Sunglasses: Miu Miu; Top: Bare Anthology; Jeans: Topshop; Shoes: Zara
By now, you may have noticed that bags don’t really make an appearance in my pictures. The reason for this, quite simply, is that I’m not a bag person. I know, ‘sacrilege!’, you must be thinking. And though I fear my fashion blogging license may be revoked, it’s the truth.
The reasons are many-fold. First off, at my core, I’m all about practicality. If you ever bump into me on the streets, chances are, I’m carrying either a backpack or a small Marc Jacobs cross body (circa 2009). I usually work out of cafes, and while I could carry my laptop in a Saint Laurent tote, I much prefer the comfort of a backpack. I’ve done the whole tote thing, and the shoulder-pain just isn’t worth it. When I’m not carrying a backpack, I like the convenience of throwing my essentials in a tiny crossbody and running out the door.
Then, there’s the issue of commitment. If I’m spending $2000+ on a bag, it better be the one. Not necessarily the only one, but one that I won’t get tired of. The problem is that a great bag always becomes an it-bag, and subsequently, everyone owns it. I considered buying the Chloe Faye or Drew, but grew wary of seeing it in every nook and corner of social media.
Most importantly, however, it boils down to priorities. As much as I love fashion, I value experiences over material things. Which means that when I have to pick, I always, always choose a plane ticket over a designer bag. The way I see it, I have my whole life to buy handbags. But being in my 20s with the freedom to go wherever I want won’t last forever. I want to make the most of this time by traveling to my heart’s content.
This isn’t to say that I won’t buy bags. It’s just that the handbag I choose (not unlike a boyfriend) needs to be one worth making scarifies for.
Omg! How I wish I was more like you!
I wish I was not that obsessed with bags because not only do they cost a small fortune they always make me want more.
You are so lucky that you get to travel so much and that is exactly what your 20s are for!
Maybe it is because I am older that I obsess with bags😂🙈
True that! You will make better experiences in travelling than in buying those expensive bags at this point in time. Bags can wait!! haha. Lovely post. Happy Exploring the world!
Love
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/knit-knotted-front-midi-skirt/
Such true words and I can totally relate to them 😉 Even though I’m a big fan of Gucci bags right now, I just cant sacrifice a designer bag over a holiday (worth 3-4 weeks going to paradise) , so I would also always choose the plane ticket 🙂 Anyways, hopefully in the future I might be able to indulge in both haha ♥
xxx
Tina
http://styleappetite.com
Hi siffat!
I myself would choose a plane ticket over a handbag any day or a new camera/tech instead. Tho I love your Gucci Donald Duck loafers!
Great read!
Xxxxx
Darlene
http://www.thenewgirl.me
I get your reasoning. You could say the same thing for shoes. Usually people are either shoe people or bag people. I own a lot of bags and you’ll see them in my photos, but I am more of a shoe person. Granted, you can’t get away with not wearing shoes in your photos, lol, but you can be selective. I would take a plane ride over accessories any day (just got back from Jamaica). But for me, I’d rather spend my money on travel (and shoes and bags) over makeup or jewelry. I do not splurge on those things, lol.
I love this post! Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts on this. I often feel bad, seeing tons of fashion bloggers with bags that cost more than my rent. But I relate more to your perspective of using that money for travel!
Xoxo
Serene
YAAASSS – I love this post Siffat.
6 years ago i got a Louis Vuitton. I made that it wasn’t a common one, because like you, I hate wearing the same thing as every other blogger. Isn’t the purpose of a fashion blogger to curate cute original outfits for your readers!? But I haven’t purchased a designer handbag since because my big splurges are also dedicated to plane tickets, hotels and experiences.
So refreshing to hear this coming from a fashion blogger!!
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
Awww thanks for sharing this! I feel the same way!! My bags are usually no more than $50! I always choose travel instead 🙂
I’m the same way darling! Nothing like being comfortable. I also love cross body bags and backpacks!
Adela
http://www.hautespark.com
I am a totally opposite to you – I can’t imagine not having a bag with me. However, I know what you mean about priorities. I definitely prefer experiences over material things. I can’t justify spending lots of money on bags or clothes if I can invest in holidays or education.
Her Hive
Those shoes look SO cute and comfy!
I have the exact opposite problem, too many purse options!!! Lol
I’m trying to simplify. Maybe I need to take a page out of you book 🙂
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
I love that you are so candid about your thoughts. keep it up girl! PS – love that lace up pullover!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
You know what? I never noticed you wear not wearing handbags! It material as you said and not really needed on a picture as you’re always perfectly dressed and so stylish!
http://violettedaily.com
wow you look amazing<3
kiss
http://www.swisstwins.ch/
love this post! and yet it is so hard for me to not choose the bag! The struggle is real! :))) hAppy Friday! love, Mary
http://www.marypolka.com
Such a beautiful post, super gorgeous I love it!
Can we follow eachother? Let me know on my blog and I will follow back immediately xo
BLOG: GorisHelena
Such a great post, It’s really got me thinking that I didn’t ever notice that you didn’t carry a bag before I’m always just too distracted my the outfits. I just got a backpack and its life changing!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Well done! I think so many feel that they have to do everything a regular fashion blogger is doing in order to keep up. But no need to do things that aren’t a deal/priority for you! Have a lovely weekend gorgeous! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Those shoes! Love at first sight!
I’m with you girl on this one! I don’t own any designer bags and most of my bags are crossbones. After carrying a heavy backpack in grad school, I ruined my right shoulder. So it’s all about light bags for me. And I feel you on the “it bag” problem. Why spend thousands on something that you’ll be sick of by next year?
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
That is such an interesting post. You have definitely rocked your outfits that accessories hardly ever matter, or is necessary!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I love your outlook and perspective on things! I’d much rather go and do than have a bunch of designer handbags in my closet. I love memories and places the most! 🙂
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com
I love this post! So true, I have the hardest time spending a lot of money on clothes right now. Most of the time, I’d rather eat out, travel when I can and grab a few drinks with friends here or there. Love your outlook xx
http://angelebaby.com
Yassss, couldn’t agree more Siffat! I also think everything in life is a matter of priorities and splurging on the one item that a thousand other people have doesn’t really do it for me. Give me a nice restaurant, a trip or a nice experience. I still love my bags, but they are comfy, inexpensive and I usually wear them until they fall apart 😉
Happy week, dearest!
Saida | She talks Glam
This is such a different perspective! I honestly have been feeling the pressure to add more bags to my looks purely to add some sort of extra detail, to give something else to comment about and to fill the frame. However, I often feel some pressure to have a new bag, not just one of the few that I have. I regularly rotate about three, but for the most part the others I own are brought out for an occasion, event or photo shoot only. Mostly due to their lighter fabric which could mark easily and because they were expensive. Having said that though, my most luxurious designer purchase was from four years ago and I still love it and use it every month. I do not get how some bloggers seem to have a new bag that cost more than $1500 all the time. How do they do it?!! I would rather spend that money on travel or things for our home I guess.
Each to their own I guess. I do loan some designer bags to add into my shoots from time to time, so one could think I was the same. But I definitely could not afford them myself!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com