Tim Gunn on Bags
June 4, 2007 by Christina Jones
Filed under About Me, Beauty, Style
I know I have some Project Runway fans out there, have you all read Tim Gunn’s book yet? I have just ordered it today, and can’t wait to read it!
I am a Bag Snob of the worst variety (well maybe not the worst), and there is a cute article about bags in the Houston Chronicle today that you might be interested in checking out with some exerpts from Tim’s book, A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style.
Thankfully my snobbery doesn’t extend to having to have the latest “It bag,” but I absolutely cannot stand to have a cheaply made bag. I would rather carry one good classic bag for 15 years than a variety of cheap bags. I am glad to know that Tim is on my side with this one.
Here is some commentary from Tim and his co-author, Kate Moloney, that speaks to me;
“Stay on the lower end for on-trend bags and invest in real pieces,” Moloney said. “I like Mulberry because it isn’t immediately recognizable. It’s subtle, and I will have it forever.”
She and Gunn suggest spending money on your “workhorse,” the bag that will go to the office with you every day. Choose a color that works with whatever dominates your wardrobe, and make sure the strap is thick enough to distribute the weight of the bag.
As for those flavors-of-the-month — the patent tote, the nautical-inspired beach bag, the metallic clutch — head to Target.
In case you might be interested – currently I am carrying a dark pink (the Aggies in my life call it maroon) metallic Cole Haan bag which has carried me beautifully through the winter, but its time to change. I am really not a person to change bags with my outfits – I must have one bag that suits all. I haven’t found the bag that speaks to me yet for the summer, so am planning to go back to last years gorgeous pink python from Donald J. Pliner. Both of these bags I carry every day (during their season anyway), and neither shows any measurable sign of wear and tear – and believe me, I am neither gentle nor cautious with the handling of my bags. Both of these companies make exceptional bags that are well worth their price. I guarantee you, you can spend just as much money on ten cheap bags as you would spend on one good quality bag, and get just as much wear out of it, or more, than all those cheapos. And then heck, maybe you can leave them to your children in your will. 
I usually stick to hand bags that are quite utilitarian but have spied some tempting designer items. I think I will invest in the book to get pointers before I go a-hunting!
Benetton in the UK has a good selection of trendy bags that cost less than $100.
Sharon – I agree with you there to an extent – I really am more of a classic utilitarian when it comes to bags and clothing. However, you can find a good bag that does all the right stuff.
Hsien – I thought you hated that Benetton bag? I am just going to stick to their sweaters. I still have several that are 20-some odd years old, and still look almost new.
I forced myself to use the Benetton bag every day on my 2-week vacation and got used to it. It’s still not the best design (I like pockets and dividers), but it sure looks cute!
That it does. Glad it didn’t turn out to be disappointing after that big process to get it!
I love this book, I trust his taste. I never bought a designer bag, but I want one. I fear that a trendy one will go out of style quickly. I am glad that he sees it as an investment and now I feel more confident about choosing/purchasing a bag that will transcend time. Any other suggestions about designer bags that remain classic through the years?