Shameful Knockoff

Just awful. What were they thinking?

Fully Functional in Black or Beige

Here's a variation on a theme: The integrated handle bag in beige or black.

Key feature: 2 exterior pockets, no hardware. This design is a winner because of the easy access to the stuff you need fast, keys, phone, glasses, bubble gum.

The beige bag is the more sophisticated urban cousin (Brown's couture). The leather is downright buttery and the interior (not shown) is bright green which serves to highlight the contents.

The country bag (no name at all) in black does an admirable job of mimicking the other, however, it has been given far less to work with when it comes to materials: Nylon lining and 3rd rate leather. All that said,I would be proud to introduce this bag to my collection.

Colour Combo

Now this is an interesting colour combo. I particularly love the 2 neutrals with the medium blue trim. This is a very successful combination and one that features brass hardware which can look cheesy, but doesn't in this case.

The inside is fully function with compartments and a striped lining which helps in item location, i.e. easy to find your stuff.

The handles are just right - reasonable swing circumference as a handbag, slips easily on the shoulder when only 2 hands will do.

A treasure from Nine West.

Gold can be good

I have a general prejudice towards gold accessories - so often so cheesy - however, this stripped down Jeanne Lottie bag just stole my heart. The gold-quilted fabric and gold rings joining the handles to the bag are Chanel-ish in a good way.

The bag carries a ton, is light as a feather, and the feature most beloved are the handles which drop to the side and allow perfect and easy access to the contents.

Best with very casual wear me thinks.

Saint Jack Shoulder Bag

Here's another brand I couldn't track down - Saint Jack. This shoulder bag has airline hostess written all over it. Sturdy leather, top-stitched and, most delightfully, the strap extends by unclasping the little gadget at the side. I'm usually not a shoulder bag person (please weigh in on this matter in the poll to the side), however, this bag had it all - when reduced to its minimum length the strap hangs within a comfortable range from the hand, neither banging on the ground or pulling you around when the gale blows. When extended, the strap creates a tidy shoulder bag allowing the bag to sit in the curve of the waist (as opposed to whacking the hip which can drive me crazy).

While a pristine squarish shape when closed, unlip this bag a full 6" allowing easy access to all contents. A centre zipper pocket divides the bag into two full compartments with the ubiquitous back inset zippered pocket. I can imagine an air hostess say for Porter striding by the riffraff flashing her security pass with a quick in/out movement from her Saint Jack shoulder bag. It also works well when using a debit card at the grocery store.

Cornell bags

These Cornell bags can still be found on the arms of ladies of a certain age. By and large I have found them to be leather with suede lining. However, on occasion, I have seen them given the old 'crocodile skin' treatment which I quite like, but does seem to diminish their integrity as a serious handbag.

The blue one above is in impeccable shape. The medium brown is a little worse for wear, no doubt after years of service to a loyal master. I can't resist these bags because of their sheer practicality and solid workmanship. Yes, there are separate pouches and several at that. Yes, the zipper end is neatly snapped to the side inset so there is no nasty flapping of the zipper end. If there is one thing I have little patience for it is a zipper end sticking out and ruining the corner of the bag. Shoddy.

Cornell bags are identified by the double 'C' discretely marked in faux gold on the front panel.

I wish I knew what happened to Cornell. I can't find any reference to this solid bag manufacturer on the net. I like to think it is a Canadian brand from the '60s and '70s.

Cornell, as Canadian as Kraft Dinner.

Adorable blue bag

This little baby from another time and place has such restraint. No adornment. Tidy. Solidly blue. Something the Queen might use on the occasion of a visit to a hospital after a natural disaster.

The selling feature from a practical standpoint are the 3 compartments: The centre with clasp for monetary security; 2 side pockets for quick access to glasses, kleenex and lipstick.

Ideally coordinated with grey.

A bag against which all others are measured

Until one has comfortably accepted one's place in age moyen there is a tendency in our youth obsessed culture to dress young. Here in the great white north that generally entails some sort of jacket and for women a shoulder bag, knapsack or some other flung-over-the-shoulder stuff holder. That works for a long time and is extremely functional when you're herding around small children. But when that phase ends it is time to dress in l'age.

For me dressing in l'age began with a handbag. I dropped the shoulder bag in favour of a well-constructed, somewhat boxy, beige leather Tod's bag which I scored at Value Village for $6.99. It is a beautifully made bag with the right length of handle that prevents it from swinging around when I walk, it hangs neatly in the crook of my arm and, in a pinch, can slip over my shoulder when only two hands will do. It has the right number of pockets for small items and the main pouch is big enough for wallet, reading glasses, sun glasses and a paperback or collapsible umbrella. The sides are somewhat rigid so it never collapses when placed resolutely on a store counter or restaurant table. In short, it holds its own.