Vinyl Records...

Commuting through New York City, your choice for a handbag is crucial. You need to have just the big enough bag to carry a magazine, a pair of mittens, and pretty much your entire life. However, a large bag can weigh on your shoulders to a point that by the weekend you need your regular visit to the message therapist down in queens to get the large knot out. Trust me, I know... 

I recently bought a black leather handbag that had gold chains and embellishments all over it, and it truly is a fabulous show stopper. However, my shoulder is now killing me. With the chains and studs, the handbag ALONE (without any of my goodies inside of it) probably weight about 10 pounds. I am not kidding with you.

Vinyl bags are our solution. Not only are they 100% weather resistant where I can be confident that in the rain, snow, hail, or even random tornado that hits New York my IPhone is safe and sound! 

I went to Bloomingdale’s this week and bought myself a beautiful vinyl bag by Longchamp with a gift certificate from my birthday. Not only can I fit practically my entire apartment in this bag, but it is light as a feather. And at a reasonable 145$ for a handbag that will last my entire life, I think it I got a pretty good deal. I purchased the bag in a neutral black that I will be able to sport all year round. However, this useful tote is available in all colors of the rainbow to fit everyone's unique preferences.

Here are a few more vinyl bags I suggest:

• This tote is from Kate Spade and is available at Bloomingdale's for $248. It definitely is durable without sacrificing style.

• Marc Jacobs is known for jumping on the vinyl handbag train; every season coming up with new and innovative, quirky patterns to lay upon his useful totes. Sport one of these while commuting to  school, or even for a day in the park and you won't be worried about having to leave anything behind.

As a New Yorker, these are a must-have. Let’s face it, we never know where we will end up at the end of the day. We can leave our front door for work, and end up at an underground jazz club until 4am, and you might want to pack a few things to be prepared without having the weight on your shoulders..