Purses! Purses! Purses!

By Squire A. Cole

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Norah and I found this purse in an overrun, cash-

only, smoke-filled second-hand shop in Cape Cod. Norah managed to haggle this leather bag to $15 for me (pretty good for a first-timer). It fits comfortably over my shoulder and has a zillion pockets, which makes it perfect for running errands or long outings. I like to think the red interior and matching stitching (and the fact that it still smells vaguely of smoke) make me seem pretty cool.

I found this cutie at the Goodwill near Swarthmore College for $4. It is synthetic leather, with a snap to close and cream stitching along the seams. At first glance it was love; turquoise is one of my colors of the year, and it just looks like a happy purse. The straps aren’t long enough to hook over my shoulder, so I do have to carry it in the crook of my elbow like an early 2000s high school mean girl, but it’s proved very useful for brunches and nights out.

I’d been looking for a red purse for a while when I found this one for $8 at a thrift store in Alexandria, VA. Like most, it is some leather/pleather situation, but the side pockets, rope straps and brown “buckles” give it just the right 90s into 2000s feel. This purse is deceptively large, and can fit my computer, wallet, keys, overstuffed “emergency” pouch, and a book. A purse this size is perfect for doing homework on the fly and looking cute while doing it! I went a more maximalist route when accessorizing, and collected keychains and pins from meaningful moments to attach.

The name says it all: I stole this purse from my (very fashionable and very generous) mother. The geometric flowers give it a late 2000s look—probably because it’s from the late 2000s—and I like to pair it with an understated outfit to spotlight it. My mom used to use this bag all the time when I was younger, which means not only is it super girly and fun, it also reminds me of her. (But don’t tell her, she doesn’t know it’s missing). 

But it looks so cute in my room! This purse is another steal from the all-mighty closet of my mother (sorry Mom!). I imagine wearing this purse with some chic mini black dress to some chic event with my hair in a chic updo, but I’m a college student and the fanciest event I went to this year was a Love Island themed party. One day…

This article was originally published in CHICK Magazine Issue #1 on December 10, 2025

*Artwork by Norah Nijbroek