Handbags for a Country Girl Who Goes to Town

I’ve had a struggle the past few months and it’s not the typical one of lugging a huge satchel around with my computer, camera, chargers, and gear. I’ve retired that messenger-style bag but also had to retire the old heavy MacBook Pro (MBP). I have a new, smaller, sleeker, easier-to-travel with MBP. Don’t you think I now need a new handbag?

The old computer bag was of adequate size to tote my gear however, it alone sported some weight. I may have an indentation in my shoulder from the burden I carry around the world.

I’m looking for something stylish, yet not quite as bulky. Something with character but not too flashy. It’ll have to go to classy events and to hunting camp. It needs to be something with a couple compartments, or I’ll need to also shop for pouches to segregate my cords, cards, pens, and other small items.

Is that too large a criteria for a new handbag?

I assure you it isn’t because there’s more. The strap needs to be hefty enough to support the weight of a laptop, camera, and more, yet thick enough so it doesn’t cut into my shoulder. Of course, it needs to be large enough to hold the new 13″ x 9″ laptop in its sleeve but not too big as to allow me to throw in the kitchen sink.

There are many perks to living in a rural area, but great shopping isn’t one of them. I’ve been sorting through millions of bags via this cyber-store we all have access to now-days. The bad news is I can’t touch and feel and try the bags. The good news is I think I’ve narrowed it down to three.

Can you help me decide?

All three are large enough to fit the technology I pack around, but there are plusses and minuses to each. Right off the bat, I’ll say they’re all a bit pricey but won’t break the bank. They’re leather so that ups my expense but increases the longevity of the bag. The look they have would allow me to retire my purse. I think I’d be able to use one of these as a universal handbag. I think they’re classy, yet casual enough to go to hunting camp. What do you think?

  1. American West Rio Grande, All Leather Tri-Color Tooled Zip-Top Tote- Turquoise

Screen Shot 2018-02-28 at 5.47.03 AM
This one is the most affordable. It has an ornate appearance, but I don’t think it’s too flashy. I wonder, with the blue-tone accent, will it match every outfit? I’m not too much of a fashionista, but I do like to look good at conventions. Is it too “country goes to town”? $178
  • All Leather- Dual Entry Concealed Carry Zip Top Half Moon Tote- American West

  • Screen Shot 2018-02-28 at 5.57.18 AM
    This bag is less ornate than the one listed above. I love tooling, and this presentation highlights it. A plus to this one is that is has concealed carry pockets. Yep. I probably need those, since I travel with a handgun. $204.50
  • American West Dual Entry Concealed Carry Full Grain Leather Tote + Wallet

  • Screen Shot 2018-02-28 at 5.53.01 AM
    This has a look similar to the first bag, minus the color. It has the tooling I admire mixed with the smooth leather. Do you think that gives it too casual a look? It too has concealed carry pouches. It’s the most pricey but comes with a matching wallet. $290

    Of course, this isn’t the toughest or most important decision I have to make this week, but it’s one that will be with me for quite some time. The last Fossil satchel lasted about five years. Honestly, it’s still kicking but has a few freys around the edges and a look of oilskin instead of canvas. I suppose it has character, which could tell stories from around the world. Boots and handbags — Oh, the stories they could tell.


    2 Replies to “Handbags for a Country Girl Who Goes to Town”

    1. You should check out the bags I am making. They would do the job well and they do not break the bank. They do not look like the ones you showed that are seen everywhere. Mine are custom to what you need. I have been carrying one for sometime now to see how they hold up and they are doing fine.

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