• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Fashion » Bags » Have you ever complimented a stranger on their bag or accessories?

Have you ever complimented a stranger on their bag or accessories?

February 24, 2013 Paris B 47 Comments

nice bag
  • Save

One day, while sitting in queue minding my own business, a flash of bright yellow caught my eye and made me look up from the book I was reading. There, not 2 feet away from me was someone wearing the prettiest, brightest yellow satchel I’d ever seen in a sombre working environment and for some reason, it made me smile.

In a sea of black and grey bags (mine included), a bright yellow leather one was like a breath of sunshine in a stuffy room. It made sitting in a neverending queue just that little bit more bearable. It tugged at my wallet reminding me not so gently that hey, I don’t have a bag in a colour that bright or that cheery. (I have to remedy it!)

At the same time, I wanted to tell the lady that I liked her bag, it looked absolutely gorgeous and that she had excellent taste. But I didn’t and I sort of regretted it. Have you complimented a stranger on their bag or accessories before?

I haven’t gone up to a stranger to tell them that their bag looks lovely, or that their accessories caught my eye. I would usually admire from afar but that’s about that. Sometimes, if its just someone walking past, I could hardly reach out, grab them by their arm and say “Hey, nice bag!”

Although, if I come to think of it, why shouldn’t I? Granted, they could turn out to have a black belt in taekwondo and throw me over their shoulder thinking I was trying to rob or pickpocket them, but on the other hand, it might just make a stranger’s day, knowing that someone noticed their bag 🙂

Have you ever complimented a stranger on their bag or accessories? Have you been complimented by a stranger?

While I haven’t done so, I will the next time. The next time I see a stranger with a bag that makes me smile and fills my dreary day with sunlight and brightness, I will stop them and tell them that I love their choice and taste. I haven’t been at the receiving end, but who’s to say it won’t spark a chain reaction? 🙂 So, lady with the lovely yellow satchel, if you are reading this and noticed someone eyeing your bag covetously, rest assured that it was purely in lust and admiration at your excellent choice and some day, I’ll tell you that! 😉 Now please excuse me while I go drool over a bright yellow satchel and check my funds 😉

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

1 Share
  • Facebook 1
  • Twitter
47 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: NEW! Estee Lauder Cyberwhite HD goes High Definition and introduces a BB Balm
NEXT POST: Guerlain Blush G Sakura like the Cherry Blossom, heralds the beginning of Spring

47 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Sukie says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:48 am

    I have done so before! Usually doing it locally will garner me ‘the eye’ from whoever I’m complimenting but when I do so abroad people are usually friendlier and even let me in on where they bought their accessories! I’m thick-skinned that way :p

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      Haha I think we’re a naturally suspicious lot 😉 I will try giving a compliment or two and see how it goes down here. I suspect half the time its just that unexpected surprised thrill that someone actually noticed what they were wearing/using. I know that’s how I’d feel 😀

      Reply
  2. Tine @ Beautyholics Anonymous says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:50 am

    I haven’t done that in Malaysia, I think, but have done it many times here in Australia. I didn’t think of doing so (didn’t know it’s “allowed”) until a stranger complimented me on what I was wearing once. Felt really good 🙂 Slowly I started to compliment other strangers too, on their hair, and clothes, bags and shoes (I compliment shoes quite often :-P). It’s nice to know other people appreciate pretty things too 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      What goes around comes around, right? 😀 I think I’m going to start doing it and see how people react. It’ll be an interesting social experiment 😉

      Reply
  3. Catherine says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:51 am

    I very often think ‘omg she has amazing bag’ but I never said anything. Im very shy person and I always think I might bother them or they will think I want to steal it/distract them. Personally I caught many ladies staring at my bags but these werent ‘oh so pretty, you r so lucky’ kind of stares, these are ‘who does she think she is’.

    Even when looking at someones else bag I try to do it discreetly even if it was alligator Birkin with diamonds… Sigh… Such a beauty!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      I do exactly what you do, Catherine. Admire from afar as I don’t normally go up to strangers. Must be all that drilling from young about not talking to strangers LOL! 😀 Also, I know what you mean about people thinking we want to steal/distract them because its such a common tactic isn’t it? I might do it in a social setting but not e.g. on a train or walking along the road where it would look more suspicious.

      Reply
  4. Sharon says

    February 24, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I have not done so, but I had a few encounters, one of them was – a bunch of girls approached me in Orchard (Singapore) asking me where did I get my nice shoes from?
    The feeling was not bad. Maybe I should try doing this…

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      I’m sure it feels lovely to know that others noticed the pretty things you were wearing! Now its time to pass it on and make someone else happy 😀

      Reply
  5. JLh says

    February 24, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Oh yes! have done so in the past and still would do so whenever my eye catches something really wonderful be it on bags, shoes , accessories or the make up they wear , and most of the time people are somewhat elated by the compliments , but except for one instance when i was sitting beside a guy who was smelling so heavenly , and i was like sniffing him discreetly. How i wish i have the guts to ask him what perfume he was wearing that time.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Haha! Thanks for sharing your experience! I know what you mean about perfumes. Sometimes, its what strikes me first and its always a little awkward asking a stranger what perfume they’re wearing, as opposed to an accessory. I’ve only asked a stranger once what blush she was wearing and she seemed quite happy about it 😀

      Reply
  6. Megan says

    February 24, 2013 at 11:32 am

    “…Now please excuse me while I go drool over a bright yellow satchel and check my funds” Oh, you made me smile, girl! 🙂

    I do think it is a good idea to freely tell anybody what you think about their bags, shoes or clothes. It will certainly flatter the other person and you will also feel good about yourself for.. well, telling what you feel and making the other person special.

    Stay beautiful everyone! 😉

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 24, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      That’s how I feel too, so I will be doling out the compliments next time 🙂

      Reply
  7. Sam says

    February 24, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    I always do! I think it makes the other person feel good and it’s always nice to be appreciated, we don’t do it enough in our society!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:08 pm

      You, Sam are absolutely correct! A change starts with us yes? Maybe it’ll make our world a better place if everyone says something nice about another 🙂

      Reply
  8. LeGeeque says

    February 24, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    I’m super kepohchi and would always compliment strangers especially wait staff. They really do thankless jobs and I try to find something genuinely nice about them to compliment them. I know if I was in their shoes, it would definitely make my day 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:10 pm

      You know, you’re right. I don’t think I’d be complimenting any of the waiters at the local mamak or hawker stall soon, but I’d definitely bear it in mind to try to make their day 😉

      Reply
  9. S. Drama&Makeup says

    February 24, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    This post is so funny because I always receive tons of compliments when I use my neon green satchel, I’ve even been stopped more than once to have my picture taken 😀
    I like complimenting strangers about their accessories if I like them, nobody really expects it and I think that, in most cases, they’re going to be happy about it.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:11 pm

      Woohoo, S you are a superstar! Or maybe your satchel is hehe… I love the idea of a neon green satchel. Maybe I should look for one too!

      Reply
      • S. Drama&Makeup says

        February 28, 2013 at 4:35 am

        Definitely my satchel hahahaha

        Reply
  10. Sofia says

    February 24, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    Hi Paris! In the middle of a cold wave (which we are going through another one now, its freezing) some young ladies have stopped me and complimented me on my UGGS boots.. now they’re not exactly the most elegant boots in the world, so I didn’t know if it was a compliment or ironic! When I do wear gorgeous shoes, when I walk along the street I do notice lots of women eyeing them 🙂 Later when you do stop a stranger to compliment them, please tell us!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      Hi Sofia! I bet they were jealous that your feet were lovely and warm! 😀 I’ve always had an irrational want for ugg boots. I know, I must be mad in our weather. Doesn’t stop me wanting though heh. I will most certainly try to compliment someone the next time and maybe I’ll blog about it then too!

      Reply
  11. yee says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Psst Paris! Bright colored satchels! Seller’s based in Singapore if I’m not mistaken.
    http://www.foppishinc.com/cambridge-satchel.html

    A friend ordered one (leather version, not PU) from the site above in oxblood and it is simply gorgeous! Looks like yours but with a handle on top, and I can’t get my hands off it whenever I see said friend hehe. They have traditional buckles though…but I know that you love them! Seems sturdy as well? Am currently lusting over the classic brown one!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:18 pm

      Hi Yee, thanks for the link! Gosh! They really do look like the Cambridge Satchel bags! :O nice to know that they’re pretty affordable too 🙂

      Reply
      • yee says

        February 28, 2013 at 11:01 pm

        I sent them an email earlier this week…they said preorders are temporarily on hold due to factories closing for CNY and should resume in early March. And I asked if they were sourced from China. She said their designs are stocked from all over but some designs do come from China.

        Here’s what it looks like from the side if anyone’s interested 🙂
        http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1250/photo3lj.jpg

        Reply
  12. Jyoan says

    February 24, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    I had before. And I have also got compliments from random strangers many times before, on all things from T-shirt, to bag, to just overall look.

    But honestly, I think it’s really awkward. I appreciate, I really do, haha, who doesn’t like hearing good things. But I realise the people approach will give me the shocked look. And I also tend to give people the shocked look when approach from nowhere.

    So I have held back my compliments many times, just to avoid shocking someone. haha, yeah, maybe next time, I should pluck up the courage again!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:21 pm

      Haha I think most of us would be shocked too. It’s just society these days. We don’t talk much anymore. Even standing in queue, we’d rather play with our phones so a compliment out of nowhere can be a bit unnerving. But of genuine, does make you happy right? Maybe do as some others have suggested and compliment them if they are sitting next to you but not grab them on the street and tell them they have nice shoes. They may think you’re out to get them! Lol

      Reply
  13. Rin says

    February 24, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    Hi Paris ^^ I’ve done it before but maybe just 2 or 3 times. Sometimes I really like what they are wearing but don’t have that much guts to compliment them thinking they might feel I have a motive or something. I’ve received a few compliments before on my perfume. I’ve noticed that all those compliments (from ladies) were made whenever I’m wearing Burberry perfume. I own a few from Burberry & some others (guilty as charged :p) because I love Burberry on me. At that moment, I felt good~ Thanks to those who complimented me 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:22 pm

      I know what you mean, Rin! If someone were to compliment me, I’d wonder what their motive was too! Guess were so jaded these days lol! Which Burberry scent do you get complimented on most? I used to like Burberry Brit 🙂

      Reply
      • Rin says

        February 28, 2013 at 8:42 pm

        The most~ Burberry Brit 🙂

        Reply
  14. yambasket says

    February 24, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    A few years ago, a girl complimented me on my (what I thought were) very cool shoes. Totally rocked my day. Still makes me smile. So I’ve decided to just tell strangers I love their stuff and it makes (most of) them happy 😀 And if they seem friendly you can ask them where they got their stuff too hehee!
    Actually I just complimented a lady I didn’t know on the train yesterday – I told her I loved her dress and her hair! I also asked her where she got her dress from and she told me. So now I have a new place to shop 😀 (I’m from “next door” SG btw ^_^)
    A lot of women do enjoy receiving compliments from other women so don’t be shy!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:24 pm

      Hi neighbor! 😉 that’s such a nice story! A compliment can totally make our day can’t it? I’m going to pay someone a compliment the next time I see them wear something I like. As you said, I might even learn of a new shopping place! 😀

      Reply
  15. Jennifer says

    February 24, 2013 at 11:50 pm

    I have done it before. Lol. Usually while waiting for my turn at the fitting room where the mirror is strategically placed outside the room. Sometimes some people try on their clothes and walk out to take a peek. Other times would be shoes stores where some ladies looked stunning with heels too high for my own good. Once I was at Clarks trying on a pair of heels. Coincidentally another lady was also waiting to try for her pair similar to mine. She complimented me. It does bright up one’s shopping outing since I’m a lone shopper. Of course sometimes you get shy or awkward stare for complimenting. But compliments and good thought are always free of charge. Lol.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:26 pm

      Aww you’re so sweet (and brave) to compliment others! I like shopping alone too. I get more done than if I were shopping with someone else 🙂 and you’re right, a good word is free. We shouldn’t be so stingy! 😉

      Reply
  16. lisa says

    February 25, 2013 at 9:03 am

    unless, unless, unless the person is ‘next’ to me else it’s unlikely i will walk up to compliment. I had before a lady who walked up to me to compliment my top i was wearing and it sort of gave me an initial shock but i appreciated her compliments later. Another time i was standing next to a stranger for a while and she complimented on my bag and i found it less “threatening” and was happy to share with her where i got it etc…

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:39 pm

      I think you’re right. If someone came up to me on purpose to tell me they liked my dress, I’d be very wary and think they were out to scam me for something. If its someone in the queue or sitting next to me, I would be less apprehensive but probably just as worried it was a scam! Lol

      Reply
  17. Victoria says

    February 25, 2013 at 10:13 am

    There have been many times where I have seen strangers with lovely bags, clothes, accessories, perfume, etc and have not had the guts to compliment them for fear of sounding offensive or just plain kepoh. I guess its an Asian thing to be reserve on this matter? Maybe the next time I am in this situation, I will try to be more daring and compliment the stranger. LOL.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 3, 2013 at 10:07 pm

      I think its an Asian thing and also a societal thing. We would tend to be wary if someone were to approach us out of the blue. That said, there’s nothing wrong with taking the first step and making someone else’s day 😀

      Reply
  18. Nikki says

    February 25, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I have stalked a couple PB! lol here and abroad! With regard to complimenting, maybe once! but the reason why I can’t compliment the others is because we were either going up or down the escalator (which isn’t the right time for short talk) or the person was walking in front of me! I do give compliments if the chances are there! (what a snob!) lol! 😀

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 3, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Lol!! Can you imagine shouting up or down the escalator that you like their dress? Hehe

      Reply
  19. Sze Ling says

    February 25, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    I haven’t done that before. BUT, I think I should, with the hope that it would bring a smile to the other person’s face. =) I know I would be super duper happy if some stranger compliments my accessories.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 3, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      What goes around, comes around Sze Ling so its time to take the first step! 😉

      Reply
  20. beetrice says

    February 25, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Funnily enough, I feel more comfortable doing it in the UK/ Australia compared to in Spore or Msia – I’ve given and gotten a few compliments at random over in this part of the world, but somehow it just doesn’t feel the same. Not sure why…maybe I should make it more of a habit! 😛

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 3, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Maybe because over here, you just never know if they speak the same language lol! It would be awkward and I know I’d be a bit wary if a stranger suddenly spoke to me out of the blue, even if its a compliment 🙂

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

augustinus bader cream

I tried the Augustinus Bader The Cream with TFC8 and The Rich Cream to see if it really lives up to the hype

beauty of Joseon radiance cleansing balm

Getting your clean on with the affordable Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

murad retinal resculpt overnight treatment

Kicking up the potency of retinoid serums with the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Serum

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

The pup & I celebrating birthdays within weeks of The pup & I celebrating birthdays within weeks of each other 😁 Kiddo turns 4 and celebrated with specially made doggy burgers & fries.

I got him in early Jan 2020 so he’s only been with me less than 4 years but it’s been incredible to see how he’s grown (or not), and how he’s slowly mellowed with age (or not!). He’s still that crazy rambunctious puppy who terrorises other dogs, begging them to play and barking at them when they don’t. He’s a greedy fella who makes me think I’m the greatest chef in the world (in the dog world maybe!) and he still gets crazy eyes when excited. 

But I’ve also found more white hair around his eyes and he sleeps in more and later now. He doesn’t even get up early enough to jump onto the bed as he used to 😔

4 years is practically adulthood in doggy years and I’m thankful that we have the opportunity to spend lots of time together even if I bemoan having to bring him everywhere I go. 

Happy 4 years boy ❤️
I just scraped out the last bit of this @sundayril I just scraped out the last bit of this @sundayriley CEO Vitamin C cream and only just had time and energy to blog about it 😅 I think I’ll look for a Holiday set to replenish 😇

On the blog mywomenstuff.com

#ontheblog #sundayriley #vitaminccream #sephoramy #parisbmws
Milestone! ☺️ We just started retailing our d Milestone! ☺️

We just started retailing our dog treats @quandogtreats at our first offline outpost! We’re available exclusively at Lex’s Patio Pantry @lexpatiopantry, a brand new cosy spot in the heart of Bangsar. 

Housed at the base of Kapas Condominium, (enter from Jalan Penaga), you’ll find the brand new Lex’s Patio Pantry, a curated grocer with pantry staples and a little cafe set up offering breakfast and lunch. It’s a lovely spot that is quiet and green, filled with all sorts of wonderful goodies, and is best of all, pet friendly! Scroll to the end to see what my efforts are like trying to get a photo with the kid 😒

This explains my lack of updates generally. Been very busy preparing for this, and amazingly enough, moving operations again! It’s a long sucky story but it might have just turned out for the best for us so as they say about windows opening and closing, sometimes you just have to go with the flow and look for the open window when doors close.

P/s yes I also need a haircut - badly 😅
When you finish stuff and remember to keep the emp When you finish stuff and remember to keep the empty bottles so you can write about them 😂 On the blog mywomenstuff.com
Luxury knows no bounds! Feeling privileged to ha Luxury knows no bounds! 

Feeling privileged to have tried these creams from @augustinusbader and I hate to say that I really enjoyed using them. So I won’t say it but I want to 😅

Review on the blog! Mywomenstuff.com 

Thanks for letting me try them @kensapothecary 

#augustinusbader #augustinusbaderrichcream #kensapothecary
Who uses cleansing balm? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Tried Who uses cleansing balm? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Tried this one from Beauty of Joseon. Very affordable! Esp when it’s on sale. Worth taking a look 😊

#beautyofjoseon #beautyofjoseonmalaysia #beautyofjoseoncleansingbalm #cleansingbalm #kbeauty #koreanskincare #budgetskincare #parisbmws
Load More Follow on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved