Green Dream

Way back when I started this blog, I had no particular aim in mind except to try and excise my burning, consuming desire for an amazing green bag, in either a forest, jade, or an emerald hue. That first post was meant to serve as a mere soapbox where I could wax obssessive without alienating anyone. (Even in the haze of fixation, I'm aware that there is a limit to how much others can hear "I really want to find the perfect deep jade bag ...") I've been on the casual and not-so-casual lookout since then, with no success.

Most of us are picky about that oh-so-powerful sartorial siren, our handbag. Besides a couple of pretty smashing vintage pieces on "loan" from my mother, I have 6 that are truly quality "forever" pieces: a well-broken-in tan Michael Kors with brass hardware (a bit heavy but otherwise perfection), a gray MK slouchy small shoulder bag (gift from hubs), a slouchy, butter-soft, coal-black Marc Jacobs with gold hardware, an oversized L.A.M.B. enveloppe clutch, an MZ Wallace work bag, and a chocolate-brown Botkier which was also a gift from the man. Other than that, I dabble a touch here and there with fun, cost-efficient purses - vintage thrifted clutches, a bright print canvas tote, etc.

However, on occasion, an extremely specific yet not totally clear image (like a Tarot card reading) will sear itself into my brain and stay there, hence the green-bag mission. Seemed simple enough, but not so much. When seeking a less classic or more trendy item, the variables become high-stakes for me, as I do (contrary to all evidence) attempt to watch my spending, and despise any excess in an otherwise well-edited closet. I wanted something relatively unique. I'm really not one for lots of brand-name/logo splashing; I like a midsize purse that can fit all my essentials but doesn't enter Mary Kate mega-tote territory. Just the right amount of hardware rings my bell, as well as a standout shape. Excellent interior pockets / organization are a must. A handheld is fine but I like having the option of wearing it on my shoulder.

Finally, and most importantly, I wanted to spend less than $100.00 on this pipedream. Which meant finding a piece whose fake leather did not have that chintzy, flaky look and feel - especially since I was going for a rich color.
After 2 years of keeping eyes akimbo, I had given up on finding the right item - when there it was, staring me full in the face at Aldo yesterday - I had just wandered in to see if they had good, cheap stockings for fall. I imagine my face went a bit slack as I gazed at it in surprise, sort of a "Well hellooo, fancy meeting you here" moment. Slung it on, took it off, unzipped, re-zipped, rationalized, talked myself out of it and right back in: "The 'hardware' is plastic and that's not worth it ... but then again it makes it nice and light ... and it's 'gunmetal' so it's fine... and look at this great detachable shoulder strap," etc. etc. Eventually the savvy, exuberantly flamboyant salesboy (I'd say man but he was really quite youthful) consorted with my inner savvy, exuberantly flamboyant salesboy. (Did retail for awhile when I was in school but proved to be far too misanthropic to last.) Between our mutual excitement and the modified "doctor's bag" shape, I was in love.

For $48.00, plus tax.

The color is everything I wanted: a deep, mossy, foresty-jade (kelly green would have been too Crayola/Oscar the Grouch), and the chunky studs thrill my post-punk, reluctant-yuppie-sneaking-Warped-Tour-throwbacks sensibility.

Success! - xoxo -