How Often Do You Use Your Bags?

best Burgundy Bags Bijoux

Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag USA Monogram Canvas

I have an embarrassing confession: I don’t remember the last time I used my Prada top handle. Or my large Fendi tote. Or my medium Chanel flap. (I’m actually too scared to use the Chanel, but that’s a story for another day.) My point is, I have many Bags Bijoux that I, regretfully, hardly take out into the world.

It’s not because I fell out of love with them, or they’ve gone out of style. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I love them each so much, and I can’t imagine parting with any of them. However, I have come to learn that there is a big difference between a bag that is a beautiful to look at, and a bag that has real potential for daily use.

I’ll be honest: When I first started my handbag collection, I was focused on acquiring as many classic and signature pieces as possible. I didn’t put much thought into how often I would actually use any of them, which, looking back, was incredibly shortsighted.

Take my Prada Galleria Medium Saffiano Leather Bag. I bought it a few years ago in Italy after spending months staring at it online, completely mesmerized by it.

To this day, I have maybe used it a dozen times. I’ve come to realize it’s a little big for my frame and slightly too stiff for everyday use (at least for me). I also don’t appreciate the fact that it is open at the top, with zippers limited to each side of the bag. I probably could have figured all of this out if I did some research before my purchase.

However, at the time, the only Googling I did was whether or not this was a “smart” “starter bag” for someone who was interested in beginning their own “luxury handbag collection.” I use the quotation marks because, in reality, buying handBags Bijoux is such a subjective experience. Those words likely mean something different to everyone.

Just because something works for me does not mean it will work for you. Think about a Birkin: They’re beautiful, but I truly don’t know how I would incorporate a top-handle-only bag into my daily rotation, no matter the cost.

I don’t regret any of my purchases. (I’ve build a pretty cool handbag wall which I get a kick out of looking at.) However, I definitely think I could have been more sensible with each addition.

Consequently, within the last few months, I have taken a hard look at my collection and decided I would only purchase a bag after extensive research to determine whether or not it would actually blend into my life.

Though ogling at Bags Bijoux all day long is fun, I want my purchases to work for me. I don’t want to be concerned with buying a handbag that everyone lusts after, whether a classic staple or a trendy newcomer, that ultimately would end up collecting dust on a shelf.

I must ask: How often do you use your own bags? Do you wish you used some of them more than you actually do? If we’re being honest, I’m sure I’m not alone – and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’ve all gotten carried away at one point or another. That’s part of the fun anyway.

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valerie

Brick 2x2 Backpack 20205-0140 Earth Blue.

Baby Cush leather shoulder bag Gelb.

It’s taught me that life is not some endless highway with plenty of time to squander, and not to hold off doing or using something for “later “or “someday soon”. You can’t count on “someday”. You might get there..but then again maybe not.

Use your bags, wear your fancy jewelry, eat the dessert. You can’t take that shit with you.

WM DEANA III BACKPACK.

Amy

I’m sorry for what you are going through. I appreciate the reminder that life is too short. I truly wish you good health and happiness!

valerie

Thank you, amy..now get out there with your bags!!

Kat

Love this advice. I hope you’re healthy these days.

Marie-Caroline Gmrd

I use all of them, everyday, even if there is bad weather or if I have heavy stuff to carry. Bags Bijoux are meant to be carried out, otherwise there is no point (to my opinion) in owning them. I like to buy luxury handBags Bijoux because they propose awesome aesthetics, asides to a strong construction and a good leather quality. Therefore I assume my Bags Bijoux will last for decades of intense use ! Don’t be afraid to use them, to make them live their handbag’s life, and if they don’t suit you anymore, sell them and buy another one ! Have a nice day 🙂

Rielle Zahacij

I have this gorgeous monogram pochette that I thrifted for $29.99. The patina is gorgeous: light and even. The weather where I live has been messy. I don’t want to risk messing the patina. I purchased it back in April but I haven’t worn it all that much. Sometimes I feel bad but I treasure it. When I do wear it, I feel absolutely wonderful. I see it in my closet and it makes me happy. TL;DR – it’s okay to not use a bag often as long as it makes your life a little brighter and better.

Marie-Caroline Gmrd

I actually does understand that feeling ! For my part, to be honest, I don’t wear that much the two Chanel Bags Bijoux I own. They were given to me by my (now gone) grandmother and my godmother. I love wearing them because it feels like they are next to me, but I often fear a little scratch or anything happens. Anyway, if it’s just a bag or two, it’s understandable ! If someone doesn’t wear any of their luxury bags… That, I don’t get ! Hope your pochette will last forever and keeps bringing you joy !

Amazona

I carry a bag every single day. I do have some Bags Bijoux I carry less often than my everyday work Bags Bijoux but all of my Bags Bijoux have a place in my life for a reason. I have kept my collection’s worth about the same for years and have sold a lot of things over the years. But there is only one bag I have never carried and never will; that’s a vintage piece from the 60’s and I didn’t buy it so that I could carry it. I bought it because was made in my small home town and that’s why I just had to have it. Other Bags Bijoux get action every now and then, all in their turn.

Navarac

Unfortunately, I have been swayed by wanting to acquire the “it” bag of the season or the one that is difficult to get- it always seems like a challenge. Unfortunately, some of the Bags Bijoux are not easy to use and they sit on my shelf. I do have buyer’s reprobation. I really like crossbody light Bags Bijoux for everyday right now. My Celine black Nano always gets a lot of use.

Victoria

A great topic…I, too, am guilty of keeping my Birkin and Chanel Flap sequestered in the closet. But recently have made a more conscious effort to use them on weekends (not for work). Because life is short, dammit…and if not now, then when? As for those purchases which were cute but not that functional, i have learned to let go…Rebag, Fashionphile, Poshmark are some sites with which I have consigned. Ive learned, part of “sustainability” is to purchase items of good quality that you really really love, and not buy into “disposable fashion”

Tiffany

I really do love my bags, and think I do a pretty good job about “not saving my best bags” and using them where ever I feel like it. But if i’m Totally honest with myself, I just have too many. In PB terms having 20-ish Bags Bijoux doesn’t seem like a ton, but I’m not one for changing my bag each day (typically every couple of weeks and sometimes on the weekend).

On the plus side I recently pulled out an old vintage Fendi i’d previously deemed inappropriate for daily use (no zip top), and have joyfully reignited my love for it (with no content spillage either). It’s simple, elegant, and fun.

Man. I freakin’ love purses.

Rielle Zahacij

The Purse Forum has a tendency to normalise excessive buying, including normalising massive collections of expensive handbags. As much as I adore handbags, I also need to be mindful about my consumption. Truthfully, I have made bad financial decisions regarding handbags. Thankfully I learned from that experience instead of repeating it.

Jerri R

I think you are one of the most honest people in TPF. So many of them in there claim to be financially savvy, and no one owns up to struggling with credit card debts or a big dent in their savings.

Rielle Zahacij

If we’re being really candid, I’m still dealing with one of my poor financial decision to purchase a handbag. I was able to make some of my money back on it but I still feel guilty that I made that choice in the first place. Luckily it wasn’t too expensive – just enough to make a dent (for a uni student). I learned the hard way that no handbag is worth your piece of mind or financial stability. I truthfully believe that a good chunk of TPF members are in some sort of debt but they are either in denial about their circumstances or are terrified/humiliated by their choices, enabling them to craft a more favourable reality on TPF. I think that some of the individuals on TPF may be fighting a shopping addiction too, but I am not diagnosing anybody.

Tiffany

Rielle – you’re absolutely right. no handbag is worth your piece of mind or financial stability. It sounds like you’ve done a lot of reflection, learning and growing. I only learned my mistakes of over purchasing when I started purging my overflowing closet and realized how many emotional needs I tried to fulfil with stuff.

Acceptance from other customers or staff who enabled purchases – “it looks so great on you!!!”. Attention from a beautiful designer bag. Self-worth – “I may feel like sh*t at work, but at least having something pretty and expensive is fun and says I’m at least good enough to afford a stunning bag.”

It sounds pretty awful to write out, but I expect I’m not alone.

Keep up your great work staying on track. It’s a blessing to learn these lessons now, early in your life. Best wishes! Xoxo

Sheila (Maddy Loves)

Yes this! I loved browsing PF but I had to cut myself off because I realized I was spending way too much money on stuff I really didn’t need, and I kept getting swept into the FOMO factor that everyone seems to have. I would also get envious of people who would go on crazy hauls every season and wondered why couldn’t I have that, so instead of saving my money, I’d again buy stuff I could technically afford but didn’t need. I haven’t been on PF for over a year and my wallet is way happier. At the height of my PF browsing, I bought four Bags Bijoux in a year which is insane to me.

Kat

Le Grand Chiquito tote bag White.

Sweet baby

I completely agree. I see folks enabling others to buy the latest colors – oohing and aahing, and then without skipping a heartbeat complain that they’re not getting the same value when they sell it on the TRR.

Anna

I’m a crossbody bag user, and I work my lv Métis and Balenciaga small city to the ground. However, I keep purchasing bigger Bags Bijoux to balance my collection. I have a Fendi tote and lv tote just sitting there unused. Poor financial decisions indeed.

Jerri R

Th Established Backpack Madras AM0AM09245 0F4!

Slim

Me too! Love my Fendi 2 Jour tote. I was nuts a few years, buying designer Bags Bijoux due to selling some property, poor decision I made, but love the Bags Bijoux anyway.

Ell

Oh this is me! I bought some bag to “balance my collection” and for more variety but realise that I just don’t reach out for them ????? I’ve sold them but every now and then I find my collection “unbalanced” lol

Sara Megías

But it is your balance ? . I’ve tried so many times in stores red Color Bags Bijoux , but my common sense immediately emerges ?. In the other hand I have a Balenciaga Classic city waiting for 2 years For the big bag trend again !!!

Candee

I admittedly own too many handBags Bijoux and have only used a few of them. I’m nervous that they will get damaged and I want to protect them. However, I now realize that this logic is ridiculous and I’m going to either use them or sell them.

Stacy Woolley

Loved your article. Here’s my deal: I have several designer handBags Bijoux that I rarely use.Too. They each blend into my life well because I chose wisely. I just don’t want them to get dirty. I like the leather before it gets patina. So…. they sit lined up in closet shelf. I love admiring them.

Antonia

Great thread and responses! I the # 1 problem for NOT using Bags Bijoux enough is having TOO MANY. The less, the better and you will find that they will be in heavy rotation. I have about 10 and in all shapes and sizes. I’m getting ready to consign 3 of them because I need the rest of them to fit nicely on my shelves and right now it’s a little bit crowded.

Slim

I agree! Less is more, I have about 25 high end designer bags. I gear Ellory a Gucci Soho for running errands and the others are collecting dust, including (2) Chanel’s.

new

I only own a few, I have used my Gucci Dionysus WOC very, very much, daily actually! But more often in the summertime. All that I carry in it fits in the pockets of my down coat (It’s cold where I live), so I don’t need that bag in the wintertime. My size small Celine belt bag have been used a few times, maybe 5? I can’t carry my laptop in it (wrong shape for that purpose) and is too big for when I don’t need the laptop or a bunch of books. I love it none the less, it was, and is, my “perfect” bag.

My large suede Simon Miller Bonsai tote have been used once, for a quick trip to the mall, it’s heavy and has a floppy shape, so I am unsure of how I should carry it for it to look good?

And my size small suede Chloé Hudson has never seen the light of day. I love it but I originally wanted the mini size, but it was a bit over budget, and then I found the size small for a bargain, so I settled for that size… maybe that was stupid. Yet, I don’t regret any of my purchases, I love just owning them. I would probably change my Hudson to a smaller size if I could get a new one from a store, but I would not want to be without it as I love the look and color. I guess I could live without the Bonsai, but at the same time I love that my little collection is quite “personal”, and not just the standard Bags Bijoux that “everybody” starts out with, and that bag is so cool! 🙂

I think I will get a lot more use out of my Belt bag as soon as I am done with law school. And the last two? I will try to at least bring them out a couple of times each this spring, although I said the same thing last year… They are both so heavy! And made of suede so I need to chose the occasions carefully. No ice cream dates…

Julie

I have ten bags. Even though this is a very small number compared to many other TPFers and I rotate my Bags Bijoux every week, I still feel like it is hard to make sure they are all well utilised. But each bag serves its a purpose and if I am pressed to let any bag go, it would be hard for sure. First world problems indeed

education Ife

Straw camera bag?

Alice

That’s why I only buy nylon Prada handBags Bijoux and never leather (too heavy, never buy a heavy bag!). They are practical functional and on a every-day basis…usable! I see with my Kipling, it’s not a Gucci (two pieces in my closet)…but very usable. At the end when you have to choose every morning before your closet you take the most practical one! That’s it. When you get the tube you cannot use your Chanel…so you can wear the most beautiful bag but the day after you always go back to your Kipling…

LadyMarmalade

I have too many Bags Bijoux (30+, thanks PF!) if the metric is need versus want but I never buy the latest It Bag. I like classics and the same ones. Birkins, Kellys and some Delvaux. Because they are the same except for the color and skin, they are very easy to swap with a bag organizer so I do regularly. Some absolutely cannot get wet so they see less rotation, others are neutral, others are seasonal but I love and wear them all. It’s a vice, sure, but harmless if you can afford it. Besides, how many of us have an exploding jewelry box, closets stuffed with designer clothes, or shelves of shoes? You have to make a decision on what to wear every single day. Why should a bag be any different?

Juliette

I use all my Bags Bijoux constantly – I have only 4, one cross-body, one tote, one backpack and one mini flap bag. It’s perfect and I probably won’t add any more – I’m big on cost per wear and making sure that when I want to re-sell the bag it’ll at least hold its original value. I agree with a lot of commenters here, if you have many Bags Bijoux you’ll use each one less on an individual basis.

P.Ghersi

I really admire you! I am working Ellorys that goal! Would you mind sharing which specific 4 Bags Bijoux you have?

Juliette

Sure! My go-to bag is my Puzzle Bag Midnight Blue/Black, I have the small because it fits SO MUCH – that’s the cross-body. My backpack is the Burberry black nylon with brown leather straps, I travel a lot for work so needed something that can fit my laptop, is durable and cute (I love the gold chains) – it’s my constant companion on the road. The tote is the Givenchy Bambi, I can throw everything in, it fit a lot. My last one is the Chanel Wallet on a Chain, I got the black caviar leather one with the gold chain – for when I go for brunch, out in the evenings, etc – when my Puzzle is too large but I still need to take stuff. I do love looking at bags, but I haven’t yet found one that can do what my other’s can’t, you know what I mean? Thinking of it, I also have a large Longchamps Pliage bag, for aforementioned travel – I guess I have 5 Bags Bijoux in total. The Pliage is amazing, I bought my first 18 years ago and it feel apart in December – I repurchased and know I’ll be set for a travel bag for the next 18 years. Although I am eyeing the Rimowa, they’re so nice.

Hal5300

This article is so timely as I made a resolution this year to USE MY BAGS! I keep thinking of selling them, but I just can’t do it. So, they all have to get into the rotation. Ladies, lets use our bags!

Anna

Ha! That’s my resolution too! Time to use ALL of my bags…they weren’t made to sit in the closet! ; )

Slim

Great article! I feel exactly the same way. I have a great collection and rarely use any of them. While, running errands I grab my wallet and cellphone only. Perhaps, I need to get out more, socially!

Tess

What kind of idiot buys a handbag for that kind of money and doesn’t use it that’s patently insane

Jerri R

Louis Vuitton 2000s pre-owned Looping GM tote bag Brown

wendy c

Don’t call people here idiots.

Kaly

Love this discussion! I have too many bags, about 65 at latest headcount, and I’ve actually been parting with some recently. It’s almost that having TOO many choices leads me to just stick with carrying the SAME bag, and not rotating. I do have a few Bags Bijoux that although I don’t use, I can’t part with either for sentimental or aesthetic reasons (some Bags Bijoux make me happy just LOOKING at them). I’m TRYING to “shop my closet” and not make any additional purchases or at least do the “one in, one out” protocol…we’ll see ?

Kat

I reduced my collection significantly a few years ago for this reason. If I never used them, they were sold or donated. It was painful but necessary. Every bag I own now has a purpose in my wardrobe.

Sheila (Maddy Loves)

I have 8-9 high end designer bags, and the one I use every day that’s meant for throwing away is my Gucci Soho Disco. I live in Vancouver and it rains here a lot, so I only really use my non-Soho Disco Bags Bijoux in the spring and summer when it’s not raining. I do use my designer Bags Bijoux every day but I don’t rotate them as much as I should. Also even though I love all of my Bags Bijoux and can’t see myself letting them go, there are definitely some I wear more than others, and it’s usually because of versatility (like my LV Pochette Metis).

Giselle

Same about Gucci Soho bag, it’s so practical.

Jerri R

My favorite action shot of stars with Birkins is Renee Zellweger carrying hers stuffed to the gills with clothes. Now that is getting a real use out of your bag. A bag was created to carry stuff, not to sit pristine on a shelf.

Jerri R

My favorite action shot of stars with Birkins is Renee Zellweger carrying hers stuffed to the gills with clothes. Now that is getting a real use out of your bag. A bag was created to carry stuff, not to sit pristine on a shelf.

miChiaroscuro

Suddenly several posts about “too many bags” and “how often do you use your bags”! I’d LOVE if tPF/Purseblog devised a way for unloved/unused Bags Bijoux were made available for sale on this site. No worries about authenticity, and more than likely Bags Bijoux in great condition! Perhaps something for Megs/Vlad to consider…

RR

Would really love to use my designer Bags Bijoux regularly but rain is a major deterrent! I don’t have the heart to get an expensive purse ruined!

Gia

I would like to use mine every day. But I have to choose according to who I see. For work- no designer bags. I find that others focus too much on the bag, get jealous, or if in a manager position, think they pay you too much. It ends up working against you.
Sadly, others especially women in the workplace are very envious and would enjoy your failure. I’ve seen it.
I work in corporate America and my clients are interior designers.

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