Help me shop for...

[oldbaylover1024]

(We haven't done this in a while, right?!)

A new purse! My birthday is next week and MH wants to get me something nice. To which I said, "Sounds good!"

I had a Coach bag for years and it bit the dust about 6 months ago (the handle broke). I had it for about 7 years. It was the perfect size, no Cs on the outside, and black with a plum purple lining. I loved it. I've been using a different bag and it feels so... not me.

I'm looking for a name brand, something with a classic look. I'd love a neutral color on the outside (think black, gray, maroon, navy), but would not be opposed to a fun lining. Bonus points for a middle divider, or at least some decent compartments to stay organized.

Spending limit is up for debate LOL, but remember I'm having a baby in 10 days, so something on sale would be a double bonus!

[helenahhandbasket]

I'd look at another Coach bag, I really like their solid leather satchels and hobo bags, and I think they use a lot of interesting neutrals like burgundy, winter white and camel.

My other suggestions are Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Perlina, Lucky Brand and Fossil.

Wow I can't believe you are due in 10 days!

[librarychica]

I got this one for Christmas in black/cement. It's my first really nice bag and I love it. It's on sale right now (though I've seen it and had H buy it lower so it may go down further at some point).

m.katespade.com/products/cameron-street-margot/PXRU6668-1.html?cgid=ks-sale-view-all&dwvar_PXRU6668-1_color=150

[supertrooper1]

I love Coach outlet. I feel like I get my Coach fix for a better price. I have something similar to this one, but mine is canvas with the C's on the front. No divider, though.
www.coach.com/coach-prairie-satchel-in-pebble-leather/34340.html?dwvar_color=LIBLK

[k3am]

I have a Kate Spade and love it. I've been using the same one daily for almost two years and it still looks great. Money well spent.

[oldbaylover1024]

I'm usually all about Coach, but I just saw this Kate Spade on sale at Macy's.

m.macys.com/shop/product/kate-spade-new-york-cameron-street-havana-tote?ID=4381284&CategoryID=69630

Thoughts?!

[helenahhandbasket]

Jan 31, 2017 21:51:20 GMT -5 oldbaylover1024 said:

I'm usually all about Coach, but I just saw this Kate Spade on sale at Macy's.

m.macys.com/shop/product/kate-spade-new-york-cameron-street-havana-tote?ID=4381284&CategoryID=69630

Thoughts?!

Love the color-blocked tote!

[judyblume14]

oldbaylover1024... I have the black Color bag with plum lining! I bought in in Dec of 2007 to celebrate a big promotion. It is still my everyday bag. I haven't switched it out 10 years. It's still in great shape.

I'm sorry the time has come for you to replace it.

[judyblume14]

I like the Kate Spade tote! But holy crap at the price difference between the solid and the color block!

[Widget123]

In addition to the above suggestions I like Michael Kors bags.

My current purse is actually a backpack style which I like because my hands tend to be full with lots of other stuff, especially on the weekend when I am out and about with my kids... I don't need to have to worry about stuff spilling out.

[oldbaylover1024]

judyblume14 - AH! How much do you want for your black/purple Coach bag?! J/K (maybe ). I loved that bag. I literally used it every day. The strap busted and I looked into getting it fixed, but it wasn't worth the price honestly. Sigh... it was be best.

And I know - the cost difference between the solid black and the color block is crazy! I actually like the color block more.

Widget123 - MH suggested a backpack style bag but that just isn't me. Plus, I don't know if I can justify spending that kind of money on a backpack style if I'm not 100% into it. This is more my "me" purse. I have weekend bags I can use when I've got the kiddos - messenger style and, of course, the diaper bag I just bought for #2.

[oldbaylover1024]

Well, f**k. The price today is waaaaay more than yesterday! WTF, Macy's?!

[judyblume14]

oldbaylover1024, it's the only "designer" bag I've ever owned. I think I paid like $400 for it and nearly had a heart attack. But if I divide that into 10 years, that's only $40/year... or 11 cents a day. So, it was totally worth it. I will die when it finally wears out.

[2chatter]

Something to consider -- I went from a structured but soft sided Coach tote to a very structured dome Coach. I really really don't like the more hard sided bags. I shove randomly shaped stuff in my bag often enough (like a Tervis tumbler is a good example - I was in a zero waste office so had to take my own cup and ended up leaving with promo materials and files so lost my free hand - the dome bag wasn't having it).

If you are going to splurge - my recommendation is consider two bags - a leather crossbody that fits inside a bucket or tote. That's my favorite thing - I can throw my Coach cross body in my MK tote and have space and a smaller bag to just run out to lunch.

[oldbaylover1024]

That's a good point, 2chatter. I can't stand the super-floppy, soft bags - I need some structure. I have a nice work bag (MH calls it my bowling bag) that is big enough for a laptop and/or files that I often take in addition to my purse when I visit clients.

I often end up grabbing just my wallet if I run out for lunch or something. Maybe I need a new tote AND a new wallet...

You guys are bad for my bank account LOL

[liziz]

Feb 1, 2017 9:37:13 GMT -5 2chatter said:

Something to consider -- I went from a structured but soft sided Coach tote to a very structured dome Coach. I really really don't like the more hard sided bags. I shove randomly shaped stuff in my bag often enough (like a Tervis tumbler is a good example - I was in a zero waste office so had to take my own cup and ended up leaving with promo materials and files so lost my free hand - the dome bag wasn't having it).

If you are going to splurge - my recommendation is consider two bags - a leather crossbody that fits inside a bucket or tote. That's my favorite thing - I can throw my Coach cross body in my MK tote and have space and a smaller bag to just run out to lunch.

This is exactly what I do, probably based on 2chatter's advice. 

I have a small crossbody that essentially acts as a wallet (but also holds keys, sunglasses, chapstick, and phone) that I used to throw in the diaper bag when I was out and about, but now throw in my big purse that has all the things in it.

[twinmomma]

I have this 31 brand wallet that I use as a small crossbody that I can then throw inside my big bag. I'm in love with it, and usually I don't love the 31 stuff. It's holding up really well though.
www.mythirtyone.com/product/8139

[kimberlyb]

oldbaylover1024 , have you looked at Tory Burch bags? The price point is similar to Kate Spade. I have one of her totes and love it!