Inspiration Wednesday: Red Purses

I don't have a specific favorite color - I love LOTS of colors - most shades of blue, blue-greens are a fave, pink, a recent love of all vintagey whites, etc., etc. But one color that NEVER fails to catch my eye is RED. And the reason this color is on my mind is Valentine's Day, which is coming up. I can't stop looking at pinks, whites, and reds.

Oh how I love red for accents - for eye drawing objects in a room, lipstick, nail polish, dresses, shirts, sweaters and, of course - purses! I love a good red purse. For some reason I rarely wear them, though. I usually just stick to my trusty black or brown neutral color purses, because I don't know what I'll wear day to day and changing out purses is a hassle so I am very lazy you see. But does that stop me from collecting them? Nope. Also - wallets. ;)

An assortment of my favorite purses. I likely have more, but these are within reach. Aren't they adorable together? Sorry for the bad lighting - overcast, rainy day.

This is the first red purse I remember purchasing. It's like a cheap version of a little satiny cocktail purse, too small to hold much beyond some lipstick and a compact, etc. I don't think I've ever used it, but it's too cute and small to part with. It doesn't take up much room is my excuse.

I probably bought this wallet at the gap at the same time - far more used - It's probably my favorite wallet as it has the easiest to open and organize features. Probably the last time Gap really made a worthy wallet, IMHO. Also last time they had really classic clothes they were known for - this is back in the '90's - then they turned trendy and it is soooo hard to find decently made classic clothes there.

What happened to you, Gap? I still shop there and find the rare decent top, their jeans are still great, but last time I shopped there I ordered online, not being able to drive there and leave the house so soon after my operation and the clothes that looked the same as I'd bought last time came tissue paper thin. If I'd felt it in the store I'd NEVER have bought it. They cheaped out on the fabric of all the shirts and that really pissed me off - thus the rant, sorry. I had to drag myself to the store and return them as soon as I was able. Darn it. So few quality stores left and usually at prices I can't afford. /rant. Just look at the wallet and pretend I never went crazy about the store.

Ahem, now that my Gap rant is through - this is a patent leather, very thin red purse. Doesn't everyone need a patent leather red purse? Well I do. Even if it also doesn't hold enough to be very useful. LOL Nice and shiny and oh so cute on the shoulder, though.

And also everyone needs a red crocodile purse. I got it from Target a few years ago as a present from my mom for starting an internship in March at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. I always think of how excited I was for the chance to work there when I see this purse.

And a velvet Esprit purse I've had for many years - this close up is to show you how dark red, burgundy, really, it is and how velvety soft. It has this super long strap which was really useful as a student to sling over like a messenger bag. I did use this in the winter quite a few times. Too pretty to part with even if I don't use it anymore.

And while on the subject of winter red purses - you must own a wool one, too, right? Well, I do. It's so cozy looking.

But this one - this is my favorite of all and it usually sits on a shelf protected all on its own (but filled with smaller bags so it doesn't lose it's shape and is still useful) - this is my Coach tote. I LOVE this purse. It's big enough to hold everything you need and even a book or a magazine and more. It's my special purse that I only use when I want to feel good about myself. I use it sparingly, though, as I don't want it to get an accidental pen mark or something on the precious canvas sides. The red leather trim is gorgeous, though.

And as much as I love Coach purses - a special treat for me. I will admit that they sometimes have a bizarre humor and use a really UGLY lining in their pretty purses. Almost as a joke you'll find a pretty dark brown purse and open it up and there is neon green or orange lining inside that totally doesn't go and is actually an assault to the eyes. Now maybe they are trying to make it easy to see your stuff inside a dark bag, but there are FAR better colors and materials to use. Many a purse has been passed by for me because the lining is atrocious.

But see here in this pic - the lining is sky blue!! Another big plus!! That's how you line a pretty and rather expensive purse, right? I love the inside as much as the outside.

And if you have a coach purse you have to have a coach wallet, too. Just because. It's a little on the small side to be useful, I use it a lot, though, just have a second small wallet for the other junk I need. :)

Next post: likely the unbelievable cute shoes I got from Santa - well, my mother. The light's all gone now and I want to show how just how precious they are. And maybe a few other items I got for Christmas because isn't it fun to show off your pretty new gifts?