I’m so excited to announce that I’ve made it to round #3 of the Jane By Design Style Challenge! Woohoo! Thank you all for all of your great support through this so far! I’m so excited to be continuing on in the interview process!

So for Challenge #3 we were told to go to our closet and pick out the purse that best represents who we are as people. After reading this I immediately knew which purse I wanted to feature, a vintage, 1970’s Coach purse that Scott gave to me as a gift a few years ago.

The vintage bag was a thrift store purchase that I had actually showed to Scott while out on one of our many thrifting adventures. When I saw it sitting in the case I was certain it was a real Coach purse, and it just screamed my style. However, I opted to pass it up and leave it behind at the thrift store that day, keeping it forever in the back of my mind (of course). Much to my surprise, a few days later Scott surprised me with the amazing purse for our anniversary. It was truly meant to be!

Since then I have grown to love this vintage bag even more. I love the perfect size, the crossbody style, the classic look, the perfect color of the leather, the gold toned metal, and the sweet, worn in spots that cover the bag (I feel these just show even more how much it is loved, and how long it has withstood the ever-changing styles over the years). I love the raw leather inside as well, and the handle on the top (for those days that you just want to carry it around). If I were a purse, I would most definitely be this one. Classic, well loved, comfortable, a little rugged on the inside, with a pinch of everlasting style, and the idea that fate is never out of the question (I did find its way to me twice, didn’t it?). This is how I would describe this purse in a few key terms, and coincidently, this is exactly how I would describe the very essence of who I am as well.

To me, a great bag can speak miles when it comes to style. I was very fortunate to have learned at an early age that a classic bag is a very important staple that every woman should have in their closet. A great bag can turn around the entire look of an outfit, and make you feel like a million bucks. Stylish bags don’t have to be insanely expensive, but they are a great item to invest in. So if you find a timeless bag that you know will last, and withstand any and all fashion trends that come our way, my suggestion is to save up your pennies and take the plunge in purchasing a timeless bag. I promise, you won’t be disappointed when you do!

Outfit details:

American Living cardigan: c/o Jcpenney

Button-up: Levi’s

Purse: Vintage Coach

Jeans: Levi’s

Boots: Frye