I love leather bags. I hate to spend money on them though. I bought a cute red leather bag when I was in Ireland and I love it because it reminds me of the trip.

I bought this bag shown below on impulse. It was $87 much more than I ever pay but it is made from a fireman's retired coat! I loved that idea. I bought it online. My problem with it is, well two things. One thing was I didn't like the strap but I have plenty of other purses and I took a strap from one of my old ones. The other problem is that it doesn't have a zippered part inside so everything gets mixed up. I like to be a little organized and keep the stuff I don't use all the time out of the way. I still like it but I think I will switch to the little red Irish purse for awhile. I like having lots of purses to choose from right out of my closet. :)

For me, $50-60 is the max, and it would have to be the absolutely perfect bag!

I don't like bags larger (or much smaller) than 9Lx5Tx3-5W. Deeper than 5" or so, and I have to dig too much to find things, if shallower not easy to zip over my wallet and such (everything has to be in there just so!). Longer than about 9" or wider than is just annoying to me (plus is usually either a much larger bag, or too shallow). And who can carry wallet, phone, pens, lip balm, card case, etc in a 1" wide bag?

Plus I hate all the hardware embellishments -- decorative buckles, studs, chains etc.

I have 2 different D&B wayfarer style that I bought used on eBay 10 or 12 years ago -- one red microfiber, one black leather. They are just about the perfect size & shape, although I do wish the handles were longer and they had an additional interior pocket. D&B doesn't currently have anything that I find attractive.

I've been looking for a soft leather, interior pocketed, approx. 9x5 shoulder bag in a new color like medium or light blue or a green-blue. Not pink, brown or orange. No initials or plastered with logos. Found a beautiful blue color at Macy's but the design of the bag wasn't good enough.

I was a Dooney & Bourke fan for many many years, but the last bag I bought I found too heavy. To the point of not being able to use it. I've always had oversized tote type bags but felt like all my crap got lost in it...sooo I bought a 3 compartment purse and HATE it...now there are 3 places for me to feel around for my crap!!! I plan on going back to a one compartment with side pockets inside. After the last too heavy Dooney, now I will taking weight into consideration for my next purchase.

I doubt I've ever spent more than $50 on a purse. I buy mine at TJ Maxx, but I've also gotten a few nice ones at Salvation Army. "Nice" is a relative term, and I suspect some of you would pass up my Tignanello finds without a second thought, but I was excited to find them. I've found a couple of Italian bags too. Lovely leather. I agree with Rhizo about the affluence (or lack thereof) of the surrounding community determining what shows up in the thrift stores. My community falls into the "lack thereof" category, so I'm surprised when I find something above average.

The ones I choose tend to be on the plain side, but I get a lot of compliments on the Sakroots painted canvas crossbody my daughter gave me. I asked her for a wallet one Christmas, and she bought me one--a Coach. A young cousin had made a fold-over fabric pocket for me on her sewing machine a few years ago, so I keep the Coach wallet inside that in my purse. Two thoughtful gifts.

I have had to find purses of lighter materials as I have grown older. The Kiplinger purses work great, light with lots of pockets and washable. $100 in that type of purse is my top number. I have found the TJMAX stores in higher income towns carry much better quality merchandise. I live near the "Hamptons" and the TJ store has really great everything. Other stores require more visits . Also find the thrift stores in the resort areas have name brands in good condition. It is amazing what is donated.

I don't carry a purse. Only a wallet. Buy them from garage sales for a dollar or less. They have to be leather & have a good design re credit card holders. Use a small fanny pack when we travel.

I've never spent over $100. I used to buy purses at TJ Maxx/Marshall's, but the last few times I shopped didn't see anything I liked. I have a couple crocheted Sak bags for the summer. I only carry leather in the cooler months.

Bought this one a couple months ago.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2696588?cm_mmc=feeds

Annie, here’s one. I carry this in the spring and summer. It has a concealed carry pocket on the other side. I actually used a dog leash for the strap and added matching fabric so it’s very sturdy. I made another with different fabrics for fall/winter.

Beautiful Flamey! Thanks for showing.

I'll never admit what I paid for 3 bags I own. Let's just say that they are handmade in France of the finest leather, and are life-time bags. I bought one used - it was made in 1973 and still looks fabulous. They can also go back to the stores owned by their manufacturer to be "spa'd" and they come back looking like new.

I can still carry the smallest one - it's my summer handbag and it's perfect - small & lightweight.

HUGE investment but I have had 10-12 years of joy from these bags and still use them for special occasions - just too heavy to carry everyday with my oxygen. I fully expect them to last another 30+years. My DD will inherit them.

I'm a believer in the French way of dressing: very good shoes and bag, good jewelry, good scarf and then less expensive clothes that are classics. I live in leggings from JJill in the winter with a Garnet Hill cashmere tunic sweater and boots, and JJill white pants with various tops in the summer. Used to wear K-Mart khakis all winter but they quit making the style I liked. I can always get the JJill and Garnet Hill things for 30-40% off if I wait for their sales (which are constant!). Both wear very well and last a long time. Some of my sweaters are several years old. If the elbow wears out, I just have my seamstress sew on a leather patch I buy at JoAnn's fabrics. Good for another 1000 miles at least!

When I worked at Lincoln Center in the 1960s I received many Christmas gifts from artists' managers and others. Everything was high-end, of course. I wish I'd saved the bags. Vintage now, they would do very well on eBay.

I live in leggings from JJill in the winter

Anglophilia, I think you meant Garnet Hill. It was your recommendation last year that made me decide to try theirs. I bought another pair this year.

I never used to spend much but I've decided to start upgrading my wardrobe.

I bought 6 Kate Spade bags during a sale. I spent a thousand or so, so they were 100-200 each. I'm set for a long time! I get compliments on them all the time - they are super cute.

I love a beautiful well designed bag. I especially love Longchamps bags, but wouldn't go over $500 unless I looooved it. Truth be told, I am currently carrying a bag I bought in Portugal for 50 euros. It's made of cork and I get a lot of compliments.

I don't know what was going on at the Louis Vuitton shop at the mall today but the line was out the door and they were only letting a certain number of shoppers in at a time.

" It has a concealed carry pocket on the other side."

Does this mean a compartment for a gun? Yikes. I wouldn't think the average shopper will be looking for that feature when shopping for a purse. At least I hope not.

I don't really have a set limit I suppose. It depends on how bad i want it. Within reason. My regular purse is a pink coach purse that I bought for 25 bucks on eBay 7 years ago. I carry a large tote to work with all my stuff in it that SO got for free with a $75 dollar purchase of something else,I don't remember what. I do need a new,smaller purse for everyday. I'm very particular though. It has to be the right shade of pink,not too big,not too small, and the right shape. Been searching for a little over a year,no winner yet.

Yes, that is what is meant by a concealed carry pocket. Intended for those who are legally carrying a weapon of course. The purses are very common in sporting goods stores in my part of the country.

I wouldn't think the average shopper will be looking for that feature when shopping for a purse.

Concealed carry pockets on purses are very much in demand by women outside of states like California where it is nearly impossible to get a permit.

Love your bag Flamey.

"are very much in demand by women outside of states like California"

Red states, maybe? If I felt like I needed to carry a gun to be safe where I live and spend time, I would move. My personal sense of macho isn't deficient or out of control.

^^^

LOL!

I think leggings are the worst fashion design ever invented. If it is cold, just wear pants, but to wear tights as if they were pants is as repulsive an attire as I can imagine. I recommend replacing all tights with long johns. I just got back from Palm Springs, and I could not believe how many hideous leggings I saw while I was there. Skinny jeans are bad enough, but leggings just make me want to vomit.

The good thing is that you cannot hide a gun in them. For that, you would need an appropriate purse, but I have no idea what that would be. Perhaps a shoulder holster.

Conceal-and-carry bags are common where I live too. Actually, there are quite a few people (some of them happen to be female) in the U.S. who are interested in exercising their rights under the Second Amendment.

(No, not me. I don't see the need or have the desire. Plus I'm pretty klutzy.)

Poor Lars.

^^^ Yep.

$200 -$250 is my max. If I find "the" one, no limit. Note that buying purses is the one pleasure that I don't question. Just do it.

Being on a very tight budget, I spend as little as possible on non-essential items. Probably $20 either on clearance or thrift store.

Don't think I've bought a new purse in years. The thrift store and my cousin keep me supplied. My budget doesn't stretch to a new purse...not even Walmarts. Lol. But I do have some fine bags.

I used to be a purse Junkie, really didn't give myself a limit. I have plenty now, don't think I will be getting anymore. Mind you, I said think! I still love a new purse now and then.

catticus, I've switched from Garnet Hill leggings to ones from JJill. They are a wee bit thicker and are warmer for my poor old body. I still wear my Garnet Hills ones as well - they wear SO well!

Lars, I don't know the age or size of the people who saw who so offended my delicate sensibilities, but unless one has a butt the size of TX and thunder thighs, and if one wears a tunic top that covers any size butt, they can be very flattering and very comfortable.

I've got to weigh in on the leggings subject. If the person is wearing a top that completely covers the rear and pelvic bulges of the person wearing them, why are they still so repulsive to some people? I've also heard the same comments about Yoga pants. And it's almost always comments from men. I don't get it. I've seen plenty of men's fat bellies and butts hanging out in a too-tight or short t-shirt and I just skim my view elsewhere. I'm not thin and I wear them but everything is always well covered with a loose fitting top that covers the "offensive areas". I also don't think that purses with gun concealment pockets are a good idea. Mainly because if the purse gets snatched, then the criminal also has the gun. I don't have a problem with anyone carrying a gun, but they should carry it on their body in a holster and of course not in view.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5541856/legging-lovers#n=7

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5124032/rant-alert-leggings-ugh#n=83

Thanks Lucille! I’m sitting here at the breakfast table LMAO at that old thread - the video is priceless.

I could have posted what raee said. Most handbags are too big, with too much cheap hardware -- not even functional hardware.

I won't wear anybody's name or logo. I have two cross-body purses that I chose for their restrained quality. When I started using them I discovered that each has a logo sewn inside the purse: "Fossil" and "Cole Haan". Neither was close to $100 at TJX. (Is the little brass key a Fossil 'signature? Just shows I don't know 'the right people', eh? NOT knowing them must have saved me a fortune!)

I own half a dozen daytime purses and a few evening clutches. None are *big*. At my largest, I was 5'6" and 138 lbs. and now I am 5'4" and 107 lbs. I'd rather appear to wear my purse, not be worn by it.

I still have a brown alligator bag that I bought at Saks in the 1960's and a black Lancel that I bought solely for its beauty -- not actually being one of the Ladies Who Lunch. Maybe these will sell for enough to buy my heirs a nice dinner? (Cup of coffee?)

Littlebug,

There are a few subjects around here that are like tossing a small pot roast to a pack of starving wolves, and leggings is one of those subjects. The comments in those threads are funny and worth rereading periodically, when the subject once again arises.

I’m glad I didn’t post the photo of the front of my bag with the matching holster I made. LOL Will heads explode if I mention how cute it is?!

And I agree, my waistband holster is smarter than carrying in a bag. And you can carry concealed with leggings or tight pants as long as your top covers and disguises it, and you have the right holster. I like the ones by Fancy Pants.

There are more than 17 million concealed carry permits in the US.

My most expensive is a Burberry tote that I saw, loved, and bought as a birthday present. You can't tell that it's Burberry, I don't like loud logos on my stuff, and there is no Burberry plaid to be seen. If I like it, I'll buy it. I haven't purchased a new daily handbag in years since I typically wear one of my travel cross body bags. There are a lot of places like gilt.com that sell off-season designer goods (and housewares) at large discounts.

Flamey, let me just say ... as a person who believes in taking care of myself when possible rather than believing everyone else is always going to obey the laws ... I would LOVE to utilize one of your purses to the fullest! And with a matching holster! *pitter patter* goes my heart

Flames, love the purse!

i like bright colors, so i buy Vera Bradley. When I find a style I like I buy several, same with wallets. Then I can change colors and everything goes into the same place/pocket. Never have to know where things are.

Plus, I buy at the outlet store, so cost is minimal.

Can I ask those of you with Vera Bradley cloth bags what method you have found best to clean them? I love the colors and patterns but have a VB cosmetic bag that needs cleaning. I guess I could throw it in the washing machine?

I usually handwash my fabric/quilted bags but if it was really dirty, I’d wash it in the machine with a few towels, maybe on gentle. So there would be some abrasion but not heavy duty. I would air-dry it.

Takykat, I used to wash my Vera Bradley purses in the washing machine. I really liked one design that they no longer make. All their other purses look uncomfortable or are way too big. The ones I bought for the past 10 years or so had just the right number of pockets and was the perfect size. ) : The last one I bought I think I got on Ebay. I wouldn't buy one of them used, though. After a couple washings they don't look very good. I used them until the straps were fraying badly.

I used to have a big collection of handbags, including a few designer names. But that was when I was working in the corporate world and both needed and could afford a stylish bag. I will say my bright red Coach hobo bag was my favorite (and probably the most expensive - a gift from my ex) but it is long gone now.

I have a pretty different mentality now and no longer need a lot of purses nor inclined to pay much for them :-) My current purse is a reversable tote - navy and beige - that is large enough to accomodate a business file or two and a book. I can even squeeze in a water bottle! I got it from the clearance rack at Walmart and it cost all of $7!! Obviously not leather but it goes with everything and has a magnetic clasp. It and the cross body travel bag I bought last year are the only ones I use and I doubt I will be buying any more any time soon!!

I spend $300-$500 without batting an eye. I exclusively carry Dooney & Bourke purses. They are leather because I won't carry any other type. They must have a separate, zippable pocket for the rare times I'm not carrying my firearm on-body.

Wash in washing machine. Make sure to take out the heavy card board base before.

I enjoy handbags and have quite a few. And I really enjoy getting them at a great sale price. For everyday I usually carry a medium sized crossbody but I also have a few large bags that I use for day trips into the city or travel - the lightweight leather Longchamp Le Pliage only weighs 1 pound and it's roomy enough to throw in a sweater and my iPad. I change my bags frequently depending on my plans for the day.

I have a small vintage Chanel bag from the 1970's that I carry on dressier occasions. It's the classic black quilted leather with gold chain and 2 tiny interlocking CC's on the tassel. I bought it at the Vintage Show in NYC about 15 years ago and took it to the Madison Ave store to be re-conditioned. At some point my DD will get them.

Would spend $100 tops. I look for sales and get some good bargains. Shoes or boots, I may go higher if I really like them.

Tackykat, I washed my VB cosmetic bag in the washing machine last week. Did fine.

I have a Kenneth Cole *New York* purse. It's black and looks similar to a old fashioned doctors bag but smaller. I really like it. I found it at a thrift store for 25 cents. When I get it out I'll post a pic.

The most I have paid for a purse was $75 in 1987. I loved the colour of the leather. I bought that purse, loved the smell of it but after I bought it I regretted the decision. It didn't have a handle or strap. I walked a far way from the bus stop to where I worked and the purse was heavy and I didn't like having to carry it under my arm. I still have that purse, looks good as the first day I bought it. Waste of money. I haven't had to buy myself a purse in a long long time but I seem to have a good sized collection. I have a cousin who buys me a purse for my birthday every year and the purses she picks out are perfect except for the one that had so much hardware and metal studs and buckles that it was just too heavy for me to carry. My sister would also buy me purses, I have 2 "Kathy" purses. I didn't know anything about the designer or that my purse was even a "Kathy" purse until a co-worker grabbed it off my arm and gushed over the silver bag. My sister loved purses and bought all kinds, some way expensive and some not so much. She told me about the purse my wealthy cousin gave to her. It was a $700 purse. When my sister died and I was packing up her apartment we came across several purses. I kept a few of them, gave some to my sister in law for herself or my nieces to use. Looking at those purses if there was a purse that cost $700 we couldn't tell which one it was. I gave the ones that I thought might have been the expensive purse to my sister in law but we will never know and if not someone who bought one of the donated purses from the thrift store got a good bargain haha. My cousin confirmed she gave the expensive purse to my sister so I know she wasn't making that up. I can't imagine spending that much money but then I don't have that much money to spend on a purse, some people do.