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I am funny, in that I don't mind shopping when I am not looking for something specific, but when I need something specific, it is instantly a chore.
I am not one to spend $$ on purses or bags, especially since I get bored and change them out fairly frequently but recently I have found that nothing I have here at home is adequately meeting my needs. I bought a cheapie canvas crossbody bag at Walmart and got what I paid for; it is already splitting along the bottom seams after just a month of use.
So, I need something similar but more durable.
Thought I'd found the answer tonight on Target.com only to find that the stupid thing was "not available in stores" and "not available online". Okay, so then why the heck is it on the website at all? Target does that a lot.
Was $25, clearance for under $10! Not exactly the prettiest but functional and good enough, I figured.
SO I thought maybe someone here might have suggestions.
I need it to be black, or dark grey, leather or faux leather or vinyl (something cat hair won't cling to), a cross-body or long shoulder bag, and roomy enough to hold a spiral notebook and a couple small textbooks (not much bigger than paperback novels, really). I don't carry a lot of makeup or whatever, just lip balm, lotion, and Motrin, along with pens and pencils. An outside phone pocket is ideal. Casual/funky is okay, I don't dress fancy for school, but I do dress a little "funky".
Not huge though and definitely not super deep, oh and I hate gold hardware, but bronze is okay though I prefer silver/nickel look hardware.
Worst of all I really don't want to spend more than $30.
Now, I normally thrift shop for everything but sometimes I don't want to and in this case, I don't want to because I tend to come home with $40 worth of "other stuff" whether or not I find what I am looking for or not.. so when I need something specific I find it is more frugal for me to just focus on the one thing even if that means buying it new.
I don't know if you will find what you want in your price range, but I usually buy my purses at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I do not buy plastic, only cloth or leather. The last one I bought was a tiganello and is was very sturdy and well made, with lots of compartments to organize things.
I just bought a yellow cloth tote bag at Banana Republic with leather handles and lots of compartments. It will be super to get me through spring and summer. There was a 30% off sale, so it cost $59.
Another vote for TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Ross. I think there you'll have the best luck in regards to a price/quality balance. I found just the bag you are looking for at tj maxx for a trip to Europe. Cross body, big enough to stash notebook, camera, wallet, cardigan...but not so big as to be cumbersome on my travels. I think it was Tommy Hilfiger? $30 or so?
Anyway, that or just stitch up the bag you've got, which is really the easiest and most economical solution.
I've found several nice bags at Kohl's, and always good discounts. Recently bought a "Relic" messenger type bag, all leather, love it -- for $40. (Otherwise, I enjoy making my own quilted bags.)
Its not leather but cat hair would be brushable. Its worth a look. Interesting product. They have other sling bags on there but this one by the description could really take a beating. Nylon outside and denim liner inside..perfect for dealing with pointy book ends.
I always like to toss makeup in its own bag and drop it in the main bag. Same with pencils etc if there is not a pocket.
There are other purses on there you may want to check out. Its SO hard finding a purse for yourself let alone someone else. LOL
They also sell them at REI if you have one near you. They are not super expensive (and once a year there's a 50% off sale). A medium cross body is about 50-60. However, they last a long time, are very sturdy, and look really good. I get compliments on mine all the time.
I normally like gold colored hardware but, this could be an exception.
Thanks.
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