Thursday 4 August 2011

A girl's needs.

What's in my bag?


headphones | iPhone | iPod | tissues | perfume | powder | carmex | concealer | birthday cheque from granny | wallet | pencil | pen | diary | lollipop | hairband & grips | hairbrush | sunglasses | hayfever tablets | mints | eyedrops | sanitiser | housekeys | carkeys | deodorant

It seemed like high time I did that old blogger staple, what's in my bag? But really, this post is not about the contents, but about the bag itself. You see, I’ve been complaining for ages and ages now about finding the perfect bag. I could almost SEE it – big, slouchy, chocolate brown and leather. Perfect for work, weekends, days out. Spacious enough for notebooks and paperwork, so I could easily throw them in there for meetings and work visits. Oh, and large enough for my camera, of course.

I was struggling so much to find something I loved that I nearly settled. I even bought a few niceish, cheap, non-leather bags from various high street shops. Still not quite right - and they all fell apart pretty pronto. I considered this, from Topshop, but £40 for a non-leather bag seemed a bit much, especially when I wasn’t mad on the colour, so I hesitated.

Now, perhaps knowing my pathalogical love of shopping, no one told me about the street markets in Florence. They’re huge, and varied, and started about 2 minutes walk from the front door of our hotel. And then I remembered that if there’s one thing the Italians are known for – besides the food and drink – it’s leather.


The markets are full of lots of things – clothes, scarves, masks, jewellery, shoes, but as soon as I saw all the bags on offer, it occurred to me that I might actually find something that ticked at least some of my boxes. I managed to annoy a few stallholders by convincing them they had a sale and then wandering away at the last minute, but I’m glad I held off, because then I found it. Well, almost it. It was tan, which gave me pause – I don’t really like tan leather. But it was big, and slouchy, and lovely.

And then, Sha pulled out another bag from behind it – identical, but chocolate brown. It was PERFECT. I managed to haggle 10 euros off the cost, and then it was mine. For about the same cost as the Topshop bag I mentioned above.


This bag is PERFECT. The leather is buttery soft, and actually warms to the touch. Ah - sorry if you aren’t a leather fan, but I adore it – especially how it looks even better as it ages. It’s big, but not TOO big. Loads of compartments. A nice little pocket on the front for my keys. Two sets of straps which can comfortably be worn at the same time. It’s gorgeous.

I’m having serious thoughts about planning a weekend jaunt to Florence with an empty suitcase, just to hit up those markets again. Christmas shopping holiday in November, anyone? I need more bags. For, um, gifts. Obviously.
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21 comments

  1. I spent SO much money when we visited Florence because of the amazing shopping! I have a huge stationary addiction and there are so many beautiful shops- I bought paper that is too pretty to use. I still think it was worth it. xxx

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  2. ooh, that is beautiful!
    i have always wanted a bag almost exactly like that. but as a vegetarian, i can't help but think it would be hypocrical of me to buy a leather bag. so alas, i have none. :(

    lucky find though- i love it when you're going to buy something almost-perfect, and then at the last second find the actually perfect one! xx

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  3. what a beautiful bag!
    i love the colour, and the fact that its the perfect size - i have such trouble finding one that fits everything in/doesnt have any wasted space!
    Rosie xo

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  4. The markets in Florence really are amazing, I've never found anything as nice as that bag though - jealous!

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  5. This is gorgeous! I ADORE leather and have been known to spend £100 on a leather jacket purely for the smell (erm... that happened today, actually). A beautiful bag and a great story behind it too. Much more interesting than 'it's Topshop'! :) x

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  6. That bag is GORGEOUS!!

    Sarah xx

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  7. That bag is so gorgeous!

    I love seeing the contents too!

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  8. Lovely bag, no wonder you can fit all that in it! Isn't it amazing what we carry round with us eh!!

    X x

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  9. Love your post... brought back memories of Florence.. I used to live there for a couple of months and used to love the San Lorenzo Market as well! though I must say apart from the market, Zara and H&M I practically didn't afford any of the designer shops! :)

    www.yanasdollhouse.blogspot.com

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  10. Oh my god this bag is perfect! It would seem we want the same things in a bag. Over the past few years I have bought a new bag every few months because I just can't find the perfect bag, and I still haven't. Wonderful! xx
    Sirens and Bells

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  11. That bag is gorgeous :) persistance definatley paid off in the end :) X

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  12. Wow such a lovely bag and what a bargain considering it's leather. I will pretty much only buy leather bags, hence why I don't buy them so often, but if I lived in Florence I'd be buying them all the time!

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  13. Yay on finding the perfect purse you had been dreaming of. Ugh like I didn't have enough reasons to want to go to Florence, now I'm going to daydream of markets full of cute stuff that is out of my reach haha. Very cute purse btw.

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  14. Gorgeous bag, European markets are amazing! I love your lego toy story keyring too, I'll be on the hunt for one of those now!

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  15. Oooh I'm jealous. I'm a fan of a proper, soft leather bag and this one is to die for!!

    xx

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  16. I bought my 'bestest' bag from Rome when I was there, gorgeous slouchy purple suede and SO cheap compared to the UK.

    Your bag is absolutely gorgeous, everything about it is just so RIGHT!!

    I hope you enjoy many happy years together as it ages gradually and beautifully.

    Sue xx

    Sue xx

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  17. Oh that is gorgeous. Did they do it in black? If so, I'm sending you back there with some money to get one for me! I didn't buy a single bag when I was in Florence. What a failure I am.

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  18. I like these kinds of posts !! I also really like your keyrings !

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  19. I love a good story behind a purchase or item. I have massive bag-envy now.
    *starts scrapping pennies together for trip to Florence*

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