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.
