Someday she'll come along, the purse I love

July 7, 2008 8:43 PM

Please help me find a purse that is well-made enough to last being used every day for years, good-looking enough that I'll want to, that costs less than $200 (preferably closer to $100) and meets my requirements detailed within.

So I've always just bought $10-20 purses from Target, used them until they started looking tatty (about one season), and then bought a new one. The problem is, I'm terribly picky about my purses and I can rarely find one I like. When I do find one I like, I can't ever find a similar one when it's time to replace it. I've come to the conclusion that I should invest in a well made, high quality purse that I love and which I can keep for many years without having to search for a new one. I have never spent more than about $35 on a purse so the world of higher-priced accessories is new and strange to me.

I have looked at other purse-finding threads and I wonder if the Queen Bee Truckette might work, but am worried about the vinyl/seatbelt webbing construction being too casual for my work (though the designs are great).

Help me, hivemind! Surely someone has seen my purse soulmate. Here is what I want:

*Size: I need something that is big enough to contain a cell phone, iPod, PDA, wallet, change purse, paperback novel, pill box, assorted lip balms and pens, and a small moleskine... but NO BIGGER. I have a hard time finding this medium size - most things seem to either be much smaller (clutches) or much bigger (totes).

*Pockets/divisions: I need an outer pocket to put my cell phone for easy access and at least one inner pocket for things like lipstick that get lost. Otherwise, I would like one interior space (two maximum) to put the other things into. (I would get something like a Purseket to organize the big space.)

*Structured or not: I prefer more structured to less- it doesn't necessarily need to be a framed bag but I don't care for the really soft, puffy, ruched ones. It should be well made, whatever genre it belongs to, and able to take the weight of being carried around full without its stitches ripping.

*Material: I need something that will be durable for everyday use (I have a car commute and an office job, so it doesn't need to stand up to any more elements than the occasional caught-without-an-umbrella sprint in from the parking lot), that won't get dingy, and that will retain or improve its looks as it ages. I am leaning toward leather but would consider something else if it didn't look cheap or tacky. I am prepared to do reasonable upkeep to keep it at its best but don't want to have to be worrying all the time about it getting messed up.

*Carrying strap: I need to be able to carry it over my shoulder. I prefer a strap but handles are OK as long as I can put my rather plump arm through enough to carry it securely.

*Appearance: Simpler is better. I don't want lots of extraneous buckles and toggles and straps; I don't want a purse that resembles a photojournalist's vest or a gym bag. I have to wear the nice end of business casual at my job and I need something that will go with that without being too terribly boring. A nice solid color might be fun - either an unconventional neutral like a bronze or a vivid one like blue or green or red. I have had soulless black purses for a long time so I'm open to getting something a little jazzy, but it can't be so trendy it will date before I've gotten my money's worth. I have no affinity or disdain for any certain brands but I don't want one of those purses with the maker's logo printed all over it.

So, tell me, purse people - is my quest hopeless, or is there One True Purse out there for me?

posted by oblique red to clothing, beauty, & fashion (28 comments total)

I think the magic word you might need size-wise is "hobo." It's what I call "big enough for a book and a sandwich."
I own this bag and it has served me well for almost a year of wearing it everyday. I also don't like huge totes or small bags that look inappropriate at work and I think the hobo size is just right.
My bag has a zipper outside and a bunch of pockets and credit card and pen holders inside. I like it because although i keep my cards in my wallet, I keep my metrocard and yoga card in those things for easy access.

There are other examples of bags this size like this one, if you don't like the overhanging flap on mine.
Hobo bags can be structured or more loose, so you can probably find what you want.

Good luck searching!
posted by rmless at 9:06 PM on July 7, 2008

I, like you, usually go for the WalMart/Target kind. However, I use to get some very good and longlasting purses from Blair. Check out some of the web sits like Blair, Ginny's, and Midnight Velvet. Good luck
posted by JAD'E at 9:14 PM on July 7, 2008

I have this one, from Fossil and I love it. It's not too big, it has a large middle section and two sections on either side of it; an outside pocket that is zippered, and some pockets in the silk lining too. It contains my pda, my little kit (lip gloss, toothbrush and mini paste etc) as well as my moleskine. My purse is red - it's a stylish understated red that goes well with everything I wear, in all seasons.

It's stylish, structured - and has a carrying strap. I live in Vancouver, where it rains. It has done well despite the weather. It still looks new, despite my wearing it every day for the past six months.

Fossil makes nice things, check out the rest of their purse lineup. And check out their watches too ;)
posted by seawallrunner at 9:21 PM on July 7, 2008 [4 favorites]

I nominate Levenger's Amalfi Pocket Tote Bag (click on "more photos" for details). Levenger is known for making high-quality goods geared towards both organization and simplicity. I've been using the same Levenger tote for three or four years now, so I'm a big fan. In fact, I'm very tempted to buy this Amalfi bag myself (must. exercise. willpower). It unfortunately doesnn't come in unconventional colors, but in a professional setting, it's definitely quite suitable.

I also buy purses from Target.....I have to admit, sometimes I look forward to them "falling apart", if only because it gives me a good reason to go out and buy a new purse:-)
posted by invisible ink at 9:23 PM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite]

Perhaps the Cole Haan Aerin or this Furla Shopper which I'm going to buy.

For what you've described, I think you'll want a slightly pebbled leather. Pebbled leather looks a bit more casual, but wears better than smooth leather.
posted by 26.2 at 9:31 PM on July 7, 2008

Glance at Brooklyn Industries. It may be bit too casual since most (all?) of the bags are canvas, but the bag I have from there can fit tons of stuff in it but doesn't look or feel like I'm carrying a backpack. It looks like the designs are getting a little sleeker, too.

A separate tip: if you find a designer you like, look for their stuff at Ross or TJ Maxx. I've found several designer bags there ("so last season") for cheap, cheap, cheap.
posted by juliplease at 9:36 PM on July 7, 2008

E-bags.com is kinda the Zappos of handbags. I recommend their search engine! It's really great: you can search by fabric and size and handle configuration, then check the boxes corresponding to your selections and compare them in a chart. They have data like weight and dimensions and photos of the interior and exteriors. They collect lots of reviews too, which really add value to the site.
posted by xo at 10:06 PM on July 7, 2008

Hayden-Harnett has some stylish bags and the ones on sale can probably fit in your price range, some of them. They have pretty good sales - sign up for their mailing list for the link to sale items before they're listed on the public site.
posted by citron at 10:15 PM on July 7, 2008

Your purse requirements sound a lot like mine. (I also need a long strap so I can slip it over my head and have the strap cross my chest--I have to have my hands free to keep track of kids and stuff.)

You know what I do? I go to Value Village. Usually they have about 100 purses on display, most of which have very little wear. I usually find something like 3-6 that fit my requirements, buy the one that's in the best shape and the best color. A little bit of wear doesn't bother me, since I intend to use each one for a long while and they'll eventually wear anyway, right?

Most I've ever paid for a purse was $10, and that was one that was by all appearances unused (and so very stylin' that my fashion-maven girlfriend asked if it were from Coach. No--Kirkland/Costco, by way of Value Village.) The idea of paying $35 for a purse, or worse yet $100, is ridiculous to me. I have much better things to do with my money. Probably you do too.
posted by Sublimity at 10:24 PM on July 7, 2008

> The problem is, I'm terribly picky about my purses and I can rarely find one I like. When I do find one I like, I can't ever find a similar one when it's time to replace it.

I have a different solution to your problem, given what you say here. It's my solution for shoes, which are hard for me to find. When you find a purse you like, buy 3 or 4 of them. Stash them away. When they start to fall apart, it's really neat to be able to dig out a new one! (Or, in my case, a new pair.)
posted by Listener at 10:27 PM on July 7, 2008

I'll start with the caveat that the bag I'm recommending probably isn't attractive enough to meet your criteria, but Courierware's bags are indestructible. I bought a messenger bag from them 6 years ago that I wear everyday (in hurricanes, snow storms, etc) and it's still in perfect condition (it's a little scary how tough the bag is). The company knows their bags won't ever break down and has a policy of letting you trade your old bag in for half the price if you ever want to change.

Their website is courierbags.com. You might want to look at the walking bags.
posted by eisenkr at 10:31 PM on July 7, 2008

I have this Baggallini in blue, and there's a less expensive version with different fabric as well. There's a center section that zips shut and I keep my Asus Eee laptop in it with a little room to spare. After that I can still fit two books, mouse+charger cord, wallet and a nice outside pocket for the cell phone, with pockets leftover. It stays closed with a nice strong magnet. I've only had it for a few months, but use it every day and so far there's no wear. It has a one year warranty against manufacturer's defects. Baggallini makes a larger version, and lots of smaller bags too.
posted by chana meira at 10:31 PM on July 7, 2008

If they're too casual for your workplace, this won't help much, but I've had one of the Queen Bee Truckette's for years now and am very happy with it's size and durability. It's easy to clean, and fits my usual workday gear: lip balm, wallet, iPod, phone, book, lunch, reuseable bag in a little pouch, scarf if it's cold. It would probably be a good fit for your needs, except for the appearance (which admittedly, is pretty important if you have to take it to work everyday).
posted by harriet vane at 10:44 PM on July 7, 2008

I adore my Mountainsmith ziptop tote. I carry about the same amount of stuff as you do and this bag is the perfect size. There is one pocket on the outside and one on the inside. It holds its form when set down upon its indestructible bottom and I like how the top zips shut or flips out of the way. The handles are big enough to wear the bag from your shoulder—I discarded the ugly shoulder strap.

I have the nylon one, which would be too informal for your needs but the quilted one would go with business casual.
posted by jamaro at 2:05 AM on July 8, 2008

I haven't gotten one for myself yet, but I'm utterly in love with Tano handbags. The bags are made with quality leathers and are interestingly designed, yet with a look that I'd describe as "classic."

Here's one for sale that I think fits your description fairly well.
posted by chan.caro at 5:23 AM on July 8, 2008

I've been carrying the Ellington Multi-Tasker Field Bag (in both colors!) for well over two years and they hardly show any wear. The bag has a slim profile, but can actually expand a fair bit with nice little pockets and zipper pouches to stow away your stuff.
posted by kittydelsol at 5:47 AM on July 8, 2008

By pure chance, I stumbled across a Derek Alexander bag at a local shop this winter. It fits a lot of the description you provide, (except mine is black). It's leather, about the same price range as you indicate, and it's been very durable, even standing up to kitty claws on occasion. I've been very happy with it.
posted by LN at 6:06 AM on July 8, 2008

What about an Ameribag. It comes in several different colors, leather or microfiber (and more), looks stylish, has outer pocket, no logos, you won't need a purse organizer inside, easy on you back, and they have different sizes. Try Macy's or Dillard's. The most expensive one is very large and leather and runs around $200.00.
posted by nimsey lou at 6:33 AM on July 8, 2008

I adore my 1154 Lill bags, and would recommend Kimberly. I've had mine for four or five years, and aside from some very slight dinginess on the pockets (because I foolishly chose white ones), it's in great condition - and I'm pretty careless with my bags. It's pockety enough without being compartmentalized, the size is ideal, and it's reversible. Their online designing/ordering process is great too.
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:52 AM on July 8, 2008 [1 favorite]

This classic Coach Station Bag is readily found in your price range on e-Bay. If you're tall, Coach makes extra long straps so you can comfortably wear the purse across your chest.

You might also consider this nearly indestructable canvas Filson bag.
posted by carmicha at 8:09 AM on July 8, 2008

I've got the "Day Purse" from Reign Vermont. It's probably a little small for you, so take a look at "The Rambler." It's been my everyday (and I do mean every day) for over a year now, and still looks like it did the day I bought it. I keep my cell phone in the mesh side pocket by itself. The fabric is fairly stiff, but the purse itself isn't structured. You can get it in any of these fabrics -- I've got sage dragonfly, and it's a lot greener than it looks in the picture.

If you've got an REI near you, they sell a couple of styles there.
posted by natabat at 8:17 AM on July 8, 2008

I have a Truckette, and it's not the perfect purse for me. It's too heavy and rigid. It looks great and I use it a lot, but it's not perfect.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:36 AM on July 8, 2008

The Harvey seatbelt bags are nice -- slightly casual, but if you get one of the rectangular totes, and a solid color, they can pass as dressier bags. They do not wear out easily, if at all! The large tote is not really that large -- it's what I think of as a medium-sized bag. I have it in black and it is cooler than a plain black bag, which I am also sick of. It's practically bullet-proof. I recommend it!
posted by theredpen at 9:14 AM on July 8, 2008

I have a Queen Bee Truckette bag and it is one of the greatest bags I have ever owned. I have had it for about two and a half years and it is still going strong (some wear on one corner). The bag has survived countless camping trips, vacations, and being tossed in the milk crate on my bike. I think they run about $60 so it should be well within your budget. The Truckette could stand a few more pockets, but it is very rigid and sturdy. It may not be the best bag for formal occasions but for everyday dress it is great. I also own a Matt & Nat bag that has properties similar to the Queen Bee bag but is for more formal occasions. The Matt and Nat bags have a few more pockets and dividers. I think you could should spend your $200 on a daily Queen Bee bag and a nicer Matt and Nat bag for more formal occasions.
posted by kscottz at 9:28 AM on July 8, 2008

Like carmicha, I recommend buying a coach handbag on ebay. Most of the great last-forever leather Coach bags have been discontinued, but you can find a lot of gently-used ones in many styles. People selling coach tend to put up lots of very clear photos, or will provide them if you ask -- if they're selling genuine Coach, they want to make sure you can see the quality. If you want tips on spotting fakes, see ebay's community discussion forum headed "Shoes, handbags, accessories."
posted by wryly at 2:34 PM on July 8, 2008

Not sure if this is too small (and while it lacks an outer pocket, it does have inside pockets). I've had one for more than a year and it has held up very well. I especially like that it can be worn over the shoulder or across the body (but I know that's not one of your req's).
posted by hazel at 3:34 PM on July 8, 2008

THANK YOU for asking this!
if I had seen this earlier, I would have bought your lunch today! ;)
posted by pointystick at 1:48 PM on July 9, 2008

OP here with an update - after some hunting, I found a Coach Ergo hobo bag in brown leather at Marshall's. It fits my requirements to a T and was only $130 - more than I'm used to paying for a purse, to be sure, but within my budget and a big savings on the normal price, and it's obviously much higher quality, both in materials and in workmanship, than the ones I've been getting.

Thanks very much to all who responded!
posted by oblique red at 10:01 AM on July 14, 2008