San Francisco - August 15, 2007

Holding Court

49 Sq.Mi. Handbags

The verdict is in: Today’s handbags have so many bells and whistles that purse perpetrators are guilty of crimes of fashion.

Strike excessive horse bits, buckles, and logos from the record and take a handbag from 49 Sq.Mi. into custody.

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but: Made in San Francisco with soft Italian leathers and exposed stitching, the chic, artisanal styles will influence any jury. Positively.

The roomy Kerouac satchel holds your belongings in contempt. Use pockets in the Big Mouth hobo to organize when things get out of order. Call a girls’ night out into session with a fold-over Ansel clutch.

The calf- and lambskin pieces come in criminally alluring colors: oceano (blue), smog (gray), and ananas (yellow).

You may be inclined to hire a stenographer to record your gushing testimonies.

They’re that good, we swear. Hand(bag) to God.

Available at Divine Girls, 340 Presidio Avenue, between Sacramento and Clay Streets (415-409-4901 or divinegirls.net). To see styles, go to 49sqmi.com.