I’ve been looking for a new bag for pretty much ever. The one I use all the time right now is an army surplus looking messenger I got from the mens department at the gap for four bucks 7 years ago (that’s pre Liam).

I like it cause it’s rugged, but minimalist and it’s ballistic nylon stands up to anything and is neutral enough to go with most outfits – but it also is rough and eats into (and ruins) my t-shirts, has no pockets on the inside, and no zipper or proper closure at the top (which is imperative when traveling to pick-pockety tourist areas – which I would like to do from time time).

Plus, it’s wicked old, and I’m kinda sick of it.

So, I’ve been searching, and searching, and searching… It seems everything out there is either ridiculously oversized and impractical, covered in patent leather tassels, or just plain butch and sporty.

I would like to have a choice other than Carrie Bradshaw, Harajuku Girl and Soccer Mom, please and thank you – normal human being who has to carry stuff around when she goes out would be nice.

I was leaning towards this little baby. It’s just old fashioned and rustic enough for my tastes. It’s kind of Indiana Jones meets Gossip Girl.

But then. I stumbled upon these little wonders (a bag AND shoes that match).

I (as previously discussed) hate purple, but I will make an exception for these beautiful little babies (I will probably end up wussing out and getting them in neutral brown instead though).

The bag can be found here. The shoes can be found here.

They are both made by relatively small companies. The bag is even made by a company that has a commitment to being green, and not sending things out to sweatshops. Yay to that, and it’s neat, guitar-strap strap.

The shoes (even though I was not looking for them) are a particularly good find I think. I feel like they’re the kind of thing that Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby would have worn. They’re totally a 1920′s version of sporty sneakers (you know, with super-practical platform heels and shantung silk).