In search of the perfect little black purse

October 22, 2008 5:19 PM

I can't believe it's so tough to find a simple black purse. I'm sick of my current bag – a thrift shop find which I've used for years – and having become acquainted with its shortcomings as well as its attributes during that time, I'm ready to invest in a new one, if y'all will help me find it!

Here's what I'm looking for (in order of importance):

Black or grey – in any material except leather.

The opening at the top has to be truly open. Not even a zipper or a messenger-style flap. My current purse has a single inch-sized strap that can be snapped across the opening to kind of keep things contained, but most of the time I just tuck the strap down inside the purse and don't use it.

Rectangle shaped, and vertically oriented – in other words, tall and skinny - and not narrower at the opening than it is at the bottom.

I carry my purse over my shoulder 99% of the time, but often when I have my hands full it tends to slip off my shoulder and end up hanging from my arm, and I hate that, so I need a backpack or across the chest solution, or something for when I need to go hands-free.

No “armpit hugger” styles - I like the opening of my purse to hang at about waist level so it's easy to just reach down and throw my sunglasses into or dig out my keys without having to take it off.

Keep it simple – no frills, pleats, buckles or random sequins.

Big enough to carry at least three paperback books, plus wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, point and shoot, etc...

At least one inside pocket or pouch so little stuff doesn't get lost at the bottom.

Water resistant material would be nice but isn't essential

An outer pocket for a water bottle might be good.

Some gals enjoy carrying big flashy purses, I know... but I want the opposite. I want a stealth purse. Simple enough to just blend in anywhere, but at the same time stylish enough to look like a purse (i.e. not like a tote bag or luggage).

My budget can stretch up to $200, since I'm planning to buy one purse and simply use it forever.

posted by snowleopard to clothing, beauty, & fashion (17 comments total)

I've been really happy with my Queen Bee Truckette. They have some very subdued styles and are not leather.
posted by MsElaineous at 6:43 PM on October 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

This sounds like a project for an independent purse maker. Cinnamon at poise.cc has been known to make some rad custom bags for a reasonable cost.
posted by youcancallmeal at 6:44 PM on October 22, 2008

Oops, sorry, there's clearly a flap which I now notice you don't want. Maybe one of their other styles would appeal.
posted by MsElaineous at 6:44 PM on October 22, 2008

This Etsy seller has a black shoulder bag that fits most of your requirements except for shape. It's a bit large too, but it looks lke she might be able to do a custom order for you. Going handmade might be the way to get exactly what you're looking for at a reasonable price.
posted by Mouse Army at 6:46 PM on October 22, 2008

This sounds like a Kate Spade bag.
posted by sweetkid at 6:59 PM on October 22, 2008

Try eBay; that's where I sell my thrift store purchases.
posted by fish tick at 7:30 PM on October 22, 2008

Ooooh, this might be helpful, too. I just found it in the Projects section.
posted by Mouse Army at 8:33 PM on October 22, 2008

I also think you should look at Kate Space or Coach in canvas. If you are willing to consider leather, Coach leather bags age well, and they can endure all kinds of abuse and I carry them to meetings with clients and on trips. (I carry around dozes of documents, among other things) I found this at Coach outlet store for less than 200. They also have different kinds of materials with long strap. Another place you can look is go to discount department stores and look for a type of a bag you find useful. Purse shapes and materials are all set, so after you find the type and the shape, then you just need to look for it in a list of brands you like.

Another place I found nice affordable canvas purses is at Banana Republic, although they've been branching out in leather. But they do go on sale, and they become extra affordable. I've gotten a canvas purse of decent size (12x12x5) that lasted about 5 years and I put anything and everything in there.

Stay away from temptations of buying purses that you like from other department stores like ny&company, or H&M, they use plastic and they can easily rip and stretch and lose form.

Good luck!
posted by icollectpurses at 8:49 PM on October 22, 2008

Ebags is my go-to site for purses and such, because it lets you look inside the bag and so on, and they give you thorough information about materials and dimensions.
posted by wintersweet at 9:59 PM on October 22, 2008

i don't know if this is what you're looking for, but the market bag from moop. this is the perfect purse - it's very sturdy, handmade, understated, casual (but still classy), very roomy. adjustable straps can make it across-the-chest.

my best friend has had a market bag for two years now - everyday use. it still looks beautiful and believe me, that girl can put some miles on her bags.
posted by kerning at 11:18 PM on October 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

I think you may want a fold-over tote. I have seen lots of these around recently, but I didn't actually know the name of the style until I looked just now. They're huge, not too flashy, can go over the arm or the chest, and are open at the top.

More examples:
http://www.amazon.com/Oversized-Handle-Foldover-Convertible-Lush/dp/B001CDUF9U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1224743767&sr=1-5
http://www.thebagforum.com/foley-corinna-bags/4836-foley-corinna-mid-city-tote.html
http://www.amazon.com/Pietro-Alessandro-Fold-Over-Tote/dp/B0013BB7MA

The Pietro Alessandro one in black seems to be just right, but unfortunately it's sold out on Amazon right now.
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:39 PM on October 22, 2008

This tote from New Balance ($21) appears to fit most of your criteria. So does this Nike Connection Tote ($40). If you're willing to consider leather, take a look at this Piel Market Bag and this Derek Alexander tote.

All located via Modista.
posted by halogen at 1:41 AM on October 23, 2008

One more--and this one is beautiful--which would be almost perfect if it weren't for the no leather requirement, but might be helpful as far as design ideas go if you end up having one custom-made. And another.
posted by halogen at 1:52 AM on October 23, 2008

Have you considered the Harvey's Seatbelt Bags? They're made from actual seatbelts, which means they are sturdy and will not tear, and look incredibly elegant. They come in varying sizes, they stand up, they are well made. I have two, a medium sized black bag that works for daily use, and a tiny silver bag that is my evening bag. I am considering a third larger one.

I get mine from a place in Omaha, Nebraska, that has the best prices for them. If you google "harvey's seatbelt omaha nebraska" you'll find the shop. they also ship for free.
posted by micawber at 8:52 AM on October 23, 2008

Seconding the seatbelt bags. They wear like iron, look band-new after several years of everyday use, and well, you just don't see them everywhere which is fun.

The make a wide variety of shapes and colors. I can't promise its the best price (probably not) - but you'd likely get the best selection from their own site.
posted by AuntLisa at 10:26 AM on October 23, 2008

This one at BP at Nordstrom's is really cute and fake leather. I can guarantee the grey one is nicer than the photo suggests.

Also, check out Urban Outfitters. They always have a ton of this style of bag, and usually they're fake leather too.
posted by barnone at 11:10 AM on October 23, 2008

Did you check mooshoes?
- mailbag - it has a zipper up top but you could just keep it unzipped
- I didn't see anything at the moment for you from Matt & Nat, but check out older styles on eBay or elsewhere - really high quality goods.
posted by barnone at 11:15 AM on October 23, 2008