One down, one to go. Thanksgiving is over, and it’s time to focus fully on the December holidays. Yeah, I know it’s not technically December yet. But if you’re like a lot of people, you were already getting ready for the big push last week. Or maybe you waited until today to buy gifts online because it’s Cyber Monday. I know I did. Nothing gets me out of bed at 4:30 in the morning but a fire, and even then, it had better be a big one. You do not want to be the one who disturbs my slumber. I can’t be held responsible for any scarring or detached body parts if you do. Anyway, while I’m not insane enough to stand in line for four hours just to get into a store at oh dark thirty, I will eventually venture out to the malls and box stores to do some holiday shopping. You can buy just about anything online now, but there are some things that need to be held and examined with your own eyes before you buy them. But I’ll tell you this—when I do go out shopping, I don’t dress to be fashionable. Oh no. It’s like combat. It’s all about comfort and utility. I’m not going to be walking around a mall in four-inch platforms. That’s just as insane as the early morning line-ups. So this week is about shopping gear, and we’re starting with a good, carry-all—the Moschino A7503 Hobo handbag.
I don’t know about you, but when I go in for some heavy duty shopping, I like to carry a big, slouchy handbag with lots of room. Other than my usual necessities—wallet, keys, sunglasses, whatever—I want some extra room to keep my hands free. If I buy something small, rather than hand-carrying an extra bag, it goes in my purse. I keep receipts for everything in case of returns. Well, I do that anyway, but especially during the holidays. I also stuff a celebrity rag in there to have something to do in case I do get stuck in a line, or in traffic, and I make sure it’s a good, recent one with great photos so I can look for deals on the fashions I find in the magazine. What, you think I’m going to be around all those holiday sales and not buy anything for myself?! I’m the easiest person I know to buy for. Makes the rest of my holiday shopping less stressful. I think I deserve a reward just for braving the mall when it’s all crazy busy. Anyway, this Moschino hobo has plenty of room for everything I need to carry, and then some. It’s 15.5 inches wide, 11.5 inches high, and 5 inches deep. Yeah, plenty of space. It’s made of soft, luxurious leather, with zip pockets on the exterior sides, and a platform bottom to stay upright while I’m digging through all the crap I’m carrying to find my wallet at the checkout. Yeah, I’m one of those. Deal with it. The interior of the bag is fully lined, with a back wall zip pocket, and magnetic snap closure. Dual shoulder straps give this roomy bag a 6.75-inch drop, just long enough to be comfortable, yet short enough to allow you to maintain control of the bag amidst the crowds. The Moschino hobo is on sale, too. It was $999, but now it’s $800 at Zappos.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
Ok, yeah, I know. If you spent 800 bucks on a handbag right now, you’d be giving glued macaroni houses as gifts. Hmm…add a little glitter, maybe some food coloring…no! I can’t do that again this year! Giving the same gift two years in a row is just tacky. Anyway, as pretty as that Moschino handbag is, I could buy at least eight handbags for that price, and still look just as good. Take a look at the Nine West Patty Hobo bag. It has roughly the same dimensions as the Moschino bag, so it will give you plenty of room for everything you need to throw in there for your shopping adventures. Part of the reason why it’s so affordable is that it’s not made from real leather. The bag is all synthetic material, but still has the rich look of leather. And really, who’s going to be walking up touching your bag to see if it’s real leather? Anyone touching my bag at the mall might lose a hand. I know, again with the losing limbs. It’s Monday, and I’m cranky. Just don’t mess with my sleep or my purse! The lining is nylon, and features a zip pocket and a slip pocket just right for a cell phone. It’s just $79 at Piperlime.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
Now I didn’t purposely go looking for another Nine West bag, it just so happens I like the Antioni Large Hobo too. It’s made from soft, brushed fabric, and I like the ruching detail on it. It gives the bag a feminine appearance, while still being utilitarian. The trim is also synthetic with a leather look, which makes this bag just as affordable as the Patty. More so, actually. It’s fully lined in polyester, and has a top zip closure to keep everything safe and secure while you’re browsing the shops. The Antioni also has plenty of room for everything at 16 inches wide, 10 inches high, and 6.5 inches deep. The single shoulder strap gives the bag a ten-inch drop, and the front buckle adds a nice decorative detail. Best of all, it’s on sale! Usually $89, you can get the Antioni for just $66.75 right now at Endless.com.
