Fashintern and Cheryl: Thank you for your kind inquiries. I did indeed buy one additional bag since I wrote this post. The bag was a complete and utter wildcard for me (i.e., it was neither a tote, nor a backpack). It is the BR red clutch. I adore it. I carry it in my ruby red tote bag. All my essentials are contained in the clutch and I can easily pull it out to use on its own. I found that for a clutch to be useful to me, it has to be a certain size and have a strap. This BR is perfect for me. I would like to buy another one in navy to keep in my navy tote.
The BR clutch is the perfect shape and size. It fits seamlessly into my tote bags and works perfectly for my lifestyle. It does not fit easily into my backpacks. This is not a problem because my backpacks are used for different occasions and the clutch is not part of that scenario.
Smittie -- Lightweight is the way to go. I used to be a leather snob, but that changed when the bags got too heavy to carry. I discovered nylon and am never looking back. Like you, I wish there were more options available to us in retail. I keep scanning the retail stores for what is available. I'm finding lots of black in my neighborhood. I just cannot do black right now. I want (need) color. I am now looking to buy a new bag. It will be color that decides the purchase. Right now, I am at a loss as to what that color will be.
Hi Staysfit. You are correct, I change bags daily depending on the needs of that day. I use my tote bags nearly seven days a week. That does not mean my other bags do not get used. I may carry two different bags on a single day (work, dining, errands).
Right now I use the ruby red tote with red clutch the most. My second favorite is the navy tote because it suits my winter mood. I rarely use the fuchsia. This surprises me tremendously. It is shocking that fuchsia fell out of favor. Fuchsia makes my heart sing and yet I reach for the red. The red "feels" like it has more winter substance.
Due to a wardrobe purge in 2018, I have a very small wardrobe of nearly all neutrals (black, navy, cream) with accents of medium blue and pink. All of the bags work equally well with my wardrobe. They add an infusion of color that makes me happy.
I do yearn for more variety. I feel there is yet one more color out there that will make me happy. I just do not know what that that color is yet. My thoughts are that it might be a medium blue shade.
