This is the Jordana Paige Cora Handbag. Yes, that Jordana Paige. I first heard about her products when I got my Jordana Paige Tool Butler, which I use to corral all my circulate needles and dpns, and is still in great shape without a single problem- all the zippers work, nothing got loose or shabby, structurally as sound as the day I got it. When you have a product from a company that has already been serving you well, and then they tell you about their awesome new handbag… well, it didn’t take me long to jump at the chance to review the Cora Bag.

First, let me tell you a bit about what sort of purse person I am. I like a bigger purse, the kind that I can throw a lot of things into. I’ve tried tiny purses, but they just aren’t me.  I end up carrying an additional tote bag, which makes no sense. I also strive for an effortless sort of chic look (I don’t always nail it, but hey- I try), and I live in a big city and want to look like I’ve got it together, even if really I’m just carrying around toddler snacks, a wallet, more lip balm than anyone could possibly need, and some yarn. This is what I look like most of the time:

Except not always walking through pretty gardens, that’s just for the sake of the photos. Oh, and if you are wondering about the cowl, it’s this one!

I. Love. This. Purse. I didn’t even know how much I was going to love it until I started using it, and now it’s my every day purse. Every friend I’ve seen since I started using it has commented on it, and then I immediately show them how the front unzips into a clutch, and how all the cool pockets are fantastic, and look at how much yarn I can carry around with me, etc.

Look at how awesome the zip off clutch is! I carry crayons and a colouring book and assorted toddler things in the clutch part, but hey- that’s just what my life is about these days. Except in these photos- Guy’s parents were visiting and they looked after Lila while we popped out to get some photos.

This bag is ideal for someone who likes a chic purse that can totally hold it’s own in a crowd of Kate Spade or Coach bags, but has all the pockets and compartments for your knitting, wallet, and the hundreds of little things you would normally keep in your bag. It’s ideal for someone who likes classic lines and some style.  If you prefer small bags, are super casual, or are just a grab-your-wallet-and-go sort of person, this probably isn’t for you.

I had mixed feelings on the price at first- I’m frugal, so this is definitely at the high end of what I’d pay for a purse, but now that I have it, I think it’s worth even more. When I’m going to be spending a bit more (usually coats, boots, and purses- things I use and wear in heavy rotation) I think about it in terms of cost per wear- how much use I’ll get out of the item. The more I wear it, the more it’s worth spending a bit more for something well made that will actually last. I’ve had the bag for a few weeks, so I’ll report back on how it’s lasting at the end of the season. The bag is made of a vegan leather- it has a great crosshatching to it that holds up well to a close inspection. The internal fabric is sturdy, and not a single knitting needle has punctured it.

And  it’s excellent at hiding a baby bump:

I have a bunch of hilarious outtakes, and even though I normally just do those for knits, I’m thinking of sharing them. Feel like seeing some hilarious photos of me hamming it up with a purse?