Gucci Knock-off

I love my handbags - as you know - and whether it's a knock-off or not, Gucci has some lovely designs.  This one is something that I just couldn't pass up; and besides, I haven't got a Gucci yet in my collection.

I saw it and thought it looked okay; but a little too good.  But when I went back to it, and really looked at it, I found it was because it hadn't been used at all.  This handbag was brand new, straight from the box.  So, I forked out the $7.00 and have added it to my collection.  I think I'll try it out tomorrow at my Dad's retirement party.

Dymocks Book Bag

Yesterday, I went out to the city and had a few hours there to look around and find a few things I needed.  I found that a few new stores had popped up where the old Hoyts Cinema used to be; and so opening up the mall more.  One of these stores is a Dymocks; and so I wandered in and found this wonderful book bag.  Ingenious really to cover a book bag in book covers of books... and make it a nice bright red colour too.  The handles aren't plastic and don't cut into your hands; they are a lovely thick fabric that is nice to grip onto and feels good in your hands.  It made me want to hang onto it and put more things into the bag to make it heavier.  And the handles are nice and long; long enough that I can sling the bag over my shoulder and it'll sit comfortably.

Yesterday, I had two books, a bottle of water and a magazine in this bag and it was still very comfortable to carry with me on the bus and looked very smart around town on such a dull day.  And from Dymocks for $14.95, I think I'll be getting a lot of use from it when I go book-shopping. 

Apologies

I have to apologise for not posting here in recent times.  It's not because I don't want to - I do - but I haven't bought any bags lately from my usual charity as I haven't found any there worth buying.  So, over the last few fortnights, I've gone in and looked but not bought anything.

Sometimes, this happens where a dry spell of no bags or coin purses show up which would catch my eye; then suddenly, there'll be an influx.  So, hang in there, I'm sure more will show up soon.

Stylish Green

While I was out on Wednesday, and around the same time I spotted the Audrey Hepburn bag, I spotted this one.  I was drawn to its lines and colour; it was the classic handbag taken out on the town way back when it was something you only took your essentials in and nothing else. 

There's no brand name on this bag; but the style and colour are just lovely.  It's in very good condition and it's obvious that somebody loved it; and did use it a lot.  The handle is the classic short strap that is designed to only fit over your arm and that's it; as it gets stuck if you try to slip it over your shoulder.  But I'm sure if I put a longer strap of the same design on it, it would look just as lovely.  A very desirable bag for a night out somewhere.

Audrey Hepburn Bejeweled

This week, I found a few little things that were lovely in the handbag arena; but to find this wonderful purse was something I didn't expect.  This Audrey Hepburn bag was hiding at the back of the lot of the bigger display of bags; and yet she looked just lovely all bejeweled the way she is.

So, I picked this up, looked it over and decided right there that if I didn't take it, I'd regret it later.  Just look how lovely those jewels are; how could I walk past a bag that looks this good?  It's as lovely inside as it is outside too.  And I'm so glad I did buy it.  Now, I look forward to adding it to my 'Tested' list soon.

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.