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I don't think I could ever buy a bag online. I really can't buy any attire online, in general. I really HAVE to see how something feels and looks in person, and I don't have the patience to be sending things back. There are products I'll buy online, but clothes and accessories aren't among them, unless I'm replacing something I've already owned with something identical.
I'm fine buying online because I usually stick to things I'm either familiar with or there is something SPECIFIC I want that the bag has.
My mistakes have all come down to not paying attention to details. Since you aren't physically holding it you have to pay close attention to the dimensions and strap length. Look at the photos and you can tell if a leather bag is thick and hard or soft and pliable. If you must have a zip or snap make sure it's where you want it to be. I've regretted two purchases because the small, elegant bag with handles ended up looking like a child's purse when I was holding it, and the pretty red bag with the buckle seriously COULD have been a bowling ball bag and didn't look right with anything.
My wins are usually midline Coach and such. Although even those can sometimes not hold up as well as you'd think with daily use, especially styles with piping an the bottom where you set it down.
1. Lining color: I like brights, but a dark one is fine too! My purse accessories are colorful (wallet is pink, card case is bright blue, keyring is green/blue, cosmetic case is pink...) I can always find stuff!
2. Get a sturdy lining that is hopefully easy to clean. One of my Coach bags got attacked by a lipstick. The lining is light pink and the lipstick is fuchsia. Could not figure out how to get those spots out.
3. Figure out what is needed in your handbag wardrobe and stick to that. I am cleaning out my bags to simplify. Relalized there were too many unnecessary bags.
4. Don't settle: I bought the wrong black bag almost every year for the past 10. I finally said screw it and splurged on a nicer one (which is what I really wanted). I love the new bag! Works with most every occasion. I used it daily for 3 months, and just started rotating in a "summer bag." It will be in permanent rotation in the fall again. But sometimes I like a lighter bag for summer.
5. Get something practical for your lifestyle. I love handheld bags, but they suck on days where I am walking far, taking transit and I need to be hands free. So they aren't very practical, even when they are pretty.
6. Get wide enough straps! Shoulder straps are tricky, so find one that works for you!
I also hate lots of pockets! I just want a few key ones.
1. Lining color: I like brights, but a dark one is fine too! My purse accessories are colorful (wallet is pink, card case is bright blue, keyring is green/blue, cosmetic case is pink...) I can always find stuff!
2. Get a sturdy lining that is hopefully easy to clean. One of my Coach bags got attacked by a lipstick. The lining is light pink and the lipstick is fuchsia. Could not figure out how to get those spots out.
3. Figure out what is needed in your handbag wardrobe and stick to that. I am cleaning out my bags to simplify. Relalized there were too many unnecessary bags.
4. Don't settle: I bought the wrong black bag almost every year for the past 10. I finally said screw it and splurged on a nicer one (which is what I really wanted). I love the new bag! Works with most every occasion. I used it daily for 3 months, and just started rotating in a "summer bag." It will be in permanent rotation in the fall again. But sometimes I like a lighter bag for summer.
5. Get something practical for your lifestyle. I love handheld bags, but they suck on days where I am walking far, taking transit and I need to be hands free. So they aren't very practical, even when they are pretty.
6. Get wide enough straps! Shoulder straps are tricky, so find one that works for you!
I also hate lots of pockets! I just want a few key ones.
I love the style of handheld bags, too - they are usually very nicely designed and looks great. The only things wrong with those type bags in addition to exactly what you wrote, is that there is a tendency to put the bag down somewhere because you can't wear it on your body like a crossover. You have to hold the clutches in your hand and when you need to free your hands? You put the purse down, which isn't too safe to do in most public places.
The best quality bag line that is inexpensive is Hobo International. They are made extremely well with great quality leathers.
Hobo International handbags are really great! The colors and the type leather are always standout. Not fussy in design, but pure elegance in their simplicity. No studs, fringe, etc. There was a time a few years ago that the purse styles all had silver studs, some even sticking out like weapons; in fact, the women looked like they were going to war carrying those bags.
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