I vary my handbags like I vary my shoes.  I’ve even been known to use two different bags in one day.  Women like me don’t invest in expensive bags because it is pointless to spend $350+ on one bag if the compulsion to change it means I might only wear my $350 bag once in a while as opposed to everyday.  Cheap bags are easier on the conscience to switch around, affordable obviously and there is no sense of eternal commitment. But cheap looks cheap. Although let me stop and defend some fake knock offs I own which look strikingly expensive.  

So anyway I have some money saved up and have considered getting myself a really nice bag.  But every time I see a bag I like and then see its price, I get scrooge-like with my money and chicken out.  I suppose that it is perhaps because it’s not the “it” bag for me. I am sure when I see the bag of my dreams, shelling out the $300-$400-$600 will feel like nothing right?

I am not a label whore by any means. I do not feel the need to purchase an item based on its designer. Some people will foolishly convince themselves that the expense is about the quality. In the case of leather, yes I would agree. But these are the same people who justify paying $200 for denim.  Oh but it’s so soft? Bullshit.  But leather is indeed subject to quality, style and color.   The higher the price, the thicker and stronger I expect the leather to be. Although I am not opposed to suede, there is no way I would pay a lot of money for it.  And then there are some bags that in my opinion are just dreadful.  I absolutely hate Coach and Louis Vuitton, probably the most prevalent bags seen here in NYC among both the old and young.  Especially LV with its brown awful color (and I am a fan of brown) and even worse, the white and pink series.   I even find bags like Gucci and Prada to be unappealing until they reach the $1000 mark, which is when the bag designs are much more creative.   But who has $1000 for a handbag?  Others I dread include: Burberry (who the fuck seriously likes that pattern??), Dooney&Bourke and Chanel (the quilted padded look is annoying). But listen, I have been known to like some odd stuff myself: Balenciaga’s motorcycle style, Hermes Birkin (looks like an old lady bag) and even Isabella Fiore, who has pony hair designs (usually the fur is gross but if you removed it the bag would look great).   I actually respect Isabella Fiore’s designs very much in that they are unique and colorful.  Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs have, by far, the best overall collections.  I enjoy looking at BabyPhat’s collection as well, but I would never purchase one- too gangsta for me (though confession: I have one bag given to me as a present).   Kate Spade is a little too simplistic for me, although the bags are often streamlined and sophisticated.  Juicy Couture is a give and take. I bought a “Ladies who lunch” tote last year off ebay. It was the most money I dropped for a bag. I was disappointed because I had wanted the deep brown color and I placed an order for “coffee” because may you might think like me…coffee is brown? Apparently not! Coffee is the equivalent color of orange or “spice” as I like to call it.  But what I got was a super knock off so that’s what I get for buying on ebay.

So now I am slowly settling into the idea of making a major purchase. I don’t know if I could emotionally handle spending a lot of money on a bag.  In the meantime, I will slowly take my time and search for the perfect bag.  I am starting to like Betsey Johnson’s collection.  It’s youthful and colorful.  But I don’t know what route to go with this purchase. Get a super unique bag that is stylish, fun and different…or invest in a simple, elegant, timeless bag applicable for both work and late night affairs (I added the late night affairs for pure unrealistic drama).   I would like my bag to be leather, I have a fondness for tote styles or “Shoppers” as they seemed to be now called or hobos.  Definitely larger in size, because I hate small bags.  Over the shoulder straps are convenient and realistic, because the hand held ones are inconvenient.  Should I pick black or brown?  I own so many colors, I have yet to own a really good black bag.   

These are my possible considerations:

Isabella Fiore:$495
Jessica Simpson: $248

Kate Spade: $365
Nordstom Flap Tote: $198
Juicy Couture: $395
(in black) Michael Kors: $398
(tote shown in back)Jessica Simpson: $298
 
  BCBGirls: $198
Betsey Johnson: overpriced! LOL

Hmmm. Or maybe I should stick to buying my bags at Aldo's. I love Aldo bags. Plus they're a million times cheaper.

Oh I wish these problems on the world!!