TBMD

Every time I think that all the holes have been filled in my bag family, out comes another that I could make justifications for. I should just give up on this insane notion of the perfect collection. My most recent acquisition is the Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock leather in gold/tan white/warm grey (sold here).

Prior to this purchase, the honor of that everyday brown bag went to the H&M snakeskin clutch that doubled as a crossbody bag. Space was extremely limited, but the cheap price won me over. I've actually gotten a decent amount of uses from the clutch, but am now happy for an upgrade. Although the Borough I chose isn't a solid brown color, there is enough in the color scheme (the colorblocking was actually the first thing I fell in love with). So that, along with the mini size, was what convinced me that this bag will work well for casual days.

Back in 2010, I posted about my then-collection of 7 bags. Fast forward three years to present day and my love for bags has not waned. During this time, I've sold some, donated others, bought more, and now am the happy owner of 11 bags in my possession. At around the #8 mark, I told myself to employ a one-in-and-one-out rule to keep my materialistic side in check. Umm... yeah, so much for that. My willpower was no match for my greediness.

I thought it'd be fun to do a bag collection update. I'll also take this opportunity to reflect on shopping lessons learned, regrets, and share any other thoughts in general. Here we go...

1) Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote (c. 2013, paid $154 / buy at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, NM) - I don't know how I've lived without a large, dark-colored throw-around bag before this year. It easily tops my bag list and is the one I reach for the most often. I should've known an ubiquitous bag like the Le Pliage is popular for a reason! I could've waited for a F&F 20-25% sale, but was impatient and paid full price instead. No biggie. I've made up for the lost savings in the number of uses since.

2) Longchamp LM Metal Medium Tote (c. 2011, paid $108 / buy at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Saks) - I'm normally not a fan of bags with signature logos plastered all over, but figured Longchamp's horse and rider isn't as well-known (not sure if my perception is accurate or delusional?) I used to reach for this white tote more often, but ever since the black Le Pliage was added into the rotation, this one has been mainly relegated to pairings with preppy-casual outfits. I can't definitively comment on my bag's condition without seeing it next to a brand new version. But from my observations, it looks like there's been minimal creasing on the canvas, the corners have held up well, the silver handles haven't lost luster, but the white color has most likely yellowed over time. This is after two years of abuse in all types of weather and travel conditions.

3) Jenny Yuen Cleo (c. 2008, paid $65) - This bag was bought during a phase where I snubbed all the "popular" brands in favor of up-and-comers or brands that flew under the radar instead. Ha! How times have changed (ahem Longchamp, Chanel). The clutch is actually quite roomy and fits all the essentials. I just don't use it as often because of the metallic pink color -- which I love but is just harder to pair with outfits.

4) Marc Jacobs Large Single (c. 2012, gift from aunt / buy at Nordstrom) - Before receiving this bag as a wedding gift from one of my aunts, I was actually considering the MJ small single (eventually bought the Chanel Camellia WOC instead). My aunt and SIL (whose help was enlisted to pick out the color) must've been reading my mind with this choice. I've still yet to figure out how they sensed that I'd prefer a bag over jewelry (which is what everyone else gave).

5) Chanel M/L Classic Flap (c. 2010, paid $2730 / buy pre-owned at Vestiaire) - Hindsight is 20/20 and I'm so glad I bought my flap when I did (1-2 weeks prior to prices increasing from $2600 to $3400). I regret not giving the reissue more consideration because the longer strap can double as a crossbody bag. At the time, I was worried that the all-metal chain on the reissue would pose a problem on hot summer days against bare skin. LOL at me. Most recently, I've briefly considered selling my classic flap to buy a Boy flap, which may suit my casual lifestyle better (and can be worn crossbody!), but I don't think I can bring myself to pay the price difference.

6) H&M Snakeskin Envelope Clutch (c. 2011, paid $19) - This bag is the least functional due to its flat shape and envelope style. I really can only fit my keys and a few credit cards (forget about my phone, iPod) before the clasp wouldn't snap shut. Sometimes an outfit just calls for a smaller brown bag, so that's when I'd use this clutch. It actually doubles as a crossbody, so that's another plus. I think eventually I'd want to replace this with a similar sized brown bag that has more depth.

7) Chanel Camellia WOC (c. 2012, paid $1785 / buy pre-owned at Vestiaire) - I seriously thought my black flap would be my one and only Chanel. Riiiiight, who're you trying to fool? I've expressed the exact thoughts when others tell me they'll stop once they own just one Chanel. Now I'm the recipient of my own snarky thoughts, so laugh away! This bag fills my bright and feminine bag void due to the color and camellia embossing. The only regret is with the Chanel brand and their yearly price increases. If only I had bought it earlier when prices were lower. Should've, could've, would've...

8) Sole Society Shay Textured Vegan Satchel (c. 2013, paid $47 / buy here) - My newest addition to the bag family (literally a few days old), so I don't have many comments thus far. I bought it to replace my H&M bag because this one is more structured and less pink in color. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder/crossbody strap (not shown in photo above).

9) agnes b Nylon Tote (c. 2005, gift from cousin) - I've admitted to myself that the only reason I still have this bag is due to sentimental reasons. The fact that it was my first "adult" bag and a gift makes it twice as hard to let go. In all honesty, this bag is sorta redundant now that I own the black Le Pliage, which is roomier and the longer handles make it easier to throw over (and stay on) the shoulder.

10) Ann Taylor Tweed Clutch (c. 2013, paid $68 / buy here) - The second-most recent acquisition, so I don't have a whole lot of thoughts on this clutch yet either. Bigger than typical minaudieres I've seen, I love how the size fits all the essentials, plus shows off the pretty (and semi-sparkly) tweed pattern. So far, I've only used the clutch with casual outfits, but can see this tweed pattern pairing well with dressy outfits as well.

11) Balenciaga City (c. 2009, paid $1152 / buy at NM, Barneys) - This bag was my first foray into the designer bag realm. You know that saying, once you go designer, you can't go back? Well, I was afraid that would happen to me, but thank goodness, it hasn't (knock on wood). Of all my bags, if there is one that needs to be babied, this would be it. The lambskin leather plus light color have potential disaster written all over it if not treated with care. I don't handle this bag like fragile china, but nor do I toss it around like my nylon bags. After three years of use, the corners and handles are showing wear and tear as well as denim color transfer. I personally think that fits with the bag's casual moto style and adds "character" rather than detracts.

Looking over my entire collection as a whole, it's easy to see what types of bags work for me, and the ones that don't. Satchels with only top handles are not my friend. I need the option of a long shoulder strap. I value versatility -- the more ways to wear a bag, the better. I gravitate towards bigger bags in neutral colors, and save the fun colors/patterns for smaller bags.

In the back of my mind, I've always known the ballpark figure of what I've spent on this bag "hobby" of mine. I've just never actually totaled up the cost... until now. $6,128. Yikes! Well, I'll just hope my "shoe collection" never gets to this point ;)

Whew, that was long-winded. Thanks for reading!

A few weeks back, I was helping SIL decide on her first Chanel purchase. While at the store, the SA brought out a beautiful rose colored camellia wallet on chain (WOC). SIL tried it on and felt the strap was too long and hits her at an awkward spot. In a moment of insanity, I tried it on and immediately knew it was a bad idea. Lesson never learned: don't try on things for fun.

Now that the seed for a small and colorful crossbody bag has been planted in my head, I considered my options. A mini flap in burgundy also caught my eye, but I decided the color was too dark and the shape and style was too similar to my medium flap. I wasn't set on buying a Chanel, so I expanded my search to other brands but focused on their red selections only. I considered the Coach Legacy Penny Shoulder in carnelian, J.Crew Little Edie in flame, Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody Mini in raspberry, and the Marc Jacobs Single in burgundy. After sleeping on these options for a few days, the excitement for each soon faded for one reason or another (color/shape/size/style). It was back to the drawing board for me.

SIL on the other hand, had reached a decision on The One, a small bright pink Boy bag in stingray. She talked about how she used The Purse Forum to do all her research, even picking out a store with a specific SA in mind to buy from. It's been awhile since I've actively used tPF, so that conversation with her triggered thoughts of the rose camellia WOC from a few weeks back.

Through tPF, I familiarized myself with all the information I could find on camellia WOCs, current and past colors, leather options, quality, size, etc. The more photos I saw, the more enamored I became with the camellia embossing. The design is beautiful up close, feminine, and different than the quilting on my medium flap. Best of all, the camellia WOC comes in various shades of red, depending on the year/collection. Some were bright red with orange undertones, some a true lipstick red, some a darker wine-colored red. Photo comparisons helped, but I much rather see the colors in person if I could.

I went to two stores before the SA brought out the color that made my heart aflutter. The Chanel Camellia WOC in 11A red with silver hardware (tag info / buy pre-owned) was the perfect shade of red for me, not too bright, no orange undertones, a true wine-colored red. 11A means the bag was part of the 2011 Autumn collection, where it debut in the $1400-1500 range. A year and a couple price hikes later, the bag now retails for $1700. Ouch. I had been following the eBay market for pre-owned red camellia WOCs and haven't seen many I'd be comfortable with below $1600, so I figured I'd sleep much better at night buying brand new for a little more.

[photo above]: Due to various shadows and lighting, the bag looks to have an all-over gradient of colors. In real life, the bag's color is consistent througout.

I went to H&M with my 35% off coupon (thanks SPG!) hoping to find a pair of ballet flats. I left home in the outfit below [left] and came back with a new bag instead [right].

A dome-shaped bag with a long strap has long been on my wishlist ever since seeing photos of Olivia Palermo with her Chloe Gemma. I would've gladly forked over the money for the Chloe but like most things, I was late to the game.

I was happy to see this H&M bag in stores because it fit all the requirements I was looking for: simple design, dome shape, long strap. At the same time, I was hesitant because I'm unsure of the quality holding up over time. The bag retails for $24.95 + 35% off = $16.22, which I figured is a good enough deal for me to try out. The imitation leather is pebbled and on the thin side. The bag is very lightweight. There were some loose threading, so it's best to carefully look over in stores. The color is a pretty taupe-pink, where its true colors are shown in my modeling photos (not the one directly below).
Dimensions: 12" in height; 13" x 7.5" across the bottom; 5.5" drop for double straps; 50" is the max length for long strap.

Though I can wear the bag over the shoulders, it's most comfortable when hand-held or worn crossbody. When loaded with all my stuff, the bottom does sag. I wish there were extra padding on the bottom to avoid sagging, but for the price, that's probably asking for too much.

I'll get to test this bag's durability because I'm bringing it with me to San Francisco/Napa Valley for the next few days. Crossing my fingers that all the hardware and straps will be able to handle all my stuff through multiple layovers and sight-seeing. It'll be my third time in CA and I absolutely can not wait to gorge myself with food, sights, and sounds. Be back soon!

I heart J.Crew and their preppy items. They can do no wrong. The J.Crew Tillary Tote in canvas stripe (sold here) is the perfect example. Not long after Elle's review, five six of us came out of the closet, all saying we got bit by the bag bug. It's a wonderful circle of enablers we've got here, lol.

What drew me to the bag were the colors. All the regular-sized bags I own are solidly neutrals. White, gray, black, brown, I've got it all covered. I found the Tillary tote to contain the perfect mix of bold red that isn't overwhelming for someone who apparently is scared of an all-colored bag. The colors against the canvas texture makes it great for casual work environments and weekend use, both of which I plan on taking advantage of.
I won't go into details about the bag (see Elle's thorough review), but wanted to offer opinions on two issues that gave me pause: size and weight. The size was an initial concern of mine after seeing it on Vicky, but then I remembered I'm bigger than her. For anyone smaller than me, wear the bag like you own it; don't let it wear you. Elle warned me of the heavy weight, which Gigi measured at 2.8 lbs. I didn't have a scale handy, but my RM MAM felt heavier than 3 lbs, so I figured if I can handle that, I should be ok. I'll admit that I don't reach for my RM as often as I used to, because my Bal City is so much lighter.

In the end, I decided the bag was worth risking at final sale. It's much too pretty to pass up at $70. To my surprise, the size and weight weren't issues at all when I received the bag (time to start setting my expectations low from now on?) To sum it up, I simply adore it. Using a crude method of measurement by holding a bag in each hand, I would say the Tillary is a tad lighter in weight than my RM. Personally I think the bag looks best hand-held at the sides, but it also fits ok over-the-shoulder and at the crook of my arm. I already know I'll be reaching for this bag often, without a care to matching my outfit.
I also ordered the J.Crew Viv stripe flats in navy ivory, size 6 (sold here) because the bow and stripes combination had me at first sight. I love how proportioned the width of the bow looks with the pointed toe.

I ordered these in my usual size but found them to run at least 1/2 size small. My past experiences with J.Crew flats have always been true to size, but I should have expected sizing differences due to the pointed toe.

The flats are made of canvas material, similar (if not the same) as the Tillary tote. I can see them requiring a lot of upkeep as the white canvas would dirty easily. Due to the material used, the flats are quite stiff when worn and would need time to be broken in. I love the look, but these flats are definitely for fair weather use only. I'll be returning this pair because they're too small for me, but will be reconsidering if they make it to sale season.

I know today's outfit is more suited for fall, but when worn inside at the office (with the skirt pulled low), I didn't feel ridiculous.

I first saw this H&M snake-embossed envelope clutch weeks ago at a location in the city, fell in love (who would've thought since I hate snakes?!), but passed because I didn't have my 20% coupon with me. Days later, when I was ready to actually buy, I couldn't find it anywhere in the stores near me. This is what I get for wanting to save $4 lol. I was about to give up when I recently revisited one of the stores and saw they had restocked. Hallelujah!

I was pleasantly surprised to see that this clutch came with straps that can be worn cross-body. This is a new style for me, and I quite like having my hands free. I originally wanted to cut off the tassels because it looked like a weird brush, but now I don't think it's so bad. Thoughts? I can fit the same amount of items inside as I can with my Chanel M/L flap, reorganized in a different way. The only downside is I have to keep readjusting repositioning the the bag so it sits next to my hip. Otherwise, it constantly slides behind me and bounces off my bottom as I walk. Is this normal for cross-body bags? I wonder if I had worn clothing with more textures/ridges, the bag/straps would more likely stay put.

I'm seriously running out of ideas now, so pardon the likeness of today's outfit to this previous one.

What I said about no more new bags unless one goes? Clutches (and giveaway wins) shouldn't count, right? They're really accessories. Ok, you can tell I'm grasping at excuses, especially since I saw the most gorgeous brown embossed envelope clutch from H&M yesterday. It will be mine soon, I hope :)

A big thanks to Sunshine for this BCBG bow clutch in beige/gold! I love her. It's kind of dressy but I'm determined to find ways to wear it casually.

Whee! Or should I say, yikes?! I went and bought another bag. So much for staying true to my resolutions for this year. But from now on, no more new bags unless I part with an old one. In with the new, out with the old. This obsession of mine has got. to. stop. before it spirals out of control.

I fell in love with this Longchamp LM Metal Tote in white, size medium (sold at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's / large version sold at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks) at first sight. Yes, yes, I say that with every one of my bag purchases, haha. I've been on a white streak lately, and the subtle silver pattern is just too gorgeous.

A couple thoughts since I've started using this bag:

- Thumbs up to the price tag. It isn't astronomical (Chanel lovers will know what I'm talking about).

- Perfect size for everyday use. I was initially set on the large size, but after much debate, I felt the medium size suits my needs better and doesn't overwhelm my frame. The large size would be perfect if I traveled a lot though.

- It's white. Pretty as it is, folds and creases are very apparent, especially under bright lighting. I'm not a bag babier, so I'm hoping it doesn't start looking worn and old with just a few uses.

- I do wish there were more inside pockets -- or at at least make the existing one bigger. I'm used to at least two, one for my cell phone and one for my magic wallet. The single compartment does get weighed down with heavier things, which doesn't help with keeping the canvas smooth.

- The bag screams spring/summer to me. I'm not sure I'll be using it when the cooler weather hits.

- Love the long handle drops. I don't know how I've been putting up with measly 4" ones.

Do you own a Longchamp bag? How has it held up over time?

*The lighting wasn't the best when I took these pictures, but the bag is really a true white in real life.

For the girls who wanted to see my bag collection, this post is for you =) Warning: image overload ahead!

My cousin bought me my first expensive bag. I'm not even sure if agnes b is considered a designer, but I believe they are really popular in Asia. I was surprised, giddy, and grateful, all at the same time. It's so practical and low-maintenance, I seriously carried it everyday in college.

The first bag I bought for myself is the Coach Signature Demi Pouch in green optic. I think everyone and their mother had a bag from Coach's signature collection at one point haha. It was small and cute, perfect for hiding under my college graduation gown. Over the years, I've been gifted with many other Coach bags, but this is the one that's always stayed with me.

A few years later, I discovered The Purse Forum. Yeah, it all went downhill from there lol. I decided to start out "small," and after reading rave reviews on the design and leather, I bought the Rebecca Minkoff No Strings Attached clutch in whitewash/gold. I don't use this one as much as I'd like, but it's my go-to for special occasions.

Another designer that many likened to Rebecca Minkoff was Jenny Yuen. I finally found the perfect color, but couldn't imagine it in a bigger bag, so I went and bought the Jenny Yuen Cleo clutch in metallic rose. Another clutch you say?! "It's more casual and has a strap" was how I reasoned with myself =P As it turns out, I use my JY clutch more than my RM.

How did I live without a black bag up to this point, I have no idea. When I look back, I realized I was being super picky. I wanted something classic, but with some detailing so it's not overly boring. The day finally came when I saw Lindsay Lohan toting around a black basketweave bag with blue zippers! The next thing I knew, I had bought myself a Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in black basketweave. This was also the first bag I've bought at full price. At $550, my bank account was hurting, so I promised myself no more bags for a long while. To this day, this is still my go-to bag during rainy days. Because I don't really baby my bags, this one has been through a lot!

About a year later, about the same time as when my love affair for gray began ;), I turned to Balenciaga. It seemed like the next natural step (the cost is certainly not natural! haha) for one who appreciates nice leather. I had my heart set on a Balenciaga City in galet with regular hardware, but I couldn't find the color anywhere. When one finally popped up on HGBags, I went click, click, click, checked out, done! I couldn't stop petting the leather (does that sound weird?) when I received her, and would seriously be content just holding her all day =P

I honestly thought my bag spending threshold would stop at Bal. Little did I know that I would succumb to Chanel's price raising scheme. Before their ridiculous 30%+ increase this past season, I gave in and bought a Chanel M/L Classic Flap in caviar with silver hardware. I know I would only have one Chanel in my lifetime, so it was a decision I agonized over for weeks. "What color, what hardware, what type of leather?" went round and round in my head. But when I finally decided and received my newest love, it was well worth it =)

It was nice taking a trip down memory lane. Every one is precious and dear to me and I refuse to pick a favorite ;)

Happy birthday to me! To celebrate turning another year older (ugh haha), I went out and purchased a lil something for myself. It may be small, but it sure ain't cheap! The timing was just right because Chanel decided to raise prices this time around by a whopping 30%+! o.O I don't know what the hell they're thinking?! It's already bad enough that they have 1-2 price increases per year, but this one tops it all. Ranting aside, here is my lovely Chanel M/L Caviar Flap in silver hardware <3 (buy pre-owned)

I chose caviar leather over lambskin because I've heard Chanel's quality has gone down, and lambskin needs babying so much more. I think caviar is still dressy enough where I can carry it to functions and also use in the daytime to run errands. It's one of the smallest bags I have, but it's ok because I can still fit the essentials :) I love love love this bag!

Rebecca Minkoff's No Strings Attached clutch in whitewash/gold is actually what I could consider my first designer bag -- even though it's actually a clutch. It's a bit on the oversized side, but I loved the subtly wrinkled leather against the gold. As with all Rebecca Minkoff leathers, this one is divine. The inside lining (no pictures, sorry) is a black and white paisley print, with two inner pockets to hold various things. The best thing about this clutch it the size. I could fit so much of my stuff. If I had to guesstimate, probably almost twice as much the amount that goes into my Jenny Yuen cleo. The downside is that it does not come with a strap, so it's strictly hand-held or tucked in the crook of my arm. I've actually used it a couple times with semi-formal outfits (I think it's too casual to be paired with a formal dress though). A couple modeling pics coming up -- notice how big the clutch is on me!

I discovered Jenny Yuen through my research of Rebecca Minkoff. Many people owned bags from both brands and had nothing but great things to say about Jenny Yuen. I bought the Cleo clutch in metallic rose off eBay for a heavy discount because there was a nick on the strap. This color is absolutely gorgeous -- and my go-to bag for when I just need to carry a couple things.

Rebecca Minkoff's Black Basketweave Morning After Mini (MAM) bag was my true first "designer" bag. Up until then, I had been carrying around a brown nylon agnes b tote and decided I want a black bag because brown just doesn't go that well with everything ;)

I saw so many leather all black bags but always felt they were on the plain side. That is, until I stumbled across a picture of Lindsay Lohan with her Rebecca Minkoff BBW Morning After bag :O The basketweave detailing just adds that extra sumthin' that had been missing in my search. The bright blue zipper track sure does add a pop of color as well. As with most cases, by the time I find something I truly liked, they are no longer in production :(

But no worries, my scouring finally paid off when I finally found one on eBay a couple weeks later in the MAM size. I'm pretty petite and based on the dimensions, felt the MA was bigger than what I'd like, so I was glad I got my hands on the smaller version. I believe this is a recut of the original (as Rebecca Minkoff often does special orders) because the blue zipper track isn't as bright as the original. I was a bit disappointed, but it's something I can live with :) Just look at the gorgeous pebbled leather and the tassels! (I heart tassles if you couldn't tell already :P)

*Lindsay Lohan image courtesy of The Purse Forum

My Balenciaga City bag in galet, from the 2009 F/W main collection is my current love :P (This season's sold here) The city is probably the most recognizable style from Balenciaga and hardly ever goes on sale. It's the perfect size for everyday and for work. The best part about Bal's motorcycle line is the wide range of colors released every season. The timing of galet couldn't have been more perfect as I'm finally realizing that grey is the perfect neutral. I will admit that the previous season's argent caught my eye, but it was a tad too light and I was afraid of denim transfers.

It's hard to judge the size of bags based on online measurements, so I took a trip down to my local Neiman Marcus and was surprised at how small the city was. Now that I think about it though, they definitely stuffed their bags to the max, so that probably contributed to the diminishing size. Nevertheless, when the galet color popped up in the city, I snatched it up so quickly and didn't have time to second guess myself on the size. I figured I don't carry that much normally anyway and so many people deem it the perfect size, it should work for me, right? Yeah yeah, that's a huge leap of faith I took for so much money :D

When it arrived though, I instantly fell in love with the leather -- how soft and silky it felt to the touch, the color -- a true medium grey, and best of all, the size -- perfect just like everyone said :P Some pictures right out of the box:

*Stock image courtesy of Luxe Voute