I like nice handbags. Call it a weakness.
I didn't used to care. I once bought a Kathy Ireland dark green nylon and vinyl mini knapsack from KMart at an age when I had no business buying Kathy Ireland anything. I used a seamripper to pick off the KI logo badge, and used the thing until the strap tore. Five or six years. Pretty good for a bag that, iirc, cost me $10-$12 at the most.
Then my tastes changed. Maybe getting out of the lab and into the office played a part. All I can say is Thank God for eBay and nice used bags because brand new just is never going to work.
Scored a very nice used Coach shoulder bag. It arrived today. I don't think this particular style is on sale anymore, which makes it vintage. Or something.
![]()

I didn't used to care. I once bought a Kathy Ireland dark green nylon and vinyl mini knapsack from KMart at an age when I had no business buying Kathy Ireland anything. I used a seamripper to pick off the KI logo badge, and used the thing until the strap tore. Five or six years. Pretty good for a bag that, iirc, cost me $10-$12 at the most.
Then my tastes changed. Maybe getting out of the lab and into the office played a part. All I can say is Thank God for eBay and nice used bags because brand new just is never going to work.
Scored a very nice used Coach shoulder bag. It arrived today. I don't think this particular style is on sale anymore, which makes it vintage. Or something.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-21 01:27 am (UTC)I have two practically antique Coach bags, both dark brown saddle leather from 1980. I like carrying them when I want better service in fancy stores. (Works, too.) Not to mention I love the feel of saddle leather. I did note in the local Coach store that they are making new models of real leather again, although like Louis Vuitton's latest they are putting the embossed logo on the outside of the bag instead of discretely inside.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-21 02:16 am (UTC)Kate Spade is the only one that gets away with it.
...
Ok, I lied. Dooney and Bourke as well, but only the purses with the nametags stamped on the leather.
Kryptonite, plain and simple.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-21 02:17 am (UTC)I have an old Willis bag that I am pretty sure is at least 15 years old, maybe 20. Also black. The leather is in great shape, but the brass needs polishing and I haven't found the right cleaner yet.
Coach bags look better than bags that cost many times more. I try other brands, but I always seem to drift back.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-21 02:24 am (UTC)I confess to having succumbed to Prada, with the triangle metal tag thingie. *Deep* discount, but I had an itch and I scratched it. Truth be told, I think Coach bags are better made, but I carry the Prada bag to important meetings, especially when I'm presenting. The nameplate draws the eye and hey, whatever helps.
I love Dooney and Bourke stretch slouch bags, but I won't pay retail. Just need to hit the right auction...
no subject
Date: 2006-12-26 09:48 am (UTC)Kathy Ireland bag
Date: 2007-02-19 05:49 pm (UTC)