I’ve decided to start a new series here on Miss Minimalist called “100 Possessions.” My intent: to feature each item I own, and explain why I chose to include it in my minimalist life.
Sure, it may seem ironic to be talking about stuff on a minimalist blog. However, given that the majority of us are not Buddhist monks, we need a certain amount of things to function (and be comfortable) in our homes, jobs, and daily lives.
Furthermore, as minimalists, we must be mindful of, and make smart decisions about, the things we own—because the more versatile and functional each item, the less overall we need.
I’m calling the series “100 Possessions” not because I think we should limit our things to an arbitrary number. Rather, I regard it as a metaphor for the carefully-chosen things that have earned a place in our lives.
I think it’d be great to open up a dialogue about our consumer (or should I say minsumer?) choices. I receive emails every day asking for particulars about my wardrobe, luggage, cosmetics, shoes, electronics—you name it, I’ve been asked about it. Well, I’ll share my choices with you; and I hope you’ll share yours as well!
In fact, I’ve started a group photo pool on Flickr called “100 Possessions.” I invite you all to upload photos of your own things, and let us know why they merit a place in your minimalist life.
I’m kicking off the series with a topic near and dear to many minimalistas: handbags. Like many of you, I’ve engaged in a long quest to find the “perfect” bag. Something that works in every season, with every outfit, for every occasion. I want to experience the Joy of One, and handbags seem a great place to start.
Have I found it? Quite possibly. Here’s my current carryall of choice:
Why did I choose it? Ah, let me count the reasons!
1. It’s black—which means it goes with all my shoes, and everything in my wardrobe. It’s also less likely to show stains, and general wear, than a lighter-colored bag.
2. It’s made of seatbelts. I love the fact that the material is vegan, wipes clean, and doesn’t scratch like leather or stain like cloth. It appears to be virtually indestructible—perfect for someone who, once they find something they like, wants it to last forever.
3. It’s versatile. It has a feminine shape, and slight sheen, making it appropriate for dressier occasions (like going to a nice restaurant), as well as casual wear.
4. It zips across the top, making it secure in crowded places and on public transit. (Note: for those thinking of ordering this, the bag comes standard with a magnetic closure–I requested a zipper instead.)
5. It has an adjustable cross-body strap, which I prefer (for versatility, for security, and to keep my hands free).
6. It’s lightweight. I can easily toss it into my suitcase when I travel.
7. It folds flat for easy storage, so no need to find extra shelf space for it in the closet.
8. It was handmade by an Etsy artisan, rather than being mass-produced.
So that’s what I’m sporting on a daily basis. I’d love to hear about your choice of everyday bag—be it purse, tote, backpack, messenger bag, etc. Tell us about it in the Comments.
I think this series will be a fun break from the more serious, philosophical posts. I can’t wait to trade ideas with you on how we can live beautiful lives with less stuff!
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
Well, I don’t like carrying a purse at all, so the home of my wallet and etc when I’m on the go and don’t have pockets on what I’m wearing is a black cloth belt covered in various sized zipper pouches. It’s fantastic. A more modern and fashionable take on a fanny pack I suppose. :)
Do you have a picture of that? I’m really curious about what it looks like!
Great idea! I am not a minimalist… yet. I am taking my first steps and your practical advice will be a huge help. I have been reading your blog for a bit and have just made my first list of essential shoes, 10 in total. I know it’s not that minimal by some of the standards talked about here but it is a huge leap for me. Your shoe list was a huge help to me in getting started. Looking forward to reading more of the “100 Possessions” posts.
So cool! What is the name of the style? I went to the site and couldn’t quite figure out which one you featured. Thanks! Love this idea of 100 possessions.
hestden, my bag is called the Parenthesis:
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/42153394
The most recently-listed one has been sold, but I’m sure Cherie (the seller) will be making more. Alternatively, you can send her a convo (through Etsy) to request one.
FYI, the standard Parenthesis has a magnetic closure–I requested a zipper instead. It’s wonderful to work with, and communicate with, the person who’s actually making your stuff. So much nicer than buying from a big box store!
Hi! Thanks for info on the bag. I ordered one from ETSY and love it. I mentioned the zipper closure and it is perfect. I am new to minimalism and am working at it. Your blog in my must-read.
I use a healthy back backpack. I have the x-small black microfiber. It wipes down beautifully. Multiple pockets means everything has a place. When I travel I use it and a regular backpack and have plenty of room for everything.
Here’s the link for a picture: http://www.amazon.com/AmeriBag-Classic-Microfiber-Healthy-X-Small/dp/B001CE0YYA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1295529543&sr=8-3
I love that handbag! That has many of the qualities I’ve been looking for so thank you for the link and I will definitely check it out.
This is a great idea for a series and I like that you created a Flickr pool.
What a neat way to showcase and support the artisans and companies you appreciate! I also think it’s much more helpful to see a specific item (“Parentheses” by this seller) than simply its description (“one purse”). Thanks for sharing!
I use a cell phone wallet with a neck strap. A friend of mine gave it to me on Christmas Eve one year. I didn’t own a cell phone, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it. On Christmas morning, my mother in law gave me a cell phone! So, I didn’t plan it, but it was clearly meant to be.
It about the size of my fist, but it carries my keys, my debit card, my cash, my lipstick, my phone, and a picture of my mother. It *works*. Sometimes I get frustrated because it’s tiny and black and gets lost easily, so I’ll pack it around inside of an empty BRIGHT GREEN PURSE so I can see it. But mostly I just carry it as-is.
I have a black Harveys bag which is also made of seatbelts. It was a gift from my mother-in-law. I love it!
I just did a purse post recently too.
Love this! :)
Love your blog :) I just started a blog, its on living simple and also about my faith (Christianity).
Fantastic topic! I have a (quoted from amazon where I purchased it) Durable Laptop Messenger Bag with Multi-Pockets for the Apple iPad I got for $38. I went from around 50 purses down to 3 and I have a beautiful closet to show for it. My bag holds my iPad (blogging & kindle app), my bible, diapers and daily errand stuff. How is it that I feel so free and light with less now? Have you touched on this because I am loving decluttering but haven’t uncovered why.
I love that the bag is made out of seatbelts! Really ingenious :)
Like one commenter above, I also carry an Ameribag. I have an almost 2 year old so I have one in blue in nylon –I wanted it to be lightweight since I do still have to carry diapers and a few kid items. I think that one is a medium. I also have a large in dark green in a cotton canvas. From the beginning I refused to carry two bags just because I had a child. I started out with a small Vera Bradley backpack which worked really well while I was breastfeeding but was hard to get into if I was holding my son. This one, with the sling style and rubbery grip strap, has been so useful.
Ahh! Great way to get my attention. Handbags are the most darling thing a women can own! I have only one also. It’s a bag that I recieved on my 30th birthday. A Speedy 35. I love it. It’s a white cream and light blue checker pattern and holds everything (Marry Poppins would be happy). It’s one of my 80 things I own.
Yes, it is an expensive bag but honestly, it’s made extremely well, it’s waterproof, durable (I treat it like it’s in the army)and I have no real attachment to it being a “luxury bag”. I just see it has my workhorse and friend that I will have for a lifetime. It goes with everything I own.
Other then that I have a saddleback satchel/backpack that is my travel backpack I take on trips.
Peace & love
Andrea
I am so glad I’m not the only one who loves black purses! My DH and DD talked me into buying a purse with color one time. It was a weird shade of green. I ended up hating that purse (and I like green) because it didn’t go with anything I wore. I quickly went to only black purses and haven’t looked back. Your blog was the very first minimalist blog I found and it is still number one on my list! I am excited about this new feature you’ve added for readers to show their 100 possessions.
How fascinating! I too have a small black leather purse that I always go back to. I even had to search Ebay for a new one when the old one completely fell apart! I love that it’s from etsy – I might have to look for one there myself.
I think my favorite bag of all time was something I picked up at an army surplus store. It was just so perfect, & I was so sad when it finally bit the dust. That thing went everywhere!
I’m new to the minimalist world (just bought your book and have been really enjoying it! Just about to start on the action steps part :) However, I checked out the etsy page you referred and ended up buying a red wallet – lol. Old habits die hard.
P.s. The book I was referring to is the kindle version of “The joy of less”. Thanks ;)
Thanks for your support, Jill — so glad you like the book!
This is a difficult one for me. I only want one, but I want it to be large enough that it can hold a change of clothes and be an overnight bag, or large enough to hold my iPad and camera when I travel, but I want it small and chic enough to have with me everywhere.
I don’t want the perfect bag for each situation, but every situation. It’s tough.
I love this concept of sharing ideas on different items. Reading minimalist blogs, I have learned about versatile items that I didn’t even know existed. Thanks Miss Minimalist.
Carly
So funny you should mention your purse. I recently had a bad experience carrying my leather purse around town in SoCal. I ended up looking for a vegan alternative and found a great one at bungalow.360 not your average subdued color…which I usually trend towards. Something about these bags made me smile though…
Love the handbag! Very unique and no animals were harmed. Thanks!
Ooh, so excited about seeing your hundred things over the next few months. I am also curious to see if you will also mention something you *don’t* have with some of these posts and why you chose one over the other. I still have 2 purses but normally just use a wristlet. It has just enough room for my iphone, cash, credit card type things, lipgloss and tweezers.
I have a microfiber soft side black bag that has enough room in it to carry everything I think I need. It includes outside pockets for my camera and water bottle plus three other pockets, one of which is so well disguised I forget it is there which makes it a good place to carry my passport. The straps go through rings that let you choose how to carry it; it can be a double strap purse or a backpack and I readily switch back and forth between those two since doing so depends only on how you pick it up. I’ve been using only this bag for at least three years now and it still looks like new. I bought it through TravelSmith.com but they don’t currently have it on their website.
I also have a small, brown leather purse with a detachable strap long enough to carry it cross body I kept in case I needed something like that but haven’t used it in all this time so it will probably go out in the next round of downsizing.
I also have a waist pack in which I keep my geocaching supplies so I don’t think of it as a purse but felt honesty required it be included here since it could be used that way.
I’ve often scoffed at the idea of purses/handbags and the multitude of stuff that’s carried within. I must concede however that when I need a kleenex or chapstick, my wife can readily produce it and I’m left with a rather sheepish grin.
*laugh* That *is* one thing about the wonder-purses that are large and packed with stuff–they sometimes have *useful* stuff!
Baaaah.
Well said, and rhyming too! =)
Happy to be the first guy on here!
I’m in law school, and ever since I saw the movie A Civil Action (with John Travolta and Robert DuVall–great movie by the way) I’ve always wanted to find a nice bag/briefcase that I could keep with me throughout my entire career (kind of like DuVall’s character). Problem is that bags like that are expensive, and I’m a poor student.
One day I was at a local thrift shop looking around and I saw a really nice leather bag. It wasn’t something that I’d normally go out and buy new at the store, but I’ve got no problem buying something like this from a thrift shop (and it was only 5 bucks!). I went home and started “testing it out” and I saw the brand name. I looked it up online, and the name of the company that makes the bags. I was blown away when I saw that the bags were selling for $400-$500!!
So it looks like I’ve found the career-lasting bag at the law-student price, but now I can’t help but wonder if I should try to sell it instead.
I could make do with wallet, keys, dumb phone (for security,mostly) and lip goop, except that as I have gotten older, I need glasses sometimes,and sunglasses, and my migraine meds, and well, then I find that a notebook and a pen are useful,and a healthy snack so I don’t buy crap when I get hungry, and breath mints, and a hankie, so…
I think the type of minimalism based on some sort of competition for least number of possessions (not the wonderful Miss M type) is fine for young people with no health issues, but as we get older, we may need a few more things…or maybe less, since we quit trying to impress everyone.
I really like the Tilde bag, but it is a bit large for an evening bag….but then I don’t go out much amy more.
Oh my, this one gets me. I’m perfectly fine in downsizing my clothes, my books, my knick-knacks (or dust catchers as I call them), my furniture and etc. but when it comes to my purses! I have not yet been able to downsize my two (yes two large) plastic containers full of purses. Most of them come from thrift stores, consignment stores, on sale or the like, but a few are gifts (because everyone knows I love purses) and passed down to me. I constantly change my purse to match an outfit I’m waring. Generally I don’t carry one purse for more than a week at a time. Could I only live with one? Wow, for me that would be hard. Purses are my minimalist kryptonite! And I won’t even start on how many tote bags I have. This is my room for improvement area. Maybe I’ll get there one day, I can always hope . . . .
I am glad I am not alone! I have 9 purses total, 8 of which I have not used in 8 months or more. Yet I still can not slim the collection down. I am proud to say I onlt have 2 tote bags – down from 15 or so. That was hard too! Good luck!
How interesting… there was a time when I had a small bag the size of a large wallet and loved it!
At some point I was on-call for a hot line, and had to carry a cell phone – that was in the early 1990s and they were not small. LOL Reluctantly, I ended up getting a larger handbag.
That said, like you I only own one bag. It’s also black and also closes with a zipper – and has a smaller pocket with zipper for my now slim smart phone! ;o)
I know what you mean. I’ve had the perfect purse for years, and it’s the only one I own. It’s still in amazing shape so I hope it will last me for many years to come!
I’m not one to really worry about handbags. If I can ever get rid of the excess stuff I need to carry on me I’d be happy doing what I did in high school: cell in one pocket, keys in another, wallet in the back. But, seeing as how I have glasses and an inhaler to carry now, that isn’t a great option.
So, when I’m not stashing my stuff in the diaper bag, I use a simple cloth tote. It’s got The Doors on the front and is large enough to double as a grocery bag when I’m only picking up a few things. I love this because it can double as my lunch bag! Plus, when the diaper bag can be passed down the line, I can use it for a few mommy necesities in the future (like band-aids, water, and the like).
Haven’t had a purse in years. Just a man’s wallet and pockets for it and cell phone, lipstick, and keys.
Inspiring! I have a coach light blue swingpack, about 4 inches by 6 inches that I love! I have used it everywhere I go for the last 8 months. Yet I still have not parted with my 8 other purses that I have not used in over 8 months. Of all the items I have reduced I still can not part with the purses, something I am working on. When I travel I love the ease of something as small as this purse. I use a backpack as a carry all when I travel and just throw my purse inside.
I carry a LeSport Sac L.A.M.B. Girlfriend Gwen Stefani bag. I love LeSport Sac. They are made of parachute-like material, two zipper outside pockets, zipper enclosure and it even has a cell phone inside pocket. It is washable, it will crunch up to nothing when packing and mine has a guitar strap for an adjustable shoulder strap. I can put a lot in it too. I love that it is black with white printing so it is suitable for winter or summer and goes with everything. It was not cheap to purchase and is now collectable on eBay but I love it and it looks as good now as it did five years ago when purchased. I wouldn’t part with my bag and it suits my needs and my lifestyle. Dress it up or down it works well for me.
I guess I’m guy #2 in the discussion…
My bag of choice since August ’10 is the Pacsafe MetroSafe 200. Black, understated style, room for every (minimal) thing I need on a daily basis and a perfect fit for my iPad. In addition, Pacsafe products are renowned for their built-in security features like stainless steel mesh in the fabric (anti-slashing) and SS wire in the shoulder straps. It also doesn’t look at all “pursey”.
I not only use it daily but also as a perfect-sized “personal item” on flights. It has been absolutely bulletproof through all sorts of conditions and I believe it will last me a very long time. Maybe a bit spendy for some at $65 USD, but has been well worth it. The best thing about a bag like this is it’s NOT over-stuffable, forcing you to put some serious thought into what you really need to carry with you–yet there’s still room for an umbrella and water bottle. Brilliant!
I have a smallish black fabric Kate Spade handbag, about 11″ wide and 7″ high. It was a luxurious gift from my husband and the only bag I carry, day or evening. I used to carry larger purses but discovered that I ended up carrying too much stuff, actually making my back sore from lugging around food, books, etc. in my huge purse! With a smaller bag, I’m forced to keep it minimal: wallet, keys, phone, glasses, lipstick. On the rare occasions when I need to carry my lunch, books, or whatever, I pack a cloth tote bag.
I LOVE your seatbelt handbag and have bookmarked her etsy side for future reference, as my current bag looks great after months of continuous use but I assume it won’t last forever. I hope that etsy seller is around for a long time!
This is going to be a fun series! I’m looking forward to it. Your seatbelt purse is perfect. Dressed down, dressed up, it goes with anything!
I’ve been meaning to do a purse post but haven’t gotten to it yet. (Pictures are already taken though!)
I’ve got an etsy bag too. Mine is a glorydaze with 3 interhchangeable outer flaps for different looks. It’s not made of seatbelts, but the strap is! It’s an adjustable so it can go from handbag short to messenger bag long.
I knew if I was downsizing to one purse, that just like you I wanted it to be the perfect one!
Cheers,
Tanja
p.s. I added a picture of it to your photo pool.
By the way, I’m, like, totally excited about the new series. I put together my wedding registry with one hand and read your book with the other, and I think you helped me to make wise(r) choices. I am so your squeeing fangirl.
LOL — thank you, MM!
I own this handbag here since a couple weeks and I am so happy. Finally I found a somewhat affordable bag that I can use on and off work. I came to my senses that I do need something like this after carrying my stuff in a cotton bag to last job interview. Maybe that’s why I didn’t get it?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5739855&CatId=1787
Maya
I’m trying to be a minimalist girl, and I decided to write a blog about it too, but is in portuguese language. I’m Brazilian.
I like your idea posting about 100 possessions, but I have much more… Maybe if I post about my 100 best possessions, I can gt rid of a lot of things that are not in my list =)
I just subscribed you in RSS, sucess!
I haven’t seen a purse like yours before, Francine. I like it!
The bag I carry daily is this recycled billboard messenger bag. I bought it because I needed something water resistant (I walk nearly a mile to my office even in the rain and snow). It serves nicely for that purpose. The Etsy shop appears to now be closed, but more can be found at GorillaSacks.com.
I love how it’s made of seatbelts!!! How very unique and fun!
What a wonderful bag! I have a Hobo bag in a similar style, but in black leather. Love crossstraps, too, can’t stand not being able to use my hands, and the sturdy construction and zipper means you don’t have to be a victim. I checked out the etsy site and will keep the artisan in mind when I next need a bag. Your new series idea is a winner, too!
I carry a Freitag size small messenger bag: http://www.freitag.ch/shop/FREITAG/shop.jsf. Freitag bags are made out of seat belts, canvas from the sides of trucks, airbag material. My bag is so hard wearing its not funny. It suits my personality (not very girly, but girly enough to need a bag) and is from recycled materials. It is SO COOL and I love it.
Ahhhh! Looking at that etsy store makes me want to buy more purses!
Anyways, I have about 5 purses. All of them are different styles, with different purposes. A tote, a hobo, crossbody, x-large tote, and a satchel. Sometimes, there are just certain purses that fit better with what you need that day. I always need to carry food, water, and entertainment…(aka my rubik cube, etc) so my purse usually becomes my lifeline. Since I’m a student, I usually end up putting books or other misc school supplies in. I have to admit, I have fewer things, but very high quality things, so all of the purses tend to be classic designer purses.
I would really love to get down to 100 items. It would definitely be a dream come true, however, I already counted that I had over 50 books.
Oops — didn’t mean to tempt you (or anyone else) with that Etsy link! I can see how that might be dangerous. ;-)
I was wondering does anyone who uses an iPhone have a favorite app they use to help keep track of their possessions?
I recently started doing the 100 Thing Challenge, and thing #1 is my iPhone, which I always have with me, so I figured I should use it to list my possessions.
I love this bag. It’s similar to one I received as a Christmas present, which is made out of old bike tyres: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150098173211729&set=t.100001860797982 My friend has started making these and gets the tyres and wire from her dad who runs a bicycle shop. Added bonus is that it is very small so I can’t take too much with me!
This “poor” Etsy seller. You’ve probably just created a whole new batch of orders for her!
I too have been looking for the perfect bag. I have tried out various ones, but never found anything to my perfect-all-time-favorite liking. I had begun to despair I ever would. I’m anxious to try one of these bags. She may have created the perfect thing for me/us. =) Thank you for featuring this.
Also, I’m glad to see you back from your electronic hiatus. While you were gone, I took that opportunity to get caught up on reading your blog beginning to end. Now that you are back, I’m keeping up and you’re keeping my honest about getting minimal. Thank you thank you thank you. (Now what do you prescribe for husbands and 7 year olds?) =)
I love this new topic of 100 possessions. I’m a minimalist wannabe, but at 51 and living in a large “now empty nest” house, hubby and I have a very long way to go. It gets so daunting but with the help of great blogs like this one I’m attacking it one day at a time with the hopes of being READY to downsize our home in the not-to-distant future.
I’m off to clear out my extra purses! My favorite is a black leather purse that’s simple and sleek, goes over my shoulder, isn’t huge, so won’t collect much.
Thanks very much for your encouragement!
I found your site through Zen Habits and I just love it. I feel I was a born minimalist but you’ve inspired me to go even further. I just ordered a copy of your book ‘The Joy of Less” and am looking forward to reading it.
Thank you for what you do!
Susan
Thank you, Susan — hope you enjoy the book!