After running my errands today I decided to pop in Nordstrom and see what handbags they had, just to get a lay of the land. I haven't actively shopped for bags in a while. They had the AK backpack discussed on my handbag thread, but only in black. It was a great opportunity to take a good look at the bag IRL though, because I find bag shopping online difficult. It's hard to know how a bag will feel and function through pics, you know?

But it's a great bag -- I like it a lot. Perfect size for me, the zipper is smooth and solid, the leather is soft but substantial, there is just enough detail for me, and it's not heavy. So,armed with that new info, I went on my way, figuring I'd give it some thought.

Well, on my way through the mall, I walked through Lord& Taylor, and they have it in black, "storm" (a sort of cream color), AND cobalt! The cobalt is really nice, and one of my favorite colors.

The conflict? I have a black bag and a cobalt bag already that I like -- in fact, my cobalt and black handbags are two of my newest. I honestly get more use out of the black bag because often I'm wearing enough blue that I don't necessarily want to add more in a bag. So the black would be more practical for me. The cream is nice, and would be a versatile color, but I'm not drawn to it.

What do you think, wise fabbers? If there were a metallic/pewter option, that would be ideal, but there is not. Do I go for practicality and give my other, frequently used, black bags a rest? Or go for the fun color that makes my heart sing?

Of course, I am keeping eyes open for other options too, since I only started looking.