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The Vine: June 19, 2018

Submitted by on June 19, 2018 – 11:59 AM15 Comments

I had to give up my absolute favorite purse I have ever had.

Purchased when I was but a young intern in the city in 2011, it was a Brooklyn Industries large H bag, a hobo bag that was seriously bigger on the inside. Two open areas separated by a full zippered section that opened up to be gigantic with extra little compartments inside (and a few on the outside). It was a tank, held up to six years of serious use, and carried everything under the sun with ease. Sadly, they haven’t made them in years, and Googling has revealed that no one has one hiding in a warehouse somewhere.

Now I’m left staring at the purses of today that are either a big empty deep bag with no compartments or dividers, or they have plenty of compartments but aren’t big enough hold a large wallet, sunglasses, tablet, notebook, iPhone, wires, multitool, etc. etc. etc. (I’m a gal with many needs all at once).

I’m looking for a shoulder bag that fits under the arm, has at least two separate sections, and can hold the size of mini-iPad but also the bulk of many other items. I don’t want to have to dig deep in the bag to find my eating utensils (don’t ask), and I’d like to keep my pens and highlighters from mingling with my headphones.

I got something that was close that’s called a Retro Hobo Style canvas bag from Amazon, but it’s a little tight, and the zippered section is an afterthought.

I’m at the end of what I can think of, and would love some input on what purses might fit this bill, preferably in the under $150 range.

Thanks!
If Only My Eye Bags Could Carry My Life

Dear Eye,

Ugh, the tote with the undifferentiated center. I always think I can make that shit work, and I always end up, like, art-tacking a file folder into the middle so I don’t immediately lose the house keys AGAIN.

I don’t know if this guy is big enough, but the price is right and it looks like the larger H bag. Failing that, Wing and I have been obsessed with Rareform’s bags lately. The Maya might be a good fit for you, as it’s quite pockety with lots of smaller dividers inside.

And while it’s not for everyone style-wise, Vera Bradley is all about pockets and durability.

Readers, can you help?

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