Help me find a new perfect purse!

October 17, 2013 8:13 AM

Did you ever own the perfect purse? I did, until it tore. I know it could potentially be repaired, but I am going to have to face the fact that one day I'm going to have to replace it. Problem is that I am in love with the open giant pockets on the front. Help me find a new purse!

This is a Target brand (mossimo supply co) purse, bought 2+ years ago. I've been back to Target to find one like it and haven't been successful. I don't care about brands or designer items. I buy my purses based on function and not fashion.

Picture of the front with the giant pockets.

current purse dimensions:
height (bottom to top): 15 inches
width (left side to right side): 13 inches
depth (back to front): 4 inches
bands/handles: 1 inch

pocket dimensions:
height: 7 inches
width: 6.5 inches

must haves in the new purse:

• crossbody style, the wider the band the better
• front pockets must be big enough for your average smartphone
• taller then it is wider
• less then $40 (ideally less then $30)

Nice to haves:

• (p)leather bottom.
• Colorful pattern (vera bradley style/knockoffs would be fantastic)
  • I originally bought this purse because it is patterned but had a leaf design instead of a floral design.


• Close to the current dimensions listed above

I'd love to be able to buy it online or pick it up in a store. I live in and around ann arbor, mi. I'd also entertain etsy sellers or commissioning someone to make me one.

posted by royalsong to Shopping (16 answers total)

I'm unable to see the photo of your current bag, but for low-priced, colorful, practical bags I always look first at LeSportsac. The Cleo cross-body has a slightly north-south orientation and two external slip pockets. I'm linking to 6pm because full price is well outside your price range but 6pm has it at a discount. Here's another print. If you like the style of this bag but not these prints or prices, you might also check other online stores and eBay.
posted by payoto at 8:41 AM on October 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Olive Green There are a few others there that have exterior pockets but that have a snap or zip closure so you may want to check those out as well.
posted by magnetsphere at 8:46 AM on October 17, 2013

Take a look at a few of these brands:
- LeSportsac - such as the Deluxe Everyday (also comes in hundreds prints) the Cleo crossbody or the classic hobo. All LeSportsac bags come in many many prints - look around if you find the style you like.
- eBags (i.e. this bestseller)
- This Keen bag is great but exceeds your budget.
posted by barnone at 9:00 AM on October 17, 2013

Some of the Derek Alexander bags might work too, but they tend to be solid neutral colors.
posted by barnone at 9:07 AM on October 17, 2013

Speaking more toward the patterns you crave, my girlfriend really likes her one-of-a-kind ginseng orchid thyme classic handbag from ByJudianne on Etsy. It has held up well since I bought it for her in 2011, but the pockets are all internal. You could likely ask her to add a pocket or cross-band extension to your specifications, since everything she sells is handcrafted in the first place.

ByJudianne also makes some larger totes with exterior pockets.
posted by oceanjesse at 9:18 AM on October 17, 2013

Sakroots Artist Circle Small Crossbody

• Zipper closure; front outside pocket; back outside pocket with zipper closure
• Lined interior; two open, multi-use pockets; zippered back-wall pocket
• Sapphire Tree/Jewel Peace: antiqued silvertone hardware
• Slate Flower/Berry True Love: antiqued brasstone hardware
• Measures 11"L x 2"W x 9-3/4"H with an up to 23" strap drop
• Coated cotton canvas body; polyurethane trim; polyester interior

It's $60, and a little smaller, but it may be a good jumping off point in your search. Note that the three different colors are completely different patterns, too.
posted by Room 641-A at 9:18 AM on October 17, 2013

I post about Lug bags in every find-me-a-purse thread. Some of these are out of your price range, but they have wide bands, come in great colours and are very well made. They're worth the investment, especially if you carry a lot of stuff around.

My last three purses have been Lugs and I've switched because I wanted a new purse, not because I wrecked them. They're worth investing in.

They list their measurements so you can get a feel for the size. Makes buying online easier.

I'm currently wearing the Double Dutch, which I love, but is not in your preferred dimensions. I used a Sidekick previously, which is closer to your dimensions and has great outside pockets. I liked it, but by the time I went to the Double Dutch, I found it a touch small.

Happy hunting!
posted by melissa at 9:21 AM on October 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Beware the Cleo Crossbody. It LOOKS like it would hold a standard manilla folder. But it just barely won't in the most infuriating way.
posted by bilabial at 9:50 AM on October 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

I have this bag. Ah, but you say, those pockets have snaps! The pockets on the outside have snaps. There are two more pockets on the reverse that are open and great for dropping my phone into or whatever without fussing with any fasteners. And it is under $40 (at the moment, anyhow), and cross-body, with a very wide strap. But it is wider than it is tall, so your call about how important that really is.
posted by Sequence at 10:30 AM on October 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Obvious, but have you checked Target.com?

Mossimo Supply Co. Tote Handbag with Strap - $30

Xhilaration® Aztec Print Long Tote - $25

Merona® Striped Crossbody Bag - $14

Mad Love Sulphur Dye Tote Bag - $25
posted by Room 641-A at 10:33 AM on October 17, 2013

Flight 001 Helmut Bag

Slightly larger than your bag's dimensions, and more expensive. There are two deep pockets in the front, although it doesn't seem immediately apparent in the photos. I have the gray/blue version and it actually makes for a very nice overnight bag as well if you're a light packer when traveling.
posted by extramundane at 10:50 AM on October 17, 2013

This may be too small or flat for you, but it has the open pocket, the right price and a definite vera bradley vibe: cabana paisley crossbody.
posted by clerestory at 10:53 AM on October 17, 2013

Best answer: Love this lady's work. Reasonable prices, quick shipping, high quality and will do custom work or alter items she already has up based on your specs. I'm a return customer. Yes, she is in Thailand and I'm in the US. It hasn't been a problem.
posted by michellenoel at 11:00 AM on October 17, 2013 [6 favorites]

An experienced seamstress could easily copy this style for you, especially if you take your current purse in for them to examine. Might be a bit more than $40, depending on the materials used. Look in your yellow pages for "Seamstress" or "Sewing" - or email the sewing instructor at your local high school. The high schools often list email contact information for their teachers by department on their web page. If not, call the school office and ask for the information or leave a message asking them to call you. Good luck!
posted by summerstorm at 11:25 AM on October 17, 2013

Seconding a seamstress; the design of that bag is trivial to replicate. The leather/pleatherwork is the part where costs can fluctuate, but it should still be quite inexpensive.

A seamstress could also consult with you on how they could reinforce the point where your bag tore, so it doesn't happen again. (Or s/he could leave those handles off entirely, if you aren't into them!)
posted by homodachi at 11:31 AM on October 17, 2013

Beware the Cleo Crossbody. It LOOKS like it would hold a standard manilla folder. But it just barely won't in the most infuriating way.
posted by bilabial at 9:50 AM on October 17
Thanks for this warning. I select purses/totes on exactly their ability to hold a manila folder and a small-ish 3 ring binder.
posted by Cranberry at 12:46 PM on October 17, 2013