The Great Purse Hunt
Posted on March 19, 2009 by
Help! I need a new purse. I have a great tote bag, and a wonderful collection of reusable shopping bags, but I need a casual purse. I was planning to splurge and buy Simple’s Blottoe Bag (that beautiful, beautiful bag pictured above), because it’s exactly what I’m looking for in a purse (and I’ve been drooling over it for more than a year). I love the casual style, the eco-friendly materials, and the company it comes from. The problem? It’s huge! When I checked the dimensions, I realized that it’s not a purse, but more of a school/work/weekend bag.
I’ve looked high and low, but I can’t seem to find the combo of features I’m looking for:
- Reasonably priced – I am willing to pay more for a bag that’s eco-friendly and will last for many years, but I am kind of a cheapskate, and can’t justify or afford to pay a small fortune for a purse.
- Zipper closure – I can’t have a bag that just has a snap closure. I need something that closes all the way, so when I it inevitably gets overturned, I don’t end up leaving my cell phone, wallet, and two years worth of crumpled receipts behind. Simple’s Feedbag purse is nice, but it has a snap closure.
- Adjustable strap – Ideally, I’d like to be able to wear the bag over on shoulder, or across my body like a messenger bag.
- Casual style – I would look ridiculous with a fancy handbag. I just would. A big shiny leather bag with lots of shiny metal embellishments would not fit my lifestyle at all. I feel like the Simple Overlap bag just isn’t me either. It’s too structured. I’d like something a little slouchy.
- Washable fabric – There’s a lot of muddy paws and dog slobber here. If I can’t wash it, it won’t last. Hemp or organic cotton would be ideal.
- An eco-conscious manufacturer – I’d really like to vote with my dollars by supporting a company who’s doing things the right way.
Have you seen anything that fits the bill? Or am I just destined to carry my old, falling apart purse and dream of a day when Simple makes a Mini-Blottoe? (Simple, please please please make a Mini-Blottoe! Please!)
I love purses. Unfortunately I have a love for designer bags. Coach being my favorite. I honestly am scared to look to see if they are even a little bit eco friendly. They probably aren’t and I’d be guiltier than usual every time I bought a new purse.
I like your bag up there, reminds me of a fossil bag I bought (without the zipper of course) Wish I could say I’ve seen something that fits the bill, but I haven’t. Good luck on your quest for the perfect bag!
I am right there with you. I love QueenBee Creations bags, but they are all snap closure, so wouldn’t be great for you. I like to peruse Etsy…there is a seller called Minus that has some bags you might like. They are great looking!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5499935&ga_search_query=minus&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order=
I found a great webpage that had a list of handbag designers who are eco-conscious.
http://www.whiteapricot.com/fab_finds/rm_top_11_handbags.php
My top two favorites are the first two listed:
http://www.ashleywatsohn.net – she has beautiful bags that are made from recycled leather
and
http://www.bethspringer.com – she believes in zero waste so there are many small items that are very cute to go along with the handbags
I love my Keen Betty Bag, but they have lots to choose from: http://www.keenfootwear.com/product_wall.aspx?l=Bags
i’ll keep an eye for ya.
& there’s always the option of adventure hunts in resale shops?
I’m a fan of leather handbags, personally. I’ve found that canvas and cotton just don’t last, unless they’re from L.L. Bean (but then again, I do put my bags through a lot–my backpack has been schlepping stuff, getting shoved around and stepped on, and has never complained). And leather doesn’t have to be shiny and prissy–it just depends on where you’re looking; I’ve found a bag that would be perfect for work or birdwatching (and needless to say I’ve been agonizing loads about dropping 170 euros on it).
GreenFeet.com has a few good looking bags, the Osprey might fit what you’re looking for. Good luck and let us know what you get!
OK, you’ve created a monster, looking for purses for you is far more interesting than my homework.
Check these out: http://www.goodhumans.com/Shopping/Hemp/-purses
OK, homework time, really.
How about a great Keen bag. They use as much recycled materials as they can many of their items. I’ve been eyeing this bag for a while: http://www.keenfootwear.com/product.aspx?p=607&pc=1696
They do have a bunch of other ones as well. Give them a look.
@Chiot’s Run — I have that bag and LOVE IT! I’m really hard on my purses and this one has held up well for nearly a year now.
I’m a bag lover myself…I saw someone mentioned perusing Etsy where I know a seller named tippythai makes some bags I like out of hemp–I don’t know if she does zippers though.
BTW, just found your blog, and I love it!