Adventures of the purse

[dancerjodi]

We spent hours today trying to find me a purse. My requirements:
Black
medium-sized
strap that's not too long, not too short. I.e. something I could carry in my hands like a handbag OR put over my shoulder, but nothing too long it will pull on my shoulder or move around everywhere (probably one of the weird 'armpit ones', despite my previous mocking I think it would do the job well)
fits my stuff
will last a good deal of time/won't get dirty or break easily
doesn't cost $200
something professional enough I can bring to work

I thought I found something by Rossetti. I came home, put my stuff in, and it doesn't fit! I'm not even putting in that much stuff either - its just the bag is shaped weirdly. I'm going to have to go to the horror that is the Natick Mall again soon and return it. It took me 4 hours to find one that was 'kind of OK', only to come home and find it didn't work. Woe is me! :)

My problem is that I'm not a girl. As such, I don't like to shop, and I'm not trendy. I want something that works, that I like the look of, and I'll use forever. I've really disliked styles of purses over the last couple of years. It actually took me years to find a backpack-purse I really liked. I got one at the Gap (I hate the Gap, but found a backpack I liked after looking at 100 other places, so I gave). The thing fell apart, so I got one at payless (I loved, it also fell apart). I finally sucked it up and tried Wilson's Leather and found the perfect shape/setup/quality! I've found that though I love this thing, its not practical for bringing to work and other places all of the time because its a bit larger than what I'd like. Alas, Wilson's didn't have a purse I liked (neither did any conceivable store in the Natick/Framingham area, including all in the mall).

I'll try again once I have the patience for it. I'm truly shopped out!

Comments

[nepenthedreams]

I bought an armpit one from Nine West and I find it very comfortable - more comfortable than my previous backpack purse. It's a lot smaller so I have to carry less around with me. But yeah, I was impressed that it was actually more comfy to carry than my old backpack purse (we used to have the same one).

Took me a long time to find the right one, as most were plaid or houndstooth or bright colors. I wanted black. Hope you find the right one for you soon.

[electricsoup.livejournal.com]

that's usually why i do end up spending between 1-200 bucks on a purse - because i want them forever, and i don't want them to fall apart. i love coach purses for that reason, and they have ones that arn't like LOOK AT ME I HAVE A NICE BAG that i hate. they even sell them at costco and they're much less. i love my black coach bag. good luck!! :)

[wench33.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who does a lot of leather working. I bet if you gave him the requirements he could make you a purse ??


Kate

[lachesis.livejournal.com]

"probably one of the weird 'armpit ones', despite my previous mocking I think it would do the job well"

I thought the same thing, and LOVE my bag.
I got it two years ago as a xmas gift, and have used it WAY more thanI ever thought.

Try here for a look; I cant find mine but it's pretty close to the "uptown girl top zip".

[xhappybunny147x.livejournal.com]

Hey added you 2 mi frends list. Add me bak? Kewl Happy new Year!!! : D (If this shows up twice sry)

[ej-geno.livejournal.com]

what about from an army/navy store? you could get a nice rugged one.

I feel your pain...

[fieryredhead.livejournal.com]

I hate to shop for stuff I 'need' like purses and clothes and stuff like that. :p

I look forward to christmas and holidays as usually my Aunt gets me some nice stuff but this year she was on a powder blue kick. I dislike powder blue. ;)

Re: I feel your pain...

[dancer.livejournal.com]

"usually my Aunt gets me some nice stuff but this year she was on a powder blue kick."

It seems like that and orange (um, ew!) are trendy now, from the selection of purses I saw yesterday.

I like to dress up and all, its just, I like what I like (my tastes don't change as trends do) so its frustrating wanting a style that's not easy to find anymore because its not trendy this week! :)