I also read to take a pic of the menu and enlarge.
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Do people see their purse as somewhat as a statement piece about YOU? Or is it strictly utilitarian?
I use a Portland Leather beautiful backpack purse as my daily purse. I have a couple of crossbody options that are more colorful, more casual, more sporty for outings where I donāt want the bigger backpack purse.
This is how I would describe myself. Colorful, casual, sporty with a dose of classic. When I choose a purse o want it to be purposeful but reflect who I feel I am! Itās not about the brand for me most of the time itās the reflection/look of āmeā.
Editing to say that many may not feel this way. Either is ok. To some brand matters, to some look matters, to some practicality matters - and to some all that matters is a place to put your keys, wallet, phone!
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I see it as an accessory for what I am wearing and doing. During the day I would use a more casual messenger bag. For work I may carry something thatās more professional. Going out with friends I may carry something thatās more trendy. Of course, for a more dressy/formal event, like a wedding or cocktail party, I would carry an evening bag.
I treat bags like shoes. I wouldnāt wear sneakers with a dress (I think younger set do now).
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When I was in Italy I noticed Longchamp bags were not much cheaper than in the US. They did have some very nice leather bags made locally. I really wanted one, but couldnāt get the color/size I wanted in time to take it home with me.
Does anyone else care about the weight of bags?
The bag I use most of the time now that Iām retired is an MZ Wallace small bag, and I have a little black purse for when I want it. I also occasionally use a Coach wallet that has a wrist strap - my phone will fit inside it.
For decades, I would only buy leather bags, but for example I always felt like D&B bags were way too heavy even empty.
I did move away from leather āwork bagsā (used like a briefcase, in addition to a purse/sometimes with a purse inside it)and used Longchamp because of the weight issue.
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Patricia Nash bags are fabulous, Iāve had one for years that is just now showing some wear & tear. They do show up regularly at TJ Maxx & Marshalls. Super high quality and lasts forever.
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I have a Nash wallet that Iāve had for over a decade.
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Weight is a big consideration for me now. I used to carry bigger/heavier bags (with metals), but now I like smaller bag (prevent me from carrying too many things) and lighter leather.
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Yes, the weight of the bag is very important to me at this point in my life. Iām on my second Longchamp tote as I love how lightweight it is- good for folding up and tucking in suitcase.
I ditched the leather Tumi travel tote after being gifted a Calpak bag for travel- also has a luggage sleeve and stores perfectly under airline seat.
I mostly use small crossbody purses for everyday and for going out a small handbag I can just wear on my arm. As a golfer and tennis player trying to take care of my shoulders:)
I dislike backpacks and donāt trust using them after finding a pickpocket with his hand in mine years ago.
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@deb922 I love this bag. I like a brown bag with silver (instead of gold) hardware. My birthday is in March. I may have to ask H for this!
Both! 
Iām an old cat lady. Hence my cat bag collection! 
I also like colorful things. Hence the colorful cat bags. My WOC is purely utilitarian: small, can be worn multiple ways, and can be stuffed inside a bigger bag so that the bigger bag can be left in the office when I go out to grab lunch. I also have a very utilitarian backpack that someone here on CC recommended, but I got the lavender one, not a black one.
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My recent purchase of the Baggalini bag I noted above, was motivated by buying a new heavier phone and wanting a lighter bag to carry it in. So, bag weight is important to me. Size and shape come next - I have decided I prefer a horizontal bag instead of a vertical one (after years of the other way around).
My biggest shift is in only wanting something that can be worn crossbody. Weight isnāt a factor unless itās for travel. My skin is thin and bruises easily so anything that puts weight on my wrist usually results in an unsightly large bruise.
My sister has Parkinsonās and recently cleared out her huge selection of bags. The nieces were the lucky recipients.
My wallet while not huge wouldnāt fit in my pocket. Plus I find even if I carry my phone in a pocket it is at risk of falling out or it weighs down my pants. Plus I like a smooth look.
I donāt carry lot-phone, wallet, keys,lip balm, bandages and tissues if Iāve got a cold. I canāt imagine it fitting in a pocket.
Not a bag/purse comment but many here mention needing room to carry glasses- I just use readers and donāt always need them so I have the thin optics attached to back of my phone. Slim enough my phone still fits in my pocket.
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By far my favorite bag to date! Holds everything I need, doesnāt hurt my shoulders due to it being a crossbody, very sturdy, washable, and crazy cheap for what I got.
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I have been purchasing designer bags on and off for many years. The first one I got was a LV bag at Harrodās in the early 1970ās.
I do have Prada cross body bags, Chanel and a couple of Goyard tote bags.
Having worked from home for many years, I usually live in sportswear. To elevate my casual look, I occasionally pair it with a stylish bag. Thanks to friends in Hong Kong who are regular HermĆØs customers, Iāve been fortunate enough to acquire a couple of their coveted quota bags.
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We found a local leather crafter who makes the nices wallets. They even had some items that had been paid for and returned that they sold at bargain prices. H and I got wallets from themāthe bargain returns!
Our wallets are feather weight and similar to these.
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The now closed Del Posto restaurant used to have a cushioned stool for my bag; and thereās another restaurant in LI that also provided a low stool for handbags but I cannot recall the name.
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Patricia Nash has really nice bags. I sourced one for sale on Poshmark that Iām considering keeping.
As far as bags, I also feel they are an extension of how I dressā¦an accessory. My high end bags now are just a status symbol I like having, like any anything else. Big Homes, watches, cars, etc.