We are work-cationing in Myrtle Beach right now. Can’t do much sunbathing in 50 degree weather but Myrtle Beach does have some great shopping. While shopping this morning, I learned a sad but valuable lesson.
The Cause:
The Results (photographed on our tacky hotel bedspread):
The Lesson: Do not put a Diet Pepsi into your leather purse, even if you think the cap is totally screwed on, because it may not be and you might feel something cold and/or wet and you might look down to see that the entire bottom of your leather purse is soaked. In Diet Pepsi.
My purse and wallet are drying out so soon I’ll know the damage. I guess a good thing is that I don’t use this purse often, so it’s better that it happened to this one rather than one of my favorites, right? I am looking for a bright side here.
Anyone had a similar mishap?
I suppose I should admit that I am a Disney lover. My husband and I went to Disney World twice last year and we don’t have children. I love Disney World, Disney movies, and sometimes I cruise the Disney website just to see what’s new. I love it all, but Disney Dooney & Bourke? Hmm. Not so sure.
Disney recently released the second wave of Dooney & Bourke Disney designs and to welcome the new handbags, Disney is hosting a Dooney & Bourke special event in Downtown Disney on February 26 from 4:30-6:30. If you plan to be in Orlando, you should stop by. Some of your options are:
Now that I really look at them, they are pretty cute and I might consider it if I didn’t think I would look like a fool carrying one around. Good thing they cost enough that I won’t be tempted to embarrass myself.
How stinkin’ cute is this purse? You didn’t even know it was a purse, did you? I found this on The Purse Page and while it’s not the most practical bag you can buy, they have the fun idea of bridesmaids carrying this in a wedding instead of bouquets. At $98 the Sondra Roberts Rose Clutch is surprisingly affordable compared to most of the bags they review.
I don’t really consider myself to be a crafty person. I made my kitchen curtains but that was all straight lines. But if you are crafty and you love purses you should check out U*Handbag, a blog all about making your own handbags. I came across this site when I was scoping some other purse blogs and I am so glad I found it. Lisa Lam offers sewing advice, purse patterns and tips for beginners, like moi. She also includes some other crafty projects to try and even gives soup recipes to keep you warm through this chilly winter.
I usually buy my purses but U*Handbag has inspired me enough that maybe I’ll try making my own. Maybe.
One of my favorite lines from the movie Working Girl is when Melanie Griffith is telling a very eighties Joan Cusack the cost of the evening dress that she’s wearing, and a shocked Joan says, “It’s not even leather!” I had a similar reaction the first time I encountered a Longchamp Le Pliage purse. I couldn’t believe that something synthetic could cost so much. But a friend talked me into it and I have since been converted. Longchamp purses are light, totally packable and might be the easiest to clean bag ever.
The medium bag weighs mere ounces which is very helpful because you don’t have to add the weight of the actual bag to the weight of all the stuff you put in the bag. Also, it folds to be almost totally flat. I have found this especially convenient when traveling. I need the big, fit all of my junk, purse on the plane but the doesn’t mean I need to schlep that one around in my destination. So, I pack the Longchamp (which takes up almost no room) and pull it out when we arrive. Lovely.
Also, because of the material, Longchamp bags are virtually waterproof and a cinch to clean. When I bought mine, the cashier told me she uses the large size as a baby bag because not only is it super stylish, but it is so easy to wipe out if anything is spilled.
Longchamp is a French company that also has a beautiful line of leather bags, but the one I have and the one I see most often is the Le Pliage style. It comes in several styles and multiple colors. It is made of synthetic material and has cowhide leather trim. My one complaint would be that it only has one small pocket inside, but that just gives me an excuse to buy a cute little zipper pouch to put all my chapstick in.
Any other Longchamp lovers out there?
If you don’t know Boden, I am honored to have the privilege of introducing it to you. Boden is a British company that makes fun and colorful yet respectable clothing and in addition to the wonderful frocks and trousers, makes great handbags. Boden purses can be pricey but all of their bags have a funky yet classic feel that means they’ll be in style for years. My favorites in the spring line are the Sumptuous Leather Handbag, the Must Have Shopper and the Statement Satchel. From now until June, Boden is offering 15% off plus free shipping and free returns. At the checkout try code G107, BG7052OW, or get hold of a catalog for an individual quick service number.
Urban Outfitters just opened a new store in downtown Asheville and although their clothes are not quite my style, Urban Outfitters’ purses are right up my alley. Especially the Urban Renewal line of bags which are handcrafted from recycled materials like vintage leather skirts, tapestry fabric or canvas from around the world. There are several styles available but each purse is one-of-a-kind. They offer a few options online and you can see several additional styles in Urban Outfitters stores.
A hot trend in purses in recent years is BIG. Purses are getting larger and heavier and we try to fill up as much of that space as we can. We lug around wallets, laptops, umbrellas, books, diapers, bottled water and various other things. Recent studies have shown that carrying a heavy bag day after day can take its toll on your body. This recent article from Northern News explains why keeping your bag lighter and cleaner can help your health.
What are you carrying around now and how much of it could you do without?
