Easy & Affordable Handbag Storage

At one time, I had LOTS of handbags.  You see, I was always searching for a handbag that met my need for interior organization, exterior appeal, and the look of expense without the big price tag.  For awhile, I even sewed my own.  However, it was always a losing game.  I would initially love the bag, then quickly lose interest as my hunt continued.  Pretty soon I was drowning in purses of every size and color, and lamenting that nothing really satisfied me.  Plus, I got tired of changing bags to "match" my outfits.

Enter the concept of "Capsule" dressing.  If you're not familiar, it's where you have a few key pieces that are the backbone of your wardrobe and you add coordinating pieces.  It's really one of those advanced math problems:  If Mikki has 7 tops, 5 bottoms, 6 pairs of shoes, and 3 handbags, how many different outfits can she wear without repeating? (Answer = 630 combos!)  So... I sold most of my errant collection to ThredUp (not affiliated) and decided to invest in a few quality pieces that would serve my needs and my wardrobe thoughtfully.

The problem then became the care of each purse so that it would be an investment as well as a serviceable piece.  Since they didn't come with cover bags I decided to sew my own, UNTIL I came across these silk pillowcases from the Dollar Tree!  My mind started churning, and my excitement built until I realized that I could easily use these to cover and
hold each bag with minimal investment in time and dollar.  I
also purchased 2 packages of thick black hair bands from the Dollar Tree as a "tie" for top.  I knew at home I had a package of key tags leftover from a key organization project and they would easily slide onto the ties, telling me what was in each bag.  Add my P-Touch label maker and in 30 minutes my bags were organized and safe.

Key tags can be found here: Amazon
Similar P-Touch Label Maker here: Amazon

I simply opened the pillowcase and placed the purse inside.  I folded down the pillowcase opening (inside the case) until I could gather it up to form a closed top that resembled a "flower" if you will.  I used the hair tie to close it shut and added the key label for the bag inside.  It went from this...

To this...

It was like angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus!

I purchased a few extra pillowcases JUST in case (wink wink) I have a few new additions to my now organized collection.  I have a real affinity for Kate Spade handbags with matching wallets, however, I live close to an outlet where I can purchase them for discounted prices because I ALWAYS hit a 70% off sale.  I like a handbag that is similar to a Birken style (WAYYYYYY out of my price league) and Kate Spade seems to always fit the bill for me.

Here's a photo of the the key tag around my Kate Spade Cognac (color) bag.

I also have an extra tag ready for the handbag that I am currently using.  When I trade that bag out it will be ready for it's storage bag as well.

The Dollar Tree has several styles of silk pillowcases, ranging from plain colors like white and black, to patterns like the mine and even colorful ones.  You could even mix it up if that's your preference.  They can be found near the kitchen towels and potholders.  My total investment for this project was $10 (8 cases and 2 hair tie packets) and I used 6 tags at 18 cents each = $1.08.  GRAND TOTAL = $11.08

I looked up purchasing bags separately from Amazon.  They were around $4-5 each which would have cost around $30-$40 for my small collection.  They were also a boring beige and there was no way to label them without getting creative.  I'll take my project over them anytime.

You know...because I like to break the rules!