Royal Blueness

I love collecting Lipstick Purses and this third one my cousin gave me was something I knew straight away was one before I unwrapped it; just from the shape.  And isn't it lovely?  The red interior always gets me as it's just so pretty and has that clean kind of look to it when they are new - or old - and this one has the most lovely flowers on it; which changes colours when it catches the light.

I have yet to test this one out as well.  And so until I do, it's not yet on the Tested listings either.

Patterns of Difference

Out of the three I received for Christmas from my cousin, Kate, I found this one the most different and unusual.  It's made of vinyl or plastic and has stripes and spots on it.  But it's cute all the same.  It's small enough to hold coins; and yet not big enough for folding money.

I haven't tested it out yet.  When I do, I'll add it to the Tested listings.  It ought to be soon though when I do; after the public holidays of Christmas.

(NB:  I'm afraid to say that the image isn't coming up right at the moment.  It keeps coming up sideways and stretched out of shape.  So, I'll wait until another day to upload it when Blogger isn't having a tantrum).

Christmas Stockings at Christmas

On Christmas Eve, I received a present at a Dutch Christmas Dinner from my cousin, Kate that I didn't expect.  She gave me three coin purses; and one of them was this gorgeous little Christmas Stocking!  Isn't it just the most wonderful thing?  I've used it today to get the paper and found that I have to fold up my notes and coins tend to get stuck in the bottom of it... but it's just so cute it doesn't really matter how bad money doesn't work in it.

Mum and I figured out yesterday that it's two little socks inside each other to give it the strength it need to be a coin purse; to be able to carry the weight of the money.  But I love it nonetheless; as I hadn't had a Christmas coin purse before receiving this one.

Christmas Rush

As the Christmas rush has come around again, I have backed off on the coin purse shopping; and have begun my Christmas shopping in its stead.  However, this doesn't stop me from looking at the many varieties of handbags and coin purses that are out there in the many variety stores.  I've got to buy my brother a new manbag as the one I bought him 3 years ago just broke after continuous, everyday use.  Now, that's a bag that was loved and used to its absolute extent.  He told me on the weekend, that's what he wanted for Christmas.  So, that's what I'm going to get him.

I'm happy to report that a little denim bag that I gave my niece, Riley, a few years ago is still being used.  It was bought at Life Line and she has been using it every time we go out.  It's great to know she's also been given a lovely little 'Mary-Kate & Ashley' handbag and a cute little coin purse too; and she uses them when they go out somewhere good.

Me?  Well, the 'Equip' dragon stitched bag has become one of my regular favourites to use.  I didn't think I'd be using it so much.  But, then, it's so comfortable and can carry so much!  Another bag I love to use is the crocheted Rainbow Bag.  It's a lovely little number and holds a surprising amount of things.  

So, there you have it, my favourite bags - and others favourites too - from this year.  I hope you all have an absolute favourite bag that you enjoy using as much as I do.  Well, I do wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  But this doesn't mean I won't be popping in here again; as this year, I'm not going to Brunswick Heads.  The weather here in Australia has been horrendous.  So, I've decided to stay here in Brisbane for the Christmas and New Year period.  It'll be dryer and less stressful.

Glo-Mesh Score!

On Wednesday, I was at Life Line and found nothing to really catch my eye.  So, I went to the glass cabinet next to the register; sometimes there's something in there that may be interesting enough for me to buy, sometimes not and I end up walking out of there empty-handed.

On this day, I found two Glo-Mesh purses.  There was a red one on it's own and there was another that was white and had a key-chain attachment to match; and the second one was boxed up!  Now, when you find them in a box, they've either never been used or they've been used once or twice and put back.  In any case, the boxed one was well-cared for and I immediately said I'd take it.  I also took the red one too.

There was another purse there; it was an Oroton and looked in okay condition.  However it didn't clip up.  So, I left that one in the glass container.  I didn't think it was worthwhile fixing up.  But the others came home with me.

Retro Vegas Baby!

Today, I went out to the post office to collect the mail.  Monday's are always busy; but not today.  I had one blue pick-up slip there and that was it.  The parcel was from the USA and inside it was a lovely surprise of Reeces Peanut Butter Cups (one of my favourite chocolates come out of the States and Canada) and a very retro coin purse one of my Bookcrossing friends picked up on a recent trip to Las Vegas.

 She told me that she was looking around a shop, saw it and immediately thought of me.  Inside it is two 1c American coins and 10 yen.  How cool is that?  I love this cassette tape coin purse!  I may yet use it tomorrow when I'm out and about at Garden City.  It's big enough for my uses; and interesting enough to be stared at by people besides me... and yeah, I'm still looking at it in amazement!

Back In Gotham City...

This is a wallet for any die hard fan of Batman.  I found this wonderful wallet in my usual haunt:  a Life Line store.  It still had 5 cents in it and it's in lovely condition.  However, I don't think it's been used very much.  What a great piece to have for a growing collection - or a young Batman fan in the making!  Or any Batman fan for that matter.

I'll add this to my collection of wallets; but I'm not sure when I'll get to use it as it's a particular type of wallet.  You never know when a super hero wallet will be needed in life.  But when it has been used... you will be the first to know!  Or I'll send the Bat Signal into the night skies!

All The Colours of the Rainbow!

I have loved finding great bags wherever I go; and today I one that looked like something from a 'Lifesavers' commercial.  It's a crocheted one and it is just the most lovely bag to take places as it's bright and cheery.  It's a rainbow bag.  I loved it the moment I laid eyes on it and will test it out soon and let you all know how it goes in life.  
The handle is long enough to sling it across me and wear it down on my hip.  It's got a lovely little zip-up affair and a little zip on the inside pocket too.  Quite bright and eye-catching bag if I do say so!

Tested: 9, October, 2010
Test Site:  A dinner at my brother's house.

This little bag was the most colourful thing I wanted to take with me last night.  It suited my outfit nicely, didn't drag at my clothes and fitted in my mobile phone, meds, house keys, MP3 and coin purse (but alas, not a wallet, it's too bulky).  What a great little bag!  My niece loves it and thought it was the coolest little bag she's ever seen.  So, it looks like I'll be keeping an eye out for another just like it soon.. as she'll want one as well.  Seeing it's crocheted, it didn't take long to dry out when it got damp, and I liked that it didn't feel heavy either.  A great purchase for an evening out; will most definitely use it again.

Spencer & Rutherford Wallet

I bought this little beauty some time ago and tried it out one day when I needed something to use to go shopping with.  Well, I never really changed back to any other wallet or coin purse.  It became my main wallet to use every day.  So, when I go out, this is the once I change from into another.  It does have a slight problem holding a lot of change, but if you work it through the change area right, it will be okay.  There's plenty of space for all kinds of credit cards and business cards - as well as hiding things too.  I saw that the I.D. section is brilliant and big enough for just about any kind of picture identification; and this dear wallet will hold any size folding money along with receipts and notes you may have written to yourself.

Spencer & Rutherford is a Melbourne brand that has been around for a long time.  They purses, wallets and handbags are worth a lot of money (this one would have cost between $35 and $55 in its time; which was the mid to late 1990's).  Wallets and pursesnow cost around $65 - $100 at David Jones or Myers.  And the handbags cost between $300 - $500 each.  They are very much sought after if you're into the fashion industry and major-brand bags.  

However, I bought this little beauty from a Life Line for $5.00.  When I told them in Melbourne, the lady there told me that I got a very good purse for a brilliant bargain; and you know, she's right.  I don't know why people throw away such things when they are a little out of fashion.

Tiny Apples

Last Wednesday was a great day for coin purse hunting.  I came home with quite a few purses and wallets; and this one with tiny apples all over it was one of them.  Isn't it just the cutest?  I love the vibrant colouring of the apples with the silver background!  It's the shine that caught my eye first and then the apples with the smallest hint of the green quick on the top so perfectly drawn there.

I've yet to test this one as well.  I might yet use it this week while I'm out and about doing my usual shopping around the ridges; then let you know how it goes. 

Betty's Purse

I was out and about last Wednesday in my usual haunt of a charity shop when I came across this lovely little purse with Betty-Boo all over it in a very cool, arty way.  Despite its size, I loved how it was set up and didn't know why somebody would throw it out.  

This cool little purse was from a time of bright colours and absolutely not of a person who is shy and reserved.  And this is why I bought it.  Once I wiped it over with a damp cloth, the colours really came out.  I haven't used it yet, but I'm sure I'll find an event to soon.

Out With The Old - In With The New!

Today was it!  I was at the post office and found that I had to empty out most of my handbag to find my PO Box key... so I decided to find myself a good handbag that took all my stuff; and do it today!

So, once I was at Life Line, I looked carefully at some lovely handbags in the glass cabinet and a coin purse or two; then the other bags on the shelves.  And found the absolute one for me!  It has two compartments, a zip-up centre, a zip on the back, other zips on the front and there's a complete part that does up too.  So, I took it.

What did I do with my old handbag?  I emptied it out, transferred my stuff to the new one and handed it into Life Line where they checked it while I stood there to confirm I hadn't left anything in it.  I'm happy with my purchase and hope the next person who buys my old purse enjoys it as much as I did over the last two years.

Big Red!

I found this monster of a purse at a local charity shop and thought it would be something wonderful to add to my collection.  Seeing I've got a really tiny one, it would be a great irony to have a large, oversized purse; so I got it.  And I'm glad I did.

Isn't it lovely and big and just that little bit cumbersome?  I haven't used it yet, but I'm sure it will work just perfectly - if not better - to what I need.  However, I do like my coin purses to be cute and discrete things that hold my money and other people's attention just long enough for them to be wowed a little bit before I put them back in my bag.  This one, however it on the bigger side; I wouldn't know where to begin with its uses.  But it is something to behold with its colour.

Glo-Mesh History Mystery

A lot of people wonder where Glo-Mesh handbags come from; and why they are so hard to find after being so popular for such a short period of time.  I've done some digging around and found a few little-known facts about this very collectible, must-have for every woman.

As it was mostly produced in the 70s and 80s, but not exclusively – silver mesh had a bit of a following in the 60s with companies like the US-based Whiting and Davis that were producing mesh well before this.

The mesh came in a range of basic colours, along with some less common and more collectable ones.

However, the term ‘Glomesh’ is the official trademark of the company you asked about (Glo International Australia). If it isn’t labelled ‘Glomesh’ then the item should be referred to as simply ‘mesh’ or ‘alumesh'.  

‘Glomesh’ was manufactured in Australia and so, many Glomesh designs have a four digit design number somewhere on the label of the bag. This can be of assistance in dating the item.  However, if you've bought your bag at a charity or second-hand store, the tag may have been cut or worn out.

If you’re lucky enough to find a swing tag attached to the item, this will help in dating it. 60s bags have swing tags/sticker labels with a sort of rounded triangular shape, like a plectrum; later ones have a square tag with a gold ‘G’ on it.

If the original box comes with the item, this too can help you date it – older boxes have printed off-white cardboard that’s designed to look like glomesh; later boxes are grey with thin diagonal pink stripes and white lettering.

Cheaper mesh, which mostly seems to come from Hong Kong or China, will tarnish easily and is generally not worth your while (unless it’s an amazing shape or colour or something).

There are three most reputable brands of mesh:

Australia – Glomesh (Glo International Australia) and Park Lane
USA – Gold Crest and Whiting and Davis (USA)
Germany – Oroton

That’s about all it I found find about Glo-Mesh (alu-mesh).  Never underestimate the value of talking to the older generation. Even ladies (and some gents) who don’t take an interest seem to know the difference between Oroton and ‘Made in Hong Kong’. 

If you go into an antiques shop/fair/market where people seem to be selling loads of mesh, they will probably be wonderful founts of wisdom. You can also check fashion magazines from the 70s and 80s, which will probably assist you in identifying designs and trends of the period.

I got all this information from a wonderful website from Google.   All of this information was gleaned from a blog site; as I couldn't find anything about these particular types of bags.  I've been obtaining a lot of my history from my parents and other people who used to own Glo-mesh or other mesh bags.

Crete Coin Purse

I had a muddled up day; forgetting a multitude of things but it got figured out in the end.  And my day got even better once everything was unpacked at home and I walked to the post office to check the mail to find a little parcel sitting in the PO Box for me.

On the way to the service station (to buy some milk), I found one of my dear friends from Bookcrossing had been to Crete and has sent me a lovely little coin purse from there.  She had contacted me and asked what my address was about a week ago; but I didn't think this lovely little darling of purse would be waiting for me; she has such great taste!  

Immediately, I put my $5.00 note into it and tried it out.  I love how it has a definite sharp clip and none of the money pokes out the sides.  Then, once I received the change from the man at the counter, none of the money fell out the sides (sometimes this happens; it all in how the item is made and nothing else).  Definitely a great purchase made by one of my friends.  I will use this one again.

Sweet, '80's and Flowers

Well, I love a wallet at just about anytime to take anywhere; this one is without acception one that will stand out in the crowd, if I want it to.  

I bought this one at a Life Line and thought it looked a little tired until I opened it and found it was bright green inside!  What a difference this would have made to somebody's day when they were looking for that

receipt or some spare change to give to a charity.  And it's that type of green that you either liked or you didn't.  This one is the colour I like; but it has to have the right handbag to go with it.  So, I may yet test it out next week while I'm shopping and let you know how it goes!

Greek Goddess About Town

I had a good day today at the Life Line.  There's been a handbag there that has been sitting on the shelf for about a month now; and nobody's gone near it.  But I've had my eye on it for a little while.  So, today was the day I picked it up and checked it out.

It was one of those collage-type ones that has a lovely medium-length handle, a bit of mixed media stitched

onto the front and some great photographic work to make it look like it's been around Athens, Rome or somewhere authentically Greek! 

I loved it immediately; and for about $6.00, it wasn't a bad price either.  So, I nabbed it for my growing collection.  It'll come in use when I need to go out again soon to my volunteer work; it's just so cute!  Until such time, it'll be untested.

Test Date:   31, July 2010
Place:  Mum & Dad's House


I decided to take this handbag with me last night and found it was lovely and very comfortable.  The zip never jammed and I could find things easily when I needed them.  The area where I put my phone was a little snug; but I think that's because it's never been used before.  Otherwise, once I got the phone in, it was fine and easy to remove; but hard to put back.  It's designed to have a phone in without a cover of any kind.
This bag isn't designed to carry much.  I found I could fit in:  glasses, pill box, house keys, coin purse, phone, pen (but no notebook) and card-carrying containers.  Otherwise, with its stiff sides, other people wouldn't know what you had inside the bag.  I'd use this bag again, however only to carry the absolute minimum of things as it's not something I'd be able to use from day-to-day. 


Usage Type:  Occasional.

A Unique Purchase

I do love it when I happen to see a handbag and it just speaks to me.  And this happened on a day when I was feeling horrible and sick.  You see, if you follow my other blog 'The Book Craze' you would have read that I had an allergic reaction to a generic medication.  Well, it took a little while to get out of my system; and this happened the day before my usual shopping day.  

So, there I was in Life Line looking around and I found this lovely, very retro handbag.  It was in absolutely gorgeous condition and the price was right at $8 or so.  And I found the inside of it was just lovely too; and clean.  I had a handful of coin purses as well to buy. 

Well, last night, I used this handbag and it was perfect for where I needed to go for dinner; however not so perfect for the pub we went to afterwards.  It fits everything well and stands up just nice with the handles exactly where I wanted them (at my knee) when I needed to pick up the bag.  So, when it was time to leave, I wasn't fumbling around on the floor for the handles of the bag.  The main top zip was nice and tight and didn't jam up or break and there was plenty of room for not only my phone, but also my make-up bag and my house keys and meds.  So, this bag certainly passed the test in the early evening.  At The Boundary Hotel, there wasn't anywhere to put my bag as the handles either got in the way or the floor was grotty; so I had to hold onto the bag.  Oh well, I guess you can expect everything out of one handbag.  It is a great bag and was a great find.  I'm glad I didn't pass it up.

Lovely Suede

Last Saturday was supposed to be a day of my Mum and I learning more about our digital cameras.  But it wasn't meant to be.  Instead, we ended up at the Life Line at Creek Road where I found some great bargains in handbags; and Mum saying I really must stop buying them (mainly because I'm running out of room; which I am). 

This lovely suede handbag was one I just couldn't pass up.  It was hanging next to some others that just didn't look as good as it did.  And when I picked it up, it held together quite well.  The zips all work and it I do love how it feels; and now I can't wait until I use it.

Asian Flowers

On Thursday, I had the best luck while shopping.  It just must have been my day.  While I was out at the local Life Line, I found this absolutely gorgeous Asian-style bag that stood out from the other bags; quite literally.  With its colour and the stitching of the flowers on it, you could tell it had been loved by its previous owner.

The inside is in just as good condition; as is the handle.  And just look at the detail on the stitching of those flowers on the outside.  Even though it's only on one side of the bag, it's just lovely.  And none of it has frayed or come undone; which is just wonderful!  The button still does up as good as it did when it was first bought and the inside zipper opens and closes without difficulty.  Yes, I discovered a lovely purse I have added to my collection.  I'm so glad I didn't pass it up when I saw it; and I can't wait to use it.

Hard-cased Cane Number

On Thursday, I had the best shopping day; seeing I was out all day on my normal day for shopping.  And I bought some lovely pieces at Life Line too; including this wonderful bag.

Now, the last bag I saw that was the hard-case type was coconut bag and it was lovely.  But I did the silly thing and passed it up.  This one is similar, but it is made of cane and has the hinge in the same place - on the bottom.  Despite the inside of it needing a complete replacement (the fabric is looking a little worse for wear), I found this bag endearing and bought it.

And today, I took it for its first day out with me.  It worked very well.  There was some teething problems where I felt a little exposed every time I opened the bag (as it shows absolutely everything you own to the public); but if I'm careful, I can avoid those kinds of problems.  Thankfully, there's a handle for each half of the bag; so even if I don't do the bag up, it'll stay together anyway.  All up, a lovely bag to use.  It has a little holder for my mobile phone and plenty of space for all the things I need... a worthy purchase.

Golden

Now, yesterday, I scored well at Life Line.  Actually, I thought I wasn't going to; but I looked over at the glass case and spotted a lovely little glo-mesh purse.  It was in such gorgeous condition that I asked to look at it and the lady took it out for me.  As soon as I opened it, I knew exactly where I had seen one just like it; and you know, the other one I have is in exactly the same condition as this one, but it's white/creme.

So, I bought this - along with two other handbags - and brought it home.  And what a lovely little purse!  The only things missing is the keyring holder and box.  The other one I have is in its box with the keyring holder; and it's never been used.  But that's another story for another time.

From Vietnam

I sometimes find the most amazing things in Life Line - and other charity stores.  However, I found this lovely little beauty in my local Life Line Store and was absolutely blown away by its colour and originality.  When I looked at the tag on the inside to see how to clean it (as it looked a little grubby on the bottom from use), I found it was made in Vietnam!  What a find!

The sides and bottom of this bag are stiff as are the handles; so they didn't really need to stuff it with paper and bags, because it could stand up on its own.  And when I got it home, I still loved the way it looked.  I can't wait to use it!  Isn't it amazing what people don't want when their items come from other countries?  And just look at how well-made it is!

Pretty In Pink

The other week, I was at Life Line and couldn't find a single coin purse.  But I wasn't discouraged.  I kept digging to the bottom of the box and found a lovely pink vinyl wallet instead (actually, I found a few wallets there).  And as I inspected it, I found its design really spoke to me.  It's very lovely and retro and usable.

However, the only small problem that was wrong with it was that the main clip that did up the whole thing - and thus

kept it all together - was very much warn and the vinyl was cracked.  The previous owner had loved this lovely pink wallet very much and had upgraded to a better - most probably a bigger - model.  This one has enough space for credit cards and I.D, money and a little bit of coinage (but not a large amount).  However, seeing I've used it, the

coin area isn't all that reliable in the way of opening properly.  Yes, it will do up nicely, but on opening, it's difficult and - if I'm not careful - it will spill my money everywhere.  This is most probably why the wallet was donated to Life Line.

However, I bought it because of its beauty and what decade it came from; not because of its badly designed coin ompartment.  Otherwise, it was a great find.

Mary-Kate and Ashley

I had a good shopping day last week.  At first, though, I thought there wasn't anything worthwhile in the boxes at Life Line, until I went back and had a better rummage through.

At the bottom of the box, hiding amongst some of the grubbier bags was a little handbag by Mary-Kate and Ashley.  The label was still on the inside of the zipper!  Now, how good was that for a find?  I had a good look around in it and found nothing wrong with it.  Now, it's a part of my collection.

Athens Is The Place

I was amazed to find this next little darling of a coin purse at the same shop as I found the bag below.  It's a lovely little coin purse that was a souvenir from Athens.  I just love anything Greek.  Years ago, I went through a big phase where I ate Greek food at authentic Greek restaurants for my birthday... and my family loved it!  It was such a changed from our ordinary food.  But my love for this country started

way back in high school when I learnt about it in my senior year (year 11) and I did Ancient History.  The love of that place never has really left me.

And so when I found this little purse, I smiled and thought it would be so lovely to travel there some day and venture through the ruins that have been there thousands of years.  However, all I have right now is this little coin purse that nobody wanted but me.

Elephants in the Bag

I love it when I find two of the same bags in the same condition and would love the bring them both home... but I can't afford to.  And this is what happened to me today.  I found a lovely little bag for my Aunty Helen (who loves elephants) at my local Life Line store and it came in two colours - tan and gold, and black and gold.  And so when I put the two next to each other, I found that there was no competition:  it was the black and gold one that won out!
  
And just look at it!  Isn't it lovely?  I'm sure I made the right choice for her.  Also, it'll fit the lovely little souvenir I purchased for her from Mooloolaba of a little jeweled elephant with his trunk up!  I can't wait to give them to her.  What a find! 

A Delightful Little Black Number

Today, while I was out shopping, I found there were no coin purses to be found at Life Line.  So, I was absolutely delighted when another customer pointed me in the direction of the glass cabinets and said that there was a glo-mesh coin purse/evening bag that was sitting there waiting to be picked up by somebody like me.  And isn't it just the most gorgeous little thing?

I checked it out and just love it!  I can't wait to find a wedding to go to with this little number on my arm.  What a lovely silver clip and chain it has too!  I'll keep you all posted about how it goes with it once I do get it out on the town.

Surf's Up!

I have found that this coin purse was one that appeared too big; yet I couldn't leave it where it was.  The flowers on it and the white corners were something that kept it in my hands.  

It reminded me of times at the beach and of when the hot surfies were cool with their waxed boards, bronzed tans and bleached hair.  Yep, the surf was very cool, and I enjoyed watching them tackle the waves.  This was the purse that surfie-chicks carried in the late 1980's.  Such a pity I didn't own one then.

It's A Classic!

Coca-Cola never goes out of style; and seeing it has been around for so long, I don't think there's a generation that doesn't know of its existence today.  What astounded me was how wonderful it was when I came across this Velcro Coca-Cola wallet in very good condition.  It has been used; but the stitching hasn't gone on it.

I do look forward to adding it to my small - but growing - Coca-Cola collection.  However, first, I'd like to use it and see how it goes in a day of money-handling.  I'll keep you posted on how much money it can hold and whether it bulges too much or if the velcro comes apart too soon.

Pink Vogue Handbag

I found this lovely Vogue handbag at a Life Line store and just couldn't pass it up a few years ago.  It's been used a few times and I've had a few people comment on it as it's that kind of handbag that you don't see around very much.  I do love seeing these kinds of bags as they are very retro and have very clean lines to them.

The great thing about this one is that it has a phone holder on the inside.  So, it's from the 1990's when mobiles were introduced.  I haven't used it recently though.  

Old-Fashioned Brown Beauty

Last Wednesday, I found this lovely brown handbag in the local Life Line.  The first thing that caught my eye was the lovely stitching.  I love the way the flowers are so well done and the beautiful colours stand out.  

Then, on Friday, I decided to take it out to Garden City and see how it went for the day.  It has an area for a mobile phone and an inside zipper; however, the handles were a little too short to constantly pull it off and on my shoulder as it didn't get past my elbow all that easily.  I do love the texture of it as it's made from a kind of suede and I will definitely use it again as it does hold everything I want it to without looking like it's bunching up too much.

All Bling In The Evening.

I love this little number of a bag.  It's a bag I received for my birthday last year from my Birthday Buddy off Bookcrossing.  She sent me two lovely little evening bags and this is the second one.

Even though I haven't used it as yet, I can see this one at a wedding or an engagement party.  But, for now, it's on the hat rack with the rest of the collection until I find the right occasion to use it.  I do try to pull it out and mix and match it the moment a wedding does come up; and many times it doesn't work with the outfit.  What a pity.  I do look forward to the time when it will; and then I'll make sure to get a photograph of me at the function with it and let you all know how it goes.

A Bag For Adventures

I love it when I find a bag which fits into my kind of lifestyle.  It carries everything I want; including my camera, phone, house keys, coin purse, book, notebook and other bits and pieces and it's comfortable!  And wouldn't you believe it?  I found this wonderful light cotton denim one at Life Line yesterday for $5.00!  It may look a little worse for wear with its tag not lookin' so good, but I'm going to use it to go out in areas of Brisbane where I don't really need a good, sassy bag.  And if I need to run, I can sling it across myself and it won't burden me.

I do love it when I find a bag just like this and it makes my collecting all the more worth it.  I do look forward to using it next week when I have a go at it at Garden City.  I'll let you know how it goes and how it performs.

This bag has turned into one of my usual bags to take out to Garden City or anywhere I have to go.  It's light, easy to use and will carry any one of my fold-up bags and almost anything else I want it to carry without feeling as thought I'm carrying a huge amount of gear.  A successful purchase of an item that will be used a lot.

Plain Brown

You know, I've found that it's the plain purses that are usually the most lovely.  This ordinary-looking brown purse was found at a local Life Line and it appeared to be used only a few times; or if it a busy life, you wouldn't guess it.  It's a lovely hand-crafted leather purse that was well-cared for; and I love plain ones as well as ornate purses  for my collection.

I'll be getting in and using it very soon; as I've made a promise to use all my purses this year and let you all know when I've used them.  Also, I'm going to use all my handbags too... so they have a story to tell too!

Spencer & Rutherford

Some weeks ago, I was rummaging through the boxes at the local Life Line and I found a few lovely purses.  However, I didn't expect to see something like this one.  Now, before you say anything about it looking cheap and nasty; it's a very late 1990's Spencer & Rutherford purse.  

This company originated in Melbourne and has been putting out expensive purses and glitzy handbags for a long time now; and they are top quality!  The price range is between $25 and $65 for purse and $160 and $500 for handbags.  This little darling would have been sold for around $25 brand new; however I bought it for $5.00 at the Life Line in near new condition and still in good working order.  The only reason it was tossed?  Well, it doesn't hold a lot of change as the zip doesn't do up easily.  I wasn't too worried, I've got a lovely purse.

A Wonderful Find Today!

Today, I went for a wander around to my local thrift shop in search for old and ready-to-toss books for a project I'm working on.  While there, I found the most gorgeous and wonderful evening purse! 

This silver number was glinting from between other bags, signaling to me to have a look at it before I did anything else; so of course I did.  And what a beautiful and sweet purse it has turned out to be!

It's a Glow-Mesh evening bag with all its original fittings still attached.  The inside is just as lovely and clean as you would expect it to be when it was almost brand new; yes, this bag has been lovingly cared for.  However, I know it has been used a lot as the clasp area has begun to tarnish.  I bought it for under $5.00!  What a find!  And I'm sure it will be a great accessory for when I do go out one night.

Denim With Secrets

Don't you love it when you find something that later on shows you something you didn't expect?  Well, when I bought this blue denim wallet, I thought it was quite plain and didn't think was anything out of the ordinary.  Then, once I got it home and began inspecting it, I found it had some hidden secrets; well, okay, one.  This wallet has a secret zipper at the back of where the folding money goes so you can put more

folding money.  How ingenious!

So, instead of getting a plain old blue wallet... I got myself a cool little blue wallet.  Now, whoever said first impressions are the only ones?

Since I bought this little surprise package, I have used it.  And it's a nice little wallet.  I do like the secret compartment; quite good to put cab money into and then completely forget it's there!  Hahaha.  Otherwise, I will use this one again soon.