After much browsing, questioning, price comparison, gut reactions, contemplation and a weighted analysis of various desired components (yes, seriously) I have finally managed to buy a purse!
It’s vintage (from the 80s) with a floral tapestry design, a cream leather base and strap (sadly not adjustable, but the length looks good) and minor gold metal detailing. Basically, it’s a little old lady purse that’s probably as old as I am. Looks perfect! :)
Edit: got it, love it, have taken it on a 2,500 mile trip were it worked wonderfully. 19 months ago
I loathe most modern purse styles so I’ve been browsing through eBay and the handmade and vintage sections of Etsy for a few hours trying to find something to suit me. I’m using the following qualification to narrow things down:
1) Big enough to fit a hardback book and a water bottle
2) Has a shoulder strap, preferably adjustable
3) Must have zipped main compartment; snap close will do in a pinch
4)
Doesn’t have a highly visible logo (i’m not paying to be a walking advert!)
5) Is made out of
- leather, brown
- leather, patchwork
- cloth, patchwork
- cloth, corduroy
- cloth, tapestry/carpet
I’ve narrowed it down to a dozen or so, though there are two or three that pop out more than the others. I’ve messaged some of the sellers for clarifying information; I’ll make a decision after I hear back. 19 months ago
I’ve been a card carrying member of the Anti-Purse Brigade for over a decade. For some bizarre reason, women’s clothing is often designed without any pockets… and when they do have pockets they’re titchy little things that maybe you can fit two fingers into if you stand up and wiggle. Fashion is designed so that women have to carry purses so out of sheer obstinancy I’ve refused.
At varying points in time I’ve gotten around these restriction by carrying a backpack or a messenger bag (which is not a purse) or by crossdressing and wearing boy’s pants which usually have anywhere from five to twelve pockets (and fit better to boot).
At some point though, it gets ridiculous. Last fall I realized that I really needed a purse as I was trying to fit a wallet, key ring, cell phone, jackknife, ipod, headphones, notebook, pen, cookie pack, kleenex, chapstick and paperback into my pockets (the book was actually the only thing that didn’t fit… but man, did my thighs look chunky!). I put it off for a year but am finally knuckling under.
It’s time to buy a purse. 19 months ago
