I saw a lovely croc skin handbag by Rosetti New York today. It came in black and white but by the time I was ready to purchase the white one (which I’d initially wanted), it was gone. I’m debating whether it’s really worth getting the black one or sticking around and waiting for another white one to pop up.

At the moment, I have a small pink tote and my everyday brown hobo bag (which I used throughout autumn). I also have a small black tote, which I don’t really like and plan to eBay or give away. So, my intended purpose for this faux croc skin bag in question would be to complement my winter coat (which has a busy purple/light pink/brown pink). The black one, I found, added a lot of credibility to my outfit and was muted enough not to stand out. The white one though seemed to bring out the cutting of the bag and I thought it might be a good summer bag too. (The only problem is that white bags can probably seem washed out when one wears lighter colours during summer.)

Which colour should I go with?

First, I guess I would want to know if there will be more of the white one available—if not, that makes it a lot easier :). That being said, here’s what I would consider:

If it’s supposed to be a summer bag anyway, I would happily go with the white. If it brings out the form of the bag (which is just as important as the color) then it will look fab no matter what you wear it with—I wouldn’t really worry about it being washed out.

If, however, the real intent of the bag is to go with your winter coat, I would soley consider which looks best. Is it a white that can be worn in the winter? (this can depend in great part where exactly you live and carry this bag, as well as how you feel about winter/white, which I personally have no issue with, but that’s just me). If the black truly works best with your winter coat, and this is to be your winter bag, than I would go with that.

All that being said, if you initially loved the white best and can afford to pick it up and still have enough to get something for your winter bag, I would totally wait for the white. I’m always just a little disappointed when I settle for the one I could get rather than that one I REALLY loved . . . .

Hope that helps . . .

I found a picture of the bag online: http://www.strandbags.com.au/site/catalogue/handbags/Tote/Jun08-3048743

Mmm, I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a summer bag. Although it’s winter in Australia now, the summer trends in North America are so infectious that I’m already thinking of my summer wardrobe. So, while this bag is to go with my winter coat, I’d use it in summer too.

I’ve been doing some research and a lot of sites talk about how white bags are high maintenance, because dirt shows up easily on the white. I’m told the material is vinyl, if it makes any difference to how dirt marks stay on it…

I wouldn’t mind going with the black, I guess--it really complete my outfit. The white bag, on the other hand, popped against the busy pattern of my coat. I called another outlet and they have a white version available--which I’ve put on hold. I would really like the white bag, and I wouldn’t mind the black bag. But I want as much use as I can get out of this and if white shows age easily, then maybe it’s not a very good option.

What are your experiences with white bags? Can you rely on them for everyday use while being able to keep up with the maintenance?

You have used brown hobo bag?  Is this the kind of bag you have used? Where can I get such hobo bags?
Can you post pics of those croc bags, so that it will be easier for members to suggest. But, I do go along with the summer trend of hot white.

LesFex, no, that’s not quite like the brown hobo bag I have. I live in Australia, and I got the bag at a discount outlet of Tablet Eight.

The croc skin bag I want is here: http://www.strandbags.com.au/site/catalogue/handbags/Tote/Jun08-3048743 :D

Hiya,

I have finally reset my password! Anyhow, I agree with Angela, I’d go for the white bag, esp if the color enhances the shape. I wouldn’t worry too much about washout. And like her, I have no problem with winter white. You also say you don’t like the black bag you have all that much. Sometimes I like a bag in a certain color but then I don’t like it in black. Weird, and just me. So I would say don’t just grab black because everyone says it’s chic. If it’s not you, then it’s not chic! Go with your gut and get what you know you like. There will always be another black bag coming down the pike.

hope that helps.

Well, after great deliberation, I decided to go with the black faux croc skin handbag. After re-evaluating my handbag collection, I realised that my silver clutch and pink tote would suffice for spring bags and that this black bag would look good regardless of season. On the other hand, after trying on the white bag with my winter coat, it seemed too bright and it overpowered the colourfyk pattern of my coat.

Thanks for the advice anyway! I certainly had to weigh this one out! :D (I swear, I am completely incapable of impulse buying. I need to thoroughly research an item before I decide that I want it. That seems to be good for my budget so far though!)

Sounds like you made a good choice! Being deliberative is good, for the budget and you know you got what you wanted. Enjoy!