<p>After much searching, intermittently for years, I have finally found and acquired what is for me, the (nearly) perfect bag. I bought a reasonably OK bag a couple of years ago, by Fossil, but it was very scuffed and starting to fall apart, so I went looking again. This is what I bought:</p>
<p>On the website, they only have it in blue or red, but they had a few in black and one in brown in one of their stores. I would have ordered the black, but it has contrast stitching, which I hate. The brown one has it, too, but it’s a cream-colored thread and the bag is a light/medium brown, so it’s not too objectionable. This bag meets my requirements:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>secure zippered compartment(s) - there is a very large zippered center compartment where I keep my wallet and a small outside zippered pocket where I keep my cell phone and keys.</p></li>
<li><p>multiple compartments - why is it that almost every bag out there is just one huge space? Besides the two zippered compartments, this one has two large compartments and the whole thing is closed with a magnetic closure. The compartments are large enough for an Ipad or a 8 x 11 notebook.</p></li>
<li><p>simple styling without someone else’s name or initials - the lining does have “Levenger” stamped all over it, but the outside is very simple.</p></li>
<li><p>the bag is beautifully made</p></li>
<li><p>it’s a good size, large enough to hold everything I need but not huge.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>My wallet is kind of fat, too, DB, about 1" thick. The middle zippered compartment could take one at least twice as fat, easily.</p>
<p>Also, although they call this a tote, it does not look or feel like a tote, but rather like a largish, structured bag. And it’s actually smaller than many of the huge handbags that are sold these days.</p>
<p>Around here, Vera Bradley purses are hugely popular. Their store never seems to lack for customers every time I go by it. They do carry a huge range of sized and styles, so assumng you can find a fabric pattern you like (some seasons have better patterns that other seasons in my opinion), you can certainly find a purse that fits your needs. </p>
<p>I really like that their purses have lots of interior pockets and some have a few exterior (phone) pockets as well. And their wallets are great. Mine have held up quite well.</p>
<p>I use a Vera Bradley wallet and also some of the pouches to go in my purse. I’m sort of stopped using the purses (although I have a giant tote that is great for travel/carry on) because I got to feeling like I needed to either be a sorority girl or an 80 year old woman. In fact, come to think of it, I retired the last purse when I visited my sister last year and her 93 year old mother in law had the same pattern! I DO like them, though and they are light to carry and well made.</p>
<p>I have three VB cosmetic bags - a small one for makeup that goes in my purse, a much larger one and a hanging organizer for traveling. They are very well-made, but I’ve had them for years and they need to be replaced. The problem is that I love the pattern I have much more than their current ones. I have Jasmine; it’s mostly black with a white (jasmine) flower pattern.</p>
<p>overseas, if you are interested in the bag I have, the Boston store has several in black. It has a double strap, though, adjustable length. It is long enough to go over your shoulder, with the purse under your arm, and also short enough to be carried in your hand or over your arm.</p>
<p>I looked at your pick, NYMom, and it looks great except for the double strap! Lovely actually but I like only one strap! </p>
<p>Work…, I keep my bags to a minimum. Except I am a collector of suitcases! But now that I am back in the U.S. that may change! I am also an Amish resident somewhere out there. :)</p>
<p>Are the straps long enough so that you can put it over your shoulder? (oops I see it is!_ I’m not a big fan of double straps either, but it’s nice looking.</p>
<p>mathmom, The straps are adjustable; they came at the next-to-longest setting, and I can put the bag over my shoulder comfortably at that setting (and I am tall and overweight). The bag is right under my arm, it’s not really a shoulder bag that hangs near the hips.</p>
<p>Just clicked on the link – that’s a beauty! So many compartments – nothing will fall to the bottom and get lost in that bag. Love the color too. It was worth the wait!</p>
<p>Classof2015, I love that color, too, but I managed to get the bag in a medium brown. The brown and black are no longer available on the website, but there are a few left in stores. I use only one bag at a time, except for more dressy occasions, so I have to stick to black or neutrals.</p>
<p>I have a Giani Bernini brown hobo style bag that I love…they sell them at Macy’s. I’m also a huge fan of Brighton purses, but they are a bit pricey. Tignanello also makes nice leather bags in a variety of styles and colors…also at Macy’s.</p>