Staying Fit
'Twas the week before Christmas, and I was walking through Grand Central Station on my way to work. That's when one of New York's finest — thieves, that is — slipped his hand inside my chic new bag and snatched my wallet and Filofax. (Don't worry, darlings, this all went down in the Big Apple in 1985, not this week.)
The wallet contained IDs, credit cards and $500 in cash. The Filofax held all my business and personal contacts.
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I blamed the mishap on my trendy, easy-access tote bag, but my lack of street sense was just as responsible. Either way, I've chosen only rip-off-resistant bags since then, and I clutch my purse in public like a woman suffering from pickpocket paranoia syndrome. (Which I am — and so should you hold on tight, for the reasons I detail below.)
Style comes second. My personal protection starts with a sturdy, synthetic-fabric, cross-body messenger bag that offers a buckle snap over a hidden full-zipper closure. There's no way, theoretically, anyone can snatch it out of my hand or off my shoulder, sneak a hand inside or slice through the industrial-strength shoulder strap.
I bought my original version of this bag back in 1985, so I don't feel too guilty planning to purchase a new one for my upcoming birthday. As I see it, my options are three:
1. Splurge on a Prada. (My beat-up current model did last 30 years.)
Prada Vela Flap-Front Messenger Bag
neimanmarcus.com
2. Opt for a more moderate designer model by the likes of Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs or Calvin Klein.
Tory Burch Nylon Swing Pack Crossbody Bag
neimanmarcus.com
3. Choose a low-cost style from a retailer such as Target, the Gap or L.L. Bean.
LL Bean, Osprey FlapJack Courier Bag
llbean.com
