My favorite bag that I own is my Coach black leather mini hobo. Yes, I know what you must be thinking how can the Thrifty Chick’s favorite bag be a Coach? While I was a young fashionista in training I learned from my Mother that everyone should have at least one good bag. Save up if you have to but buy a leather classic handbag that if you treat it well will be enjoyed for years to come. Between Fendi and others, her Coach has stood the test of time both trend wise and construction wise.

I decided a couple years ago that I would take the plunge and splurge, so of course being the Thrifty Chick that I am I drove to the Coach outlet in Lee MA, with my friend Franesa. It was one of those, “if you do it- I will do it” so we did it together type of things. We both spent our hard earned cash on the bags of our dreams. I got the mini hobo, she a larger red leather piece (but after all she is married to the Doctor and me a drummer). The outlet price was $98 and I have never had buyer’s remorse.

I take my mini hobo out a lot. We go to the grocery, the mall and now that I have a baby it is easy to put my little black bag inside the larger diaper bag. I treat it with care and lovingly apply the Coach leather lotion to keep it soft.

So what I say is go out and get whatever bag you like. My own rule is that if the bag is over $50 think to the future and decide whether or not you will still want to carry it around in 10, 20, 30 years.

Lizabeth Sorensen is the editor-in-chief of www.thriftychick.com and www.thriftymamadaily.com. She works, and shops from her home in Upstate, New York.