I haven't found the 'perfect' purse, either. I don't use anything from my purse except Kleenex, driver's license, credit card, cell phone and money, so I carry a very small purse.

My son gifted me with a Brighton purse for Christmas.
At first I felt ever so guilty about using such an expensive purse. Expensive for ME!

But I so learned to love it.
First time I ever had a purse that I could find what I was looking for and not have to search around in my purse.

WOW Glenda, that's out of my budget. Glad you are enjoying it.

My purse includes everything I might need, I would feel lost without all my stuff :^D

I have never paid much for a purse. I'm a WalMart or Kohl's person.

But my son wanted me to have it and I love it cause it was given with love.

I guess I haven't found the perfect purse because my closet has too many in it. If I find it, I'll let you know.

Danny K purses are made in the US, and all handmade to boot. I discovered them at a high-end craft festival last month. He uses tapestry material - really cool fabrics and many to choose from. I'm not a tapestry type person, but these are amazing. The quality is top notch and it shows. Purses are very lightweight and fit close to the body based on the style you select. I always carry a very small purse and it must have an over-the-shoulder/crossover strap and some of his do. Prices are very reasonable starting at $34. I bought the zipper purse and wallet, in different fabrics (love them). The wallet has a removeable shoulder strap too and is great for taking to sporting events or when you want to carry the bare minimum. If you want a unique purse, these will fit the bill. Shipping is only $5 in the US. I'll be buying another one for me and one for my mom in November (for Xmas) when the festival comes back to town (it's the Sugarloaf Festival if it visits your city).

He's based out of Beverly Hills, CA. The purses are so much better looking in person than on this website (linked), but the site depicts them amazingly. His website is great with 360 degree views of each item, sizes, - check it out. I've been using mine for 3 weeks now and get many compliments even from strangers.

Note: I am not affiliated with this store or the owner; just love his products.

Here is a link that might be useful: Purses

I think there was another post like this a few months ago.
I used to use a big purse but now with my wheelchair I have a back pack on the back that I drop my purse into so I tend to go with a smaller size purse, has been hard for me to get used to not carrying the kitchen sink with me.
I really love the one I have right now it is by an Italian designer I santi and it is green croc skin just the right size.

I was just for the heck of it looking at the prices of the real Birkin bags by Hermes, holy smokes how on Earth can anyone even consider those prices. And you see all the stars carrying them in various colors.
Victoria Beckham's 100-strong Birkin bag collection that's worth ã1.5m

Hermes Birkin Handbag 35cm Blue Sahphire Diamond Porosous Crocodile
that one is priced at $280,000!!! that could buy a nice house!

I have a few coach and Dooney's and other designers but most were gifts I would rarely spend over a hundred or so.

I thus far have NOT found the perfect purse but do have a few I like a lot and they have a lot of sections or compartments so it is easier to sort stuff.

I don't think there is a perfect purse. I do have a couple I use for different purposes.

My usual purse is large enough for a pack of tissues, my wallet, and has two pockets outside for keys and cellphone.

My travel (as in air travel) purse is a bit larger - I want a bit more room for a book, some mints, and a bit of lotion. I do find that purse too large for every day use, even though it is still pretty small, and perfect for travel.

A few years ago, I was planning to travel outside of the US. In preparation, I purchased a PacSafe purse (below) due to its anti-theft features (cannot be cut through). Lately, we've been having an increase of purse snatchers; so, I started using it for security. I like its light weight and size. I've been used it since. Love it.

If you're interested, follow the link below. They have other designs and different anti-theft items. However, google for better bargains elsewhere. I got mine for $45 with free shipping.

Here is a link that might be useful: PacSafe Purse

I have the perfect purse. It is a Dooney & Burke "postman" style--something like that. It is just the right size and I wear it around my neck and under my arm, so it totally frees both hands. I don't carry a lot--I do use the Vera Bradley key holder that has room for your DLs, and credit cards. Perfect. Also, I carry my cell, lipstick, cash, and a few small things. I hope when it wears out, I can find another one!! Highly recommend them. It was a gift, so I don't know how much they cost. My DD#2 has given me 2 Coach purses, and those are heavy before you even put anything in them. Such a waste, b/c I rarely carry either one of them, and they are costly.

I had my purse stolen a couple of time when I lived in Miami Fl since then I only use my fanny pack with the purse part turned to the front.
If I have to dress up I carry a little bag with lipstick miror comb and carry my DL and CC in my bra

Ha, Raven, I was going to say a Birkin! But despite a 2 year wait for one, it would probably not be roomy enough for me. I buy burberry, coach, and dooney. All are expensive but they will last forever and are classic styles. I seriously have some 20 year old purses that DD wants to carry. I gave her one of my Dooneys, then noticed how great it was sitting unused in her bedroom, so I stole it back. It's a purse from the nineties that looks just as in style today, and practically new although it's not.

I have a PacSafe for travel but my favorite everyday purse is the Terrace by Ebags. They have a larger version but I find this mini version to hold all I need.

Most travel sites have a nice selection of lightweight bags. I like Ebags and Magellans best.

I have a Kipling bag. Love love love it.

I am a purse junkie, I know, I have also posted I am a shoe junkie, Fine, I am a shopping junkie. Now that that is out of the way, My favorites are Jimmy Choo for their absolute beauty, Kooba for style and practicality, Ballenciaga for the style. Chanel for the classic, do not own a Hermes, maybe I could have my ashes put in one and have it auctioned for charity? Dump me out! Lol

Like you, Joann, I can't have one that's too heavy. I like a shoulder bag that I can wear cross-body, but it must be lightweight, or it hurts my neck. Well, I love these Baggallinis, because they fit the bill. However, I just bought one online, and I love everything about it, except that it's hard to get into. Other than that, it's perfect; I just chose the wrong style.

Here is a link that might be useful: Baggallini

That's another complaint I have, hard to get into! They make them so you can't open it wide enough to get anything in or out no less your hand. I wish I didn't need a purse. DDIL has never used one, I can't imagaine how she functions.

I've been looking and buying the "perfect" purse for years but there's always something wrong with them. I have acquired quite a collection of purses but wish I could manage without one. I don't carry that much but do need what I carry and they all get heavy after a while. I also get tired of them, so I don't spend a lot of money on a purse.

ravencajun- you might be thinking of the post on the Home Decorating forum and it was titled "If you were going to 'invest' in a handbag". It was a great read and full of interesting choices.

Here is a link that might be useful: 'handbags'

I rarely carry a purse any more. Instead, I carry a large leather fanny pack, similar to the one at the amazon link below (only in black). I usually sling the strap over my shoulder, like a shoulder bag, but when I want hand's free, I can strap it around my waist. I have a smaller one that I carry when we are four-wheeling. It can hold my driver's license, kleenex, and a small camera along with a little cash, in case we want to stop along the trail for something to eat or drink.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fanny pack

maire_cate that is an interesting thread but I don't think I have been to that forum.
The thing is some time back GW belched or something and lost a lot of the threads so even doing a search now does not always turn up past threads.

sleeperblues did you notice I did not mention how much I love the look of the Berkin? LOL I do I admit I have Berkin lust, definitely do not have Berkin money however. I even looked at some of the good fakes and they are several hundred dollars too. I agree the purses like Coach and Dooney and a few others are pricey but they have a life time guarantee and they do honor them, so for something that will be with you for a lifetime I have been known to open the piggy bank.

Purses have long been my drug of choice it is a sick addiction! LOL Everytime my eyes glaze over when I spot one I must have my husband just shakes his head and says you have tons of purses, yes and you have tons of power tools. That pretty much ends that discussion.

The purse I am carrying now is the giraffe print leather Dooney. I was walking into work yesterday and the lady behind asked if I had to feed it, lol. Then I was flipping through channels yesterday and landed on an old Sex and the City. Samantha had somehow signed up for Birkin bag under the actress Lucy Liu's name, and in walks Lucy Liu with Samantha's Birkin, so she had to confess she had used Lucy's name. So Lucy was mad and walked off with the purse that Samantha had paid for.

I am or was a person who used small purses. I would have carried a wallet size with a shoulder strap but I couldn't fit my key remote in it. A year ago I saw a gorgeous pink purse, the clerk said it was the new neutral color that spring and it was huge. I bought it because of the color and don't carry anything except the large purses now. Purses are my weakness and I am picky. Single straps, no snaps only zippers, and dull colors not shiny stuff or heavy with metal, limited compartments. I have two cosmetic bags in it that I put small stuff in, so I don't have to dig for things and when I change a purse I only have to move the two bags and keys.

I finally have the perfect purse! My best friend is a pretty good seamstress and asked me exactly what I wanted in a purse; size, style, fabric, etc...and she made me one for my birthday. It is perfect for me! I love it so much and will use it everyday until the thing falls apart. Perfect color, amount of pockets, length...everything I wanted.

My perfect purse is called a 'hop' and you keep all your stuff in it - your way - then pop it into any other non-perfect purse or tote!

I love it!

(It's basically a purse insert with all the pockets, keychain holder, pen holders, credit card holders, water bottle pocket,etc.) Check them out on ebay and see all the different styles...you might find one you think is perfect for you (or make your own!)

Good Luck,

nola anne

I carry a medium sized leather Coach satchel. Looks smallish, but sure stores a lot, and can be carried by the straps as a handbag or as a shoulder bag.

I have ...

... pockets!

o j, O.K.?

P.S. Not slash-proof, though - and neither is my fanny!

Once, about 50 years ago, while riding overnight train from Seoul to my home in Iri, near the west coast of Korea, where there was pretty well standing room only, some of us got off at a station near an army camp in the early morning, partly to let folks off at their destination.

I felt a bit of cold down at one side of my bum, and when I put my hand down to investigate ...

... lo, and behold ... there was a slit there, and my wallet was gone!

The guy(gal?) must have been disappointed, for there was only a small amount of cash in it, and not much else.

(Being frugal provides occasional advantages).

No damage done to the fanny, fortunately!

o j