Anuschka 430 Double Entry Shopper

As much as I like buying handbags that match my shoes or clothes, sometimes I thinks it’s good to be a little daring and not go for a match, but try to make a bold statement. And sometimes I think a handbag should just be fun, whimsical, or unusual in some way. I never know what kind of mood may strike me, and a boring brown, or black, or just monochromatic bag won’t do. Besides, I am anything but boring, and I want the things I wear to reflect that. I’m not talking about going overboard like some people (looking at you, Lady GaGa), and wearing things that make me look like I couldn’t decide either who I was, or how old I was when I woke up that morning. There’s a difference between unusual and just weird. Of course, there’s always eccentric, which is what weird becomes when you’re rich. Until I win the lottery, I’ll just keep being my unusual self, and expressing it through unique accessories. Care to join me? Then let’s start with this Anuschka 430 Double Entry Shopper.

I almost chose the henna butterfly option for this bag, but at this point, I’m a little butterflied out. I know, I didn’t think it was possible to get sick of butterflies. Next, it’ll be unicorns and rainbow, and then I’m really in trouble. Anyway, that bag is nice, but I really prefer this peacock safari. The bag is leather, adorned with a beautiful pattern, the focus of which is three peacock feathers. The paint is just slightly metallic, giving the bag a nice sheen when the light hits it. Why is it called Double Entry? The bag is divided into two main compartments, allowing for division and organization of your essentials. The interior back wall has a zip pocket, and a slip pocket, for smaller items. The smooth fabric lining won’t scratch up your phone or mp3 player (But you have those in cool, protective cases already, right?) The top zips closed, and the dual handles give it a 16-inch drop. At 17 inches wide, it has plenty of space to hold anything you need to carry. Plus, it’s just pretty. Try it out for $373 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

At first glance, this bag looks like it’s the one Dolly Parton carried to school every day when she was growing up poor in the backwoods of Tennessee. Oh wait, wasn’t that a coat of many colors or something? Holy crap, I’m trying to remember a Dolly Parton song. Pretend you didn’t hear that. Now where was I? Oh yes, the bag. That is not at all like anything having to to with Dolly Parton. It may look like it’s been sewn together from remnants, but the bag is actually made from 100 percent buttery soft suede. The stitched leather handle is pegged to the bag with brass studs on leather tabs. It’s fully lined in fabric with a back wall zip pocket, and has a magnetic closure. Even though it’s suede, I think this bag can work in any season, with just about any outfit because of the wide range of colors. The pink, sky blue, and yellow work for summer, while the brown, grey, and eggplant will take the bag right into fall. And red looks good whenever. Give it a shot for just $158 at Piperlime.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Stare at this bag too long, and it may hypnotize you. It’s got a sort of M.C. Escher thing going on, where you’re not really sure if it’s just the pattern, or the bag is bulging in the middle. It’s the pattern. I think. The bright colors, white leather trim, and the fact that the bag is made from cotton fabric may make it more of a summer bag, but again, we’re talking about doing the unexpected, right? Throw this bad boy over your shoulder on a cloudy fall day, and you’re sure to get attention. It may even brighten your mood. It’s lined inside, with a logo imprint, and has a platform bottom to keep the bag steady when set down. Here’s another way it will mess with your mind—it’s 15 inches across the bottom, but 21 inches wide across the center. Or is it just the pattern? No, those really are the measurements. You’ll figure it out, just like you’ll figure out that it’s a deal too good to pass up. It’s usually $128.95, but it’s on sale right now for only $92.70 at Zappos.com.