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Help choosing a new purse or two

zoebartlett

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Dec 29, 2006
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Want to help me pick out a purse? I can't narrow it down, I want them all! I'm planning on ordering a Kate Spade (and/or maybe Coach) crossbody purse, maybe two, soon. This is a whole new world for me, since either I just carry an inexpensive wristlet or I use a small canvas messenger bag. I'm wondering whether anyone here has these particular purses and what your thoughts are. I'm looking at getting something in oxblood/chocolate cherry and/or black.

KS Laurel Way Rima: https://surprise.katespade.com/products/laurel-way-rima/WKRU6684.html

KS: Jackson Triple Gusset:
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KS Margaux Medium Convertible crossbody: https://www.katespade.com/products/margaux-medium-convertible-crossbody/098687331562.html

KS Leather Southport Avenue Cora: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/...r-southport-avenue-cora-crossbody?ID=11304672

Coach East/West crossbody with pop up pouch: https://www.coach.com/coach-east/west-crossbody-with-pop-up-pouch-with-flamingo-print/4510.html

Coach Hayden foldover crossbody clutch:https://www.coach.com/hayden-foldover-crossbody-clutch/87401.html

Which one(s) your favorite?Thanks in advance!
 
I’m a big Coach fan! I find some of their styles a bit boxy, though, I had one bag, very much like the Hayden above that I ended up not liking much. It couldn’t really expand to fit my stuff when needed and didn’t sit nicely against my body. I ended up with one similar to this,


Great, shape, easy to find things in, sits well, and can be carried over the shoulder using the short strap. Very versatile!
 
I don't have a favorite per se. My only requirement is that it be cross body and just enough room to hold my essentials. That being Driver's license, CC, House keys, key (for car) fob, iphone and maybe a lip gloss. I want no larger than it needs to be and I prefer as light weight as possible.

Cross body is criical
Lightweight is critical
Quality is good.

That's it as far as my requirement list.
 
I’m a big Coach fan! I find some of their styles a bit boxy, though, I had one bag, very much like the Hayden above that I ended up not liking much. It couldn’t really expand to fit my stuff when needed and didn’t sit nicely against my body. I ended up with one similar to this,


Great, shape, easy to find things in, sits well, and can be carried over the shoulder using the short strap. Very versatile!

Thank you, Snowdrop! I really like the bag you got. It's very pretty!
 
I don't have a favorite per se. My only requirement is that it be cross body and just enough room to hold my essentials. That being Driver's license, CC, House keys, key (for car) fob, iphone and maybe a lip gloss. I want no larger than it needs to be and I prefer as light weight as possible.

Cross body is criical
Lightweight is critical
Quality is good.

That's it as far as my requirement list.

Hi Missy! It's been ages since I've been on PS, but I always enjoyed reading your posts.

I usually prefer to use bags that just hold the essentials - keys, phone, wallet, and sunglasses case, with just enough room to spare to fit a small notebook and a pen or two. I might be able to get two, one on the "just the essentials" side, and one a little bigger. But I can't choose. At this point, I may hang pictures of each one up and throw darts at them and see where they land.
 
Hi Missy! It's been ages since I've been on PS, but I always enjoyed reading your posts.

I usually prefer to use bags that just hold the essentials - keys, phone, wallet, and sunglasses case, with just enough room to spare to fit a small notebook and a pen or two. I might be able to get two, one on the "just the essentials" side, and one a little bigger. But I can't choose. At this point, I may hang pictures of each one up and throw darts at them and see where they land.

Haha I hear you. Maybe then choose based on the price. Go with the less expensive one if they’re equal for you in terms of function and form.
 
I like the look of the Margeaux. Classic and looks like it is big enough to hold enough without being too much.

The Hayden looks like it would be tough to use. I'm reminded of one I have that doesn't really hold things well as it is stiff and doesn't really move well.

If you can, see them in person. If not, maybe cut out cardboard to the size of each. I have found that some look great in pictures (even with people) then show up either too big or too small and I just don't carry them.
 
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I just bought the Margeaux today. I'm always searching for a lightweight bag that will hold a bit more than my usual small bags. When I searched for spacious light weight crossbody bags, the Margeaux listed as #1 on several travel sites so I decided to go for it.
 
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I love Roots purses. They are hand made in Canada and I think phenomenal quality leather for the price. They ship anywhere. I really like that they are crossbody as well and very well organized with pockets.

I use to like Coach but found their quality went downhill as their price went up and stopped buying Coach awhile back because of that.
 
I have the foldover crossbody and I use it pretty often. It’s really small though. Once you put your phone and cards in it, it holds little else.

Most of my purses are coach, Kate spade and pacsafe (Travel bags)
 
Macy’s and coach aren’t loading for me right now, but I just bought a cute little purse from Macy’s for my daughter from Patricia Nash. People were complaining about the straps popping off, but I’m hoping she doesn’t have that problem and maybe they were making it too heavy?

BCCDAE17-1EC0-457A-8F23-280425DF5572.jpeg
 
I have the Kate Spade Margaux, but in large rather than medium. I love that it is structured and has a zip portion that holds my wallet and keys. I'm very happy with it, and can see myself buying another one in the future once this one looks tired.

Edited to include a link to the one I have. I use the strap and always wear it on my shoulder:

 
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I like the look of the Margeaux. Classic and looks like it is big enough to hold enough without being too much.

The Hayden looks like it would be tough to use. I'm reminded of one I have that doesn't really hold things well as it is stiff and doesn't really move well.

If you can, see them in person. If not, maybe cut out cardboard to the size of each. I have found that some look great in pictures (even with people) then show up either too big or too small and I just don't carry them.

Hi TooPatient!

I love the Margaux and it seems to come highly recommended on various travel and other websites. I'm just afraid it might look too boxy on me. I like the idea of cutting out cardboard to each bag's size. Thanks!
 
I just bought the Margeaux today. I'm always searching for a lightweight bag that will hold a bit more than my usual small bags. When I searched for spacious light weight crossbody bags, the Margeaux listed as #1 on several travel sites so I decided to go for it.

That's what I've read about the Margaux, too, Matata. I like how lightweight it seems, although I haven't seen it (or any of the others) in person.
 
Macy’s and coach aren’t loading for me right now, but I just bought a cute little purse from Macy’s for my daughter from Patricia Nash. People were complaining about the straps popping off, but I’m hoping she doesn’t have that problem and maybe they were making it too heavy?

BCCDAE17-1EC0-457A-8F23-280425DF5572.jpeg

Thanks, Whitewave! The one from Macy's isn't available anymore, and I was thinking it might be too big. I really like the purse you bought for your daughter. I'll check it out.

I saw you mention having the Hayden foldover. It looks like I'm now getting two bags (yay!), so I'm planning on getting an everyday bag and using the other one for nights out, special occasions, etc. I think the Hayden might fit that bill.
 
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I have the Kate Spade Margaux, but in large rather than medium. I love that it is structured and has a zip portion that holds my wallet and keys. I'm very happy with it, and can see myself buying another one in the future once this one looks tired.

Edited to include a link to the one I have. I use the strap and always wear it on my shoulder:


Thanks, OdetteOdile! Now that is a beautiful bag!
 
Enjoy your new bags & post pics when you get them!
 
Thanks, Asscherisme! I wasn't familiar with Roots but I like them.
 
I wish I hadn’t seen this. Now I want the Margaux! I think it would be very versatile.
 
Thank you for your suggestions and recommendations! Instead of cutting cardboard out, I folded my neoprene laptop case using the measurements of each bag. It worked and it helped me see what size they'd actually be.

I ended up going with these two:



If I end up returning the Coach bag, I'll revisit my original list and choose a backup. I'm particularly excited about the Kate Spade bag because I love the cherrywood color. I'll try to post pictures when both come in.
 
Are they heavy?

For quality leather I would say no. Any leather purse will not be light but relatively speaking I find them lighter than the older Coach and Dooney bags.

They wear like Iron. I found that the bigger name brands tended to go downhill in leather quality while going up in price. I prefer a great leather over a name.

I got the Ella in Prince leather a few years ago and it looks like new. I also own the villager in tribe and love the size and function of it. Amazing crossbody, roomy but not heavy at all.

They don't make the black version anymore, but this is the same purse I carry in a different leather:


I just got the arianna on black Friday and it arrived yesterday.


I also have this in tribe leather and love it. Comes in lots of colors




I am over trendy and go for classic quality now.
 
Sorry if off-topic but maybe it will be of interest to someone.

I have slowly developed an aversion to using animal products to the point that I've stopped buying leather, among other things. So, for me, purses I like are next to impossible to find.

I finally did find ONE but it took many hours of searching. It is "vegan leather" which I don't care for the feel of, though I do like this one purse anyway. The fabric ones tend to look a little too cheap-o to me. Straw bags are cute for summertime, so that season should be handled at least. I might start making my own, maybe with some tapestry fabric or something along those lines.
 
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