If you follow me on Twitter, I’m probably on your nerves at this point with all my complaints and sighs as I seek the perfect handbag. So many that I look at are *this close* to perfection, but none are quite there.
Or, some may be, but I can’t tell because the designer’s website images are so 1930s-sex-scene that I can only imagine what happens when that zipper is opened.
Maybe you can point me in the right direction. Here’s the list of demands:
- Handles long enough to fit on my (narrow) shoulder even when I wear a bulky sweater and/or winter coat.
- Removable cross-body strap for those moments when I want to be hands (and shoulder) free.
- Beautiful leather and craftsmanship (I know, the irony of the vegetarian who craves beautiful leather. I make efforts, just not with this bag. I’m sorry, dear animals) (Okay, waxed canvas would do if Moop would custom-make my bag).
- Silver hardware. I rarely wear gold. Don’t make me send mixed metal messages.
- Easy to open flap.
Now to the storage. Pockets. I want them. Here’s what I need:
- Slip pocket on back, ideally large enough to hold a full manila folder or a magazine. I promise to put only high-quality magazines in that pocket.
- Interior zip pocket against back wall.
- Key fob. Don’t make me fish for those keys, please!
- Dividing zip pocket. Make it large enough to hold iPad 2 in its wool case, and I shall swoon.
- iPhone + smidge (for George’s sweater) interior pocket against front wall.
- Two pen/pencil slips against front wall. Not too deep, please. I need to get the pen/pencil out of its slip at some point.
- Moleskine pocket-sized journal pocket. Next to the pen/pencil slips and iPhone pocket works.
- Outside front, under flap, a small zipped pocket for sundries.
- Outside on side, a water bottle sized pocket. Not a disposable water bottle, but a Sigg-sized bottle.
I’ve found some bags that are close, but I’m holding out for just-the-right-bag. What’s on your list for the perfect handbag? Have any suggestions where I might find mine?
Keep me posted on this hunt. I’m forever searching for a bag that works with both my linebacker shoulders and significant boobage – which is why I tend to carry my purses around like the Queen Mum.
I should add: light-color interior so I can find my stuff.
For 40 years I’ve looked for the perfect bag, even found one from time to time, or so I thought. Good luck!
Well, it’s not leather but at first glance seems to have most of the features you want. It also comes in an aqua/red combo and a gorgeous cream/yellow
http://susannichole.com/store/gia-in-black-black-p-693.html
OK . . . it’s not leather, and it might not have the right pocket configuration right now, but have you checked out Kelly Moore’s Kelly Boy Bag? Technically, it’s a camera bag, but it’s damn lovely for just about everything.
The Kelly boy is SO close!
I think your list is perfectly acceptable. When you find the bag let me know because I want one, too!
http://www.mapleleather.com/
I have one of the tapestry bags. The one I have is not quite as big as you want but has all the right pockets. Maybe one of their leather one would work for you.
I have been searching for The Perfect Bag for over 40 years. Problem is. . . it’s a moving target! (There were no iProducts in the Stone Age; nor even Moleskin. . .) Your wish list sounds perfect. Please post your options — I’d love to check them out (because I am a total Bag Fiend and can’t stop myself).
Me again. Okay. Let’s make that over 30 years. I’m old. . . but not quite that old! 🙂
Have you considered getting something custom made on Etsy or ArtFire? If you’re into the idea check out a few shops that have something close to what you want and ask to have them make something custom, just for you!
…and if you wanted to go non-leather here are some stylish alternatives
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63337597/large-messenger-style-bag
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68971869/the-eco-boston-shoulder-bag-rubber