I'm cursing this thread ;) I love nice handbags - I don't wear much jewelry or buy expensive clothes, and I'm a very practical person. But handbags ARE practical! I'm fairly conservative and like very classic bags, but also love color. Shoulder bags are my favorite. I had some old-style Coach bags when I was younger, but haven't bought anything from them in years. But, I did have my eye on an eggplant bag I saw in one of their NYC stores just before Christmas. I really, really, really want a purple bag, but don't see it on their Web site. Guess that color was so last season?! Probably a good thing because if I remember, it was over my price range anyway. Mitchdesj - Love that bag!. Some reviews have said the chain makes it heavy and that the bag doesn't hold its shape. What do you think? I don't like stiff leather anyway. I've been wanting a nice tote for day trips, and just ordered this Trina Turk bag on sale: For more moderately price bags, I like Tignanello, which I buy discounted. Just picked up these two in black at TJ Maxx for about $70 each and am trying to decide which one to keep for casual wear: Awhile ago I bought my first Dooney & Bourke. This one "spoke" to me when it popped up on one of the discount sites at an incredible price. I love the plaid: What is it about handbags??

Flamey - that is a cute handbag. I like colorful or unusual handbags. That is why I have a collection. I like a lot of the same things as azzalea. I have a list of things I like in a purse and am very picky. Shoulder bag with long enough strap to cross over my chest, hate it falling off my shoulder. Zipper closed - if the it is the open type, I lose things when I throw it into the car or it falls off the seat during a sudden stop. External pocket - for lists, keys, pen, etc so can get to it quick. Inside zippered pocket - for few small items like lipstick, mirror, tiny calculator, address book, etc. Medium size - hate the ones the size of carry-ons but small ones don't have enough room for everything. Leather - I love the feel and durability of leather. I am rough on purses. Colorful - I have red, purple, green, blue purses. Or has to have unusual detail work. I don't like blah vanilla purses. What do you like? Clare

I think you need to consult a bag maker too. There are lots of them out there ...or find a tote bag that appeals to you and that is exactly what you are looking for on the outside and maybe partially inside...then have someone make all the extra pockets you need that will just slip down into the bag. Honestly, I cannot even imagine carrying the kind of purse you guys are talking about. When I go out. it's to shop or go out to eat , not for a weekend or overnight and truthfully, I can't fathom having to carry all that "stuff". I recently bought one of those as seen on tv phone wallets for $10 bucks and wear it on my belt.......It's the best thing since sliced bread and serves my purpose exactly. I'm hands free, I don't have to worry about aching shoulders or back..... I took all the straps off and just slip it onto a belt....I am just crazy about it......I can hook my keys to it or slip then into the cell phone pocket if I'm not carrying a phone............

Love leather bags. Although nowadays I mostly like individual handmade using the leather I pick as a general rule, many times with my input design. and I have some requirements such as I want the bag to be sewn in fewer pieces of leather as possible (usually no more than 3), and handstitched if possible. I just absolutely adore handstitched bags because the thread is thick and you get to admire the hand worksmanship and also get comforted knowing they are going to make your bag last a lifetime with the saddle stitching instead of lock stitching, and less prone to “cutting” the leather due to thin thread. the leather that I picked tend to be at least 5oz. Down side is it makes the bag heavy but somehow I like heavy, thick leathered bags lol. but in terms of designer bags, my favorite brand is Patricia Nash. Precisely because of those vintage looks that she does. very creative.