I’ve bought expensive shoes, sunglasses, and jeans just like the next girl but never have I ever justified spending $200 or more on a handbag. Until recently. For the past year or so I’ve been on the hunt for the “perfect” classic black leather handbag for me, it’s gotta be somewhat big, something I can put on my shoulder (I’ll never understand the girls at my school who carry their LVs by the handle all day long.) and something with nice pockets. I know most associate girls with nice designer bags as general airheads, rich “bitches,” spending Daddy’s money on handbag after handbag as the fashion business is based on created obsolecense of the false need of new things just because they are ‘in fashion.’ However, I dont think it’s so wrong to spend my own money on a bag I think will last through many seasons and fit with my style.

With that being said here are the black leather handbags I love and why:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Dr. Q Groovee Tote: From this post you wouldn’t be wrong to infer that I’m partially in love with the whole Dr. Q set of handbags Marc Jacobs designed for MBMJ this season. These bags were made for me. The Groovee is my favorite of all because it’s big with lots of pockets and great detailing. Unfortunately it’s about $500.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Dr. Q Convertible Clutch: I’m not usually one for small paris hilton sized bags, but this is an exception. I picture myself posting up with this bag and my classic jeans, flats, and a teeshirt… aka my personal uniform. Only problem is that for $300 I want a bag I can fit everything into.

3. Jerome Dreyfuss -Yves Convertible Bag: I love the texture of this bag. It has so many pockets, hidden compartments, and even a covered mirror… not that I’ve ever used a compact mirror before but maybe I can start? I love the trend that Anna Corinna started: the fold-over bag. About $550.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Airliner Leather Pilot Bag: This bag also has the fold-over and constructed vibe that I’m looking for, however I’m afraid that it’s so motorcycle/stylized that it might not last more than a few seasons? Maybe a little too masculine for my style. The Magazine Clutch version of this bag should also be noted as a favorite. $370.

5. Chloe – Bay Double Pocket Tote: Great structure without the metal detailing. $1450.

6. Marc Jacobs – Peet Shoulder Bag: Again love the structure of this bag and the metal zippers. On the flip, not a huge fan of the knot details or the lining. I love how the MBMJ line usually has cute patterned lining. This probably tops out at about $1,150.

If you can contribute to my search of structured, fold-over, black, leather, not too girly, large handbags please let me know in the comments.

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