Friday thing : purses
If we can't get enough pockets...
I adore purses, possibly too much for someone who considers herself a feminist and independent1 woman. But I do so love admiring, shopping for, having, and filling/empyting them each season. And by ‘season’ I mean the time period after which I get restless and want to have a new one on my shoulder, matching my outfits.
I did once2 own a Kate Spade bag that was worth the sweating I did while ordering it at full price from her website, but it ended up being a bit small for my Bag of Holding needs. I also found a Coach satchel at the boutique Goodwill that was perfect for a number of seasons with its neutral putty3 color + multiple yet discreet zipper pockets, though its handle was ultimately not comfortable enough for shouldering and a girl has to shop with two hands sometimes.
I have now owned two from Pixie Mood, an environmentally-conscious company co-founded & directed by Chloe Ho. I found my first, inexplicably, at Powell’s as I simply strolled through the city block of book stacks and stumbled upon a darling lavender & grey satchel with a cork accent that happened to be called Steph; of course it had to come home with me. After many years of love + date nights, I passed it on in the name of decluttering. Then I discovered the Misty Rose Clara, a deceptively simple tote with pockets on front & back (perfect for ID wallet & phone) and a removable pouch. I rewarded myself with that one during the summer of 2021, and it continues to be my Spring favorite. And, I might have4 purchased two more items from their archive collection sale during the time I’ve been writing this post…
I have owned plenty of stylish garage sale finds that served their basic purpose [hold ID, money, datebook5, hand lotion & lip balm & tissues & hand sanitizer, mints] with some room for emergency chocolate, book, and small purchases so I don’t need a bag. But for providing a step up from basic + magical emotional connection, these four are in my Purse Hall of Fame.6
I can still call myself ‘independent’ if I’m technically a “nonwage earner” as long as I continue to do things like vote without consulting my husband, right?
I thought I had two, but the one I’d gotten at a thrift store and later tried to innocently sell on eBay earned us a gracious but intense cease & desist note so…I guess I’ve only owned one.
I’m guessing only the cachet of Coach can make us willingly spend serious money on something called “putty.”
Definitely did.
(The Emma wraparound wallet in matching Misty Rose and Kinsley tote in Melon. #DefenselessNonwageEarningFeminist)
Yes I know my smartphone has a calendar but writing things is good for your brain/combatting cognitive decline. #ScienceNotJustOCD
Not a real thing, to be clear; I’m not a total weirdo.