Just Bagged!

Rebecca, over at The Space Between My Peers asked “What are your thoughts on handbags?” I considered trying to fit my thoughts into the comments section, and then I thought, “Oh, what the heck – make it a post!”

I love handbags. And I have a number. But not too many … and I don’t tend to change my purse a lot. Once I’ve shifted bags I tend to stay with my choice for awhile. Here’s the one I’m carrying right now, from Soprano, the high end line of handbags from Bertotti (a Canadian company that manufactures in China). I’ve found this line of purses at boutiques (including the boutique area in the salon I get my hair done at), but it is also available nationwide from The Shopping Channel.

Functionality:

• Except for an evening bag, my handbag has to be really functional
• In the cooler seasons it must hold my hat and mitts when I am shopping or at the movies
• I like to be able to see what has run to the bottom of the purse, and not deal with the Black Hole of Calcutta so prefer coloured linings, and I love it when they're fun or funky
• I prefer leather (I am neither hard on my purses nor am I gentle) – my bags are going to be exposed to the elements
• I don’t buy bags that I think will show dirt/wear too easily no matter how much I like them
• I prefer a shoulder bag or a satchel that can work as a shoulder bag and fit under my arm – over certain coats I prefer the bag to have a single strap
• I want a minimum of a cell phone pocket and an interior zip pocket, but too many pockets makes me nuts (I'm so glad the multi pocketed exterior is a trend that seems to be ebbing)

Fashion:

• Although big (read huge) bags are still very much on trend, I prefer bags that are manageable and on the smaller side
• Also trendy are clutches, bags with chain handles, soft metallic leathers, and canvas/straw leather combinations for summer
• I believe handbags look more appropriate when scaled to the size of the person
• I like purses to be my splash of colour – most of my coats are black or neutral as are most of my shoes
• Ironically my primary summer bag is a small black hobo from MICHAEL Michael Kors (but my summer raincoat is a red Hilary Radley trench)
• I don’t carry bags that are all about the logo
• I like good hardware on my bags, and sturdy stitching, reinforced handles if possible, if they zip closed I look for YKK or at least quality zippers – I want my purses to last
• I do shop online for bags (and I won’t buy where they can’t tell me the dimensions of the bag and the drop of the handle) from companies I trust
• I despise overly embellished handbags (no Kathy Van Zeeland in this house!)

And finally, I am still dreaming about that red patent Miu Miu bag I saw in Toronto in November!

Danielle, I'm going to count "I love fun/funky linings in handbags" as one of the five things you didn't know about me!