The Reasonably Prudent Law Student

We’re taking a short break from my 5 Ways to Dress 10lbs Slimmer series to talk about handbags – particularly Nine West handbags. I’ve done collections here before, many times, and once again, I put together five Nine West bags for under $50.

I had a phase where I was really big on purses. I would scour the sample sales and just go crazy when I found a good deal. I had two types that I went for: clutches and hobos. The thing about clutches is they’re all dainty and little, like me, and so easy to tuck under your arm when you’re doing things. As for hobos, large and slightly structured bags (so I guess hobo-satchels) look great particularly on petite women. We look good in fitted, tailored clothes (and  cropped things) and carrying oversized bags. So I usually went for those types of bags.

Then, when law school started, I ditched that crap. Nowadays, I keep my wallet in my butt pocket and my keys in my overcoat. My 8 lipglosses (I always have at least 8 lipglosses on me, you guys) and everything else lives in my backpack. No more purses; it’s just too much crap to carry when me and the LawSkoolBFF are hustling for the evening train. Andy always walks slowly in general, though, because I have to practically trot to keep up with him when he’s walking normally, and he’s mindful of this. It’s just that my legs don’t know how to be as long as his.

:(

Mama Hoomster’s always been a big fan of purses. When I was little, her purses were a source of great fun and mystery and adult-ness and adventure but most often candy.

Life was very simple back then.

Simple and colorful.

Then, however, I grew up. And I realized that in a purse, you had to keep money and credit cards because you had to pay for things, and lipstick because you had to not look like death warmed over, and grocery lists because you had responsibilities now, and a phone so your parents could always check up on you and make sure you weren’t hanging out with boys.

So then purses started to look like this.

However, I’m aware that some of you like being adults. My data has shown this, at any rate, so I have no choice but to believe it.

So for you guys in the purple there, here are five cute, work-appropriate handbags from NineWest.

Metallic Wallet $19.99

For those days when you know you don’t need to have much on hand, this silver wallet will hold your bare essentials and also instantly dress up your outfit. And you can’t beat that price.

LoverGirl Satchel in Yellow $49.99

I absolutely love this color. It’s a great way to add warmth to an outfit – picture it with grey slacks and a printed chiffon top and brown shoes, for example. It’s got a bit of a structured look, and the strap is durable, making this bag strong enough to handle all your many odds and ends.

Did you know that around 2007ish, designers started making handbag straps thicker, with reinforced stitching, because women started carrying more gadgets along with their usual stuff, putting more strain on the shoulder straps?

Because they did.

:-|

I’m not lying. You guys always assume I’m lying.

Pleated Fish Hook Hobo in Grey $39.99

This one’s got a really interesting look, doesn’t it? It’s grey, but with taupe-ish tones. Not just a straight, cold grey. And I love the pleating and the delicate strap. I’d wear it with brown slacks, a pink silk shirt, a creamy ivory cardigan, and creamish-tannish pumps. Or grey flats. I don’t know. DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE YOU GUYS.

Always making me choose.

>:(

Last time I checked, this blog wasn’t named Sophie’s Choice.

Hate you guys.

Heads or Tails Croco Clutch $39.99

A simple, shiny black clutch, great way to finish off any outfit.

Minimum Hobo $49.99

Love the color, love the hardware details, love the slightly slouchy look. And it’s oversized! Yay!

And there we have 5 handbags from Nine West for under $50. Happy shopping, ladies.