WOMAN.ca Picks Five Fantastic Purses For The New Year

Have you ever heard the saying “everything but the kitchen sink?” Well, whoever came up with it must have had the modern woman in mind.

We put almost everything in our purses... Our makeup, our keys, perfume, books, snacks, our nail polish, an extra set of pantyhose, tampons, day planners, and, if the kitchen sink wasn’t attached to the kitchen itself, I’m sure we’d toss that in there as well.

Year round, in rain, in snow and in the stickiness of Summer, we tote our beloved bags around with us. We need something that’s roomy, reliable, and hey, it doesn’t hurt if it’s gorgeous too.

Finding the perfect bag is quite the task. Can it do what you need it to? Does it match your clothing? Is it convenient and comfortable to carry? With so many requirements, and even more options to choose from, it’s not easy to find the right one. The perfect one for YOU.

Thankfully, we’ve narrowed it down a list of five stellar sacks, handbags and hobos - all so that you don’t have to.

Whether you’re earthy, classic, low maintenance or minimalistic we’ve included a purse just for you:

Jenny Bird
Buckle Down Handbag
Is there a Jenny Bird bag we don’t love? The Buckle Down is her latest and won’t be available until March. However, you can pre-order by shooting her a quick e-mail found through her website. The Buckle Down is a structured cross-body bag with a removable strap made out of firm, full-grain leather. Inside, patches of luxurious raw leather are exposed. A row of chunky brass buckles across the front flap gives off a western or boho vibe while remaining fresh due to its structured silhouette. We’ll be taking off the strap and holding ours as a clutch. How bout you?

Jerome Dreyfuss
Python Momo Bag
We’ve always been a fan of Jerome Dreyfuss. It may seem cliché but when it comes to fashion, the French always seem to know what they’re doing. Known for his enormous, slouchy bags worn by tons of celebrities, Dreyfuss introduces us to the mini Momo Bag for 2011. Like a coin purse on a strap, the Momo is perfect for low maintenance types who don’t need a bag bigger than themselves. Would also be lovely as a layering piece and easy access pouch for the phone while toting a bigger bag for everything else. If you need something a bit bigger, though, try the Black "Billy" Bag (pictured below)!

Chloe
Charlie Large Backpack
Chloe bags are always beautiful. They are both simplistic and highly functional. The Charlie Backpack is a surprising turn for the line but stays true to the Chloe characteristics. I’ve never been a backpack girl but this is one I won’t mind wearing. Soft, perforated, lambskin makes a structured cylinder with drawstring top and a zippered compartment down below. Would look best casually slung over one shoulder. Can’t believe we haven’t seen it worn by the likes of Taylor Tomasi Hill as of yet.

Wayuu Taya Foundation
Geometric Tote
The Wayuu Taya Foundation is a not for profit organization founded in 2002 by Patricia Velasquez. Wayuu Taya bags are beautifully handwoven by artisans of the indigenous group, The Wayuu. This group of over 450,000 people is located in the Guajira Peninsula of northern Colombia and Venezuela. Valasquez knew the one-of-a-kind bags would quickly become popular when brought to the public’s attention. Proceeds from the sales help improve the lives of those in the Wayuu community while maintaining their traditions, cultures, and beliefs. A gorgeous bag giving back - sounds like the perfect way to start off 2011.

Celine
Solo Smooth Lambskin Trio Bag
We all know it - Phoebe Philo is a genius. Her bags are made from the softest, finest leather they almost feel like delicate fabric. They are also often exquisitely simple without being boring. The complete opposite, actually. They are striking. The Solo Smooth Lambskin Trio bag is our new obsession. It comes in many colours, has three pockets all side-by-side, a thin removable strap and minimal hardware. It’s beautiful and minimal and looks perfect squished in the hand. We need it.

Hayley Brehl
		About the author:
		Hayley Brehl obtained her BA in English and Creative Writing at Concordia University in Montreal. Living there she met designer, Andy The-Anh and assisted him on her days off from poetry class.  That’s when everything changed. She moved back to Toronto and began pursuing a career in fashion. Her favorite things are wedge heels, Indian take-out and her Persian kitten, Moe.
	Read More >>