While packing up all my belongings and getting ready to move to Chicago, I deleted six purses from my life. Six. That is three times my current collection. (Can you do the math? I confused myself, too, don’t worry.) Let’s get right to the issue:
I have two purses.
I have ~25 pairs of shoes, numerous jackets, 6 pairs of jeans, etc… But two purses. One of which is disgustingly damaged, as you may remember. The other is a $17 Marshall’s purchase that, to be quite honest, I’m just not that fond of anymore. One is black, one is white – could I get more boring?
I know that I need a new bag – immediately. I think I might even know what I want… Sort of. I’m attracted to:
- Double handles
- Vivid colors (solid mostly, but I’m open to patterns)
- Optional cross-body-ness
- LEATHER.
Yes, leather. I need that buttery, soft, sturdy, long-lasting goodness in my life. However, it’s not a dealbreaker if I can’t find some good leather under $50, because, well, sometimes that’s impossible. I’m really attracted to the graphic sleekness of bowler bags, but the only leather ones I’m finding are really expensive. Also, some bowler bags are just too kitschy for me… I don’t want to look like I’m over-trying to be a Pink Lady, you know?
Really, the first inkling of “NEED” I had was the result of the April Lucky Magazine’s Handbag Guide. I saw a promo photo of this bag:
It’s by Roxy (golly, could you tell?) and I love, love the green. I dislike the ROXY!!!!! embossing and the little silver plaque. This is the kind of vivid color I’m looking for. Also, the shape is clean and perfect. Damn you, Roxy.
Here are some potential winners I’ve discovered:
Red Tango Woolly Bowlers
$49 $29.99
Okay, obviously this is not the classiest choice of bowlers… But the shape is perfect, and I might consider buying this as a super-casual, super fun bag. I think it’d be against the rules of life to pair it with any type of dressed up garment, though… It comes in 5 colors, though, which is neat. All with that little kitty and the studs.
Bamboo 54 Coby Coco Bag
$39.99
This is one of the patterned ones I’m considering. I don’t really dig the flower on the front – I’d probably end up taking a seam-ripper to it if I did (which definitely means I shouldn’t buy it). I do like the Hamptons-esque wicker and the gentle contrast of the dark colors. Something to consider!
Bisadora Leather Bowling Bag
$65 $44.99
How sweet is this little bowler? It might be a little too literal for my taste… But… The more I look at it, the more the deep black leather calls out to me – “I’m so versatile, Miss Elle! Look at how clean my lines are!” It’s difficult to resist. You should hear it’s voice – totally precious.
Bagtique Quilted Satchel
$59.99 $39.99
Once I recover from how “old-lady-shopping-off-the-tee-vee” the brand name of this adorable bag sounds, I’m sure I’ll fall right back in love with it. I’m not usually attracted to quilted things, but I loved the mushy bowler shape and rich chocolate color of this bag. It’s the perfect size and looks like it could liven up any boring outfit. It also comes in a “princess cake” white color… But that screams “needs to be cleaned after 5 minutes of use.”
Bagtique Stripe Piece PU Satchel
$79 $43.99
This is the best I’ve seen “light grey” done in a bag… Sure, it’s a neutral, but it’s a noticeable neutral, that pops out at you. It also comes in bright, bright red – but, unfortunately, the already fake-looking crocodile embossing looks exceptionally cheap against such a punchy hue. I like the silver + grey combo on this bag, and the architectural structure of it. Very, very cute.
Which bag do you like best? What do you think of the whole “bowler” style?
Leave ya thoughts in da comments.
xoxo.
