I have never really been a purse person; I was always content to have one decent bag per season and it needn't be pricey at all. However, for some reason, this is slowly changing as I age.
I blame this on two people: GetFresh and my daughter, both of whom like a good purse (and a good pair of Chucks).
I am slowly acquiring some nice modest bags (if you want to talk about higher priced bags, especially ones for a great price, you need to scamper right over to see Dani, who had just scored a lovely LV tote - she'll set you up! Otherwise, mingle here while I go grab a tray of champagne).
What I mostly look for now are bags that fit certain needs.
One such need was the desire to have a smallish leather cross-body bag in navy that I could use as my purse when I travel this summer and fall. I don't mind schlepping a larger bag around town, but when I travel I like free arms and a lightweight. But I also want it to be elegant.
So when I saw this little Rebecca Minkoff, I knew it fit the bill!
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I especially love it because it zips closed at the top and there is another small compartment in the front. Simple and lovely.
I liked it so much I nabbed it in white as well, since it was on sale.
But there must be some frivolity in life and everything need not be expensive. So when I saw this little foldover canvas clutch at Chapters on sale for $20, I snapped it up:
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As a little extra for Mother's Day, Barry bought me this beach bag:
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| Really, it is the perfect beach bag... |
I continue to be seriously loving navy and white. There will be a longer style post forthcoming this week (I think) but I am finding navy everywhere these days and snapping it up where I can.
As I've been dressing more simply I've been digging out the jewelry. I love the sterling silver earrings above; they are the perfect length. And yay, my hair is growing out! I can even put it in a small ponytail again!
Oh and extra excitement - am being fitted for contacts this Friday. I have missed - since my eyes got so bloody bad @51 - not having to wear eyeglasses. Prior to 51 I only needed them for reading. It will be lovely to have the option of going glass-less now and then and I know GSL will approve!
How about you - any new purse purchases this year? Anything exciting in your lives this week?
Stay safe out there, xoxo wendy
Well Wendy, given the "purse-onality" starter topic you had to know I would be among the first to comment here. In this case I will, with DD, happily and wholeheartedly shoulder all loving responsibility. When you have to carry on, need the right equipment. Happy about your contacts too, the better to see those new accessories with.
ReplyDeleteThe Minkoff horsebit/ clip ring a la Gucci front clasp is classic. And now you have it in the bag for summer and winter.
As for my latest acquisitions. might be ready to publically share my packadilly habit, stay tuned, soon. And #handbaghappiness lady!
P.S. Statement earrings suit you too. I see uncomplicated outfits as perfect backdrop.
DeleteI knew you would be first off the mark! You really do need to out your purse - it is divine! The key for me has been moving all of my things into a little satchel that, along with my wallet, I move between purses. I use a different one all the time now. duh!
DeleteHaving zip up kit(s), "purseket" type thing, duplicates like an umbrella for both work bags -- whatever works best for you, is critical IMO. When all you have to do is move "keys, wallet, sunnies" it is so much easier to do bag with outfit. Of course, being me, I also see the wisdom of having one fabulous seasonal bag you don't change either. But for me that is not fun or practical as don't want to tote same amount of stuff for work, city day, occasional nights out.
DeleteVery cute bags. I have a bag thing and have tried to convince my finance guy they are an asset class. He remains skeptical.
ReplyDeleteha! really there should be a wardrobe deduction...
DeleteI love a good bag and yours are lovely. I can't find what I'm looking for-but I'm a stickler-I want a nice cross body that is a good everyday bag-big enough for the essentials without looking like a piece of luggage. Of course, the champagne taste and beer budget is the biggest challenge.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the beer budget. I really couldn't afford the white too, but in my experience a white purse that isn't horrible is like a unicorn....
DeleteAs is a nice dress that fits....
DeleteSuch choices you now have! Love that navy cross body, and you will be so glad you have it in Paris. I don;t have any really expensive bags either, but I did splurge on a classic navy bag made in New England that I use nearly every day ( Lotuff is the brand). Their showroom is close to my first job in RI.
ReplyDeleteI got a plain brown rectangular crossbody in Tuscany that travels all over with me, but it needs to be a bit bigger. So hard to find one that does not stick out too much, has an adjustable strap, easy to get into.
Have you had contacts before? MLane tried them for 20 minutes as his optometrist friend insisted, but he was not motivated to keep with them!
Oh Kane - I wish this were it; there are many more purses now sadly, bought over last few years... A purse bought in Italy is on my list. I have a wonderful messenger bag from Cole haan which is perfect except there is no zipper. Uh oh re: contacts. I just want them for dressy affairs when I'd rather not wear glasses, but perhaps I won't care for them either!
DeleteHi Wendy, very good choice of bag, it's lovely. I got my first navy bag last fall, hand made in Toronto by a small company called Opelle. It's quite big though, so I'm looking out for a smaller one for summer, probably in a beige or dove colour.
ReplyDeleteExciting this week is that we finish our Learn to Run clinic - then I'll be on maintenance until the 5 k clinic starts in June. Good luck with the contacts - I have never tried them, could never get over the idea of sticking something in my eye!
Yay on the running clinic! Good on you!
DeleteI have some issues with my neck and shoulders...I type but have no idea how to type. Anyway, my bag needs to be light weight, MZ Wallace, or smallish. I am presently using a purse from Massimo Dutti that I love but I need a key fob in it. Gotta have a key fob.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the typing - I write 4 to 5 hours a day and need to be so carefyl!
DeleteLove the beach bag! I wish more navy would cross my path!! I adore it.
ReplyDeleteIt is cheeky, isn't it?
DeleteI just lost a nice long comment. _Gist- love the bags, esp navy and crossbody, love the clutch, as I loved the scarf last time, and think you had gorgeous glasses when I saw you in NYC- flattering, custom and chic. But, contacts are nice , too.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love my glasses too, but will be nice to have the option, I think.
Deletewe are alike in that I tend to buy multiples but in different colors. I am trying to stop the habit...but when you find a unicorn,,,well you buy,
ReplyDeleteUnknown, I agree- I so etimes think I am being lazy when I buy multiples, but then I decide the benefits outweigh the lack of imagination...
DeleteLove the purse. I've never been much of a bag lady (as I've blogged about), but there's a line where you need something that works with your outfits and not everything does. So needs must…
ReplyDeleteI'm loving navy at the moment too - there's a lot of it around and it's so much more flattering than basic black (writes she sitting in head to toe black… but then we have the most Wintery weather at the moment, so I feel it's justified!).
Heidi - here's perspective: checked adelaide's temps on line - we have had the exact same temps in last week! What a difference it is between a northern and southern climate! Of course, we never hit 40+ here!
DeleteOh that's pretty funny! I suppose it's not really that cold (although I did put the fire on tonight), but it's been very grey and overcast for the past week and a half with a lot of rain and wind, so that's contributed to the feeling of gloomy Winter in my mind I think!
DeleteIsn't it funny? It's 8 and cold and windy here and I think "spring!"
DeleteI love all of your new bags! I have the rebecca minkoff bag in a stone white color I think it was called, for 5 years now and it's still going strong. It's such a great bag and fit quiet a lot. Wear them in good health!
ReplyDeleteI have been loving navy for several years too and I scoop it up as if it was going out of style. I used to love and adore black, but I think navy looks more sophisticated and less harsh. It's a flattering color on everyone!
How sweet of Barry to get you that beautiful beach bag! I love a thoughtful man:)
Love that RM bag, the clasp is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI adore handbags! At one time I had lots of JCrew bags but I sold them all, now I own 4 bags: my black Smythson, dark red Smythson clutch (those are my winter bags), dark brown LV for autumn and my new-to-me blue LV for spring and summer.
Guess who else is getting contacts: Little Rascal! I'm dreading it but Ole Rascal had contacts at age 12, he was forever breaking glasses while skateboarding or jumping on and off buildings and things, what a rascal he was while young. He never had a problem with his contacts. I think part of it is the shape of your eye, some people wear them easier than others?
My gosh what are you going to wear to meet your boyfriend?!! xox
Funny you should write about purses... I have been looking at getting a nice one lately and still can't make up my mind. I went through the same last year about the same time and gave up, given the so many choices.
ReplyDeleteThat top is pretty on your Wendy. I had the teeniest wee bag then bit the bullet with a shopper and now can't go back. Just bought another big shopper bag
ReplyDelete