. "

so people that are smart enough not to spend $400 on a fucking handbag are somehow inferior?

wow...

5/26/2011 12:28:06 PM

I am a whore for Holly Aiken bags. occamsrezr makes fun of me constantly for it. But she's NCSU alumnus so I do it for State pride... yeah...

5/26/2011 12:31:23 PM

VOLCOM get the fuck out of here

I too can't stand a knockoff...I mean I get very very angry when I see one, especially a bad one.

It says nothing good about you to carry the knockoff version of an expensive bag...except that you clearly can't afford it.

Now I can't afford the awesome bags I love, so to make up for it I will try and find a shape like that bag. But not an exact replica. Maybe even just the color.

Imitation is NOT always the highest form of flattery.

5/26/2011 12:36:20 PM

yeah I guess announcing to the world that you can afford a $400 bag (that cost $2 to make) is an important statement to make about yourself



cus poor women or in most cases, smarter women that choose not to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a fashion accessory are people

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 12:52 PM. Reason : this is so sad]

5/26/2011 12:48:18 PM

I hate the Holly Aiken bags.

They are too industrial for me.

I tend to buy purses at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. Sometimes Rugged Wearhouse.

I got a $90 Jessica Simpson bag at Rugged Wearhouse last week for $7.



Kind of like this one but snakeskin and a solid purple.

I have tons and tons of purses. <3

5/26/2011 12:51:27 PM

I can understand the hate if it's an independent designer working a small workshop. I don't understand the hate for a fake sweatshop bag versus a real sweatshop bag. They're both made by some kids in Cambodia so a dude in Italy can have a hedonistic, poolside orgy.

5/26/2011 12:51:34 PM

there's coasters to ride and jorts to be worn....go do that instead

5/26/2011 12:51:51 PM

Quote :

"They're both made by some kids in Cambodia so a dude in Italy can have a hedonistic, poolside orgy."

WINNAR

5/26/2011 12:52:56 PM

at some point that large designer was in a small shop

and not every designer is a dick

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 12:54 PM. Reason : e]

5/26/2011 12:54:19 PM

they are all still made by slave labor so what's your point?

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 12:55 PM. Reason : .]

5/26/2011 12:54:42 PM

I really just despise the manufacturing processes of many of the big designers out there. I try very hard to buy products not made in countries such as China and Cambodia. Unfortunately that can be difficult to do these days. But every little bit helps

5/26/2011 1:00:14 PM

My point is that I don't like to see people carry fake versions of designer bags.

I think its retarded.

Good thing I can have an opinion in this world.

5/26/2011 1:03:50 PM

@wolfpackgrrr You are apparently a lot smarter than a lot of people participating in this thread.

Either way, if you think spending $400 on a purse makes a you a better person or increases your social status, I feel really sorry for you.



[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 1:04 PM. Reason : .]

5/26/2011 1:04:24 PM

Replica designer handbags support terrorism

5/26/2011 1:06:05 PM

hahaahahahahahaha

5/26/2011 1:06:44 PM

For those people though they could very well be carrying that bag because they don't see the point paying $texas for something that costs very little to make while exploiting people. I know several people like that. Hell, if you're buying a fake bag in NYC there's a good chance it was made in NYC lol.

One thing I thought was funny in Cambodia is pretty much all of their tourist shirts are printed on Old Navy shirts stolen from factories in the area. It was weird picking up a shirt with Siem Reap on it and seeing an Old Navy tag.

^3 I wouldn't say I'm smarter This is just a personal cause of mine. I wish more people cared where their stuff came from

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 1:10 PM. Reason : R]

5/26/2011 1:08:19 PM

Where's my jumping to conclusions mat for VOLCOM?

5/26/2011 1:09:24 PM

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/whats-even-worse-about-buying-fake-handbags/

Quote :

"“When you buy counterfeit goods, you support child labor, drug trafficking, organized crime and even worse.” So what’s even worse? The ads don’t say directly. Terrorism? Law enforcement and government officials continue to emphasize the connection between terrorism, piracy and counterfeiting. Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey recently told Silicon Valley executives that their intellectual property could be stolen by an “international terrorist trying to advance a murderous plot.” At a recent news conference on proposed tougher penalties for movie piracy, State Senator Frank Padavan of Queens reiterated his findings from a 2005 legislative report that found piracy supported terrorism."

Quote :

"Remarks by Raymond W. Kelly, the New York police commissioner, made at last year’s Harper’s Bazaar Third Annual Anticounterfeiting Summit, touched on the 2004 Madrid train bombings. He mentioned that the terrorist cells were financed in part through the sale of counterfeit CDs, as well as by drugs and stolen cars, and that a federal grand jury in Michigan unsealed indictments accusing individuals of trafficking in contraband cigarettes and counterfeit Viagra, sending a part of their profits to Hezbollah."

5/26/2011 1:09:45 PM

collection of articles about fake bags: http://ihatecounterfeitbags.info/dontbuyfakes

5/26/2011 1:15:41 PM

Lol who the hell buys counterfeit cds anymore

Back to bags!

One day I want to get a nice leather hobo bag. But I'm afraid I'll ruin it instantly

5/26/2011 1:16:07 PM

that's the charm of leather...the way it ages and wears

I have some great leather bags that have dings and marks, but I love each and every blemish

5/26/2011 1:18:04 PM

Quote :

"I can understand the hate if it's an independent designer working a small workshop. I don't understand the hate for a fake sweatshop bag versus a real sweatshop bag."

Actually, it makes a big difference if it's a fake sweatshop bag versus a real sweatshop bag. Coach, for example, refuses to work with suppliers who employ child laborers and ensure decent working conditions:

Quote :

"Working Hours: Coach will not knowingly use suppliers who fail to comply with the legal maximum working hours as specified by each country’s standards and laws. Child Labor: Coach will not knowingly use suppliers who employ workers in violation of the local mandatory school, or under the legal employment age in each country. Additionally, Coach will favor those suppliers who are proactive in contributing to the continued education and betterment of its employees. "

Sweatshops that create replica handbags don't have these types of regulation in effect. They just care about making as much of the product as possible and give little regard to their laborers.

5/26/2011 1:21:02 PM

I feel that handbags should be unique to the designer. Stealing the design is what annoys me about it more. Also, if it is your money, then you can spend it how you want. Maybe it is a phone, computer, tv, handbag, shoes, or whatever, but it is your choice. I usually spend my money on food, which literally turns to shit, so I can't talk about anyone else.

5/26/2011 1:21:32 PM

Knowing me I'd spill a bottle of wine on it my first night out

Some bags I've been tempted by:





^2 there's that pesky word "knowingly." With the way manufacturing in these countries work, it's exceedingly easy for a company to claim they didn't know the workers were being treated like dogs. If they really wanted to ensure such things, they would make their bags in countries with stiff labor laws, such as America or Canada. They certainly charge enough for their product to be able to do so.

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 1:30 PM. Reason : R]

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 1:32 PM. Reason : Stupid phone]

5/26/2011 1:26:41 PM

bmel I agree! Sorry ladies, I work in designer handbags so this really hits home with me.

Bottom line is, some people think it makes sense to fork up the money and some people think it's ridiculous.

Collecting handbags is basically a hobby of mine.. so be it.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the bags I am waiting for:

5/26/2011 1:26:51 PM

O do not Luke spending lots of money in purses personally because i am too rough with them they serve one purpose and that's to hold all my stuff. I've had a lot of luck at kohls.

5/26/2011 1:33:07 PM

As far as having a nice handbag for a professional function goes, well I can assure you that the men in the room don't give two shits about your handbag unless it is a blatant eyesore. So if you go to events with a bunch of men, it doesn't matter.

5/26/2011 1:40:34 PM

I got this messenger bag, perfect for a 14" widescreen laptop but also small enough I can just use it everyday.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CWKUNG/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002BZCWPI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0T7TFA0K7651BPHEZMQC

I am thinking about getting the black one too.

5/26/2011 1:56:53 PM

http://www.kohlscorporation.com/ecom/valueadded/ProductGuides/Handbags.htm

Which do you prefer? I usually seem to go for the hobo or satchel.

[Edited on May 26, 2011 at 1:58 PM. Reason : link]

5/26/2011 1:58:12 PM

I like the hobo and the tote usually. Messenger bags rock too.

5/26/2011 2:03:35 PM

Quote :

"well I can assure you that the men in the room don't give two shits about your handbag unless it is a blatant eyesore."

5/26/2011 2:06:22 PM

Might get this one....

5/26/2011 2:31:44 PM

That's cute! Sienna ricci and relic at kohls tend to be my favorite brands....

5/26/2011 2:43:19 PM

^ yeah I really like a lot of their purses! Thanks for the recommendation

5/26/2011 2:46:31 PM