How many handbags do you own? I definitely own more than what I use regularly enough and I know I should let go of a few, considering I’m striving towards having a smaller wardrobe. The thing is that I really, really like them, all of them. So I guess in term of the whole Minimalist Wardrobe thing, it’s all good.
Currently my bags are stored in the cupboard next to my bed. The other day I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to sort through this cupboard as it had accumulated all sorts of other unwanted, misplaced stuff, in addition to the jumbled up handbags.
It was such a rewarding experience. I took everything out and either put it in its rightful place, or I chucked it. I’m talking random slips of paper; loose photos; a spare tube from my breast pump (??); a kids colouring in book, and the list goes on.
Next I tackled the handbags. I took them out, one by one and upturned each one into the basin in the bathroom. Leaves; bits of dirt; stones (mum of boys); stale peppermints; hair clips – handbags clearly being one of the primary abysses they fall into; a long-lost lipstick that I’d been wondering about *yay* and other random stuff was discovered.
I gave all the bags a good wipe down and stored them again, in two neat piles (will see how long these last) according to their function i.e. I ended up with a cross-body pile and a shoulder sling pile. Not the best storage solution, but it’ll have to do for now.
I generally use 2 or 3 bags in rotation for a period of time like a month or so, and then I’ll swop one or two out and use those chosen 2 for the next few weeks. I’m just too lazy to take out a different one each day so I kind of swop between 2 at a time. What does make things easier is I have a little pouch that houses all my lip balms/lip sticks (lip balm being something I don’t leave the house without) and so when I’m quickly swopping bags I can take the pouch out of the one I’ve been using and throw it into the ‘new’ bag very easily. Then really it’s just about adding my cell phone and wallet as the absolute essentials. Generally each bag has a stick of chewing gum and some tissues in it as well, so then I don’t need to transfer those.
So I’m curious, do you swop your bags out each day or do you just use one? What are your handbag essentials?
In my dream dressing room I’d definitely allocate space for hanging up my handbags. As with jewellery and scarves – the more visible they are, the more you’ll use and enjoy them.
How do you store your handbags? I think the ideal solution would be to have a section of hooks up on your wall either in your bedroom or somewhere near the front door, or a hat stand where you can hang a small selection of bags, and grab whichever one you want as you leave the house. Do you agree?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on all things handbag 😉
P.S. If you’re wanting to shop local – Ilundi (the gold and black totes in the top image of this post are from here) and Thalia Strates are two of my favourite brands, I’d say I use my bags from these two brands the most at the moment. If you’d like to be pointed to some other options let me know in the comments as there are loads of beautiful local manufacturers that I can recommend.
I love the look of the soft gold tote..have been looking for ages to replaceable a very worn out bag..l will be buying this.. thanks Pippa
Yay Helen! enjoy xx
Really enjoyed this post, Pippa, thank you for writing it. I love the idea of a pouch for your little essentials so swapping handbags means transferring pouch + phone + wallet to handbag of choice. I think having a handbag that loosely matches your OOTD is a lovely finishing touch but who has time to ‘empty and repack’ so frequently? I was hoping to buy the gold bag from Ilundi, just waiting for hubs’ visa to be confirmed and I see it’s now sold out. Unlucky! I’ve been wanting to order a Missibaba handbag but their website is still being revamped – can you recommend any other lovely South African brands? Thanks again for a great post!
Hi Cara, Ilundi will re-stocl on that bag I’m pretty sure, so maybe keep an eye out. Otherwise Thalia Strates makes beautiful bags, Jinger Jack is also a really good brand to check out, I love their totes. Chapel Goods is also awesome…let me know if you come right with any of those and I can send more if u don’t 🙂 x