ON A MISSION: The Perfect Bag

I don't know about you guys, but I feel like I'm constantly on a mission to find "The Perfect ________." Whether it's an all-weather coat for the perma-winter that looms over San Francisco, or a vintage accessory for my living room, I feel like my yearning can sometimes turn me into quite the Captain Ahab. Last year it was booties, which not only had to be black and sufficiently mod / Chelsea-style, but also had to have a precise toe shape (not too pointy, not too round), the perfect heel height, just the right amount of shine or texture in the leather, and so on. I bought and returned a few pairs, finally settling on a relatively inexpensive studded bootie from Zara. In past pursuits, such as "The Great Rust Colored Scarf Hunt of 2010," I gave up entirely after an unsuccessful winter.

I was quite sated with my Chelsea boots until the school year began creeping up, which brought on a new batch of obsessions, the most urgent of which is to find "The Perfect Bag." I have looked high and low, strongly considering a wide range of options from brands like Clare Vivier, Kate Spade, Madewell, Orla Kiely, and yes, for a brief moment of complete insanity I really did consider rewarding myself with that lovely Proenza Schouler tote. For one reason or another, I haven't really been sold yet--namely because the bag needs to be as functional (biking to school with laptop in tow) as it is cute. I'm also generally annoyed at how heavily branded so many bags are (Michael Kors, I'm looking at you). My philosophy with anything I wear (designer or not) is simple: if you know, then you know. I don't need a giant emblem to tell people how much money I've spent!

For that reason, I never even considered Coach. I am not a huge fan of their signature fabric, which I personally feel took over the brand's identity and sadly diluted the classic luxury of the brand. It wasn't until my friend Leia recently mentioned the Coach Classics collection, which hearkens back to the brand's original leather bags, that I was curious enough to take a peek. I have to say I totally love these bags! They look so timeless and academic, and I would believe it if you told me they can last forever. I'm going to have to try some of these out in person to see how they fit/feel and examine how much I can manage to shove inside, but Coach has somehow shot to the top of my Perfect Bag list with this collection. (Thanks Leia!)




What do you guys obsess over? I know I'm not alone! I can already feel the "Great Watch Hunt of 2013" coming on, heaven help me.

xochr

BAGS: Legacy Duffle; Legacy Swingback; Willis Bag; Stewardess Bag.