Thrifty Thursday – The Red Purse*

This was a very exciting thrifting week for me, and I only went out once! I finally found something that I have been looking for for a very long time: The Red Purse.

I’m not talking about any old red purse–I’m talking about a red purse in the right shade of red, in the right size, in the right design–one that I can wear with multiple outfits when I want to add a punch of colour. I did find a really cute red Radley Handbag when I did my accessories challenge a few weeks ago, but it’s more of an “outfit purse”. It needs to be worn with a specific look, and isn’t really every day material.

So. I’ve been shopping for The Red Purse for almost a year. I wanted something that was a darker red–more like a brick red with some black undertones to it. I also wanted a purse that could hold everything I carry around with me on a daily basis, and something that didn’t have a crazy pattern or adornment on it.

When I went to Value Village earlier this week, I decided to take a peek through the purses. I don’t always do this as I’m really not a purse collector. I like to have a staple in the major colour groups and that’s about it. As I perused through the racks, I noticed a flash of red stuffed behind a hideous black mommy purse. It looked like it had been deliberately hidden behind a few things, and it took me a minute to fish it out. When I did, it was love at first sight.

Behold: The Red Purse.

It’s a red leather Nine West bag in exactly the shade of red I wanted. It’s red, but not too red, and the flaps on the front give it just the right amount of detail without being too much.

I seriously clutched the bag to my chest and began sprinting for the counter.

As I made my way to the front, I noticed some other cool features. It has an adorable black and white polka dot pattern inside, and the bottom of the purse is bunched and looks like this:

I like.

…and then I noticed the absence of a price tag.

This is can be a bad sign. If you take an item to the front without a tag, they have to call a manager and price it on the spot. I always feel like if you look like you reeeeeeeeally want something they jack up the price as they know you’ll pay it. And because Nine West is sort of a well known brand, that could also make the bag cost more. It was time to get my game face on.

When I got to the counter, I nonchalantly placed the bag on the counter.

Me: (speaking slowly, looking bored) “Oh, hey. I found this bag lying around and noticed it didn’t have a tag on it.  I was going to leave it, but I thought I’d just bring it up and let you know.”

Cashier: “Oh, just a moment. Let me call my manager.”

(I casually look at everything in the room except The Red Purse. The manager makes his way over.)

Cashier: “Hi. This customer found this bag, and the price tag has been ripped off. (looking at me) Would you like to know how much it is?”

Me: “Yeah, I guess. Why not.”

Manager: (picks up the bag and looks it over) “Just put a $4.99 tag on it.”

Me: “I’LL TAKE IT.”

…and that’s the story of The Red Purse. I heart it greatly, and it’s big enough to hold all my stuff without overflowing. Also–very important–the zipper at the top opens all the way across which makes it very easy to see everything inside.

And I tend to put a lot of stuff inside.

See my cute red leather gloves? I found them last month during the Winners Clearance days for $9. WIN!

And yes, it is necessary to have at least 5 types of lip gloss in my purse at all times. I am an addict. I can’t help it.

(Current fav: Sally Hanson Lip Inflation – $2 @ Dollarama. It’s a bit like Lip Venom. WIN!)

So, my closet feels just that much more complete now that I have The Red Purse. Now I just need to find red shoes…