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Purses

I have a problem with purses lately. I keep buying purses that fall apart, and when I want to replace them Ultimate Sportsfan is none too happy. He doesn’t like to spend money on purses.

To be fair, I have quite a few purses already. I have two Kate Spade purses that I use for church or when I need to look like I can afford a designer purse. I have three or four small purses to wear for dressy occasions. I have a brown purse I wear when…well, when I wear brown. I have a big tote purse for when I travel. I have a straw purse for the beach. You get the picture.

What I really need is a nice black purse for every day. I bought one that I really liked, but it had braiding that started to come undone. Pretty soon little black pieces of the purse were sticking up all over. So I bought another purse, but the handle started coming apart. I tried to hide it from USF, but he saw it and said, “You’re not getting another purse!”

Now, I just want to say that I don’t spend a lot of money on purses. Maybe that’s why the new ones have fallen apart so easily. I know someone (maybe one of USF’s relations) who spent $1000 on a purse recently. I’m not asking to spend $1000. I can think of a lot better things to do with that kind of money—pay off credit cards, feed the hungry…help homeless pets. I just want a stylish, inexpensive purse that will last.

Anyone else have this problem with purses or shoes or some other item you find necessary? Post a comment, and tomorrow morning I’ll pick three posters to receive a Jaunty Quills tote bag. Hey, it’s the least I can do for those of us who are purse-challenged.

JQ Tote

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  1. Linda Said:

    Hello Ladies,

    Oh please don’t let me start talking about my purses *G* I have so many purses. A few of them did break *Crys* I have a very nice pink one my Aunt bought me when I went to NYC with her she even got herself one. Of course the straps on that broke. I was so upset. I loved that purse. It went so perfect with my pink outfits :)

    My friend bought me a few purses for christmas and my b-day. She got me some very beautiful purses from PA the Flea Market. One of the pretty red ones strap broke. I am not sure if it’s just me or I just have really bad luck with keeping a purse in perfect condition.

    Of course I still keep on buying purses though. I have so many of them and many colors to go well with what I wear. I always have to match my purse with my outfit I wear that day :-)

    Hugssss
    Linda.H.

    - Reply
  2. Linda Said:

    Oh one more thing gorgeous Jaunty Tote Bag. Sure would love one of those :)

    Hugssss
    Linda.H.

    - Reply
  3. Nonny Said:

    *cough*

    I use a backpack. :oops:

    - Reply
  4. Cathy Leming Said:

    Shane,

    Of coures the Chanel quilted cavier leather is a dream and long-wearing… and they say a Hermes Birkin bag is the last pocketbook you’ll ever need, but I’m with you…too much money.

    HOWEVER, I do buy Dooney-Bourke and Coach and find them very long-wearing. If you’re particularly hard on a bag (and it sounds like you are) then go for the black Coach cloth. You can get these in various sizes. Yes, it’s 1/4 of the way to $1,000 (maybe a 1/3) but I’m convinced you’ll have it longer and it costs less money than USF’s great seats at the sports event or even the television he watches this stuff on.

    Cathy, loving your books

    - Reply
  5. Sue A. Said:

    My problem is buying clothes that I really believed at the time of purchase that I would wear it, only to stash it somewhere in the closet so I won’t be reminded that I still have not once worn that item. And having never worn the item I hold onto it just in the event maybe someday…

    - Reply
  6. Kristol Said:

    I guess I’ve been pretty lucky with purses. I really don’t buy purses often and have never had one that “went bad” before it’s time, lol. I personally never spend much money on myself except for my books, and have never bought a purse over $50. I have about 5 “dressy” purses in various colors(rarely use), a brown one(sometimes use and a black one that I got last Christmas(daily purse). Mom mom gooes through purses like crazy and she spends more on hers!!

    - Reply
  7. Pat L. Said:

    I have never had a problem with a purse really. Outside of the fact that after having one awhile, the should strap came loose and could not be put back.

    Shoes are hard to fit as I find lately my left foot is a bit smaller and certain shoes just have a big gap on the left foot.

    That should be my worst problem. LOL.

    - Reply
  8. Theresa N. Said:

    I’m wild about purses and I must be lucky with them. I don’t remember ever having the handle break on one. My oldest is a Knap Sack ( all cloth tote) I bought 31 years ago. Guess I should throw it away, but I just can’t seem to do it. My problem with purses has always been getting ink or something else that want come out on them

    - Reply
  9. pearl Said:

    I have purses for each season and I usually buy a purse that is good quality so that they last. I did buy a few purses that I later disliked so much I gave them away but normally I take my time and buy carefully.

    - Reply
  10. brownone Said:

    When I was younger I was all about the designer purse but now that I have three kids that like to dig in for lost toys…anything will do!! I do have a nice DB bag that I bought at TJ Maxx at a fraction of the regular price that I keep put away for special occasions (i.e. a party that the kids are NOT going to). You can find REALLY good deals at TJ MAXX and ROSS on designer bags, they had a Kate Spade bag I really liked but did not pick up and when I went back to get it a few days later…GONE!! UGH!! Non-buyer’s remorse! :-(

    - Reply
  11. alissa Said:

    Purses are such a special purchase that I am never impulsive about buying them. I try to wait for the ones that I love to go on sale and then I buy a couple for different purposes. They last and are more pricey but worth it.

    - Reply
  12. ellie Said:

    Most purses are fashion statements so it takes time to choose a really nice one. Just as important as the clothing that it will accent. I enjoy the purse hunt especially when I find just the right beauty and it is discounted as well.

    - Reply
  13. Billie Jo Said:

    Love the topic!

    I just found this blog and have been reading the previous posts for the last hour.

    I don’t have a thing for purses, but shoes…OY now that is whole different ballgame…LOL.

    My hubby does not mind my book addiction, but the shoes have to go…lol. I can’t help it. I see a pair I really like and just have to have them.

    Great blog and topics!
    Billie Jo

    - Reply
  14. Isabel Said:

    The only reason why I have a designer purse is because the DH bought it for me, otherwise it’s only non-designer for me. Can’t afford to spend that kind of money when I need to support my reading habit.

    If you can get one Coach bags/purses are the best!

    And I’d love a JQ tote :D

    - Reply
  15. joelle Said:

    I enjoy shopping for purses each season and moreso when they have a huge discount. At the end of the season it is easy to pick up a gorgeous designer bag for a pittance. I try to find something suitable and not huge like a suitcase since I am small.

    - Reply
  16. Kimberly Logan Said:

    Welcome, Billie Jo! So glad you found us. We’re always excited to have a new addition to the Sisterhood. :)

    I very rarely buy purses myself. I have for everyday that has lasted me years and two nice ones that I only carry for church or formal occasions. I bought the everyday one at Target and don’t even know the brand off-hand. Shows you how fashion conscious I am, LOL! :)

    - Reply
  17. Karen H in NC Said:

    I am not a ‘purse fanatic’. I have 1 purse that I always use…a black one, that I bought probably 2 years ago (can’t remember where) and paid maybe $25 for it. I expect this one should last another year or two. I’ll use it until it is so scuffed and rough that I am embarrased to be seen with it….then I’ll go buy another $25 (maybe $40 due to inflation) black purse and start all over again.

    - Reply
  18. Michelle the Merry Said:

    Oh when was it…taps finger against chin thinking…oh yes…about three months ago I bought me a nice new BURGUNDY purse, which just happens to be my favorite color. I wish it had more pockets, it only have one large one, but aside from that, it’s suede leather, and it’s stylin’ ladies!

    - Reply
  19. Dorothy Said:

    When I was growing up my mother used to buy me an Etienne Aigner purse. Those purses last and last and still look great. The shoes are the same way. But now that my mother isn’t buying my purses for me and I’m a single mom I usually buy my purse at Wal-Mart or someplace similar and I don’t like spending alot on purses. I use them for the season then they get terminated. I can honestly say that only one of the purses I’ve bought has fallen apart.

    ps…the JQ tote would come in handy for taking to work on a daily basis. I could carry my lunch and book in it….plus the overflow from my purse. LOL

    - Reply
  20. Dorothy Said:

    ok…I already submitted a comment but it seems to have gotten lost somewhere, so I’ll try again.

    My mom used to buy me an Etienne Aigner purses when I was in college. I loved those purses. They lasted forever and looked great. The shoes are the same way! Now that I’m having to buy my own purses and am a single mom with two in college, I usually buy my purses at Wal-Mart! What a step down. lol They serve the same purpose and I’ve had pretty good luck with my choices and they haven’t fallen apart. I use them for the season I buy them and then they get terminated.

    ps…the JQ tote would come in handy for taking my book and lunch to work with me!

    - Reply
  21. Shana Said:

    Cathy, good point about USF’s TV and tickets to sporting events. I’ll remember that next time!

    Brownone, thanks for the tip about TJMaxx and Ross.

    And it sounds like some of you could really use our JQ tote! 31 years, Teresa N? Oh, my goodness!

    - Reply
  22. Shana Said:

    Dorothy, I checked and your original comment got caught in the spam folder (since you already re-posted, I just left it this time). I freed about 5 comments for various blogs that weren’t spam. Just FYI, if you post and your comment doesn’t show up, just email one of us and we can check the spam folder and free your comment. I’ll be sure to check tomorrow morning before picking the three winners from all of you who commented.

    - Reply
  23. Karla Said:

    I got a Dooney-Bourke for mother’s day 15 years ago. At the time it cost $75.00 which I nearly died when I found out how much it cost but I have carried it everyday since I got it and it is still in good condition. I have been very please with it. My husband is tired of seeing it but I love it and nobody has a purse like it now so I always can spot it when I sit it down somewhere. It has carried diapers, bottles, food, crayons, little cars, action figures etc. and it is not very big so it is always amazing to me how much I can stuff in there. It has been my only purse for 15 years and I just pray it holds out for another 15 because I think I would have a very hard time replacing it.

    - Reply
  24. Maureen Said:

    I have had a great purse that has held up well for several years now. It was a present from my mother and it’s a designer purse but not an outrageously expensive one.

    - Reply
  25. Crystal B. Said:

    I understand completely what you mean regarding purses. I love purses. I hate it when the handles break or some decorative accessory falls off. It usually happens when it is one I really love.

    - Reply
  26. Kathryn Said:

    I have gone the cheap purse route and the nice purse route. I tend to accumulate lots of stuff in my purse so I usually have a winter purse and a summer purse (and a couple of evening purses) and I carry them to death. I have discovered that a $150-200 purse lasts a lot longer than a $29.99 purse and looks good longer too.

    I do have lots of pairs of shoes. I love shoes, especially summer sandals. My husband has tried to institute the rule that I cannot bring another pair of shoes into the house unless I get rid of a pair of shoes…. however…. HE’S LOSING THE BATTLE!!!

    - Reply
  27. smile0303 Said:

    I am just like Karen H. One black purse (normally from Kohl’s) until it dies…normally it lasts 3 yrs. My mom is making me a purse though so I will have to be a little more careful with it than my cheapy purse.

    - Reply
  28. AndreaW Said:

    My husband and kids bought me a Vera Bradley purse for Mother’s Day this year, and I love it! It’s cute and has lots of little pockets. I’m asking for another Vera Bradley for Christmas, but only because the one I already have is pink and isn’t very “wintery” (is that a word? lol).

    Love that JQ tote! Cute! :D

    - Reply
  29. Estella Said:

    I like purses. They don’t make them as well as they used to or I am harder on them—-they just seem to fall apart.

    - Reply
  30. sharon Said:

    When I buy a purse I use it for a long time, since my purses seem to last forever. I try to buy purses when the season ends so that it is a great sale and I do not feel guilty. I usually do this every year for each season and it works out well.

    - Reply
  31. January Said:

    I love purses much to my husband’s dismay, I have alot of the lil sak’s crocheted bags, and some fossil and I love my dooney and bourke purse but I always need a change so now I’m using a lil denim tommy bag that I got with gift purchase thing years ago and I’m looking for a new bag too or should say a new diaper bag that will hold everything so I don’t need to carry a purse

    - Reply
  32. Haven Rich Said:

    First it depends on how big you want the standard black purse to be. Mine is just a tad bigger than the standard wallet (to fit the checkbook) and about two books deep (haha I measure in books). I use said purse for about 2-3 years. It comes with a handle (which I use) and a removable strap (which often gets lost).

    My husband doesn’t mind buying me purses because he knows when it’s broke, it’s about 3-4 years old, if not older. I typically buy the same style at wal-mart. Rarely have I gotten a bad one that broke before 2 years. I suppose I’m lucky in that area.

    My budget on a purse, typically less than $15 bucks.

    My current purse is just over a year old and was only bought because I wanted it (the other, which is still in perfect shape, is 4 years old lol).

    Now ya’ll might think that I don’t use them or am gentle with them, trust me when I say I’m not. I’ll come in the door and throw it to the nearest spot by my desk. So I don’t baby these things.

    And don’t hate me, but I’m the same way with shoes, they last a long while with me (but this is because I rarely wear shoes at home).

    - Reply
  33. Haven Rich Said:

    Oh and stupid me, I forgot to comment on your tote. That is so cute!

    - Reply
  34. Pam P Said:

    I used to have a lot of handbags to color coordinate with all the outfits, many handmade by relatives, but not so much anymore after having too many problems with bursitis. Now I mainly go with a mini bag, my license and debit card and keys with those keytags that are so handy, and a comb, helps that problem. Everything else I keep a bag in the car just in case, lol.

    Now shoes is another thing, I still end up finding another pair I like and end up with too many.

    - Reply
  35. Linda Crooks Said:

    I’ve got THE BEST purse in the world!! It’s a little black Coach, really small with a thin over-the-head strap, and I’ve had it (and used it exclusively) since 1994. 199-freaking-4!! And it still looks awesome! Maybe not dressy ( I avoid dressy), but certainly presentable. Seriously, if you want something that you can pass down to the grandkids, get a Coach. If you can’t live with just one purse for the next decade, get a couple of different styles & colors. (no, I don’t work for Coach… just agreeing with some of the previous posts… *g*)

    ~Lindy

    - Reply
  36. Linda Said:

    WoW this sure was a fun topic. These stories sure are funny *G*

    Not only do I have a purse addiction but I can’t stop buying books *G* I never was a shoe person but I sure do love getting new sneakers or boots every week.

    Alot of things has changed now though. My addiction is books and books and more books and purses. Also body wash sets *G*

    Hugssss
    Linda.H.

    - Reply
  37. Lacey Said:

    LOL! I just put “purse” on my Christmas list. You can never go wrong getting me a purse.

    - Reply
  38. Bonnie Ferguson Said:

    I’ve acutally never used a purse {:0 But that’s happened with shoes sometimes.

    - Reply
  39. brownone Said:

    I buy a purse large enough to HIDE the books that I buy. Sometimes I’ll let my husband go to Lowes (it’s in the same shopping plaza as our Barnes and Nobles) and when he comes back to get me he’ll ask if I found anything and I’ll say no but my purse is obviously bulkier. He just smiles at me. I tell him I bought a coffee from Starbucks instead of buying a book. Then he outright laughs at me! :-)

    - Reply
  40. Tammy Said:

    I normally stick with my Aigner purses. I fell in love with Aigner things when in high school and finally got my own purse after much complaining to mom :)

    Aigner seem to hold up well and fit about anyway I dress. And the one I have now is somewhat small but it holds way more than I need to be carrying in a purse anyway

    - Reply

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