LOL I am still searching for my "perfect" purse too. I did have one but the leather tore on the side so the handle isn't safe. I keep meaning to get it mended.

I am carrying this big black patent leather purse right now. It has a bright pink lining inside so things are easy to find but it is just a big too big and boxy. When I attended my friend's funeral last week I had no place to put my purse out of the way when we were in the Church. Not an easy purse to hold in your lap.

Let me know when you find your 6 "perfect" purses. I might buy one from you. LOL

Anne

It's the Holy Grail, isn't it? The Perfect Purse.

The purse I've had for a couple of years is from Kipling, and I love it. Maybe a little too much of a heavy zipper for you, but the basic black is really quite plain. Lots of styles.

eBags doesn't carry Kipling anymore, but it's a good shopping site.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kipling

can't recomend a purse that fits all of that LOL but i would recomend a separate organizer insert w/ pockets if you want such a large bag. i find the lining even in high end purses doesn't hold up well when there are lots of internal pockets that get stuffed. i've seen them at QVC and i think Bed, Bath and Beyond's ad. now i can highly recomend B.Makowsky bags, they have THE softest leather i have ever touched. i got a new one this fall but i went smaller and a crossbody convertible bag and i LOVE it. ~ liz

I don't think thre is a perfect purse. But....have you tried the Vera bradley? They may be kinda colorful but they are very organized.

Joann - that's exactly what I was thinking too. I only use Vera Bradleys. Durable and versatile. They have a lot to choose from. Here's just a sample item.

Here is a link that might be useful: Multi-Pocket Tote

There are some sellers on etsy that will make a custom purse for you. The one in the link has some of your requirements, maybe the seller could add more of what you want?

Here is a link that might be useful: Like this one?

I found a perfect "small" bag at our AAA (Automobile Assn.) office. They have many really nice items "large" as well as small for travel or not. Nanny

Carolyn, I feel your pain. I have a Fossil that I really like. It's black and brown so I'm covered.

You know they make nice diaper bags now that don't look like diaper bags. Maybe that's an area to look into.

Wow, diaper bags are nice bags.

Here is a link that might be useful: Diaper bags

As I read you post, I was thinking.... That could be made quite easily. Do you know anyone that sews? There are tons of patterns that could easily adapt to your specifications.

Have you checked out LandsEnd?

I bought a Butler bag and it is PERFECT for me.

Here is a link that might be useful: perfect purse

Here's a better link, you can see more of jen's purses.

Here is a link that might be useful: PURSE

A friend of mine swears by Ameribag. They make custom made bags to your specifications. On the pricey side, but she swears by them for a long life.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ameribag handbags

I have a Baggallini that I really like. Mine is not the style I linked to below, but I thought this "Only Bag" sounds more what you are looking for than the one I have. It comes in black with khaki lining. Good luck, Caroline!

Here is a link that might be useful: Baggallini

Is the Baggallini a nylon bag? I love the light weight nylons but so hard to find.

Yes Joann, it's described as "light weight water-resistant crinkle nylon fabric." Mine is the A La Carte Medium in Zebra/dark olive. It's huge and sometimes a bigger bag than I want to carry, but it's great for travel. I got it for 75% off when a nearby gift shop was going out of business.

Make it yourself. Not that hard.

I have been downsizing my purse. I do have to carry some stuff for DH for his health stuff, but only occasionally.

Coach has a simple black back, I personally would never pay full price for one but I do know there's one on the shopgoodwill auction that I have been considering. There's also an Ameribag but it's not black and not leather. They have alot of them there. I agree on the B. Makowsky bags and you'll see alot of the retired Vera Bradleys. It might be worth a look. Also the consignment stores.

Caroline...judging by all you want to put in that purse, I would stay away from leather. You need something that's very light weight to begin with. In fact, considering your list of necessities, your wallet, cell phone, GPS, dog whistle, power bars, glasses, meds, etc. I think you should consider something on wheels. LOL.

Wow those Butler bags look fabulous! I just bought a new purse that I really like except for one thing...it has a small magnet-type closer so that the bag top is pretty much open except where the magnet is in the middle. I am going to take it to a shoe repairman and have a heavy duty zipper put in instead.

Target sells a tote they call "Embark Travel Tote" for $29.99. It's canvas and comes in several colors. Unfortunately their web site doesn't show the interior.

Don't forget about TJ Maxx. They have a huge selection of purses and teachers bags and totes. It's my go-to store for things like that.

Have you tried LUG? I have a brown one with lots of compartments. It's more of a tote bag, but might be what you are looking for.

Here is a link that might be useful: LUG

Caroline, I have to second the Ameribag. I have two of them now - one black and one brown. I discovered this bag quite by accident at my local Goodwill store for $6.95 and it was brand new! OMG...little did I know how wonderful it would be. I found the second one on ebay for about $40, but it is WELL worth the cost. On your list of ten items, there is not one it won't handle. I have the large Ameribag. Have carried the black one since July and I still love it and it looks brand new.

I must admit, purses are one item I HATE to buy, think about or even change. :)

Good luck in your search.

Zbrat

You might try QVC this past month they've had so many famous purse designers on and hundreds of styles and prices

I have decided that men must design most purses and they do not have a clue.

I am with OP on wanting a white or light colored inside lining. That should be standard on all purses. Maybe it is thought that dark colors do not show dirt.

I have found a style of purse that meets my needs that I purchase in a leather shop in Branson , Missouri. Just started on my third identical one. It really gets a good workout and lasts about three years.

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............

All I can say Caroline is if you find this elusive purse and try making poor Harry carry it, I'm turning you in to the ASPCA!

Well, I can't help you find the perfect purse, unless I make it. And since I won't make it for myself, it will be a LONG time before I make it for you! Not being mean, I just hate to sew anymore! Try looking for the Kangaroo Pocket made to insert into a purse with lots of pockets. It's made to hold everything and just be removed with everything in it to transfer to another purse with out having to take everything out piece by piece to change purses. It is supposed to keep everything organized.

Tami...who will also buy a "perfect purse" when she finds one!