Purses

[Brandi]

First, you need to stop worrying about being out of fashion -- or thinking about fashion at all, really. Use your own judgement about what suits you personally and what has visual appeal.

I do think Muirenn's advice about proportion makes sense.

I have used tiny bags with a shoulder strap for dressy events, but you have to make sure the strap looks okay with your outfit and will stay on your shoulder.

If you have access to high-end thrift or consignment stores, purse/tote bargains abound.

I agree! My sister gave me a Le sportsac (spelling?) a couple years ago and every single day people say how cute it is. It is a smallish purse with russian stacking dolls all over it. Why people like it so much not sure. It is pefect for me. Holds my wallet,phone, chapstick and a very small bottle of asprin. Oh and a good luck charm

[Catrin]

I use the mother ship purse and a pod purse method...

I love this, it is great

I seem to switch back and forth between a tiny purse with a long shoulder strap that is just large enough for my wallet/checkbook, and a cute tote that I use to carry the kitchen sink in. I've resisted getting a new purse for several years as I get sticker shock when I go looking. I've apparently champagne tastes that doesn't mix well with my beer budget

This thread is encouraging me to start looking at Tj Max and Kohl's again to see what I can find. My small purse is showing significant signs of wear and should be retired...

I concur with not worrying about fashion. The important thing is that you like it - after all - you are the one carrying it!

[meganm]

I've fallen in love with Sherpani's bags. They are cute, feminine, and practical.

My "everyday" purse is a Sherpani Milli, which is large enough for my wallet, keys, phone, and girly purse stuff like a brush, mirror, lip balm, handcream, etc.

[shootingstar]

I've fallen in love with Sherpani's bags. They are cute, feminine, and practical.

My "everyday" purse is a Sherpani Milli, which is large enough for my wallet, keys, phone, and girly purse stuff like a brush, mirror, lip balm, handcream, etc.

Sherpani bags do look cute yet practical.

[zoom-zoom]

I have an older Keen Brooklyn sling bag. I LOVE it! I've had it for 3-4 years and use it every day. The liner is starting to fall apart, so I am contemplating replacing it with the current model of the same bag.

I SO don't get the whole $$$ designer handbag thing. A year later and they are dated. Really the only things I spend more than $100 on are cycling related or a good Winter coat (and only because I live in the upper Midwest where good Winter coats are a necessity).

If I have a dress up event I will find a cute and cheap smaller bag to go with whatever I'm wearing...typically the entire ensemble will come from TJ Maxx.

[Becky]

I just ordered a Haiku Jaunt bag. It looks like it will work well for both the "pod/mother ship" bag system and as a "pannier purse". Some bags just don't fit well in a pannier, eating up precious clothing or grocery room!

Zoom, I love the look of that Brooklyn bag! I wonder if a good seamstress could replace the lining?

[zoom-zoom]

Zoom, I love the look of that Brooklyn bag! I wonder if a good seamstress could replace the lining?

That's a thought! Though I'm kicking myself for not snagging another one when they made a leather version that was sorta aimed at men. The exterior of mine is getting a little grubby and is a sort of wine-colored fabric. I would have loved a black leather one.