BAGGAGE CHECK

I have quite a few handbags, but most are the cheap and colorful kind I've picked up on my travels, or retro bags from thrift stores. I'm not really drawn to higher-end, name-brand handbags, because I just don't like the way most of them look. I don't like how huge they are, the many different pockets or hardware like studs and grommets everywhere.

But, on rare occasions, I do find myself lusting after certain beautiful name-brand bags, and these past several months I've found some amazing bargains on several of these. I'm now realizing just how much a quality bag can add to one's wardrobe, how much it can enhance an outfit. So, I'm weeding out my old ones, keeping only those I really love and use (because few things are as singular and precious as a good vintage handbag), and giving away the rest.

And the ones I've added to my wardrobe? Here they are:



I've been looking for a travel tote for ages, and haven't found one I loved as much as this, the "Chrystie" tote by Steven/Steve Madden, which I got on clearance at Smart Bargains. It was marked down from $250 to $60! Though it's sold out there, you can still find it in the beige color, and at a similar price, on Amazon. It's canvas with rich leather accents, and I'm very fond of that combination (which is very hard to find) in a bag.

It works perfectly as both an inflight carry-on bag and a travel tote for short trips, which Asoka and I like to take a lot in Sri Lanka. I got tired of hauling around a clunky, rolling luggage-bag when we went on these trips last year, and was determined to find a smaller (but still roomy) bag to replace it. This fits the bill! It also works as a fantastic book bag, which I'll need if I take another class in the future. It's a lot prettier in real life than in the photo. :o)


This "Kaya" wristlet by Hobo International was a completely random find, one I never thought I'd come across! I've been admiring and wanting this bag on Amazon, but it was too expensive for me even when it went on sale, online. I adore the quirky, retro colors and flirty design. And then, on a trip to the Hallmark store to look for a Valentine's card for my husband, I popped in the T.J. Maxx next door and there it was, for $30!!

It's a quality leather bag with a sturdy wrist-strap and a lot roomier than it appears in the photo. What's not to love!

And then, this -- the "Aim to Pleats" bag by Kenneth Cole New York:

I saw it at Nordstrom Rack and was just mesmerized! It's roomy but not gigantic, and just completely me. The soft, graceful shape and suede material are heavenly, and I just could not stop dreaming about or coveting it.


But, I couldn't justify buying it because I have a monthly shopping budget which is not exactly, um, big, and this bag, even on clearance for 60% off, did not fit into that budget. :o(

Buuuuut ... my birthday is next week, and my darling mother got it for me as an early birthday gift! Oooooh, the joy! I am so grateful! I've never owned such a nice handbag in my life, and I feel so fortunate to have it. I can't help twirling around and posing with it in front of the mirror!

Even though I doubt I'd ever get into handbags as I am into shoes, but it still feels really good to actually own a nice bag. Can't believe I'm realizing this only now, lol! But better late than never, right? ;o)