I've been moaning for a year or two now that I don't have a bag versatile enough for daily use:
* hands-free if needed
* easy access if that is priority
* looks good
* goes with a lot of outfits
AND to also take travelling on short work trips
* roomy enough to function as medium-sized cabin bag, day bag cum shopping tote
* secure enough and compartmentalized so as to stuff into an overhead bin without danger of spilling and jumbling contents
* zipping shut so that clumsy me can get in easily without helping me leave a trail of lost belongings behind me

I'd pretty much given up hope on all those things coinciding in one, AFFORDABLE and good-looking bag (my budget would be the equivalent of about $25... Um. Yeah.), so I figured, fine, I'd look for two bags while meanwhile making do with two workhorse purses --- an understated black silk&suede bowler style that lacks compartments though biggish and can double as oversized evening bag thanks to the materials and gold print, plus my brown leather, smaller bag in a similar profile.

Until I tore the second six months ago. The hunt turned urgent. I got desperate.

And then, early in 2012, serendipity struck. I found a biggish black leather bag, with zippers and compartments, a lovable price tag ($28). Catch: Only available online, so could not inspect for quality or confirm the size. I ordered it anyway, knowing it takes six(!) weeks to ship.

It arrived this weekend. Surprisingly soft, buttery leather. Nice brass hardware. Solid stitching. Good size. Turns out it is designed by students at India's premier fashion academy, and has extra tricks up its handles --- it can convert from shoulder bag to backpack, as well as smaller slouchy handbag! Shockingly good news. Plus, it turns out to have a small outer pouch, perfect for key cards, batteries, memory cards, subway tickets --- the things I need really quick access to and must usually remember to stuff into my pockets.

Then, further and unexpected largesse! The SO, who'd been travelling a lot last month, had a fit of guilt and brought home a second surprise! I would NEVER have thought to buy a $40 bag made of floral-printed canvas, be it never so roomy or on-trend. But bless the lad, HE did! The perfect size. Made in India (though from Benetton), which is extra points in my slightly crunchy value system. Hell to clean (I'm sure) but oh so summery and far more travel-worthy than my straw bag (which doesn't close very securely, cannot be crushed in drawers and overhead bins, and is deep as my arm with no compartments --- though it is an absolute love for days when all I want is a book, a wrap, a bottle of water and a tube of sunscreen.)

These are definitely NOT the best deals on the market. But I think I'll get a lot of use out of them. They're certainly more 'fun' than any bags I've hitherto owned. Neither will weather the monsoons, but I have a lime-green faux leather number for the rains (only issues with that: forget being hands-free, and with identical twin compartments, I always have to unzip BOTH sides to find whatever I want.)

Good grief! Suddenly, I have a bag wardrobe :-0

As soon as finished reeling, I ran to take pictures. (Please excuse crumpled clothes from a day spent weeding!)

#1-#4: The leather bag/backpack: in handbag, sling bag, and backpack mode

#5-#6: The floral canvas splurge

#7: Old beloved straw bag

#8: Green faux patent twin-compartment

#9: Silk and suede oversized evening bag turned day bag (the quilted sides are silk, the top, side panels, bottom and handles are suede)

Niggling doubt on the canvas bag --- is it too ALGO? Do I need to carefully edit my clothes to match?

Would also welcome advice on more useful/stylish shapes and colours for when I wear through these, possibly at an accelerated rate, or to fill any remaining wardrobe holes you may perceive. (Not seen here: small tan mock-croc evening clutch.)