The quest for the perfect purse

I love a cute purse. As a result, I have amassed quite a little collection. And just when I think I really shouldn't acquire any more of them, somebody designs a really fun and well-built bag, like this one by Orla Kiely. It's on the pricey side, but maybe I'll make it a birthday gift to myself this year. Now I just have to make the difficult decision of pink, or lime? I have lots of pink purses, so maybe I should get the lime, but I think the pink suits the pattern nicely.

Finding a nicely designed bag that suits my style and usage makes me especially happy. I like ones in springy colors, stripes, fruit shapes, modern patterns, and also anything vintage. I love to look at dressy purses but I also try to buy bags that I know I'll actually carry on a normal day. And now that I am into crafts and books, I like bigger totes to carry my supplies and books to read.

Generally I dislike velcro and heavy metal zippers, because I hate when they snag on my clothes. Zippers should be hidden or visually blend into the fabric. My favorite is a magnet clasp or a smooth, thin, plastic zipper; quick, secure closure. On the practical side, a good purse should have metal feet and a durable bottom, a fully closable top, and hang comfortably on your shoulder. It should have at least one interior pocket (for easy access to smaller items), and overall it should be big enough for a wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys, makeup, tissues, and a snack.

I don't like excessive embellishments, like extra buckles, rhinestones, giant gold charms, or gaudy logos. Any clasps that aren't elegant should be hidden by a more flattering flap. And I don't like odd trendy fads, like that sweat-suit-inspired terrycloth. I don't like some types of nylon; it feels too utilitarian, like camping gear. I prefer durable fabric, leather or even vinyl. The stitching should be neat. And an extra plus would be special compartments (for your phone or other devices) and a nice lining.

A few years ago I made the plunge into high-end designer bags, when Murakami pulled Louis Vuitton out of the doldrums and into a colorful palette of pop art, smiley faces, pandas, and cherry blossoms. I indulged in a small, pink cherry blossom patterned purse. I like that the smiley inside the blossoms looks a lot like the Yahoo! Messenger happy face.

After LV got colorful, other fancypants designers realized it was a good idea. So Coach came out with preppy canvas bags in spring colors, so then I got one of those-- which have rather impressively crafted leather trim and stitching. Then my boyfriend at the time gave me the most indulgent x-mas gift: a pink satin Kate Spade wristlet bag with gold bracelet handles, to match my pink satin holiday party dress.

I still long for some Patch NYC bags I saw in the early 90s, which were in rich, woolen fabrics and the most charming little handmade details. I just couldn't spend the x-hundred dollars that they cost. I tried to find them on eBay, unsuccessfully. I can't imagine anyone who owns one of those ever giving them up. I like to look at the quaint applique-style bags by Lulu Guinness and My Flat in London, but they're a bit too delicate and glamourous for daily use.

Even better, sometimes I find great purses for a bargain at places like Target or Delia's. And then I get the most compliments for those, over any fancy-ass designer bag.

So anyway, which of the Orla Kiely bags should I get? Green or pink?