I just don't 'get' bags. Would love to be enlightened.

[jocesar]

I'm 38 and discovered S&B 3 months ago. It has been little short of amazing and has transformed the way I think about clothes and beauty. I've never been interested before- thought I was a hopeless case.

But I'm struggling to understand bags. I do not own a 'proper' bag. Of course I have survived using rucksacks, changing bags, own pockets and husbands pockets but have never really 'needed' a bag. And obviously there is a whole world of bags out there ready to fritter money away on. But I want to know what is the deal/ fuss about bags and why do so many people have so many?

Oh, and if you manage to convince me, can you suggest a sensible first purchase to get the show moving?

Where do you keep your purse, phone, credit cards, tissues, lippy and other random bits of crap. I can't go out without a bag.

I don't do designer bags, as I'm just not a fan of brands, but I do have many bags.

What Valium said!!

I would be lost without a bag.....but if I didn't like them there would be a lot more space in my wardrobe!!!!! I think the obsession love of them started with my mum carrying a tatty bad held together with a safety pin through most of my teens! I vowed never to follow suit and remember running to Russell and Bromley with my first pay cheque. Where do you keep everything? Keys, money etc as mentioned earlier!

What. How. Why.

You don't 'get' bags, even my dh 'gets' why I like them.

I have loved bags since I was a child, my mum always had beautiful bags although not branded and I used to have lovely school bags.

Where on earth do you keep tampons and other necessary bits (vodka minis) when you're out and about?

A bag has all the things you could need in, looks good, can be used to fend off attackers, helps you build upper body strength bla bla bla I don't leave the house without my handbag.

Same as shoes - they don't care how fat you are! You can buy them without feeling guilty about being a size 16, and you can't grow out of them.

Ooh I couldn't be without a bag! I don't really do the little designer candy ones though, I'm all big, roomy shoulder bags in tan leather, never over £100.

I'm obsessed with them! My ideal would be from Fossil, and have loads of handy zips and pockets.

Not bothered about statement/ waiting list type bags, but I do like good quality leather and loads of attention to detail.

As I get older, the bags get better!

I don't care about bags either and I don't carry one if I have the pushchair with me as I use the folded hood for my purse, phone & keys and don't carry anything else!

I used to work with a girl who was very bag-obsessed. One day she insisted that I held her new Chloe bag to feel the weight of it. I was just and didn't get it at all.

Gosh, lots of replies already. Well at the moment I keep all the essentials in my pockets but if I'm out without kids then all I carry is keys, phone and wallet.

Will I develop a vodka habit if I start getting into bags?

So recommend me a good starter bag.

jocesar Whats the budget?

You should read this thread, I am

I don't carry one if I can avoid it, they are awkward, make my back ache etc. So I leave it at home when I can, eg school run, taking DCs to their activities etc, when all I need is my keys, but do need to take it to work or when going into town etc, my purse is too big to put in my pockets.

Having said that, I am very fussy about the ones I do use, have exacting standards as to appearance, type of strap, size, number of pockets etc.

Oh no Jocesar I had the Vodka habit way before I got into bags.

Bags. Oh yes. Love Osprey of London they get my motor running. xx

Budget, I guess under £50. Is that doable? And something that would go with my casual ( think jeans/converse) style of dress.

Bags are the bees knees and it was always the prospect of a new bag that got me salivating when I had to do the september new school wear shop.

The thing with bags is that they up the ante as Carrie (from SATCY would say to any outfit and they can reflect your mood.

I would say that you should look at the TK Maxx website or in ytour nearest TK Maxx as they have lots of different brands and fifty pound in there will go far.

Handbags are lush and i've always loved them, even having new school bags. As I've got older I prefer a good quality classic bag though £150 max although I do lust after designer ones. You will easily get a nice high st bag for your budget. What sort do you think you'd like? Shoulder, across body, colour, size etc....

We'll convert you

Ooh and check out Whistles bags- and if you see one you like buy Elle as there is a 15 quid gift voucher on it!

Queen- I like your style! Converting everyone to love handbags!

Perhaps this or this would be a good starting point for you?

Je suis le addict.

I ADORE bags, (and shoes)..

Always have been always will... My 2yr dd is already eyeing up my collection :)

I think across the body would be easy. No idea on colour. I've had a brief look at bags in shops, but none really shout out to me. Do you buy a bag that you like or a bag to match an outfit?

You buy a bag which you LOVE and then you make it go with any outfit. Try looking on shop style here to get an idea of whats about in your price range..

Buy a bag that you like to start with. Something you can wear with most things, so maybe either black or tan.

Have a look on Zara, Asos, Topshop, Warehouse, DP etc

I saw this out today and really like it. Can be for day or going out and is quite plain. Looks more expensive than it is if you ask me.

As you don't carry much you don't need something massive. The weight of a big bag would probably put you off as well. Start small and simple and work up to it.

Yeah once you develop a handbag habit you'll soon find stuu you 'need' and have to buy a bigger bag to hold. [Grin]

Slug, the rucksacks you linked to on Amazon look lovely!