My favorites are Michael Kors and Kate Spade. My daughter loves Marc Jacobs. I used to be a Coach fanatic, but they are so heavy. I was never into the logo bags, just classic leather for me. If I was rich, I would buy a Balenciaga. They are amazing bags.

I am lucky to have numerous outlet malls nearby which carry all the great purses. I once got a huge brown leather Coach tote at the Coach outlet for $79.00. The retail was about $450. I still have it, and use it when I travel.

Vintage Coach and new or vintage Louis Vuitton (you will have to spend more than you are planning for new) would both serve you well. If you have any interest in LV, go to one of their stores and spend some time getting to know the bags. They usually have marvelous customer service and will be happy to wait on you.

In the $300 range I would probably look for a gorgeous vintage alligator or crocodile bag. I've also seen some beautiful bags on etsy but searching there is such a pain!

I will second Allison's advice about Prada- shockingly poor quality.

I hope you have fun shopping!

In my mind I picture something buttery soft with classic lines and easily organizable on the interior. As $300 is not exactly chump change for me, it would have to be something that would transcend seasons and last for awhile. I really don't know where to even start my search though ... Thoughts? Suggestions?

Surprised no one mentioned my favorite- B Makowsky. He has the softest buttery leather.

This is my next bag - B.Makowsky Glove Leather Slouchy Hobo Bag with Stud Accents

I just bought this one in the rose color & it's beautiful! B. Makowsky Glove Leather Large Satchel

B.Makowsky Glove Leather Pocket Shopper w/ChainDetail & Case looking at the Cappuchino- comes with a make up case

I have this one in ballet pink- bought it in June; I've been using it up until last week when I moved into my rose bag. It has a middle divider. B. Makowsky Glove Leather Hobo Bag w/ Front Pocket - it's on clearance- I'm probably going to buy one of each color left

For a crossbody- I have this one - bought it at TJ Maxx for $70 you don't need a wallet with it

Jerseygirl, that's how I feel about Coach too.
And I wouldn't carry something with a visible, prominent logo.
I carry a lot of fossil bags and the key doesn't bother me.
But I like that Lucky Brand bags have no visible logo at all.

Another plug for TJ Maxx. I buy most of mine there. I'm not a switcher unless it's a special occasion. I use a leather (typically hobo-style) bag fall-late spring then switch to fabric for the warm months.

Bought a bag on Shoebuy.com this year. I love it's smaller size, just wish it had more inside pockets.

I have a couple of Hobo bags (Hobo International) that I usually carry most of the time because Hobo is famous for having organization inside the bag. Can always find your phone and a pen, etc. The leather is wonderful too! Hobo wallets are the best, IMO. Anytime I find one on sale, I get one. Hobo's style isn't real trendy, so they can go with a lot of things, and they are useful to boot.

I have a LV Speedy 35 that I carry when we travel because of the size and you can fit a sweater or scarf inside if you want, but I HATE carrying it on a daily basis because everything is lost at the bottom. I have to remedy that by having things in smaller bags inside the purse-they are keeping it classic so there is no place for a phone really.

"Hello, my name is Maire, and I'm a purseaholic."
As a recovering purse addict I feel your pain and pleasure. I've been there too .....totes, duffels, satchels, hobos, clutches, shoulder bags, crossbody, organizers, everything short of a backpack.

I started out small but succumbed to an ever increasing need to find just the right bag. Actually I blame my husband who gave me a mahogany Coach Willis bag in 1994. Truly a classic look - simple brass turn knob, dowel rod under the flap and what I really appreciated - a long, adjustable strap.

Several Coach bags later (Legacy, Hobo, Bucket, suede Duffle ...) I was standing on a rain soaked field fiercely protecting my Coach bag from the errant raindrops when I noticed a woman with an eye catching red bag. She was wearing her purse fearlessly on her arm without regard to the rain pelting down. It was Dooney and Bourke all weather leather - impervious to water. Knowing that I had many years ahead of me standing on the sidelines in all types of weather (3 kids - baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, field jockey, track and field and ice hockey) I researched Dooney and finally selected a black pebble grain leather Duck bag with contrasting brown trim. What a wonderful bag to carry.

But as I aged my need grew - I needed bigger and better. I now had to carry not only sunglasses but regular ones as well, then cell phones became de rigueur. I couldn't get away with a simple pouch containing keys and tissues. So I switched to a large dark brown Dooney Equestrian which promised it could carry the paraphernalia I required. But the day arrived when I had to add team schedules to my accoutrements so that I could track down siblings who were playing elsewhere - and directions too for now they were venturing out of town. That's when the red finally arrived - a red Dooney Bucket that held everything - inhalers, rec specs, bandaids, feminine supplies, water bottles, it seemed to have an endless capacity.

The day came when Dooney let me down. Dooney discovered teens/preteens/ and wannabe teens. Like Coach they tossed their leather tradition out and marketed glossy, logo covered fabric bags that changed with each season. Perhaps as newcomers they aspired to the homage paid to the century old LV monogram of Louis Vuitton.

I turned away. In my eyes they sold out, they cheapened themselves and became the darlings of counterfeiters and knock offs. I didn't want to pay good money to see every teenybopper in town toting them. I purchased Perlina, Tignanello, Levenger, Bernini, Longchamp, Michael Kors shopping at eBags, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Nordstroms, Macys. One of my favorite designers is Chesneau - a Hermes trained leather craftsmen who has now created his own brand and studio in Ireland.

There is a dark side to this fixation - I had long harbored a primitive desire to possess Chanel. It had laid dormant for years - out of reach, priced beyond reason. That's when vintage saved me. I stumbled upon the Manhattan Vintage Sale and became acquainted with a woman who had a booth but who also sold out of her home which was oh so conveniently located near my home. She became my sensei.

One day I succumbed. I found the one that would satisfy. It was everything - black quilted caviar leather, burgundy leather interior, gold chain entwined with leather, dangling leather tassels with the interlocking CC, Italian crafted, serial number hologram and authenticity card. And affordable- I paid for it and then cabbed it to the Chanel store where the kind manager verified it for me. And for a small sum sent it to their specialist to have the leather glazed and a loose link in the chain repaired. The best part is that it's rather a rare design, one that's hasn't been imitated, replicated and sold on every street corner in Soho.

End of saga. I'm free now. I no longer find myself spending heedless hours searching for just the right bag. I have enough to suit my every need. My little Chanel is the go to bag for evening wear or dressier events.

When I'm on a shopping expedition in the city I carry a good quality leather cross body organizer with credit card slots so that my hands are free and I don't need a wallet. I change bags often, usually 2 or 3 times a week. Some of my classic bags are retired to the top shelf of my closet, some I've sold, others I gave to my daughter.

You asked "If you were going to invest in a handbag" please - don't get me started!

I have very specific requirements for a handbag. I went to a Coach store and saw nothing that met my needs. The manager took me aside and opened a special drawer containing all the classic Coach bags. "We can special order these," he whispered.

Folk, I have the TV on QVC back here in the office and they're doing Tignanello bags! They are just beautiful! Perfect for office or with jeans! Love the colors.

Does anyone here "do" colors in purses besides myself? I have three reddish purses, floral purses (VB) and the usual leather. Not white though.

I will say this, the very best wallet I ever bought was from Vera Bradley. My DIL now uses hers all the time. I'll find the link to it later.

Maire:
I adored reading every single word of your saga. What a way with words you have. Thanks for the enjoyment.
Dee

I really enjoyed your post too, Marie. I can relate to some of it..at least the obsession part.
I still like D and B but I remember some of my mother's D and b's which she gave to me after a season or two, and they wore so well.

ah Maire, I loved your purse poem, I go through "purse lust" every so often.

My DH doesn't do gifts for me ; no diamonds, nothing. He says I buy what I want so he doesn't have to. That works fine for me, necklaces and puses are what I collect .

I love Furla and Nannini , can't find much of them in the states, but when I'm in Montreal there is a wide selection- I must post a picture of my purple Furla tomorrow.

The siren call of a Hermes Kelly bag will follow me all my days.

But I am in remission, honestly. I think I might have been a Yorkshire Coach horse in a previous life - that might account for my appreciation of fine saddlery and leather work. Fortunately shoes hold no allure for me so think of the money I've saved by foregoing Jimmy Choos or Louboutin.

Auntjen- eBags has a great online selection and their web site descriptions are very informative. Zappos is also a good online merchant for handbags.

Maire

Whatever brand you choose, and I know this is the OPPOSITE of what the fashion mavens advise, get a bag in a color that you love, not a standard neutral.

I know, I know, taupe, tan, black, those go-with-everything classics, are supposed to be the best buys. My experience has been different.

Dh presented me with a wedgewood blue (Not Navy) Coach bag a little over three years ago. Thought to myself, "What on earth am I going to wear this with? One, maybe two outfits?" Well, guess what. It goes with so much it's crazy. It looks so much more interesting w/outfits from dressy to casual than tan or taupe would, and I can't leave the house with it that I don't get compliments on it, and the color is what people remark on consistently (& very positively!) So, my advice would be... don't play it safe...think color, have fun! You'll be surprised how much mileage you'll get from it.

I'm absolutely allergic to giant logo purses. I have a Frye tote that looks new after 14 years. It doubles as a brief case when I need it to. Yummy leather. I have a Derek Alexander sling purse and a couple great Ellington purses that I love. Great quality. Aimee just picked up a Tylie Malibu purse in orange that is to die for.

If I'm going to sport a company name, they will have to pay me. LOL!

More purse brands Aimee and I scout for... Calleen Cordero, Rebecca Minkoff, Latico and Junior Drake. Off the beaten path but great quality and attention getters.

As far as an investment bag, check out Kooba. Another personal favorite is Orla Keily (spelling).

Clearly you can see, I don't walk the normal paths of fashion. Malls frustrate me.

Roche Leathers has great bags too but you can't find them in stores. You can order through their website and if you're lucky they might be at a large craft fair near you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Roche

I love this thread. I am not a purse person; don't care about brands, etc. But many, many years ago, (like 45) when I was a young woman, my mother's best friend confessed about her quest for the "perfect" purse. She was quite eccentric and much wealthier than my single mom mother.

She told me about her requirements: real leather, leather lined, zippered compartments, etc. She bought purses whenever and wherever she could. My mom and I benefited because she would visit us and bring us these fabulous, expensive rejects (once seen as "perfect" but fallen from grace). She told a story that still makes me laugh today about being at the airport and finally spotting the "PERFECT" purse. Unfortunately, it was on the shoulder of a fellow traveler. She approached the woman and explained about her desire to acquire the perfect purse currently in the stranger's possession. Before long, she had convinced her to switch purses; my mom's friend continued on her travels with her newly acquired "used" purse (what would airport security do with a story like this, today)?

Of course, the purse was soon exposed as "deficient" and had been relegated to "get it out of the house before my husband discovers yet another expensive bag that I don't want" status.

I have never, since she died many years ago, enjoyed the luxury of such wonderful, expensive purses.

So you all enjoy your quest.

My DH surprised me with a beautiful brown leather coach bag this Christmas - and not from the outlet- where I had bought myself modest coach bags.
I have a couple of the vintage coach bags and a vintage LV bag.
I am blissfully unaware of most of the brands mentioned which is a good thing. :)

I tend to buy a nice purse, like my Louis V, that goes with everything, I don't have time to change out purses. But, like I said earlier, I mainly take it on trips.

I have a bright green Coach purse I bought this summer at a Coach outlet. Love it, and it does go with quite a bit of my summer wardrobe, surprisingly. You'd never know it was a Coach, if it wasn't for the leather tag attached, which I like.

I just ordered a Hobo Intl bag in black, that is a crossover bag, but bigger than most crossovers and looks like I could organize my things in it well. I couldn't go without a black bag.

I am trying to post a pic of handbag I just ordered, not sure if it worked or not, having problems with it for some reason.

realZOOM




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London
$148.00
Adjustable cross body in crinkled nylon with Patent leather trim

�Zip around flap closure, exterior front zip pocket, exterior back open pocket, adjustable cross body strap
�Fully lined in graphic print fabric with large open pocket and a double open pocket/pen combination interior
�Nylon with 100% leather accents
�Gunmetal
�Strap drop 24"
�11W x 10.5H x 3D

Selected color: Black

Selected size: No Size Selected
Quantity
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sorry, don't know what the problem is!

I wasn't born with the purse gene.

If I could, I would forgo it entirely but I have sunglasses. And tissues (white of course). And a wallet. And a note pad. And a pen. And a small measuring tape.

My big regret is not having a friend duplicate my perfect purse before he closed his purse business. It was a cheap Isaac Mizrahyi (or whatever the name is) from that exclusive little shop Target (pronounced tar-shay). The perfect size & shape, one strap that made it hang exactly where I feel it's most comfortable, thin leather so it wasn't heavy, it could stand on it's own & didn't flop over, no extra do-dads that add weight. (You'd think I had a back or shoulder problem from how fussy I am about the weight of an empty purse.)

You addicts or enablers or cult members have really shown some beautiful bags but I still don't have the urge to own any of them.

I can't wait to see what Aunt Jen picks.

I would like to add that there is huge market of bags between Target and Bottega Veneta, or even outlet Coach for that matter.
I often find my best deals at Dillards: $200-300 purses marked down to less than a hundred, then an additional sale price, so maybe $60-75 for a really nice bag.
Same with TJmaxx and they do mark stuff down there all the time.
Ebay, ehhh, can be iffy unless it's a familiar seller.

Marie, I really enjoyed your post also, you have a great way with words.

My niece called yesterday and asked if I wanted to go outlet shopping....so we went today. I ended up buying a Badgley Mischka bag at Off5th, the Saks outlet. I love it, and the price. It was regularly $398, marked down to $224, and 40% off of that and the girl ringing me up gave me another coupon for $20 off....paid $115 for it.

I went into the Coach store and they had great deals, but I didn't see anything I liked. I also went to Michael Kors...again good sales....but nothing sang to me.

I really never heard of this designer...I'm usually a
coach girl, but this bag is made beautifully and I love it...no logos either.

I checked e bay and there are two of the same bags listed with a buy it now price of $198 and $299, I feel like I scored!

I think I need purse therapy....

That is a good price! I looked at Badgley M.'s yesterday online.

Wow, wow, wow! I can hardly believe the awesome response to my post! My head is positively swimming with designer names and I'm off to peruse online (which will probably take all night!). I mentioned my purse lust to DH at dinner last night, and he suggested I pick something out for upcoming anniversary gift, so - yay! ;-D

Roselvr suggested B. Makowsky ... I must confess to actually drooling over his bags on *aaack* one of the home shopping channels. They just looked like they'd feel nice to touch. I have a really fun/funky bag designed by Kathy Van Zeeland - I believe that's his wife?

golddust, I have never heard of Kooba before, and when I looked it up, I must have a couple of their handbags! Someday soon...

Another possibility is a handmade leather bag, maybe even custom made for less than the cost of a designer bag. If you don't know of any local craftspeople, there are lots of leather handbags on Etsy

Here is a link that might be useful: The Leather Store on Etsy

I have 3 B. Markowsky's and they are even softer then they look.... I've gotten mine at Nordstrom's and Dillards.

Jen; my email address should be on my member page; feel free to email me if you have questions about his bags. YES! They ARE very soft & buttery. I took my daughter shopping for a bag at one TJ Maxx 45 minutes away (she had a Dr appt) & I fell in love with the bag. I walked in the bag isle & could smell the buttery soft Italian leather. I used to make my own leather bags; would get leather straight from NY- I've made vests; chaps & pants too.. when I got a whiff of the leather I had to find where it was coming from. I walked the store with 2 bags in my hand but put them down because I never spend that kind of money on a bag- have used the same $15 (on sale) organizer purse from Penneys for 10 years..

The next month we went back; again I picked the bag up, but did not buy.. I always forgot to write the name down & after the 2nd time kicked myself because hub was diagnosed with cancer at this point; I was dreaming about the bag.. the next month I decided I'd buy 1 bag; I ended up finding 2. I figured that I needed a larger bag to hold stuff hub would need for treatment; that was my excuse for spending that kind of money.

I've never regretted buying the bags that day but still have not used 1 of the original 2; it's a Sonoma hobo in basil blue- the most prettiest shade of gray/blue. The reason I haven't used it is because there is no center divider. I'm addicted to that middle zippered pocket for my check books. I do own one bag without it that I do like but it's not a deep hobo.

Figure out what you like in a bag- take my pink hobo that I bought from QVC - that is the best hobo I own- I love the outer zipper front pocket- the strap drop is perfect; it also had the zippered middle compartment plus the magnet closure not a zipper. I don't own many with a zipper. Do you like 1 strap or 2? Also what shape appeals to you? The newest bag I have; the rose one is huge but the color is not one that he uses on a lot of bags. It's a little too big for me. If it was the full size minus what's past the 2nd strap; it would be perfect. I normally don't like 2 handles but the handles are longer, so it hasn't stopped me from going in the bag with one hand.

Going to link to 2 albums of my bags. I own probably close to 15 of his bags since September 2009. If you see something you like; let me know which one & I can tell you what I like or dislike about it. I don't have all of my bags uploaded- there's a black studded hobo (my 1st purchase) that I have in 4 or 5 colors. 2 of the bags I don't own yet- one is the leopard.

Even though I know what I like in one of his bags; he almost gets me every time I watch. I was watching the Tignanello show- nothing gets my heart beating like the B Mak bags. I've seen them in TJ Maxx; B Makowsky's leather is a lot nicer IMO. I also checked out the various names mentioned in this post- I did like some of them but the inside would not work for me.

Yes; Bruce is married to Kathy btw. My daughter buys her bags; although my daughter does own 2 B Mak's- one we're going to sell because it's too small for her. The other is the white with black straps- which has been a pretty rare bag. I've never seen any of that color combo on ebay except for the one she owns. She waited for that bag for 8 months- she saw it in TJ's but I wasn't spending $150 for her- she had to wait for Christmas

These are my bags-

This album is the bags I'm going to sell to fund a few bags that I'd rather have.

Stinky, my sister & I gave my mom a pretty blue coach bag a few years ago. It is one of her favorites. Your right it goes with a lot.

My DH ordered me a big LV when I had my DS over 11 years ago after me telling him how disguisting the diaper bags looked! I saw the price, had a panic attack! & sent it back. I wish I had kept that bag now!! It truly would have been an investment piece. You can tell a fake "Louie" in a heartbeat. The leather gets nicer with age. Just put all special occasions into this one bag!! LOL Anniversary, Valentines is coming up, birthday, Christmas, St. Pat's day, Presidents day.....how ever you can justify it!!

I am also in agreement with older Coach bags.

Just this week I swore off expensive bags for me. Not that I have a huge stash, but enough and it is just kinda ridiculous. I am a TJ/Marshalls girl from now on.

Now.....that Burberry trench is still calling my name! LOL

Smiles:)

Wow, Lenam - that Etsy site has some gorgeous bags, at very reasonable prices! Hmmmmm ... do I really "need" a designer's name? ;-)

Roselvr - what a great collection you have! How can you bear to part with any of them? Where do you plan to see the ones you are parting with?

See, that is what is so cool about this place - so much great information, and so many different choices of what people find appealing!

Clearly I am just a classic Coach girl. I was curious about the B. Makowsky bags, so I did a search and went to the QVC site just to check them out. Some fun things to see, but not one bag that I would want to own, and certainly not for that money. Obviously one can't tell how lovely the leather is, but just based on style they looked very fashionable, but not classic.

I certainly agree with those who don't like the bags with logos all over them. Unless my initials matched the ones on the bag, I wouldn't see the point or the appeal. That is another reason I love the classic Coach leather bags - no logo except on the inside pocket, and on the leather hang tag (which is removable).

Auntjen, your head must be swimming with choices! Find a good deal and maybe you can get TWO purses for your budgeted amount. Be sure you post pix!

I just came from Macys & TJ Maxx; checked out the Tignanello bags while I was out & IMO the B Makowsky glove leather is so much softer then their glove leather. Having said that; it depends on what you want to spend because B Makowsky is double the price from what I saw but... if someone wanted to spend about $150- go to TJ Maxx to see if they have the B Makowsky bag you want; you might luck out. I didn't see any that I would buy today; neither in Macys nor TJ Maxx- I'm finding I'm getting to be a QVC snob because they seem to have the best selection with his bags as far as color & style. I was laughing while shopping because I've become a B Mak snob which is so unlike me. I also looked at Michael Korrs while I was out- nothing floated my boat- still like B Makowsky's leather better.

Jen; 1st I have to get them listed on ebay or what ever- who knows if they will even sell lol. It's hard parting with them especially the small snake one- which may stay here; I'm not sure. I love the bag but it's small with a short handle. The basil blue I've almost used a few times because the color is beautiful; I'll probably regret selling that one. The pink was my daughters birthday gift but it's too small for her; the B Mak she got for Christmas is 3 times the size lol I bought that one on ebay for under $100. The taupe croc is hard to sell because the color is awesome but out of the 2 I bought that day; I like the stone with taupe better. The taupe croc was hardly used.

Do you have a TJ Maxx? Some stores are better then others. If I want a good selection I have to travel 45 minutes. The one I was at today is hit or miss; so far I've only found 2 purses there.

If you're going to buy on ebay, just know what you're buying because you can get decent deals. I got 3 hobos on ebay; one (pink) was discolored from sitting in a store window but it actually made the bag look better. My daughter loves that one. A friend of mine bought the same hobo on ebay but it was the white or stone but she sent it back because it was dingy. I've had one that listed the hobo bag wrong (picture & description) it turned out to be a satchel which I sent back.

If you like hobos, the one I linked to in the 1st post I made is on sale for a great price at QVC & if you didn't like it you could send it back.

i also hate logo bags...but love a nice bag!

bought a b makowsky bag last winter...the color-- a greyed blue/green is what attracted me to it! the color is beautiful! i bought it because the leather was nice and the interior roomy and with nice pockets, etc.

I'd never heard tell of Kooba either, so I went to their website to check it out. Promptly fell in love with 'Lana'. Guess I need a new bag too. :)

I usually prefer more structure but this bag appeals to me. I think I would ask for a more interesting lining:)

Here is a link that might be useful: I like this one

I'm cursing this thread ;)

I love nice handbags - I don't wear much jewelry or buy expensive clothes, and I'm a very practical person. But handbags ARE practical! I'm fairly conservative and like very classic bags, but also love color. Shoulder bags are my favorite.

I had some old-style Coach bags when I was younger, but haven't bought anything from them in years. But, I did have my eye on an eggplant bag I saw in one of their NYC stores just before Christmas. I really, really, really want a purple bag, but don't see it on their Web site. Guess that color was so last season?! Probably a good thing because if I remember, it was over my price range anyway.

Mitchdesj - Love that bag!. Some reviews have said the chain makes it heavy and that the bag doesn't hold its shape. What do you think? I don't like stiff leather anyway.

I've been wanting a nice tote for day trips, and just ordered this Trina Turk bag on sale:
{{gwi:1494793}}

For more moderately price bags, I like Tignanello, which I buy discounted. Just picked up these two in black at TJ Maxx for about $70 each and am trying to decide which one to keep for casual wear:
{{gwi:1494794}}
{{gwi:1494795}}

Awhile ago I bought my first Dooney & Bourke. This one "spoke" to me when it popped up on one of the discount sites at an incredible price. I love the plaid:
{{gwi:1494796}}

What is it about handbags??

I'm in trouble! Hobo International is on Rue la la in about 8 minutes!

Someone needs to buy this handbag! Cole Haan orange hobo

What would I choose and why? I always choose leather, usually Coach, Michael Kors or Elliott Luca. Typically, I buy one or two good handbags a year and then sell them on ebay when I am tired of them. They are still in good condition and I always save the original tags, receipts, etc. to show authenticity.

Recently on a trip to Italy I bought a gorgeous red crossbody bag. The quality of the leather is amazing and the price wasn't bad. Hmmm....might be enough to make me take another trip there!

I've been eyeing a beautiful Michael Kors bag at the TJ Maxx here in town. If you have a TJ Maxx near you check out their selection of handbags. You will find many of the brands mentioned here.

Such a fun thread on a miserable, snowy day when I am supposed to be getting into Boston to attend a convention. We got another foot of snow last night. Yuck. Enough!

Well, that's depressing. My handbag purchase will be delayed because we've just spent $$ on a new washer, after ours made a hideous noise and croaked for good tonight. We're fairly certain the transmission is shot, and it's not even worth it to have a repairman come and take a look since it's at least 10 years old (and was nothing special in the first place).

So ... instead of something snazzy to swing from my shoulders, I guess I'll just try to console myself with the fact that at least I'll still have clean laundry.

But seriously. Poop. >:-(

Oh what a drag! Don't you hate that? When life gets in the way of fun stuff.
Well, the handbags will always be there when you're ready for them!

Awwww... well, on the positive side; it gives you more time to prepare & figure out what you really want. lol

Just saw this thread, but don't have time to read all the posts before I need to head down to town. I'm a bit of a purse-oholic. Love, love, love a beautiful purse! I have several Dooney & Bourkes, but find them somewhat on the heavy side . . . at least my all-weather leathers are. My all-time favorite is my Mario Orlandi. It's leather, very well-made, practically designed . . . and gorgeous. I like leather purses in a brown or black for Fall and Winter. I like them to have the metal feet to keep the bottoms up and off the floor. Comfortable, well-made handles and/or straps with hardware that will last and stay looking nice. Not too big, but I can't seem to function well with the small ones . . . except for my evening purses. I have a number of those, but do have a favorite I use most often.
I also have a just-for-fun-days Kathy Van Zeeland in pewter that's adorable and a bright green one that a friend picked up in Italy for me that is so cool and fun. Did I mention that I'm a bit of a purse-oholic (LOL)?Lynn ;^D

goldgirl, I just now saw your post from tuesday, no the chain is not heavy at all,
and as far as holding it's shape, I hang my totes so they stay shapely, and I stuff my other handbags with balls of tissue when not in use, it does help them retain their shape better.

Binsd--I can't believe someone mentioned Il Bisonte. I bought two when DS1 was a baby, 26 years ago, at Pierre Lafond in Santa Barbara. One was a tote that I used as his diaper bag. I still carry both bags! They do not wear out; they only get better over time. I'm not seeing anything I like on the website, but maybe I'm not navigating it properly. There must be more of a selection than what I'm finding there. Where do you find those bags in stores these days?