The Tricks of Bags

As I mentioned before, I've been on the lookout for a good new everyday bag. Because this would be the bag I would be committing to probably some 300 days out of the year, for the next who knows how many years, it is definitely something I am willing to invest a bit in. At the same time, if I am going to invest a lot in it, the bag has dang well better be perfect.

I have no interest in chasing after the "it" bags or any designer bags. Generally speaking, I don't like logos, so no Coach bags for me (though the rainbow-colored logos are cute), and certainly not the ubiquitous brown-and-gold dual-lettered oft-knocked-off kind. What I want is something practical, something that won't look dirtied after repeated use (so it will have to be dark in color), something well-made and sturdy, something timeless, stylish, professional, and a bit urban-edgy. This will anger many vegetarians, but I want the bag to be made of soft leather like my current daily bag (can't be helped--I'm such a sucker for the soft texture). It also has to have a zippered-enclosure--I have passed on many bags because I don't feel secure with a magnetic or snap enclosure. And it has to have some kind of front enclosure that allows easy access to my cell phones; although my current daily bag has slots inside the bag for phones, the phones inevitably fall out and into the abyss that is the bottom of my bag. I'm simply tired of having to dig around when a work crisis is at hand.

After looking at various places, I think I've found what I want. I'm totally in love with it, it has everything I'm looking for and then some--the convertable strap will be so useful. Although this bag appears to be well worth its price, the price still makes me hesitate. On top of that, this, this, and this are also contenders. Although the alternatives do not fullfill all of my criteria, they are less expensive and oh so cute. The Rini has a snap enclosure, but it looks sturdy, it's dark in color, and the wooden handles make the bag look really interesting and unique (though carrying it on my shoulder would be a problem). It is something that I really would like to get at some point. The dark hunter green bag has the color and front pockets that I like, but the design seems to be too tamed for me; I want a few more decorative details. The yellow Alberta bag is very similar to the bag I really want. I love the flap pocket and tassel, which is the one detail that distinguished the bag I really want from the dark hunter green one. But the Alberta bag is also yellow. I would wear it everyday, but it is not the classic bag I am shooting for--lemon yellow shouts a lot of things, but "professional" isn't one of them. However, perhaps this might be a fun purchase if it goes on sale...

Too many cute bags doing too many tricks on me. Now it's time for you to weigh in. What do you think of my picks, and do you have any suggestions? I would really like to keep it at or below $200.

[UPDATE] Thanks for all your comments! I have decided to hold off on the purchase for a while. Reasons to come later.