Sturdy Handbags

[Jasmine]

Hey girls,

Ok so I carry a LOT of stuff, and my handbag last summer (a large Guess bag) started to break (the strap was about to fall off), so they were nice enough to let me exchange for a new one. Now unfortunately this one is breaking too, even though I've been trying to carry less in it (i.e. putting my water bottle in another bag). I've realized Guess bags most likely aren't all that sturdy for the amount I carry (even though I know my mom used to have one that I LOVED and it was huge and seemed pretty sturdy). Anyways, I wanted to know if any of you have suggestions as to a really sturdy and strong bag, that's preferably LARGE. I usually carry my phone, wallet, sometimes music, a baggy of skin care products, a baggy of supplements (in case I'm staying over with my aunt or something), a couple tiny change purses to hold coins and subway tokens, an umbrella (small), and occasionally a water bottle, but I try not to put it in my bag so it doesn't break. I know it's a fair amount of stuff, I just need a bag that won't fall apart (I mean the straps won't break) when I carry it around. I use this bag every day, so that's why it's really important.

Thanks for the help in advance!!!

xoxo
Jasmine

 

[girlonfire]

My advice would be to get leather. I carry a lot of crap with me also and have never had that problem. Depending on what kind of style you want it could be expensive, but its so worth it. I love Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Michael kors. Coach sometimes has cute plain purses if you don't like the monogramming. If price is an issue you can usually get good deals at outlet stores, especially during sales.

 

[Jasmine]

My advice would be to get leather. I carry a lot of crap with me also and have never had that problem. Depending on what kind of style you want it could be expensive, but its so worth it. I love Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Michael kors. Coach sometimes has cute plain purses if you don't like the monogramming. If price is an issue you can usually get good deals at outlet stores, especially during sales.

Thank you so much!!! For me, price isn't very important if it'll last forever. I just want a really good quality sturdy bag to carry around tons. Thanks again I'm going to search those now

 

[anya]

I actually just posted this in another thread! LOL. Ive been really pleased with my coach purse...simple well made leather. I kill my purses and this one ive had for a year and a half looks the exact same as the day I got it!

 

[Jasmine]

I actually just posted this in another thread! LOL. Ive been really pleased with my coach purse...simple well made leather. I kill my purses and this one ive had for a year and a half looks the exact same as the day I got it!

Oh sorry I didn't see it! Thanks for the tip though I'm leaning towards a coach purse with some big wide sturdy shoulder straps Some of them aren't awfully expensive after all

 

[anya]

Oh no...I just felt like you were asking what I was thinking. They are more expensive..I used to buy my bags at like Marshall's and they'd fall to.pieces.in months. My boyfriend got me the coach but.I'm sure he bought it at the outlet store. It was more money but I think worth it in the end. In the time ive had this bag I think I would have gone through three ugly cheaper ones. And I hate buying expensive things but this was worth it! Excuse the typos. On a tablet. Its a mess.

 

[Jasmine]

Oh no...I just felt like you were asking what I was thinking. They are more expensive..I used to buy my bags at like Marshall's and they'd fall to.pieces.in months. My boyfriend got me the coach but.I'm sure he bought it at the outlet store. It was more money but I think worth it in the end. In the time ive had this bag I think I would have gone through three ugly cheaper ones. And I hate buying expensive things but this was worth it! Excuse the typos. On a tablet. Its a mess.

No no your input was great! Trust me, some things you need to spend the money on, and those include sunglasses and handbags! Coach ones are so cute!!! I want to look for a Coach outlet store But I'm going to the mall on Friday so I'll take a browse I've seen really cute ones at Michael Kors too. I was so loyal to Guess for a long time, but in all honesty, my roots bag made of out like sweatpants material lasted longer than both my Guess bags (one of which the strap was already breaking after ONE SEASON, the second has been going for barely a year and is already breaking), and those can be pricey too, so just not worth it Maybe if I buy a really expensive one, I'll be more inclined to really take care of it! It's just like sunglasses actually -- I've had two pairs of Guess sunglasses and they broke in a year, whereas my Tiffany sunglasses (the least expensive of the ones I could find.....LOL) have been going strong for more than a year and no sign of those things breaking any time soon!

 

[ElleBelle]

Maybe if I buy a really expensive one, I'll be more inclined to really take care of it! It's just like sunglasses actually -- I've had two pairs of Guess sunglasses and they broke in a year, whereas my Tiffany sunglasses (the least expensive of the ones I could find.....LOL) have been going strong for more than a year and no sign of those things breaking any time soon!

This is very true. I've had a pair of miu miu sunglasses for two years, not even a scratch. Whereas I've broken maybe 4 different pairs of cheaper ones in that time

On the bag thing, I find Ted Baker bags to be really good. And they're not that expensive either (maybe between 180-300?). I've had my current one for a year and it's perfect, and I've put it through its paces most days!

 

[SkinnyWannabe]

I have three beautiful, timeless, custom-made leather handbags... They did cost more than some regular/fabric bags, but I have them for ages - and will probably carry one of them to my retirement party

 

[Jasmine]

I have three beautiful, timeless, custom-made leather handbags... They did cost more than some regular/fabric bags, but I have them for ages - and will probably carry one of them to my retirement party

OOOH that sounds really nice!

 

[SugarKane]

I definitely agree that a good leather bag is the way to go. If you check out the thread in the clothing section about bargain buys, there are a few great sites I regularly buy from that you could have a look at for bags Buying online is MUCH cheaper, you just need to make sure you are buying from a legitimate seller of authentic goods.

 

[Jasmine]

I definitely agree that a good leather bag is the way to go. If you check out the thread in the clothing section about bargain buys, there are a few great sites I regularly buy from that you could have a look at for bags Buying online is MUCH cheaper, you just need to make sure you are buying from a legitimate seller of authentic goods.

I'll take a look Thanks girl!

 

[Isabel]

A nice leather bag really is the way to go.

However, I'm not a fan of Coach or their quality. Honestly in that price range Michael Kors might be a little better (but I think their general designs are as hideous as Coach's - you know, to my eye), but my suggestion would be to check out Foley & Corinna bags. They are extremely sturdy & roomy for the couple hundred dollars price range -- I think I've had my City tote & Jetsetter Jr for at least 5 years now and they do well ever while traveling. I've also gotten some really large (like use them as gym bags large), super sturdy bags for only around $100 on sale from Anthropologie (though sometimes their leather can be eh I've noticed).

If you're willing to spend a bit more, and/or really like satchel style bags I cannot say enough good things about Mulberry's Alexa design. I overstuff my OS sized one far too much and it has held up even better than my PS1 with heavy stuff, but the Proenza has an ease of use thanks to the multiple pockets.

Also, when buying a leather bag be careful of lambskin and deerskin since they're much more delicate leathers -- unless you don't mind scratches or stains -- those are the handbags I baby, even the large ones.

 

[Jasmine]

A nice leather bag really is the way to go.

However, I'm not a fan of Coach or their quality. Honestly in that price range Michael Kors might be a little better (but I think their general designs are as hideous as Coach's - you know, to my eye), but my suggestion would be to check out Foley & Corinna bags. They are extremely sturdy & roomy for the couple hundred dollars price range -- I think I've had my City tote & Jetsetter Jr for at least 5 years now and they do well ever while traveling. I've also gotten some really large (like use them as gym bags large), super sturdy bags for only around $100 on sale from Anthropologie (though sometimes their leather can be eh I've noticed).

If you're willing to spend a bit more, and/or really like satchel style bags I cannot say enough good things about Mulberry's Alexa design. I overstuff my OS sized one far too much and it has held up even better than my PS1 with heavy stuff, but the Proenza has an ease of use thanks to the multiple pockets.

Also, when buying a leather bag be careful of lambskin and deerskin since they're much more delicate leathers -- unless you don't mind scratches or stains -- those are the handbags I baby, even the large ones.

Thanks girl!!! I overstuff my bags to the max, but it's silly to think I should have to carry 5 different bags for personal stuff, books, and snacks and water and such, if we buy a giant bag, we want to be able to fill them, you know???

 

[classichic]

I think Longchamp bags are quite study from my observation (based on the fact too many uni students have Longchamp so possibly carrying quite a lot). Although not a really a huge fan of them (everyone seems to have one), I have one that I got as a present which is still going strong. But, this could be because I tend to be a bit more careful with my other bags that I like more.

 

[Jasmine]

I think Longchamp bags are quite study from my observation (based on the fact too many uni students have Longchamp so possibly carrying quite a lot). Although not a really a huge fan of them (everyone seems to have one), I have one that I got as a present which is still going strong. But, this could be because I tend to be a bit more careful with my other bags that I like more.

I LOVE the Kate Moss ads for Longchamp. Are the bag really pricey? I actually totally would love to have one.....you're giving me ideas

 

[classichic]

I LOVE the Kate Moss ads for Longchamp. Are the bag really pricey? I actually totally would love to have one.....you're giving me ideas

I think the Kate Moss range is a bit pricey but I was talking about the Le Piliage range, they cost between £50-80 depending on which size you get. They're really popular with students and come in different colours.

 

[oissy]

I think Longchamp bags are quite study from my observation (based on the fact too many uni students have Longchamp so possibly carrying quite a lot). Although not a really a huge fan of them (everyone seems to have one), I have one that I got as a present which is still going strong. But, this could be because I tend to be a bit more careful with my other bags that I like more.

I have two in different sizes that I got as gifts and the mid size one is great for carrying a laptop. You wouldn't think so because there isn't really a shape to the bottom of it but somehow the shoulder straps and the size distribute the weight really well so it's not totally digging into my shoulder like a lot of bags do.

However, since they don't have a real solid shape to them one major annoyance I have is that they don't stand up when you put them down. You have to lean it against something or the bag kind of sags down and everything shifts and spills out if the bag isn't closed. So I'm not sure if they are exactly what the OP would be looking for.

 

[Jasmine]

I think the Kate Moss range is a bit pricey but I was talking about the Le Piliage range, they cost between £50-80 depending on which size you get. They're really popular with students and come in different colours.

Oh yeah! I've seen those bags a lot! I went to the website actually and I thought their custom designed bag creator was cute

 

[Selanis]

Mulberry has some great quality, though pricey bags. Ralph by RL is really nice aswell. Im not a fan of Michael Kors leather though. For my uni stuff, I bought a custom, super-sturdy crafted leather bag for some 200 dollars from polish manufacturer, and after dragging it for 3 years it still looks brand new and spares my LV's Occasionally, I even use the hemp eco shopping bags as totes..