Halloween cuteness alert...

I admit it - I have a love of all things holiday-related - including handbags.  Isn't this handmade bag the cutest thing?  I got it on eBay and it is absolutely lovely.

This is the back of the bag - I don't know who the fabric designer is, but it looks vaguely Mary Engelbreit to me.  Or it's just wishful thinking...

And this is the inside of the bag - with this adorable applique.  I love it!

So do you think I like...

baskets or something?  I think this bag is just the cutest thing.  It's small, but I don't carry that much stuff around anyway.  It was an eBay find; the brand Roxy is embossed on the tab closure and handles.  Never heard of it - but if a bag catches my eye, I don't really care what the brand may be.  I've had this love affair with basket purses since I was a kid.  I had this Nantucket style purse that I carried for years - until I graduated to a wooden box purse that started out life a dull white.  I painted it lime green and added embroidered ribbon to it as trimming.  Very cute - I wish I still had the thing!

Innovative or tacky?

The Miche Bag with the quick change magnetic cover - is it cute or just a cheap fad of the moment?  I like the overall style of the bag - but the purse base is not leather - and none of the shells are either.  It's quite expensive for what you get - but still, I am drawn to the possibilities of covers for every holiday or season.  No, I'm not buying one, but I've been sorely tempted.  Then my tackiness meter kicks in and I am saved from myself once again.  What do you think of this bag?

Hi-ho, cherries - oh!

I have no idea who Isabella Fiore is, really, but I got this bag on eBay for a mere $34 and I am told that it was an amazing bargain.  I liked it because of the cherries, but then that's just me.  I have a fondness for purses with a little glitz and a vintage style.  This one really fit both requirements for me.  It's a nice size and I've had a lot of compliments on it.  I like a handbag that's a conversation starter.

Vintage Vera...

I can't remember what year they stopped making the Red Leaf pattern or the bag design,

but I love this vintage Vera Bradley handbag.

It's simple, understated and washable.

Who could ask for more?

Besides, it's red!

You paid how much...

for a straw purse?" shrieked my husband when I bought this bag several years ago.  And so began my ongoing love affair with Brighton Bags.  Not that I've bought one in a good long while.  It is interesting to note, however, that not long after I got this bag, my husband bought me a staggeringly expensive black Brighton number which I will feature in a later post.  I just said thank you, though - I didn't shriek about the price.

Christmas in July...

And there I am with a hideous black clutch bag.

I am certainly glad that my taste has improved over the years...  Of course, you can't see my shoes, but I am certain I was wearing penny loafers with white ankle socks.  Such a fashionista!