Okay.
I realize it’s just Thursday. And I still plan to do a normal Fashion Friday tomorrow. But here’s the thing. I have spent the last week in full-blown purse obsession.
I mean, seriously, like I’m not normal. In fact, I tweeted earlier this week that if I devoted the amount of time I’ve spent looking for a new purse to doing something productive, there is no telling what I could accomplish.
The thing is that the need for a new purse caught me off guard. Last summer I found this darling coral purse at TJ Maxx for a steal and I totally planned to carry it again this summer. In fact, I looked forward to the return of the coral purse. But sometimes the problem with a $35 purse from TJ Maxx is that they don’t last forever. And I noticed this one had some small holes beginning to form in the genuine pleather.
So I’ve been searching for a replacement like it’s my full-time job. And figured that since that’s all I’ve achieved this week then I might as well share my results with you in case you too are in need of a new handbag for summer. Or anytime.
You will notice that I’ve included various price points due to my inner turmoil of being frugal versus going big or going home.
I came so close to buying this bag. Especially because I had a 20% off coupon to Piperlime. But I was torn about the black trim and whether or not it fit into my life.
This one is still in the running. First of all, I loved having a coral bag last summer. Second, it’s just a great style.
If you’re a fan of the bright summer bag, then this might be for you. It’s a great yellow with crochet details that make it really stand out.
I’m still seriously considering this one. I love a Big Buddha bag. And this one comes in white, black or a delightful camel.
By camel I mean the color, not the animal. Real camels aren’t necessarily delightful. In fact, they’ve been known to spit. Or maybe that’s a llama. I can’t remember.
5. Michael Kors Kempton Nylon Tote
These Michael Kors nylon totes are so cute and come in a bunch of great colors.
Yes. Cobalt. I realize that may seem like an odd color choice but it’s really pretty and received great reviews.
7. Hudson Ostrich-Embossed Tote
Listen. I adore this bag. And I’m sad to report that earlier in the week it was $100 less. But due to my commitment issues, I missed that boat. Which is a real shame because this would be a great year-round bag that would last for years.
For those of you who don’t need to pack your purse like you’re leaving on a three hour tour with Gilligan and the Skipper, this is a really cute choice. Love the raspberry color.
9. Old Navy Multi-Stripe Straw Tote
I was in TJ Maxx earlier in the week looking for an unbelievable handbag deal (Alas, I didn’t find one.) and saw a straw bag that I really liked. Then I remembered that I always like a straw bag in theory, but they tend to be a little unwieldy.
However, I like these straw bags from Old Navy because they aren’t structured. Just fun straw in bright colors for only twenty American dollars. Not bad.
10. Chloe Marcie Leather Satchel
Listen. You don’t even want to know.
All I really knew about Chloe bags before this week was that Jeff on The Bachelor referenced one as he wooed Emily and compared her child to a precious vintage Chloe bag. Which seems like an odd statement for a man to make.
Then I walked through Neiman’s on Monday and saw this bag. And I touched it. And it was like butter.
The reasons I would never buy it are twofold. First, I would become that weird woman who just carries her purse with her everywhere she goes with it wrapped in a plastic bag. And, second, I couldn’t afford it even if I decided to sell all the plasma in my body. But I just wanted to share it with you so you could take comfort in knowing that somewhere Jennifer Lopez is probably carrying this exact bag.
Or maybe it’s the purse she lets her daughter use when she plays dress up.
And so there you have it.
I’ll keep you updated on any further purse developments. I know you can’t wait.