<p>BunsenBurner, I’m with you. I’ve been craving one of those for years. I constantly peruse eBay, consignment shops, on-line resale places, looking for one of those Chanel bags. Unfortunately, even used, they are way more than I can afford.</p>
<p>I like a hobo shape, shoulder straps and lots of pouches. I hate losing my cellphone in my purse OR worse, the stupid cellphone pocket being too small. I just snatched up a Bueno one at Ross’s with multiple outside zippered pockets, including two cellphone size ones on each end of the purse. I haven’t changed out my summer bag yet but I am looking forward to it.</p>
<p>Yes, to the ‘functions bigger than it looks’.</p>
<p>As much as I love the feel of fine leather it’s just to heavy. D has absconded with my 1980’s coach bags and loves them. They just became to heavy. I succumbed to the temptation at a local Marshal’s store and purchased two very beautiful leather bags…and they are in my closet.</p>
<p>So, what I really need (as in…what I really use)…is a bag with fully zippered compartments…no more stuff dropping out in the car…outside pockets to accommodate the ‘quick draw’ necessities like phone, chapstick, pens, notepad. An internal environment conducive to organization.</p>
<p>I prefer a cross body or at least very liberal over the shoulder strap. </p>
<p>For traveling I like what was shown in #6. Lots of pockets and it looks light weight.</p>
<p>D recently had a bag custom made from deer skin (H hunts)…it’s hobo style and just adorable. I may just use the rest of the skins for something similar. Unlike the more upscale bags, this leather is oh so soft and light.</p>
<p>BB, scanning the FAQs it looks like your caviar wallet might make it into the game. Sounds like there’s a small clutch exemption.</p>
<p>Edit: Upon further research, maybe not. I’m reading it can only be 6.5" long.</p>
<p>No, no, no. I like an open bag, like a bucket or open tote. I want to get to things fast. I hate Hobo bags–my perfect bag is verrrrrry structured, can stand up alone, almost stiff but because of that can’t be huge because then I’d just carry a box around. Shoulder strap; hate handles only. </p>
<p>Got a splurge-y perfect purse for Christmas–Kate Spade red leather. But it’s so purty that I’m always afraid to use it-- the biggest downside of all for a purse! Not using it, lol!</p>
<p>I hate carrying a purse. Slows me down, makes my shoulder hurt. I recently went to a wallet/cell phone case–it holds my cell phone, two $20 bills, my license, and a credit card. It’s pink leather and I love it. Everything else is superfluous.</p>
<p>Deborah-- The Real Real is an online consignment store for resale high end bags, shoes and designer dresses. I was turned on to it by someone who resells her vast collection of overpriced bags. You know, you buy a $1500 bag use it three times and then sell it on The Real Real. (such people do exist) Pictures and descriptions are great, stuff disappears fast and the two bags that I have bought seemed new. In fact one still had tags. You can return for a refund if you are not happy. I also bought D a $3000 dollar silk Valentino dress for $445. In her work she needs several good formal dresses and she loves to buy them on consignment. <a href=“http://www.therealreal.com/[/url]”>http://www.therealreal.com/</a></p>
<p>Yoogi’s Closet and Fashionphile are two reputable online consignment shops I am familiar with. Depending on the brand, style, and vintage, gently loved purses can sell for more $$ than their retail prices.</p>
<p>Thanks, Musica! It’s fun reading the posts and seeing what everybody likes. It makes me want to go out purse shopping, but the one I have is in fine shape so there’s no need for me to do that right now, lol.</p>
<p>Edit: And thank you, BB – cross posted</p>
<p>The perfect purse is the Kate Spade Quinn.</p>
<p>It’s structured, not too big, not too small, and has an open top. I never bother closing my bags (I hate taking the time to pull a zipper), so the fact that I don’t have to close the quinn makes me very happy. The structure of the bag means I don’t lose my things. Large, roomy bags tend to become a big black hole for me, and I can never find my things when I look for them.</p>
<p>But speaking of large, roomy bags, I just took out my first Longchamp for a spin today. My daughter purchased one for me while she was in France this summer, and I like to use totes when I travel. There’s no interior zip pocket which I use for those little items that can be difficult to keep track of in a large tote. I’m not sure why, but I don’t lose things in my Longchamp. I’m loving it even though it’s not structured and it’s very large. But…I don’t zip it closed or use the snap closure. Too lazy. Why bother?</p>
<p>Sounds like we’re Purse Sisters, flymetothemoon. I never ever close a purse. So I don’t like ones that look better closed.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link, musicamerica. I think I could get in some real trouble there ;).</p>
<p>I agree with the comment about the Longchamps tote bags; I love mine but hate that they don’t have a decent inside pocket. My cell phone has fallen out so many times I don’t even try to use the pocket for more than a lipstick and pen.</p>
<p>My all time favorite handbags are crossbody in what I guess is called a “saddle” style. They have a full flap that snaps over two small outside pockets, a slim outside pocket on the back and a full zip pocket inside. I have one by Coach in navy and white leather (summer only, alas) and a larger blackwatch plaid one by D&B for fall/winter. I’m constantly looking for similar styles but neither brand seems to be making them at the moment.</p>
<p>My latest purchase is a Chanel tote bag. It is open and big enough I could put an ipad, note pad,umbrella…in it. I love the concept of big bags, but I am too small to carry one. This new bag is not too big or small. Happiness is…new bag.</p>
<p>I have two large Coach bags that I love. One I have had about five years and it still looks almost new; the other I chose for my Christmas gift last year. The older bag is black heavy canvas with a subtle pattern of the Coach C logo. Both have short handles plus a long shoulder strap; I have to have that. Both have an outside zippered pocket where I keep my cell phone and car keys. </p>
<p>The new bag is caramel colored leather, and it is a bit heavier than the canvas one. But Coach made the hardware of a slightly lighter metal, so that helps with the weight. </p>
<p>Deitz 199: you might like the canvas Coach bags since yo prefer a lighter weight. I have been really amazed with how well mine has stood up to almost daily use for over four years!</p>
<p>Even though Coach bags are expensive, I think they are worth it due to the quality.</p>
<p>I bought my D a Coach Saffiano tote in what they call silver/cobalt but I’d call it a French blue. It is something she can use as a tote/first briefcase. It’s gorgeous and I want one but we cannot be twins!</p>
<p>What do you all think of Michael Kors? I always thought it was kind of a cheap brand and was surprised to see the price point.</p>
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<p>And looks like a blue police box, and comes with David Tennant as an accessory…</p>
<p>But if I can’t have that, what I really want is a purse that is big enough to hold my Nook (just got the Nook, current purse is just a bit too small :(). I do like a purse that zips on the top, as mine is forever falling on the floor of my car and spilling out stuff in the unzipped pockets. And I don’t like a black interior – my wallet is black and it is difficult to fish it out from against the black background.</p>
<p>I once had my wallet stolen from my purse in Trader Joe’s, of all places. Ever since, I carry a bag that closes if I’m going somewhere “public.”<br>
I think Michael Kors has two lines- one cheaper and one much nicer.</p>
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<p>I have the MK tote below. It’s four years old and has worn very well–I don’t wear it every day. I’ll use it for a few months and then will put it away and use another tote that I’ve got. I usually carry a small purse that’s just large enough for a wallet and cell phone and keys and I keep it in the tote along with glasses, ipad, etc. </p>
<p>[MICHAEL</a> Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Multifunction Saffiano Tote - Michael Kors](<a href=“http://www.michaelkors.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Medium-Jet-Set-Multifunction-Saffiano-Tote-TOTES/prod21140002_cat8519_cat8501_/?index=29&cmCat=cat000000cat8501cat8519&isEditorial=false]MICHAEL”>http://www.michaelkors.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Medium-Jet-Set-Multifunction-Saffiano-Tote-TOTES/prod21140002_cat8519_cat8501_/?index=29&cmCat=cat000000cat8501cat8519&isEditorial=false)</p>
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<p>I’d buy any bag that comes with David Tennant as an accessory, zip pockets be damned!</p>