Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with purse

girl needs her nice leather...case

kenzi23 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:05:18 -0800

Can you help a fashionable girl find a nice leather wallet-style iphone case? I'm looking for a leather iPhone case, something like this Sena case but more stylish and/or funky and/or sophisticated...essentially I want something more fashionable and higher quality that this. I would like this to be a kind of clutch purse in which I can put a small amount of cash and 2-3 cards. I like the style of acme made but they don't make iPhone cases.

Online would be good but I'm in NYC so if you have any stores to to suggest here that would be great too. Any recommendations?

Leather purse cleaning

demiurge — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:58:50 -0800

I need advice for cleaning a water stain on a leather purse. A drop of rain fell on my fiancee's purse and caused a stain. The purse is made of very soft leather and I did not expect it to leave a mark after drying, but it has been several days and the dark spot is only slightly lighter. You can see pictures of the spot here and here. I assume it was only a drop of rain since it was raining lightly that day, but the only other possibility would be a drop falling from a overhang.

I know nothing about leather care and I got conflicting advice from different sites from a Google search. Can you give me any advice on how to return the purse to its original condition based on your leather experience?

What's a good female-specific purse/laptop bag for a 13" Macbook?

thewalrus — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:58:40 -0800

I bought my wife a unibody aluminum 13" Macbook for Christmas. She loves the laptop a lot but only has an old fashioned clamshell briefcase style carrying case for laptops, which was designed for 8 pound, 15.4" screen lap monsters. Can anyone recommend a female specific purse/laptop bag that is stylish and designed specifically for the 13" Macbook, or a vendor of an assortment of different styles of such bags?

How to keep leather handbag looking like new?

stopgap — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:25:51 -0800

I need some handbag care advice for my girlfriend. She has a golden-tan leather Furla bag that is starting to get a little dried out. We're not in a big city, so going to a professional probably isn't an option. What can she do to treat the leather so it stays looking like new? Specific brand names of products we can order are preferable.

Where to find last year's Furla handbag

guruguy9 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:01:58 -0800

Help me find a great handbag for my wife! I've really taken a liking to the Furla Frida as in this Sartorialist pic (handbag on the left). I can't find it anywhere as it came out last year (except for $600 in the UK). I've done all of the top line google searches etc... Please post suggestions of places to look or for similar items if you know of any. I'm also in LA if there are appropriate brick and mortar solutions. Used is great too.

All this talk about wallets....

mjcon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:16:15 -0800

Christmas Gift Filter: I am looking for a leather wristlet for my sister and can't find exactly what I want. I am looking for a leather wristlet that is large enough to hold keys, a cell phone and all wallet-related materials (drivers license, cards, cash...) for a Christmas gift for my 20 year old sister. She likes this but is more interested in leather than cloth (she's pretty hard on her stuff and is looking for something more durable). I like that the one linked has all of the wallet slots inside but also has enough space for keys and a phone. I haven't been able to find it in leather and am really not sure where to look....Shopping isn't really my strong suit. As a last resort, I would probably commission someone on etsy to make it for me, but would rather buy it already made so that I can see what it looks like first. For the absolute right thing, I am probably ok with spending about $100 but would obviously love to pay less.

How to secure a purse strap?

Lucinda — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:21:20 -0800

What would be the best way for me to secure the strap on a purse/bag? For my birthday, I received an awesome canvas bag. The strap is secured in place by a simple granny knot (picture here).

I'm worried that this will eventually come undone and the bag will go crashing to the floor. (I don't carry anything particularly heavy in it, but you never know.) What's the best way to ensure this does not happen?

I was thinking of maybe squirting hot glue into the center of the knot to bind it, but I am wondering if there's a better type of knot I could use, or a different technique.

(I'd like to avoid having to replace the strap with something else. Also, the strap is the perfect length for me now, so I'd also like to avoid any sort of technique that would make the strap length shorter.)

In search of the perfect little black purse

snowleopard — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:19:41 -0800

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.

Someday she'll come along, the purse I love

oblique red — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:43:51 -0800

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?

Brown bag search

chickaboo — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:30:42 -0800

I want a real or very good fake tortoise shell evening bag - help me find one I have looked into renting one at bag buy or steal but if I can find one to buy I would.
Ebay has let me down thus far...
Has anyone spotted one lately? Preferably less than $100
I prefer it to be a clutche but I'll take one with a chain as well.

Purse Hangers?

onhazier — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:59:33 -0800

Help me find the purse hangers I'm remembering. Some months ago, I perused a website for purse hangers which were handmade of various beads and faceted crystals. What made these different was that the decorations were all loose under a clear dome. They reminded me of kaleidoscopes.

Of course, I forgot to book mark the page and have since forgotten the company name. I have failed at Google today. I'd really like one but find that most of the purse hangers I'm seeing look like crap. Can you find the purse hangers I want?

Purse contents for the perpetually prepared person

marble — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:44:29 -0800

What are some good items to keep in my purse? The current set of things I keep in there seem to serve me well but I'm looking for ideas that would help me be even more prepared for whatever comes up. Some of the things I keep in there that are non-obvious:
- tums
- otc pain meds like tylenol & ibuprofen
- glasses screwdriver with screws in the handle
- glasses cleaning cloth (I am anal about keeping my glasses clean)
- kleenex
- bandaids
- mp3 player and spare battery for same
- business cards
- stamps
- digital camera (sometimes)
- mini leatherman tool (must remember to remove it before going to the airport)
- nail clipper
- pens and a pencil
- tampons

Obvious items just for the sake of completeness:
- wallet
- checkbook
- phone
- keys (almost always attached to the handle with a trigger snap)

My purse is pretty big so I can add to this. What do you carry? Or what would you carry if you had more room?

A sufficiently sturdy pillbox

Karmakaze — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:30:28 -0800

The inside of my purse is a hazardous place, and I have trouble finding a pillbox that will stand up to it. I've discovered that the only way I'll remember to take my pills on a regular basis is to keep them on me. That way, if I remember late, I can just rummage in my purse.

Unfortunately, I have trouble with containers popping open in my purse. I tried a steel keychain-type, but after long enough, I'd find it unscrewed itself and I lost the lot (also, the generics I am on now are too large for that option anyway). Lately, I've been using the screw-bottle that the pills come in, but it takes up way too much space and has actually come unscrewed itself once or twice (although in that case, at least all I have to do is turn out the lining of my purse to retrieve the errant pills.) The plastic day-of-the-week type I see at drugstores look like they'd be perfect, but I am convinced the plastic snap-lids would come unsnapped or come off entirely.

What's the absolutely sturdiest portable pillbox I can get?

Help mend the chink in my fashion armor!

Ambrosia Voyeur — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:58:16 -0800

This is my faaaavorite purse. It is made of black metal mesh, or mail, in tiles of about 1/4". I tied it to my handlebars once and I think some of the tiles were knocked off by the tire. Now a corner is bare, missing pieces. Can anyone help me find this bag or these tiles so I can carry this bag with my head held high once more? I bought it in a chintzy imports store in the mall, the kind of place with lots of barrettes and rhinestone accessories. There are no tags.

Removing black grease from brown leather

k8lin — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:43:18 -0800

My cherished leather Coach bag somehow got disgusting, mysterious, silvery-black grease all over the handle. What can I do to clean it safely? I'm looking for people with experience with this type of thing; Google just turns up a bunch of scary results that I'm afraid will ruin my bag. I was traveling on an airplane, and when I got into my car I noticed my hand and arm were coated in grease. It might have been from my checked bag which was put under the plane; I'm not sure -- the stuff was all over my hand, and I think that's how it got on my purse. I'm having trouble washing it off my hands, too, but I'm not worried about that.
The bag is fairly new (about a year old) and is whiskey colored leather. I'm willing to try anything that won't ruin it -- like I said, Google turns up a bunch of funny results, like stuff with vinegar or salt and baking soda, and I'm wary to try something like that on my precious bag. I'd be happy to buy a leather-cleaning product, but solid recommendations are key -- I don't want to just buy some crazy leather cleaner without knowing that it will work.
Ideally, I'd like the grease to be removed completely without changing the color of the leather. Please tell me that it can be done.

What's this woven Asian container?

TochterAusElysium — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 10:45:33 -0800

What is this woven Asian container? I bought it at a local Asian antiques sale, but the sellers didn't know its origins or use. It's about 8 inches tall by 6 inches wide, somewhat pillow-shaped with an hourglass profile, is made of woven straw or thin bamboo, with bamboo reinforcement around the edges. It's proven very hard to Google. I'm sure it's a very common thing if I only knew what it's called!

I (heart) nerds .... in bag form.

cschneid — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:40:38 -0800

Where can I find a new I (heart) nerds purse like this one? This one is falling apart, and a google search and a froogle lead nowhere. It was originally bought at Kohls, and we haven't seen a new one since. Any leads on where I can buy one online?

Help find hippie purse!

cyphill — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:37:13 -0800

I'm trying to replace my girlfriend's hippie purse. My girlfriend says she bought this purse at a headshop in some unidentified city and swears that they were found in every fashionable hippie store for a while. Unfortunately, now that it's time to replace hers, there's none to be found. She doesn't need an exact replica but she wants something at around the same size (nearly square, about 6'x8') and with a strap that is at most an inch and a half wide. The purse must also be cloth. I feel certain that such a product must exist out there. All hints and pointers will be appreciated.

Are expensive handbags better?

ThePinkSuperhero — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:09:28 -0800

I'm tired of cheap handbags. Will buying a more expensive bag eliminate the problems cheap handbags bring? I tend to buy cheap purses every 3-4 months or so; and they look fine for a month, and then they begin to fall apart. Stuff falls off, the zipper rips, the handle breaks. Right now I have a designer knockoff I bought in Chinatown, and the handle is thisclose to falling off, because the fake leather is cracking and ripping. I speak at conferences on behalf of my company, and I would rather not look foolish carrying a bag that is stapled or glued together. If I bought an expensive bag, would these problems continue? I really want to buy something that will not fall apart, ever- is that an unrealistic expectation to have of a bag I'll carry everyday? What should one look for when "investing" in a handbag? What are the elements of design that will indicate a bag will not fall apart quickly? What's the life of an expensive bag? I don't want to have unrealistic expectations. I'm thinking of something like this.

It's not easy dyeing green.

rmless — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:37:06 -0800

How should I dye my beige leather purse a moss green color? Do it myself? Take it to a professional? (in NYC) I have an old leather purse which is still in good condition, but I would be much happier with it if it was green. How much does this normally cost to take to a professional? Do you have any recommendations for someone in NY?
or
Should I try it myself at home? What products should I use? (leather not suede, there are a lot of seams and zippers if that matters)

Thanks!

Dropped my planner in a puddle, this has got to end.

croutonsupafreak — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 11:11:10 -0800

I'm about to buy my first briefcase, and I'm looking for advice. I don't need to carry a laptop, I just want something that will help me juggle a couple books, my planner, loose sheets of paper, a 3-ring binder, a newspaper, and my purse as I go between home, work and work-related appointments. It should be easy to carry, professional looking, good at organizing these things, and maybe it can replace my purse during the work day. What are the best features of awesome briefcases? What should I be wary of?

Help me find a good purse.

LittleMissCranky — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:19:02 -0800

The search for the perfect purse. I need a purse that will hold up to a moderate level of abuse. I need it to be large enough to carry papers (so larger than about 9x11"), but not so large that I throw everything I own in it. I need to be able to carry it on my shoulder, but I would prefer handles to a shoulder strap. In a perfect world, I would like it to come in leather in a color other than black or brown. Any suggestions?

Help us find this lancel bag!!

echo0720 — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 18:34:36 -0800

Help my roommate find the perfect bag! My roommate saw a Lancel bag in Moscow that she almost bought. Now that she's back in DC, she's regretting her decision. The only Lancel store in the US (in Beverly Hills) is out of the purse she wants (it's the small hobo #362035 in black with brown leather trim). It's not on eBay and google isn't helping us. Any suggestions? Do you know where else in the US she could find it?

(Retail price is about $140, if the Beverly Hills store had it, it would be on sale for $99, and it was Euros 70 when she saw it and she wouldn't pay much more than that including shipping if that helps any...)

Thank you in advance!

Caution: Purse

luftmensch — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 18:42:57 -0800

CraftFilter! I need some tips on how to make an awesome purse out of a safety sign. More specifically, a wet floor sign identical to this (the sign is actually yellow). My sister ganked it from god-knows-where, and i feel the shape and size are begging for pursedom. I generally prefer purses with shoulder-type straps, but short handles would be fine if it works best. Crafty mefites, help me approach this project!

Stolen Purse

geonags — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 22:58:32 -0800

Is there anything else that I can do about my gf's stolen purse? My gf's purse was stolen from my 2003 Jetta tonight. We filed a police report and canceled credit cards and such. Is there anything else that we should be doing? Her SSN card was not in there. Thanks.