topic Handbags: do u prioritize function or status? in Handbags

Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Goldengate8361 — Sun, 28 May 2017 20:27:07 GMT

Confession: I have many expensive handbags, but I actually LOVE my Lug handbags best. The functionality in them is superb and they're super-light weight. I have a corporate executive job and when I'm dressed up in an expensive business suit/outfit, I sometimes feel silly carrying a Lug bag. On the other hand, I've always "defined myself," wearing and doing whatever I want. 😀

I think I'm going to stick with my Lug bags--even when I'm dressed up (I hate changing handbags all the time!). Any opinions on this question: functionality vs. status?

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

jaxs mom — Sun, 28 May 2017 20:37:48 GMT

I don't care about status at all. I care about it fitting my personal style, quality of craftsmanship and functionality.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

millieshops — Sun, 28 May 2017 20:41:02 GMT

If I worked in a job where my appearance including my choices in clothing and accessories mattered to my success - yes, I'd care about the bag I carried to work. I hate that something like my choice of handbag or my hair style or my footwear matters, but sometimes standing on principle can be costly, so you've got to assess your own environment.

In my life - that LUG bag would be my choice almost any day!

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Sweetbay magnolia — Sun, 28 May 2017 20:47:49 GMT

I would think a pragmatic exec would be appreciated.

I love the bags I have collected - some practical, some not so much. No one at my workplace would judge me on that, and if they did, well then. Judge away.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Mz iMac — Sun, 28 May 2017 21:14:46 GMT

Functionality

FWIW...

I just purchashed my first Lug crossbody bag...

F12812

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Kachina624 — Sun, 28 May 2017 21:25:55 GMT

I like nice looking leather bags with at least one outside pocket. The only time I'd consider using one of the nylon bags is when traveling. Leather tends to get scratched and beat up when you have to keep it on the floor of a car or under an airplane seat. The Lugs are too utilitarian looking to be attrative for normal use. I don't want to look like a kid with a book bag.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Goldengate8361 — Sun, 28 May 2017 22:02:11 GMT

@Kachina624 Your comment about looking like a "kid with a book bag" made me laugh out loud! 😸

That is exactly what I fear! However, at my age (mid-50s), maybe that's a look I should try. LOL

i do love my Lug handbag!

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

ALRATIBA — Sun, 28 May 2017 22:17:25 GMT

I guess my practice would be "status." I'm retired. A lot of the bags I used when working (corporate) ... are relegated to the top shelf in the closet.

I have a collection of colorful "novelty" bags that I use a lot. But if I'm going anywhere "serious" .... I take a "good" bag.

I change bags contantly - depends on what I'm wearing and where I'm going, sometimes twice in one day.. I have this "thing" that my bag has to coordinate with what I'm wearing. I have one friend who does the same thing. Whenever we get together - we have to check out each other's bag!

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

SisterGoldenHair — Sun, 28 May 2017 22:57:34 GMT

I always buy bags because of quality. I have a lot of Coach bags, some old some new but I like the leather. I don't have anyone to impress but myself

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

stevieb — Sun, 28 May 2017 23:22:29 GMT

Status is not the issue but I think a combination of functionality and style is achievable. For me, my one Lug bag is not used as a stand in for my handbag. It might see use as a business bag, tote or travel bag, but not as a substitute for a handbag. They are functional, but to me, that's pretty much their strength.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

151949 — Mon, 29 May 2017 03:16:40 GMT

I was fortunate to have the kind of job where my clothing didn't matter - I wore scrubs and running shoes to work. My purse was locked in a cabinet. However, if my job required me to carry a status bag - then I'd carry the bag. People who stand on "principle" often are doing so in the unempolyment line.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

libbyannE — Mon, 29 May 2017 04:42:30 GMT

The quality and function both must suit me. Status? No. I buy good quality for ME. My mother taught me well, or maybe it's simply in our family genes to buy quality and yet not to care what others think. We're a confident bunch! Worrying about status is for the insecure or those lacking in confidence.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

NYC Susan — Mon, 29 May 2017 05:09:58 GMT

@libbyannE wrote:
The quality and function both must suit me. Status? No. I buy good quality for ME. My mother taught me well, or maybe it's simply in our family genes to buy quality and yet not to care what others think. We're a confident bunch! Worrying about status is for the insecure or those lacking in confidence.

I agree.

And it's entirely possible to look polished and professional without having a "status" or expensive bag.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Skyegirl21 — Mon, 29 May 2017 11:28:59 GMT

It seems to me carrying a bag for ' status ' reasons is for feeding the ego, not a priority for me. My status comes from other areas of my life, not the purse I carry.

Functionality first, it can't be heavy, and has to have at least 1 outside pocket for quick access. I love clever innovative features!

That said, the purse also has to be nice quality and have some style! We need more bags that are functional AND have style. There are very few bags meeting both priorities, IMO.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

AngelPuppy1 — Mon, 29 May 2017 11:56:46 GMT

Function, function, function! No matter how pricey, how beautiful, if they are not functional, they are not worth spit!!!!

I recently bought a shopper tote that I was crazy about. After a day, I was ready to throw it in the trash. I thought --- what was I thinking? Obviously, I wasn't thinking --- at all!

The darn thing has nothing that I really like on the inside! No pockets of any kind. So --- once things go in ---- good luck finding them!

I spent the whole day searching for keys, cell phone, etc.! Very frustrating!

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

stevieb — Mon, 29 May 2017 15:02:43 GMT

While there are clearly jobs that might expect or demand a top-notch appearance, I'd be hard pressed to think that carrying a 'status' bag is a job requirement for any of them.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

Q4u — Tue, 30 May 2017 00:56:00 GMT

Absolutely function~!

My husband was a VP for a multi-billion dollar corp in So. Ca. There were about 10 VPs and their wives. Many of the other VPs were retired Military officers (high ranking) and their wives, interestingly, had a protocol. They "rose through the ranks" with their husbands careers just as their husbands did. And one of those linteresting things I learned was that there was a uniform and way to behave.

To be taken seriously by the other wives, and therefore make the impression at this corporate level, I had to fit into the protocol the older wives dicated. And that was to look a certain way and that included some of the the status trappings that was clearly part of it.

I jumped into the role while I was playing it and it included Louis Vuitton and Guccis, some upper end designer clothing and I was accepted into the realm. LOL! What a joke it was because we are so not like that. And the wives were the worst... the men, not as much.

(It's so fake.... )

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

itiswhatitis — Tue, 30 May 2017 04:21:30 GMT

Quality

Function

Status (if any)

In this order!

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

faeriemoon — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:56:15 GMT

Fortunately and coincidentally "nice" bags work best for me.

Lugs would make me nuts; hate all those pockets. One outside pocket at most works for me. I don't really even need an exterior pocket if there are two or three inside the bag.

Re: Handbags: do u prioritize function or status?

stevieb — Tue, 30 May 2017 15:04:47 GMT

@faeriemoon wrote:
Fortunately and coincidentally "nice" bags work best for me.

Lugs would make me nuts; hate all those pockets. One outside pocket at most works for me. I don't really even need an exterior pocket if there are two or three inside the bag.

Darn it @faeriemoon I wish you'd make up your mind. I just ordered you that tool belt bag for Christmas...