Comments on: Help be find a bag to buy for my girlfriend

Question: Help be find a bag to buy for my girlfriend

Cogito — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:54:16 -0800

She wants shoulder bag, but it needs to be cute, light and simple.

She's desirous of a shoulder bag, or possibly a backpack. Here are her specifications:

- Doesn't have to be very big or have tons of compartments, simple preferred
- Must be cute, but not little-kid cute, just stylish
- As light as possible

I'm aware of Timbuk2's custom bags, so tell me about other stuff I may not have heard of. Price is not much of an issue, but let's keep it < $500.

By: thekilgore

thekilgore — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:06:47 -0800

Check for something on etsy.com - there are lots of original pieces on there and something called alchemy, where you can request a custom pieces that will fit your girlfriend's style perfectly.

By: crush-onastick

crush-onastick — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0800

Skip leather, as it's heavy even when the bag is empty. If she's fussy about her clothes, skip velcro closures as a misaligned velcro closure rubbing along your side will ruin your clothes.

I love Holly Aiken's bags, myself.

By: needled

needled — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:13:29 -0800

You might look at some of the selections from Crumpler. My current shoulder bag of choice is the Maurice, which is very light and surprisingly roomy for a bag that doesn't look that large.

For something really different-looking, check out some of the bags at Boblbe-e.

By: ThatSomething

ThatSomething — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:26:25 -0800

I love Morelle's Simple & Desirable bags on etsy. Well made, roomy, lightweight, and attractive.

By: MadamM

MadamM — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:37:14 -0800

I'm not sure if this is quite what you mean by shoulder bag, but I've been very happy with my purse from this Etsy shop.

By: misterbrandt

misterbrandt — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:44:13 -0800

Queen Bee makes some pretty cool stuff.

By: steeb2er

steeb2er — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:55:24 -0800

My 24-year-old wife has two seatbelt bags from Harveys. She gets compliments almost every time we go out.

She's got the Medium Tote Army and the Large Satchel Treecycle. LOVES them.

By: grapefruitmoon

grapefruitmoon — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:56:33 -0800

I have this bag and I love the hell out of it. I have the red pattern with flowers and skulls and it's freaking gorgeous. Lightweight, holds just enough stuff (though really, it could be a tad bigger and I wouldn't complain) and practical for spending lots of time in the company of public transportation.

By: shakobe

shakobe — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:57:43 -0800

A couple of companies that are similar in style to Timbuk2:

Tom Bihn bags. Check out the Imago.

Also, my wife really likes her bag from Overland.

By: grapefruitmoon

grapefruitmoon — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:58:08 -0800

(Err, the pattern I have is this one)

By: ebellicosa

ebellicosa — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:41:38 -0800

Sherpani makes great bags - sort of like Timbuk2 but more girly and stylish.

By: kimdog

kimdog — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:58:03 -0800

I have a serious love for Orla Kiely, a British designer. Her signature line of bags are a laminate canvas, which is both light weight and very sturdy. Her designs are cute and fresh without being childish. This is one of her typical shoulder bags, although I find the sling to be a bit more practical. Anthropologie is one of the retailers who carry her in the US.

By: BrnP84

BrnP84 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:02:28 -0800

I live in Indiana and these purses are all the rage. They're locally made in Fort Wayne by the Vera Bradley foundation and all the proceeds go to support breast cancer. I'm a dude so I never really understood em, they look alright I guess but all the girls down here have at least one.

By: Cogito

Cogito — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:09:10 -0800

From the Orla Kiely sling bag description:

Please Note: Avoid bag in direct contact with dark clothing.

WTF?

By: saffry

saffry — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:07:01 -0800

I'd say anything fabric sold on Etsy is wonderful. I co-worker has a bag from Valerie Ann designs and absolutely loves it.

By: francesca too

francesca too — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:51:25 -0800

Splatgirl on Etsy has wonderfully colorful messenger bags (and other handmade items).

By: Asherah

Asherah — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:43:31 -0800

I have three variations of bags from Moop, owned and operated/sewn by one woman, available on Etsy and Supermarket. Simple, various sizes/shapes, handmade!

By: radioamy

radioamy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:36:40 -0800

I will second Queen Bee. I have two of their bags (and a wallet) and I'm a huge fan.

By: rafter

rafter — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:42:14 -0800

Too add to the pile of etsy suggestions, I recently bought my girlfriend a coinpurse from fieldofroses. Quite gorgeous, super well-made, and I can't overstate the friendliness and helpfulness of the seller.

By: misozaki

misozaki — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 05:05:04 -0800

Le Sportsac? They have all kinds of designs to choose from, and they're super light with lots of pockets. I have the Deluxe Everyday Bag and it's really convenient. Handbags. Backpacks.

By: dog food sugar

dog food sugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:28:00 -0800

I just got this Simple Bag and really like it. One big pocket and one smaller pocket. Nice company philosophy too.