Suggestions for purse brands?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve often wondered who prefers a clutch…and when do they actually use it?

I tend to prefer (ginormous) totes. I think it’s a carryover from so many years of schlepping around a diaper bag (I have a handful of kids, but the diaper days are long gone). I prefer a sturdy, statement handbag that I can carry on my forearm when I’m dressed up and opt for a crossbody when shopping or sightseeing.

For me, it all comes down to function: what do I need to carry in the bag? That dictates size, shape, and strap.

Can you provide a bit more intel on what you plan to carry in it? Or perhaps post something that demonstrates size/functionality even if it’s a basic brand? FTR I still think Kate Spade covers the gambit when it comes to shape/functionality, so perhaps find a link from that brand so we know what you are looking for and then we can suggest alternative brands.

And: color. What are you looking for? I used to stick to black, but I’ve found red and orange to be amazingly neutral colors that pop against my wardrobe. Someone once told me every gal needs bags in black, brown, red, orange, and a bold, unexpected design/color. I think they were on to something in terms of covering all the bases.

I assume women who carry totes everywhere are really disorganized. That’s the case with my friends who are tote people. They have like four years of lost crap in there, and they don’t take the time to clear it out. I always carry a small clutch sized purse with a strap, and just my phone, keys and cards.

Eh, I prefer a clutch so I have room for my chunky wallet, sunglasses, phone, pills (I need rescue meds), comb, and a water bottle—plus room for anything I might purchase running errands. I don’t schlep junk around lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve often wondered who prefers a clutch…and when do they actually use it?

I tend to prefer (ginormous) totes. I think it’s a carryover from so many years of schlepping around a diaper bag (I have a handful of kids, but the diaper days are long gone). I prefer a sturdy, statement handbag that I can carry on my forearm when I’m dressed up and opt for a crossbody when shopping or sightseeing.

For me, it all comes down to function: what do I need to carry in the bag? That dictates size, shape, and strap.

Can you provide a bit more intel on what you plan to carry in it? Or perhaps post something that demonstrates size/functionality even if it’s a basic brand? FTR I still think Kate Spade covers the gambit when it comes to shape/functionality, so perhaps find a link from that brand so we know what you are looking for and then we can suggest alternative brands.

And: color. What are you looking for? I used to stick to black, but I’ve found red and orange to be amazingly neutral colors that pop against my wardrobe. Someone once told me every gal needs bags in black, brown, red, orange, and a bold, unexpected design/color. I think they were on to something in terms of covering all the bases.

I sometimes like a clutch for evenings---going out to dinner, parties, etc. I tuck it under my arm if I have to stand and there isn't a place to stash it.

OP. Thanks for the ideas, PPs. Some good options here. I like a clutch or small purse for evenings out. Most clutches these days come with a chain or something. A tote is great for daytime but looks too casual depending on the outfit. I do agree with you that you have to think about it a bit if there is no strap. That’s also why I’m staying under $500. I go out with friends who have pricy bags and literally need a chair or something for their bag because they’re worried about messing it up. That’s too high maintenance for me.

[Anonymous]

You either care about function or you care about style. If the latter, you either want to impress with a known brand or you want to be different.

^^^
What’s your priority, op?

Anyone who comes to dcum and leads with “NOT Kate Spade” usually cares what others think (bc the reality is KS bags are utilitarian workhorses that hold up for years and are reasonably priced).

So the question is: are you just hoping to find a brand that is up and coming, or are you trying to find something nobody has heard of so it’s truly different?

Honestly, I’ve received the most compliments on bags I bought in other countries or even at TJ Maxx…probably because they are interesting shapes or colors and don’t have a brand name on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You either care about function or you care about style. If the latter, you either want to impress with a known brand or you want to be different.

^^^
What’s your priority, op?

Anyone who comes to dcum and leads with “NOT Kate Spade” usually cares what others think (bc the reality is KS bags are utilitarian workhorses that hold up for years and are reasonably priced).

So the question is: are you just hoping to find a brand that is up and coming, or are you trying to find something nobody has heard of so it’s truly different?

Honestly, I’ve received the most compliments on bags I bought in other countries or even at TJ Maxx…probably because they are interesting shapes or colors and don’t have a brand name on them.

Uh, no. I don’t care what people think. I want to spend ~$500 on this. I don’t want half that money to go for whatever extra Kate Spade charges for their name. I am certain there are better quality brands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You either care about function or you care about style. If the latter, you either want to impress with a known brand or you want to be different.

^^^
What’s your priority, op?

Anyone who comes to dcum and leads with “NOT Kate Spade” usually cares what others think (bc the reality is KS bags are utilitarian workhorses that hold up for years and are reasonably priced).

So the question is: are you just hoping to find a brand that is up and coming, or are you trying to find something nobody has heard of so it’s truly different?

Honestly, I’ve received the most compliments on bags I bought in other countries or even at TJ Maxx…probably because they are interesting shapes or colors and don’t have a brand name on them.

Uh, no. I don’t care what people think. I want to spend ~$500 on this. I don’t want half that money to go for whatever extra Kate Spade charges for their name. I am certain there are better quality brands.

So you want a no-name brand. Your focus is on quality.

But can you link to something more mainstream to show us what shape/style/size you are looking for?

[Anonymous]

Polene. Furla. Sezane.

[Anonymous]

I recently have been seeing ads for The Horse, has anyone bought from them?

https://www.thehorse.com.au/collections/womens-bags

[Anonymous]

This may be lower fashion than you want if you're talking about $500 (which I would never pay for a clutch purse!), but I really like Portland Leather -- they have a lot of different sizes/options and it's all just nice quality leather.

[Anonymous]

Tumi. Nylon. Great for travel.

[Anonymous]

Agree with others. I love my Furla clutch and my Furla tote has been a really solid work bag for nearly 20 years.

I’m intrigued by Polene. Does anyone have one? I get tons of Instagram ads for them and think they are beautiful, but curious about the quality.

[Anonymous]

I received a Polene bag for Mothers Day and love it. Beautiful quality and appreciate the subtle branding.

[Anonymous]

Opelle Creative (made in Canada)
Lotuff leather (USA)
Mansur Gavreil (Italy)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You either care about function or you care about style. If the latter, you either want to impress with a known brand or you want to be different.

^^^
What’s your priority, op?

Anyone who comes to dcum and leads with “NOT Kate Spade” usually cares what others think (bc the reality is KS bags are utilitarian workhorses that hold up for years and are reasonably priced).

So the question is: are you just hoping to find a brand that is up and coming, or are you trying to find something nobody has heard of so it’s truly different?

Honestly, I’ve received the most compliments on bags I bought in other countries or even at TJ Maxx…probably because they are interesting shapes or colors and don’t have a brand name on them.

Uh, no. I don’t care what people think. I want to spend ~$500 on this. I don’t want half that money to go for whatever extra Kate Spade charges for their name. I am certain there are better quality brands.

So you want a no-name brand. Your focus is on quality.

But can you link to something more mainstream to show us what shape/style/size you are looking for?

I just want to hear about brands. I will look at each to see if I like the styles. Thanks though!

[Anonymous]

Vintage coach purse. The kind that is made of thick leather with a brass clasp, pre-2000

[Anonymous]

Mlouye makes beautiful, sculptural bags with impeccable craftsmanship. Also second the recommendation for vintage leather Coach bags from the 80s and 90s.