Good Fortune

Kitty, my Canarean friend, recently brought back from Singapore the cutest little present for me: one of those little fold-up hooks that preserves one’s handbag from the perils of restaurant or barroom floors. It is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, painted with lotus blossoms in red.

Suspended from it is one of my most favourite handbags, black, in the crinkle patent leather I like so much. I found the bag in a second hand Red Cross boutique that occasionally sells high quality new items donated by anonymous brands.

It’s so soft and pliable, wearing very well over the last two years (although I don’t use it in the warmer months, black being too heavy). It’s pretty plain too – no obvious branding, which is what I prefer – and it has several compartments inside, making it so easy to organise the contents, and a zip pocket on the outside for my keys. It’s 39cm across the base, and 25cm high (not including the straps), so a perfect size for a day bag, and at $75, it was a steal.

The crinkle patent reminds me of a vintage 60s bag I had when I was a student. It was a classic purse shape, but elongated, with a big snap closure that was forever flipping open – not very secure! Alas it was not leather; the crinkly vinyl eventually started peeling, and the bag was destined for the bin.

Fortunately, my bag hook will preserve this handbag from such an unhappy fate.