The bigger the better has been my mantra when it came to handbags for the past few years. Actually, so was the more the merrier.
Wearing larger bags during the work week was necessary because I had to tote my work laptop daily and dock it at my office. Carrying one large tote that held my laptop and a host of other things was the best solution for me then.
This fall, those days are over, and I’ve been thinking a lot about downsizing my everyday bag. I only need space for my wallet, iPod, point and shoot camera, pen, lipstick, mirror, lotion, and phone. Hmmm…that list still sounds extensive, doesn’t it?
Current Bag Lust List
Here’s a bag that I keep visiting in store. I go to Macy’s to walk around with the mocha croc one (shown below) and to Dillards to test run the luggage plain leather one.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Croc Hamilton shoulder bag in mocha. $198.
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| Photo from Macys.com |
I even spotted a red MK Hamilton shoulder bag in TJ Maxx (Manchester Rd store for the those of you local) a few days ago for $99 and that discovery sparked a mad scurry to see if the luggage color bag was available. It wasn’t.
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| Michael Kors Hamilton Tote at TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx $99, compared to $198. |
Imposing a Ban on Buying New Bags
In the meantime, I’ve been having wearing an old school favorite, my Michael Kors Ashbury E/W Satchel, which made me realize that I don’t need a new bag. So, instead of buying the MK shoulder bag now or this fall, I am taking extreme measures and imposing a handbag buying moratorium. No new handbag until 2012! By the way, I am experiencing heart palpitations as I type this. Can I do it? Can I do it? I will try.
Are you downsizing handbags this fall?
I'm actually looking for a big black leather "dump bag" to carry all my junk in. I like to be able to fit a pair of heels in my bag so I can make the switcharoo when I get to work.
IDK…let me know how it goes. I cannot go without another 5 months until 2012 to get a new bag…. I am already itching for something new for Fall and frankly I don't even need a bag it's just because I want one. I think the M. Kors bag is reasonable, what if you wait till friends and family to get 20% off 😀
@Sing: That big bag sounds like a necessity for you for sure. I preferred one big one that toting around two bags.
@Bravoe Runway: You are not helping! Hahahaha! Just kidding! This decision has actually triggered some anxiety. That should not be the case, so I think I might actually need this moratorium to remind myself that what I already own is sufficient.
I've thought for a bit about the decision before publicly committing to it. I noted all the sales (friends and family events, black friday, etc) that I would miss. Of course, the moratorium would be lifted just in time for the new year markdowns. Ha.
I'm starting a clothes/shoes/handbag fast this Saturday through Black Friday. I'm already going through withdrawals! But I've given away two of my really nice handbags to friends who do a lot for their children and dont get to spoil themselves.
@Sweet in Spirit: Whoa! Good luck. You are really going after it. Clothes, shoes, and bags all at once? Definitely keep me posted on your progress. We can talk on Facebook.com/economyofstyle. Perhaps you can even share photos of tempting items that emerge. 🙂
YOU CAN DO IT! I have been thinking similar thoughts in general regarding how much shopping I do. My little mantra to myself "What I need, I already have" To curb the desire to get more STUFF….I play dress up in my closet. For example all the flurry of e-mails coming to me showcasing the new Fall fashion, I look at the offerings, try to deconstruct them in my head then go to my closed to find what I own that is similar in style. I find most things are not really new…its the novelty of hte details or embellishments that make it seem like it is so differnet. For example all the variations of animal print fashion Got a lot already. So I say to myself "Got it" then move on and save my money.
@Terry: You are brilliant! Using the new must have lists for fall as guides to shop your own closet is quite prudent. I will be telling myself "What I need, I already have" all weekend. That is some mantra. Thanks for your support, Terry!
Psyche, I'm glad you find my mantra and tip is helpful. Believe me I enjoy my Stuff and getting more stuff. However, sometimes I force myself to get off the by more stuff merry-go-round.
I love handbags and have a great collection, which I acquired from daffys, marshalls, tjmaxx, zara and many more places. In the beginning of the year I decided not to buy any new handbags and I have not. You can do this. But I must admit when I go into my fav stores I do check out the handbag section lol lol lol.