Jan 8th, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn
I am on a quest for that perfect bag.
For the past few years I have been hauling around an ultra cheap purse that quite literally is on its last threads. Little bits are starting to flake off the strap and the seams are becoming undone. The bottom is spongy and torn and getting ready to let loose. I figured it was time to buckle down and make a serious effort to do some bag hunting to find a suitable replacement.
And being that Lexi and I are grappling with nasty colds, which has made it difficult to concentrate on anything productive these last two days, I used the opportunity to fudge around online and mindlessly browse for some price options. Meanwhile I am trying not to bash my head on the keyboard. (This is the third time I’ve had to stop to blow my nose since starting this paragraph, yecch.)
I envisioned a quality mid-cost leather satchel for all of my essentials: bottled water, a mini tablet, a journal and pen, my cell phone, a wallet or pouch for credit cards and my keys. Something cute and original. Perhaps a tad boho-esque, with a charming dash of Indiana Jones.
However I have no clue what an efficient price threshold for a quality mid-range leather bag is. $100? $300? As I am researching these things, Etsy has been an addicting solution for stumbling upon that perfectly unique handmade or vintage bag.
I despise head colds and my inability to concentrate BUT I have discovered some darling bags on Etsy during my down time.
handmade leather-canvas backpack. (Source: Etsy)
I love the generous size and the earthy tones of this unisex leather-canvas backpack. I really admire that faded beat-up look and this handmade pack looks to be of decent quality. I could definitely see this pack accompanying me on many different adventures. Original, and just too adorable! ($85.00 by SandyLeatherBag)
vintage camel leather messenger. (Source: Etsy)
The description says this vintage camel leather messenger is for men but I totally would use it! I love how durable this bag appears and depending on how easy those buckles unsnap, it might be the perfect bag for a writer. At 18″ however, this is probably a bit too bulky for my personal preference. ($89.00 by Genuine Goods)
And for the romantic at heart…
an antique leather satchel. (source: Etsy)
Seriously, how cool is this?? According to the seller, this is an antique leather satchel from the early 1900′s that once belonged to a British officer in the Royal Navy and it has spent an entire life at sea. Talk about an abundance of character in every ding. This beautiful one-of-a-kind antique satchel may require special treatment and extra TLC but it is sure to inspire the dreamer and poet in all of us. ($60.00 by Rolling Hills Vintage)
I always feel a bit reluctant to purchase a big ticket item without being able to touch or view it first. Have you used Etsy before? What is the most you would spend on a bag?
Okay, time to tend to Lexi. She is getting very restless and is a bit uncertain on how to deal with all of the mucous oozing through her system right now. The poor wee mite.
Until next time. Sniffle. Cough.
=^..^=
You poor thing, I hope you and your daughter feel better soon.
I don’t know the first thing about Etsy or bags so I’m unable to provide too much in the way of comments, but I do like the history involved with that last bag.
Those bags look awesome! Hope you feel better!
Get well soon, sorry you are both sick! I like the $85 one. I also own one bag which is a Guatemalan handcraft and could break at any time, but here it could get stolen easily so $15 is my max budget. $100 seems reasonable for something you will constantly use for a few years.
hope you feel better soon!!
I love etsy! I think less than 100 for a nice leather bag is a great investment since you`ll be using it so often.
Sorry you’re not feeling well. We all just got over a nasty cold that was running through the house over Christmas. Your purse sounds a bit like my wife’s, must be a mom thing.
Hope you feel better!
When we were kids, my mother used a cheap, small duffel bag as her purse. That thing was always full and probably weighed 10 pounds.
Get better soon; I love the bags and prefer the second from the top. In fact tempted to get one myself but will show some strong will and…oh, blast! I forgot that temptation rules .
I love them all! They have that worn look of miles and miles of intellect!
I do the same thing when I’m sick! Dang you, internet. Colds used to be so good for my wallet. Super cute bags. Etsy is amazing.
I’ve actually tried ordering a custom made dress from Etsy before for a fair bit of money. I should have given better measurements, maybe but the finished product was quite good. It was a bit of risk though.
Do you often use that dress, Revanche, and were you satisfied with your purchase? I’m disinclined to shop online due to iffy results. Unfortunately, photos can be terribly misleading.
[...] Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes Being sickies gives me the perfect excuse to shop. – Sometimes when we are sick, it’s better to just enjoy life and do what we [...]
[...] Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes Being sickies gives me the perfect excuse to shop. – Sometimes when we are sick, it’s better to just enjoy life and do what we [...]
[...] Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes Being sickies gives me the perfect excuse to shop. – Sometimes when we are sick, it’s better to just enjoy life and do what we [...]
[...] Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes Being sickies gives me the perfect excuse to shop. – Sometimes when we are sick, it’s better to just enjoy life and do what we [...]
[...] Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes Being sickies gives me the perfect excuse to shop. – Sometimes when we are sick, it’s better to just enjoy life and do what we [...]