Buying a New Purse or Handbag
By 2patricias
Why should I read this hub?
This Hub contains advice from the 2patricias on choosing a handbag. We have bought so many handbags between the two of us that we might be considered experts.
Tricia's most recent purchase was at 50% off the original price. She found a fashionable bag, made from leather. This made the bag 'good' on three counts in that it was on trend, should wear well and (best of all) it was a bargain.
Another good things about her bag is that it coordinates with many items in her wardrobe, so allows her to give a new look to existing outfits.
Pat's most recent purchase was something of a bargain, in that she bought it at 20% off full price. Likewise her new bag is leather and fashionable. However her bag is a stunning dark pink/light red colour, so unusual that she then bought a new jacket to go with the bag. That rather cancelled out the bargain element of the bag.
A good bag is not always an expensive one. In 2007 Pat bought a metallic-look bag from Marks and Spencer (Sheffield branch) for £15. She had mentioned to a friend that she thought she might like a metallic-look bag, but was worried that maybe she wouldn't use one. So her friend suggested buying a cheap bag in synthetic material.
That bag is still in use, and looks good. It shows no sign of wear. We have heard of people having problems with expensive metallic-look leather bags where the metallic finish flakes off the bag. So, cheap can be good.
What we try to set out in this hub is our list of things to think about and look for when buying a new bag.
We hope you enjoy shopping, and that you are able to find something you like now and will continue to use in future.
What to consider when choosing a new bag
There are days when you look at the contents of your wardrobe and wonder what to wear. You actually have loads of clothes, and they are in good condition. But you feel just a bit tired of them all, and yearn for a new look.
Why not buy a handbag?
Here's what we think you should consider when choosing a handbag, regardless of your budget:
- What have you got already? Not only by way of handbags, but what colour is your winter coat? Do you have any colour themes to your wardrobe?
- Do you need a smart handbag for work, or for social functions? Or would a casual bag be more appropriate?
- How big? Over 2006 and 2007, the most stylish handbags were huge! Some of the bags shown in the fashion magazines were positively hernia-inducing. In real life, consider what you need to carry with you, and plan your purchase accordingly.
Looking at handbags in the shop:
- Is all the stitching intact, and are the handles secured firmly to the body of the bag?
- If it fastens with a zip, test it to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
- If it is a formal bag (as opposed to fabric), is it lined? If so, is the lining smooth, without any loose threads?
- Are there any internal pockets, say for your mobile phone, or to hold keys? -Expect more as the price increases.
- Will it be comfortable to carry? Pay particular attention to the handle - if you have to carry the bag during the day, or perhaps back and forth to work, this is important.
- Does it fasten securely? If you will be carrying the bag through crowds - say commuting to work - would it be easy for someone to steal things from inside your bag?
- If you have items that you really want to carry in your bag, such as a BlackBerry, make absolutely certain that they will fit inside, together with everything else.
- Buying a bag on-line:
- Check the measurements. If measurements are not given, ask for them before you commit yourself to purchasing the item.
- Make sure that the supplier has a returns policy!
If you're short of funds, and want something that looks expensive, try on-line auction sites.. Take a look before you say ‘not for me' - there are so many bags listed everyday that you can narrow your search down to colour and style - and still have a huge choice. Okay, some of them are still expensive, but you can always find something at £10 or below. It may be close enough to what you want, or you could strike lucky and find the exact thing you've been looking for, and within your budget.
Museum shops can be a good source of unusual bags at affordable prices. Some of the very large museums have on-line shops.
Don't turn your nose up at charity shops. You might find something almost new.
Have fun trying to bag a bag!
What do you carry in your purse or handbag?
- What do Women Keep in their Purse?
An explanation of what women keep in their handbag (or purse, if you are American).
Comments
Many summer handbags are fabric, or basket-weave. You may carry them over your shoulder, against bare arms. Make sure that the texture of the bag is not going to scratch your skin. I learned that tip through a bad experience.
nice idea thanks a lot...visit my hub for the "Latest Celebrity Handbag Gossip and Trends".http://hubpages.com/hub/Celebrity-Inspired-Handbag
Pleased that you like the hub. Our hub is aimed at more earthly mortals, but I guess we all like to gossip about celebrities from time to time.
This is very valuable information. I always check the details on the handbags because if you spend quite a bit of money, the quality has to be obvious. I stay true to certain brands which never disappoint: Balenciaga, Marcela Calvet, Dior and Hermes. Yes, they are expensive but I do get a lot of use out of them and they will last forever. Still, if shopping for less luxurious handbags, the same principles apply: how is it made, the quality of the leather or skin, the hardware, the stitching, the lining. Thanks for the fine points shared in this article, very valuable information.
You are correct that expensive handbags do last. Sadly, most of us cannot afford them (or maybe just one).
Informations given in your hub is invaluable.Have a look at my hub also at http://latest-handbags.blogspot.com
Hello Shona, Pleased that you found the Hub useful. It has reminded me that I was thinking of updating it for 2009.
I like the things to check list before a purchase. Always a good idea as I often get things home and have to take them back again because I sopt a fault.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for leaving a comment! Yes, sometimes it is hard to remember to carry out a thorough check in the shop. I once came home with shoes in odd sizes because I didn't look at them properly. (honestly).
I definately agree with you that handbags are a very important part of our accessaries and one should be selecive. I have discovered some great buys at Thrift shops, especially ones run by churches, and consignment stores. Your bag does not have to be a highly expensive designer bag to serve your purposes, last, and look great. At the end of the season sales at large department stores , I have purchases $70 to $i75.00 bags for 50 to 75% off. If you buy leather bags please treat them with a leather cleaner and oils so they last. Just as you may do with you leather couch. Try Saddle Soap. I have bags that are 25 yrs, old and in good condition.
Hi Auntie M, Thanks for your helpful comment! Good advice about looking after your leather bags. One of Pat's favourites is 14 years old and was bought 50% off ticket price.
Tricia has bought some great bags at a consignment store at astonishingly low prices.
Might be an idea to mention the word Purse in your title. I live in the USA and they don't call them handbags here!Useful pointers in your hub, thanks.
Hello G.W. Thank you for the suggestion. We are currently reviewing titles and will make the change.
Pleased that you thought the hub contained useful pointers.
Very generous of you to leave such a helpful comment.
Nothing better than getting a good handbag at half price. Great advice and works here too. A great bag can change the look of a tired outfit for sure. I love to get a new handbag it makes me really happy.
Hi Tammy,
Yes, I think of all the wardrobe items one purchases, handbags come with the most happiness. Maybe that's because they always fit.
Thanks for your comment.
Nice hub. Joining your community and would like to invite you to join mine...Thanks
Hello Couponalbum, Thanks for your comment.
mmm...i'm inspired to go shopping now. I've always been attracted to smaller handbags, but rather like those larger leather bags that you could even fit your laptop in. much more feminine and stylish than a briefcase!
Hi Pamplemousse,
Tricia likes small bags and Pat large ones. WE both think that leather bags are the most professional-looking way to carry a lap top.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
Great tips. Classic handbags can last for ever. Handbags are very popular right now.
Hello Ethel,
Even though we both have handbags that seem to be going on forever, every now and then we just have to buy a new one (LOL).
Thanks very much for leaving a comment!
I write a lot about womens business suits but not about the bags that must accompany them! Good ideas here. Thanks.
Hello SoCurious,
The 'wrong' bag can totally undermine a business suit!
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
kia31 4 years ago
Great Ideas when looking for a Handbag, I plan on using some of them when I go shopping for one this summer. I need to ad to my collection. Thanks for the Hub.