DECLUTTERING HANDBAGS

Declutter with me as I sell and donate purses and keep one. I've carried the large "mom tote" for years and I'm ready for a change. I believe in the power of self development, and I've been learning more about my style and what fits right.
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[@bethirwin7445]

How many funerals are you attending?! So long as I’m dressed respectfully & soberly, I’ve left Victorian year of mourning traditions behind me. Which reduces the second wardrobe kept for sad occasions only. Shoe repair shops can often repair or replace leather handles, but do a cost comparison analysis. Is a 10 year old bag worth the repair guy’s labor + material. Unless you’re buying designer, NO. And organic materials like leather are far better in landfills than adding more plastic purses & leather is renewable as long as people eat beef. Finally, from a daughter’s viewpoint, PLEASE give her a choice about Granny’s purses. I spent a lot of my life carrying my mother’s memories for her via stuff she gave me that I wasn’t allowed to dispose of or give to someone else. The things are not the memories & your mom certainly never intended her love to be turned into holy relics never to be released. If you no longer need them & daughter doesn’t LOVE them, turn her loving work loose to bless someone who wants or needs them.

[@TiredJaded]

All of this! When she said "my mom made these... *pause*... I'll give them to my daughter." It felt like she was really saying "I don't use these, I don't want these, but my mom made them and I feel guilty for not wanting them so I'll store them in my daughter's room." As for the funeral clothes, I'm not against keeping them if that's the standard for your community of people. I have never been to a funeral where everyone wore all black. Thankfully, I have not been to many funerals but people just wore nice clothes, it didn't matter what colour.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@TiredJaded ... or my daughter would like something her grandmother made.

[@A.Rose.G]

@@EricaLucasLoves I have several bags my beloved grandmother used...they mean a lot to me. I do not carry them but decorate with them in my dressing area( with her gloves and faux pearl necklace resting on one) and store a few momentos in them. Also a couple hatboxes and vintage hats. I feel her. I keep most momentos in general in two stacked trunks so I do not see busyness but really enjoy the few times a year with each season change when I turn on music or an old movie and reminisce. Photos are great option too of course.

[@TiredJaded]

@@EricaLucasLoves Absolutely! I cherished everything that was my grammas! I didn't mean that you shouldn't offer it to your daughter, you 100% should. I was only agreeing with the previous comment stating that asking your daughter if she wants it would be nice (I'm not saying that you weren't going to ask). And I was making my own observation that it seemed you may have been feeling guilty about wanting to let go of a sentimental item (which is common and reasonable) and the idea of passing it onto your daughter would possibly fill the desire to both keep the item and let it go. I know from other minimalist groups that people have commented that their parents have done that to them, and even my own dad does it to me on occasion.... something is sentimental to him but he doesn't want it and he tries to pass it onto me and convince me that I should want it. I have really enjoyed watching your videos and following along on your journey. People often seem to misunderstand my comments which is why I don't often post comments. I will keep my comments to myself in the future.

[@A.Rose.G]

@@TiredJaded No need to stop in my opinion. ...thoughtful commenting is fine and useful, I think. Just be ready for comments back sometimes😉 It seemed that you maybe misinterpreted tone and intention in her words? Maybe projected or referenced something quite valid but that does not really fit here?🤔 That is all appeared to be to me, anyway.😊

[@ReefromtheD]

OMG. This was hard to watch! I LOVE handbags, lol That Teddy Blake was amazing. And great decision on the easy crossbody.

[@crazycroney]

Someone will buy those bags in a Heart beat. You can take the coach bag to a shoe repair and they can change out the handles. People go crazy for coach. Sell them all. Even the one with candy in it.

[@KJong-gz5hv]

By the way, I don't carry the giant ones with the postman strap across the body, between the girls, anymore. But my bag still need to be able to carry an liter milk and have a sliced bread, and still be comfortable on the bike.( Just in case I forgot the reusable grocery bag. Which I do, a lot. )

[@annanne3929]

The Coach bag with the bad handles, you might want to check with Coach. I know at one time the store would send the bag to their repair shop and the repair is a minimal fee. Just a thought.

[@bethlarson2246]

I’d put your lipstick and inhaler into a small makeup bag in your purse just in case the lid comes off the lipstick or your inhaler leaks.

[@ruthlloyd1163]

Thought the same thing-and crackers for kids inside a baggie, a reusable zero waste one 😉

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Ditto for food!

[@capercat9785]

And your mask should be protected from germs by putting it in a ziplock bag.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Inhalers dont leak in my experience.

[@tambracarswell9896]

Coach will fix your bag. It use to cost nothing but shipping! Call Coach and find out! Then you could sell it and get a better price.

[@LI22IEEE]

Yes, donate all the coach bags on FB! People are crafty and they can fix them up OR turn them into something totally different.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

OK I can do that!!

[@alisonamaismeier8689]

Yes, my town has a FB group called Buy Nothing and people on there will take almost anything! 🙂

[@A.Rose.G]

@@EricaLucasLoves Just today, I took an old beat up white leather purse my mom threw out and cut it up to cover a frame...have not finished it yet but so far so good! Strap could be a hanger or trim around a basket or jar but I think I will use it as a book band. May reuse hardware. Desk accessories, notebook, Just think of it as material. Coach bag I might try fix first..If not, I might use logo as part of craft. Lining can be washed or replaced. Not my mom's favorite hobby, but I love upcycling!

[@thehyperfocusedfix]

Give away! They can be repaired or someone can pay to repair by a shoe cobbler or leather worker.

[@marybacker6743]

For the bag with the melted candy, can you turn the lining inside out and carefully hand wash it. If so, you can save the bag!

[@uploadingjoy9120]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing!

[@carleenagiangiordano1575]

You seem to be very open to public opinion. With that said it is also very healthy to just ignore strangers who don't know you personally. I've thought for some time how gorgeous you'd look with a side bang. You have such lush gorgeous hair and I think a side bang would suit you well. But I'm a stranger and it's just a thought so do with it what you will. ☺️

[@LP-tu8li]

The Teddy Blake looks like it could be a hassle to open and close properly when you are out and about. You did a great job letting go of those bags!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Erica.. You have come so far😊. Don't beat yourself up if there are the odd things that you have to "trash" (landfill). You can try to give them away for free.. But if no-one wants them.. Then you have no choice but to trash them. The positive thing is that you have changed your mindset to stuff and now don't buy stuff unnecessarily.. So in the future you will produce minimal rubbish! Your new bag looks fantastic

[@bri-crossing]

Beautiful purse. I'm still in the mom bag phase. I think the next step for you in a hairstyle change. :) A trim even makes me feel better sometimes.

[@Kate.West.]

Yes! Erica’s hair is so beautiful! I bet a hair dresser would love to get their hands on it! Maybe something a little shorter (but still long) with some layers around the face? Something sophisticated ! I wish I had hair like Erica!

[@kathleenbankey9005]

Keep the coach bag that you are using. For the winter and use the new one for spring and summer because of the light color.

[@paige5191]

Yes im so excited to hear you tkimg about your style and your waist!!! You deserve to feel and look amazing 👏 💕

[@AtoZenLife]

I turned my “mom bag” diaper bag into a camera bag ages ago. 😂 Those little animal figurines...we love them too, hahaha. (I 100% agree on the quality over quantity thing!)

[@AtoZenLife]

Also, that Teddy Blake bag is really, really cute!

[@stinaljungstrom8691]

Great idea!

[@AtoZenLife]

@@stinaljungstrom8691 Thank you! ☺️

[@beckysmith2346]

I had a “teacher bag” which is a mom bag to the extreme for 26 years. Never know when you need paper clips, highlighters, sharpies, pens, pencils, notepad, etc. After all these years, I am finally starting to get used to carrying a smaller bag. Lately, I’ve been using a phone case that hold my license and card and only taking that when I have to go in somewhere. It seems freeing somehow.

[@heidicripps5366]

My heart jumped when I saw that beautiful Teddy purse!!! oh my God the quality!!! the craftsmanship!!! the color is stunning!!! it is just exquisite!!!

[@kellyskardsfl]

Mine too. When she opened it I thought it was so beautiful!

[@denselypackedfancy]

the coach bag can be donated! Someone will buy it even with the damage. They will put a new handle on or use the logo and the leather to craft a whole new bag. Just because it is trash to you, doesn't mean they are not valuable. Multiple sold listings on ebay for damaged bags! Just clearly state they are damaged if you want to sell.

[@MelindaLee]

Wait, this is a thing? We have to declutter our bags????????????? Wait.... o.O

[@Dwynfal]

I struggle with getting a bag that's the right size for me. Don't need a mom bag but nevertheless I was guilty of buying too small bags all the time! I purged them this summer, kept a single small "dressed up" bag, one canvas tote (typically used when I need to carry dog papers/stuff) and one "right size for me" everyday bag in black leather. I want to add another in a lighter colour for summer but I vowed not to buy one until I find one that fits my requirements. No more "it's adorable", no more "meh, it's OK, it will do for now"...

[@monamorgan8614]

Your making it a mom bag again😱 Try carrying a cloth tote in the car filled with goodies , snacks, tissues , water bottles etc leavening your pretty new hand bag all yours👍🏻

[@bonniebranch6083]

Erica! You may want to consider buying a. Small clear pouch for your purse to put food/candy in so you never get crumbs or any mess in your bag’s lining from food. It also just keeps everything organized in your bag ☺️

[@maryvon8518]

I carry a dome purse by Betsey Johnson. I need to carry an inhaler with me so a dome purse is the smallest I can go. But it's only an inhaler, a small wallet, lip gloss, and a piece of candy (that I forgot about and am going to eat now).

[@patblough7574]

I am at the place where I started to downsize my handbags. Well, I took them out of the closet, just haven't done anything with them yet. This video is motivating me to do that. Thank you.

[@terryk6458]

I, too, carry a mom bag. But, I use a wristlet for a wallet. When I go into a store, I just take the wristlet, and leave the big bag in the car. I like the wristlet; I’m in no danger of setting it down and forgetting it somewhere.

[@glockenrein]

Do you put your bag in the boot while you’re in the shops? Because I’m always afraid someone is going to see it and break into the car.

[@terryk6458]

@@glockenrein Many times I do, for that reason. But if it’s just a quick trip, I’ll put it on the floor of the back seat with a blanket or jacket on top.

[@jennifersonafrank9272]

If your "bad" Coach bags are leather, you should see if someone wants them for free. Many crafty folks can re-use the leather for other projects.

[@brittany7768]

Do you have a video on how you figured out what your style colors are? I’d love to figure that out for myself.

[@labradorite8256]

I figured my colours out years ago based on the seasons. I'm a winter. Makes shopping so much faster, I skip over things that aren't my colour. I used to carry a little swatch with me, but now I just know what will suit at a glance. You can also go further and develop your own palette, for example I never wear fuscia even though it's a winter colour. It's just too loud for me. Another colour I like is icy green, but it's rare to see it in the shops. When I do I snap it up.

[@brittany7768]

@@labradorite8256 She used some sort of method though to figure out what goes with her skin tone and eye color etc. I’m wondering what system she used to figure all of that out.

[@MrGrumpyGills]

@@brittany7768 It's the "4 Season color system", afaik been around since the 80s. There's some sort of expansion called "12-tone seasonal colour analysis".

[@brittany7768]

@@MrGrumpyGills thank you!

[@jillgossling5191]

Oh my gosh I’m actually sorting through my bags right now! Haha 😂 sending love from the UK 🇬🇧 Thank you for all your hard work and inspiration x

[@kristinesharp6286]

So true. You can buy a new purse for $40 every year for 10 or spend $300 on a nice bag that lasts 10 years.

[@cosmickate4947]

Not keen on the closure of the Teddy bag but does look nice and colour suits you

[@britneyharper3572]

I think coach has a lifetime warranty and will fix anything that breaks? I would check and maybe get them fixed to sell them?

[@britneyharper3572]

Should of waited till the end lol I'm glad they found good homes.

[@ReefromtheD]

@@britneyharper3572 I was thinking the same thing about getting it fixed.

[@kathleencremmins286]

I use a big canvas tote to store handbags. The purse is gorgeous. I am a big tote girl and have a lightweight bag...Coach bags are heavy before you put anything in the bag and recently sold mine so win win.

[@anamcdowell9478]

I'm a backpack style purse person because I'm too heavy chested for a crossbody and I need my arms free. It was hard trying to find one that didn't look or was made cheap. I'm surrounded by friends and family who are super into expensive name brand purses but I know what want and love what I have.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I can't use a regular crossbody either - it puts too much pressure on my shoulder, triggering a migraine, and I don't even carry a lot with me. Someone introduced me to the Patagonia Atom Sling several years ago, and I've been using it ever since because I love it so much. I forget how much it was (I think ~$60), but to me it's worth every penny because it's so durable and has just the right amount and kind of space I need. I think my mom needs to invest in something just a little more long-lasting, though, because the straps on the purses she gets keep breaking on her, sometimes within a few weeks of getting them (she refuses to get them anywhere but thrift stores).

[@labradorite8256]

@@SnowySpiritRuby my osteopath has told me to wear my cross body on the other shoulder and it feels weird! Might have to go back to the backpack.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@labradorite8256 Wish I could do that, but for me it triggers one no matter which shoulder the pressure is on. The Atom works great for me because when adjusted properly, the design makes it so well balanced that it doesn't feel like there's much of any pressure on my shoulder. The only thing I wish it had is the ability to be worn on either shoulder.

[@marilynrafla6628]

You can cut the leather off the bag you with throw and make a journal cover. You would need leather needle or leather hole puncher and loop in leather thread or macrame thread and habe the kids do it as a craft for their first journal. The minimal mom inspired me to try a crossbody wallet so you have place for your cards, keys, phone and very few coupons and thats it so the lack of space forces you not to accumulate receipts, toys...

[@tjloutzenhiser2503]

i am no way a minimalist in handbags. lol i just decluttered 84 handbags, but still have have 102. and i am keeping them. i have a teddy blake that i got around 4 years ago in grey. its a staple in the winter. love that bag. my oldest bag is my coach and its going on 35 years and still looks new. i got rid of all my target handbags and kept my high end bags. :)

[@whimzee8866]

I dont know if this is something that you would like to do with your old handbags but this is an initiative that started a few years ago here in my shire in Western Australia - each time an individual has a hand/bag to let go off - if is within your means - to put hygiene and sanitary items (esp womens personal products) and maybe a couple of pairs of socks and drop them to your local charity/homeless assist to be distributed where most needed

[@alyssalandahl24]

Definitely don't trash the candy-bag. That can be salvaged by someone if not you - especially if you love it. I always love a purse with a zipper. I'm so paranoid that stuff will fall out! Love the green purse that your mother made. The detail is quite lovely. I use one of those small backpack/purse hybrids on most days but really should downsize. I carry too much stuff as well "just in case".

[@TheMeganExperience]

The Coach bag with the damaged strap is a made for outlet bag so it's not worth trying to repair and I'd chuck but the Coach bag with the candy can 100% be cleaned and given away or sold- that's good leather! You could clean it (if you want to) by pulling out the lining like you did to show us and then spraying it with Resolve cleaner and scrubbing with a dish brush then rinsing. SUPER EASY FIX! Bare minimum- donate that one it's a really well made bag. As an aside- I would hold on to the smaller coach bag you were currently using because while that Teddy Blake bag is super cute- the straps to get into it are going to drive you crazy!

[@lauramitchell6725]

Exactly 😆

[@paige5191]

I wouldve kept that brownish orange crossover bag. I like the small crossover bag for if you're going out to a concert or fair or anything like that.

[@Elena-ed8uc]

I would offer both bags free on marketplace. Someone can just wash the candy stain and might repurpose the other bag for storing things.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

800 dollars is still way to much out of most peoples price range for a purse..... I wouldn't buy that even if I had the money it's cute but my kids need to eat amd wear clothes.

[@sct4040]

You can clean out the candy. If the bag is still in good shape, clean it. Coach can last forever. Every woman needs a tote, a dressy bag, a crossbody, a clutch, and a backpack. 5 essentials.

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

That Teddy Blake bag looks beautiful but opening and closing those two small straps is going to get old very quickly. You did an amazing job going through your purses!

[@paperlovingtwinmumkns139]

My twin girls have had their own bagpack since they could walk; had some extra clothing and diapers, prepacked snack and water bottle and some toys in it. Now, at teen age, they stil have their own bagpack and niw what they need to put in it! Also extra stuff always in the car that stays there.

[@robynw6307]

Except for work, I don't use a bag at all. My phone goes in one pocket, and my teeny tiny wallet goes in another. (I live in jeans, so no pocket issues.) I don't wear makeup or perfume, and I'm past the age of needing emergency sanitary items. It's soooo much easier not to have to carry a bag.

[@MalitaJones]

I carry a giant tote in the fall / winter and a basket in the spring / summer. I'm not a mom LOL, but everything that needs to leave the house goes in there. But inside is a small purse that actually goes inside places with me. I like the little system, I don't like to carry a lot of things

[@jeno264]

Someone might be okay with cleaning the stain from the black Coach bag, great declutter!!

[@gapeach51170]

Don't throw them away...someone will rescue them and use them for free. :)

[@shegoeslightly]

Erica, declutter your main keychain, they might scratch up the inside of the bag having by so many keys in it!

[@lorihogg6604]

Shoemakers also can fix and cmean purses. Donate, don't throw out

[@poodlegirl55]

Hmm I don't think I know enough dead people to keep a purse just for funerals.

[@Shepz963]

Personally I don’t think you need to keep your funeral bag, I think your regular purse or small clutch purse is perfectly fine to use, and having items that only serve a single (hopefully very rare) purpose isn’t the best use of space 🤷‍♀️

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

That bag wouldnt work for me on so many levels. I hope it works for you.

[@lindaroyal8161]

I stopped carrying an "everything" purse several years ago; only carry absolutely what's needed, just the basics. From watching minimalist and organizational channels, I incorporated a few suggestions. I have a repurposed wet wipes container, it's in the center counsel to hold all the "just in case" items we all carry in our purses; safety pins, hair ties, band aids, panty liners, dental floss, (dentist gives samples away), nail clippers, nail file, a few emergency type items, what ever your life calls for, it certainly frees up space in the purse for that "just in case may need it someday" item. I don't have kids at home any longer but I think I would have a small bag kept stocked by the door or where you hang your purse and keys and keep it stocked with some kid thinks, snacks, a few small toys, etc. Grab on the way out the door when needed. Could also keep a small tote in the car with kid stuff, a few small toys, etc.

[@LI22IEEE]

I carry a tiny black backpack, but I hate it 😂 I also have 4 other black bags. One being a giant tote style mom bag. My only child is 5 and she carries her own purse now, so I don't understand why I still feel the need to keep that giant mom bag 😂

[@3llenzinha]

Gifting your daughter a bag yourself don't want to use is dangerous. As a daughter myself, I think keeping something to give for many years will increase the chance of the bag go bad

[@minimalzebra]

I just made a quality over quantity video on my channel . Good declutter Erica and talk on quality.

[@PenniesAndSalt]

My purses are like an abyss! 😂🤣 I just recently downsized on my handbags as well.

[@amandadavis5658]

Donate the bags, a patient person may take the time to clean the melted candy out, lol. Also thank you for mentioning Carol Tuttle in your recent video, it has changed my view about my purchases and helped me clean out my closet easier! Keep up the good work!!!

[@janetbenge1246]

I went down to a small bag several years ago after everyone made fun of me for having a china plate in my bag.... I think I had a good reason, but enough was enough. Now I can't be superwoman and pull whatever is needed out of my bag. I've adjusted.

[@sewevey]

I repurpose bags for their hardware or fabric as part of my sewing business, I'm too far away as I live in the UK but it might be worth finding out if anyone does something similar near you rather than throwing out the broken ones if you're keen to keep them from landfill :) just another idea x

[@CG-gm8fe]

All the packaging with Teddy Blake would put me off for starters but i guess you didn't know about that before hand. very good timely video though.

[@EzAnderson]

I never did the Mum hand bag, I brought a $5 school backpack and used that as my nappy bag, it’s still going 4 years later 😅 pretty good for a $5 buy. It’s been used as a camping bag, a swim bag, a picnic bag and a book bag for going to the library since it was no longer a nappy bag. As for a purse 👜 I don’t have one. I’ve got my wallet and it’s big enough to fit my phone and then I put my keys in my bra or a pocket 😂 minimalist much. Also I see tampons with the applicator in your bag contents. Moving to tampons without the applicator or even a cup or reusable pads will help you cut down on the amount of rubbish 👌🏻 just another step on the minimalish journey

[@Jazzy_]

Wow! I love that purse! I don't even carry one haha... Just need my phone, chapstick, keys, and I have a small card holder that clips to my keys! Sunglasses go on my head when I go inside. Pockets are my best friend!

[@shearrermadness]

Take to a coach store and they will fix it. Sell online

[@bertholdstefanie6175]

For Field Trips, every member of our family has their own back pack and carries water bottle, sandwich, apple and the layers of clothing not in use. Everybody has shirt, fleece, wind breaker and a cap. Swimwear in summer, Hat and mittens in snow. I carry my camera and equipment - heavy but my choice. My husband carries additional food and water on longer hikes - cookies, bread, salami, cheese, fruit ... If the kids want to take a book, pocket knife, mobile, collect stones - they have their back pack. That worked from age 2.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That’s awesome!

[@emilasmith4279]

Nice! Great you got some $ for the items you sold!!!

[@Katy_living_simply]

I have never heard of someone having a funeral bag. Im positive that the families that lost someone are more preoccupied with their situation than what color of bags people are wearing... thats the oddest thing.

[@glockenrein]

I’m not even a mom but I’ve never understood tiny handbags! I want to carry an umbrella and a water bottle and it needs to fit in there. Good on you for realising you’re looking really good! Go for that waist! 💕💕

[@whatgwenloves]

So cute! I keep my purse and diaper bag by the front door both packed up. So all I do is switch my wallet over depending on which kiddo(s) I have with me and how long I'm gone for. No other bags needed, simple and easy.

[@donnajohansen5915]

I have done the same thing buying cheap. Now at almost 60. I have decided to buy better quality. Awe!!! That’s sweet to save the purses your mom made for your daughter. Great job Erica.

[@intentionallycreatingmylif2281]

I dislike all the packaging that comes with so called high end products. It is all marketing, to make us feel like it is more than it is... a bag, just a bag! As a person gradually simplifying my life, I’m very conscious of advertising in all its guises. I’m especially sceptical of ‘designer’ anything!

[@efitz3397]

Not very minimalist!

[@3boymama]

I loved your COACH bag you were using. I don't think the Teddy bag will be going to the movies anytime soon.

[@pameehanson1764]

I had a tote under my bed with handbags 😱 When I started this journey I started giving away purses to friends and family and decided to do a final purge. Yeah the tote is empty and I have the purses I like and use. I have not bought a handbag in over 2 years and the ones I have are as you stated good quality. Thanks for sharing and the encouragement to keep up the decluttering process❤️

[@Cristien84]

I am struggling to find my style I really like having a backpack but sometimes I would like to have a more sophisticated style and not look like a student al the time but having a backpack is much more convenient when commuting on a bike. Tips?

[@glockenrein]

My mum has a very sleek single strap leather backpack (it’s worn cross body) and it looks quite elegant but has all the advantages of a backpack.

[@cerridwenrowan]

Purses/handbags were where I started decluttering. Handbags and shoes were my "thing" when I was younger. I had handbag and shoes to match and compliment every outfit I owned. I now have 3....or rather 2 and a small backpack. Most of the shoes have gone too. I started downsizing here before I even considered decluttering my home

[@jessie9653]

I made a deal with myself when I started decluttering, if I got rid of everyone of my handbags I would treat myself to 1 Louis Vuitton small minimalist style purse. Best thing I ever did 😊

[@kristinestocker]

I'm so glad you kept the date night bag after all. I thought you might regret parting with that one.

[@ruthlloyd1163]

The coach bag with the broken strap, i would trash. The one with the candy could be cleaned, I’d donate it.

[@kristinesharp6286]

There might be a repair for the strap.

[@carolynturnerclark9287]

I thought Coach will fix it for free?

[@kristinesharp6286]

They sometimes do.

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@carolynturnerclark9287 I just googled it and there is a number..

[@labradorite8256]

@@kristinesharp6286 I was going to say a cobbler may be able to do something with it. Love my cobbler!!

[@cindyh2733]

Hey Erica...love your content 😍 A great way that has helped me to organize my purse is to use the Travlon 3-pc packing squares (they are 22 on Amazon I usually can find at Marshalls or Home Goods for like 10) It's a great way to keep things organized. I have like 3 sets and use a couple of the smaller ones in my purse. Yes I agree a nice quality bag or piece of clothing that is timeless can last for years. I have a few "timeless" tops that still look great and one I even bought at a second hand store..win win.

[@somegal09]

Glad you kept the cross body!

[@janekemp8520]

Erica, for better bags with issues such as your Coach bags, you need to take them to the cobblers! The fixes are inexpensive!

[@xylindria9077]

Some dry cleaners also have tailors. I had a leather dog leash fixed. Not coach 😏 but still good quality useful item.

[@kirbyw.3451]

I have a summer purse and a winter purse. I also have five old purses that are in good shape that I keep in a small box at the top of the closet in case I feel nostalgic.

[@macdonoughdot]

Coach guarantees their bags,call them to see if they will fix it

[@susancooper2478]

Two fun ways to re purpose bags: doorstops (fill with sand), or pot plants. Of course, it depends on your deco vibe 😏

[@closetplayimage]

Give those bags away. A cobbler can replace the tote handle, and someone can wash out the lining of the candy bag! YES! Buying quality costs less than buying cheap. I teach my clients how to create a wardrobe budget, discover/uncover their unique style (one of their spiritual gifts), and plan and build a wardrobe that works for their lifestyle, values AND budget. I’d love to talk with you about your journey! I’ve enjoyed watching you grow this past year.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Thank you for reminding me to clear out my handbags !! They have all been shoved inside a large tote bag. Sooooo. . . . . I’m guessing I can let them go. 😂

[@bethlarson2246]

Ahhhh, this is where I’m at, the search for the ultimate purse! I’ve always loved bags and purses! I’ve decluttered most of my bags and purses and would like to have only 1 purse that I use everyday. My kids are in high school and college so I don’t need the mom purse. It can’t be too deep or things get lost in the bottom. It has to have some structure and have lots of pockets, preferably a crossbody strap and top handles, not too expensive but not “cheap”.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

I wish I had your confidence lol.... I would never get on youtube.......

[@ivonafiri9269]

I have one black fancy bag. Rest are cheap everyday bags that I don't mind if my kids stuff spill or stick in it. 2 tots (1 summer, 1 winter), 2 cross body bags also summer and winter and 1 backpack that looks fancy, not sporty.

[@rebeccasargent1795]

Lovely bag from Teddy Blake...I have 3 bags...my everyday bag which is a cross body style in tan/brown...a black bag...and a black clutch for very special occassions...and when they wear out...I buy only to replace them

[@nicholemaclean1888]

I have to laugh, you’re stuffing coupons into a 700.00 dollar purse 😂 it’s so nice to have a quality, beautiful purse, enjoy 😊

[@springbird21]

I’m working toward minimalism for the last 4 years; have a ways to go, BUT! When I went to Europe 24 years ago, I eliminated a big purse for a small crossbody purse & eliminated so much & never looked back! I stopped carrying a wallet, brush, comb, makeup except for lipstick, etc. To this day, I wear small purses... BUT! I own a Lot of purses! Definitely need to pare down!!!!! Thanks, Erica!

[@PenniesAndSalt]

I love the new bag! 😍

[@lorenet.2182]

Whenever I hear mom bag I think of the movie One Fine Day with Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney. She has this monster bag that has everything!! When my kids were little I started carrying a very small bag that I could cram inside the diaper bag. I keep going back to a small bag enough for a card case, lipstick, comb, pen, small pad and folder for receipts.

[@helazemni1683]

To the Bonbon Bag, just throw it in the washmashine and wash it with wool sensetiv programm and shampoo. I promise you it will be good and clean. 👍🏻❤️

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Ummm... there are people who refurbish coach purses. Just because you don't see a purpose for it doesn't mean others dont....my sahm friend literally makes her money getting old purses and cleaning them up amd reselling tjem

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Wait . Hold up. Did you say you have a purse specifically for funerals? 🤔. 🤨. I’m not a hater just confused. I’ve been following you for a while and this seems like just the opposite of where you’ve been moving toward. I know things are assessed in layers so I certainly don’t want to push you into a place you’re not going. And if you’re happy, I’m ecstatic for you!!! You’re probably saying “ hey lady, I got rid of 7 bags already !!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@alisonmartin6844]

Goodwill wouldn’t stick them I. The trash. I’ve seen worse at GW, unless you’re local ones are different.

[@catfish9539]

😂😂 can’t get rid of the funeral bag!, my daughter is nearly 6 but she still expects me to produce toys, colouring and snacks!! I couldn’t carry that little! I have reusable shopping and produce bags and adult and child utensils, a pen, tissue and an array of other joyous pieces!