[miniskirtordeath]

I ride my bike a lot. I've been on the prowl for a perfect bag where it's not one of those bulky messenger bags instead a fashion forward lady bag, but still perfect for biking. I bought one at a Platos Closet but it's falling apart.

So I ebayed a pink faux leather purse that doubles as a backpack. I never do pink, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. Can't wait for the mail this week!

[Persiflager]

New handbag!

I tried a couple of super-cheap bags til I found a size/shape I was happy with, then upgraded to this.

[Persiflager]

Oooh, thanks syb, that looks really good!

I confess that I followed all of AP's links, and my taste kept getting ever more expensive. Then I found a decent-ish bag in Oxfam for £3 and bought that instead! I figured it would do for a while as a 'practice' bag so I can try out a different style before laying down serious cash.

[sybarite]

Persi, I only now saw your earlier question about leather bags... I'm a big fan of very plain leather bags and have one of these which I absolutely love. It set me back about €110 at CDG airport and I'm not sure where the company ships too, but it sounds like what you're looking for. There's a single zip pocket inside and a wee additional pocket for a mobile phone, and that's it.

Here's a link to the other bags she does fyi...

[Persiflager]

Thanks Divala! I'm trying to resist buying the Nancy Drew wallet plus a sensible purple wallet for 'grown-up days', thanks to my spendthrift flatmate whose answer to everything is 'buy both!'.

[Divala]

I think it's pretty awesome, not childish at all.

[Persiflager]

Quick question: is this Nancy Drew wallet awesome or riduculously childish?

[Persiflager]

I like the warnings at the bottom: 'Not appropriate for church or school'.

[auralpoison]

OMG! {guffaws} Y'know, if I used one of my full-coverage, molded-cup bras? I could make a new bag for my bowling ball!

Do keep us appraised of your purchase!

PS. I wound up buying the Madden Blustful bag. I am a sucker for sequins!

[Persiflager]

THANK YOU AP! You are indeed the bomb!

What would it make you if you liked this bag?

[auralpoison]

Anyway, I'm basically trying to find a smart leather version of my current scruffy messenger bag, but they're all so..... girly! I like across-body bags as they're more comfortable, with internal pockets and as few buckles, frills, bows and other nonsense as possible.

Any tips?

I personally don't do cross-bodies, I don't like the way they cut across my chest & make my boobs look even more huge, but how much are you looking to spend? Are there any materials issues? Like, are you wanting something vegan friendly, or . . . ?

Fossil has a whole line of cute, if occasionally hippie-ish cross-bodies.

I suggest doing some online window shopping at ShopStyle. It's an easy way of browsing many different brands/styles all in one place. I liked the Kooba Dean, the Steve Madden BLustful, We Bag To Differ, HOBO INTERNATIONAL Di Vintage, Cynthia Rowley Stripe Too, & if you really want tough? Tylie Malibu Runaway Bianca. I like to think it is what Joan Jett Would Do!

All of that info in a half an hour, am I awesome or what?! Oh, wait, I forgot, my love of trendy shoes/purses makes me a slave to other women self-esteem-wise, I'd be a better person, more in touch with my inner circle of friends/family if I were helping you find undergarments. My bad.

[raisingirl]

Hmmmm! Getting warmer. Maybe.

Oilcloth bags and purses.

I dunno. They are sort of interesting. I need to see them in person to decide. I usually go for the... um... LOUDER oilcloth prints that remind me of fiestas and summer.

[rubberdollz]

Oh yeah... AP thanks for the looksy at the purse you are getting. That website has some really super cute stuff on it!!! I like the bag on there that says "cute as hell." I totally want it!

[SUPERLUVER]

cool. always nice to see something like that in ohio..the land of chain restaurants and churches, lol.

[kittenb]

Jennaclaire is in The Greens in Beavercreek (or is it Kettering?) OH.
Sorry about the wonky link. It is hard to show exactly which one I got as she has nothing on the site made in that style, apparently. I got it in the mail and I love it.

[SUPERLUVER]

where in ohio, kittenb??

[raisingirl]

Yeah, too messenger-like, Bunny (I don't like those front flaps -- I want something I can wear across the body, but with easy access to reach in, like a zippered or snap/magnetic top, no front flap of fabric in the way). I'm having a Goldilocks moment here.

[bunnyb]

raisingirl, what about a crumpler bag? or is that too messenger-like for you?

[raisingirl]

I still haven't found what I'm looking for, Dayglow. I hate messenger bags AND Queen Bee! Ugh. I should design my own. But I can't believe I can't find anything I remotely like. Kitten, that link didn't take me to a picture. Custom designed would be nice!

[kittenb]

*sigh* purses. I wish we could post pictures here again so that I could show you some of my recent thrift store finds. Maybe I'll take some nice camera phone pics and post them on Photobucket. I found an adorable black velvet bag with nice beading and I got 2 cheap party purses at Payless of all places.

But soon I will be getting my true prize. A few weeks ago I babysat for a friend of a friend in exchange for a custom designed purse. She runs a shop in Ohio where you can pick out a style, pick out fabrics and then a get a bag designed to your specifications. This is the Cinch bag that I requested. My fabric is different, though. It is a tapestry dark green with a gold sheen. The belt will either be a lovely flowered purple silk or an orange. She wasn't sure that she had enough of the purple when I was in her store. I cannot wait to get it. My former boss will be so jelous.

I like these stores where you can make your own purse. I don't know how common the idea is but there is one store that does it in Chicago. The woman I am getting this one from is actually in Ohio. If I still lived there I would totally LIVE in that store.