Please help me find a purse

[turtledazzle]

So, I am 35 years old and have never owned a purse that cost more than $65. I have just never been a purse person, and have always carried small purses that would just hold the necessities -- these purses were usually found at SteinMart, TJ Maxx, etc.

However, as a new mom I am quickly realizing that my small purse days are over. I have to carry around more stuff with me, so I need a grown-up purse Since I am so used to small purses and relatively small framed (5'4", 115 lbs), I don't want anything overly huge. Things I will carry every day: cellphone, sunglasses, large key set, small wallet, makeup bag ... and, soon, probably some toys and a couple of diapers for quick trips out without the diaper bag.

I am not one to ever change purses -- I will wear it until it practically falls apart, so I need something durable, classic and probably neutral. I love soft leather. For budget, I am thinking no more than $250 ... hopefully closer to $200 (considering my purses thus far have always been cheap, this is huge for me).

Suggestions?

I am also realizing that I would probably like a small zippered pouch or something of that sort that will hold my cellphone, lipstick and small wallet (and it is small -- it's just a leather wallet the size of a credit card -- holds my license, a credit card, and some money and will fit easily in a back pocket). I'd like this so that I can throw it in the purse when I'm carrying my purse, and then throw it in the diaper bag when I am carrying the diaper bag. Right now I have been using a ziploc bag

Since I am not a shopper at all, I thought I would seek out the advice of the ever-knowledgeable, helpful PSers! TIA!

 

[KittyGolightly]

Are you looking for a shoulder bag or a hand bag?

 

[turtledazzle]

Are you looking for a shoulder bag or a hand bag?

Ah, good question. Shoulder bag, as I need to be as hands-free as possible with the baby. Thanks!

 

[KittyGolightly]

If I were you, I'd probably look for a hobo-style bag. They are pretty versatile, tuck under the arm nicely, and are big enough to hold your stuff. I would actually head back to TJ Maxx and see what's in stock. I've found some great Cole Haan bags there over the years.

As far as colors go, black is always a classic, but it won't go with everything (at some point during the summer you'll wish you had a lighter color bag). You could try beige or cream. When my sister was pregnant, I bought her this baby bag: http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/cbb/2008/03/30/elizabeth.jpg. It went with pretty much everything. Or you could try a metallic. Or you could get two bags! This one is on sale for $99 and comes in several colors. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525578&CategoryID=46012

Happy shopping!

 

[decodelighted]

I'd look for a cross body bag ... with a messgener bag shape ... on the small side. Trying to think of where I'd seen one lately. Boden's carried them for a few years, but the only one they have now is a "pop art" style print. (Thought it is on sale!)

Someone was just posting about Cole Haan's cross body collection. They were cute. I have a plain nylon one that I've had for over 10 years at this point (though it is filthy!) ...and a purple leather one I bought last year from Marshalls ($99). If you're looking for the luxury bag experience, and who can blame you ... lots of other folks will have tips. Nordstroms & Saks & Neiman Marcus have sales on their bags online sometimes.

Good luck!

ETA: I found the one I was eyeing the other day ... http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro...uct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=subCategory

And I was totally wanting this one too ... http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-bags/lizard-embossed-crossbody-18781179/

 

[CDNinNYC]

I would consider getting a Longchamp Le Pliage tote. I think they'd make a great mommy bag that is practical yet fashionable.

You can find them in different colours in a variety of department stores but I like the option of custom making your own from their website. You select the size, handle drop, colour, hardware, etc. I believe there's a 3 week turn around time for a custom made one.

Custom Le Pliage: http://www.longchamp.com/en/home-sur-mesure-usa-560.html

Le Pliage: http://www.longchamp.com/en/le-pliage-women-255.html

 

[turtledazzle]

Thanks everyone! This purse world is pretty foreign to me. I appreciate the help.
Deco -- I never would have thought about Anthropolie bags, thanks!
CDNinNY -- I like the customizable options there.

This one is on sale for $99 and comes in several colors. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525578&CategoryID=46012

Kitty -- I kind of like that one. I might order it and see ...

I actually went out to Marshall's and Ross today. Ross was a bust, but I saw a couple at Marshall's with promise. I didn't buy anything, but I did get a feel for size and some features that I want.

I'm pretty sure I want a Hobo with a zippered top (many just had magnetic tops ... and I spill stuff out of my bags too often when I forget to zip them) and only one strap (when a bag has two straps one strap always seems to fall off my shoulder and it drives me batty). There was a B Makowsky at Marshall's that I really liked, but it had the magnetic closure rather than a zipper. They also had this one at Marshall's and I liked the size and feel of the purse, but it just looked a little boring and there was only one and it had a scratch: http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=525870&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-_-2-_-20-_-MP220
I like the look of the Tignanello that Kitty posted better, though.

I think I'll head out to TJ Maxx tomorrow and see what they have.

 

[turtledazzle]

I found and bought this at TJ maxx http://www.amazon.com/Tignanello-Double-Zip-Convertible-Crossbody/dp/B003LNNMUI

I liked it there and like that it's convertible, but now I'm not so sure (haven't used it yet so I can return it). I'm thinking that it isn't quite big enough (volume wise) ... ugh. Have I mentioned that I hate shopping?