I would go ahead and buy the purse. I, too, use a good-quality, leather, smallish cross body purse. It is a Kate Spade New York, black leather with a black and white striped cloth lining, 9 inches by 10 inches. Cost was just under $200 if I remember right, but I am in my fifth year with using it daily, and going strong--no wear, no problems-- I expect to get many more years of use out of it. It is the only purse I carry, and works well for virtually everything. I clean the outside if need be with just a little smidge of Murphy's Oil Soap and a damp sponge. It looks nice with all my outfits from jeans to nicer dark tops and slacks. It has gone with me to Canada, Ireland, Manhattan, and of course, all the more mundane places around home--including much transporting of children. The hands-free, secure feeling of having it cross body is great. It is big enough to carry the necessities (small wallet, eyeglass case, phone and charger, small brush, chapstick) with room for small odds and ends depending on the trip (grocery list, checkbook, pen, passport, mints, tissues, tickets, small map). If you know what you like and what works for you, I would go for the higher quality, and just pay the money. I wouldn't spend $2,000, but I wouldn't hesitate to go up to around $200. It's probably not BIFL, but it should last a long time. For the occasional times when you need another kind of purse--let's say, something with sequins for formal dress--I'd look for second-hand or a real cheaperoo.