Online - May 12, 2005

Deck 'Em

Neal Decker Handbags

During Reconstruction, carpetbaggers were shifty characters who trolled the country, meddling where they weren’t really wanted.

A century later they’ve largely been reduced to freedom fighters who just didn’t care about traveling light.

You too can be industrious — without being a scalawag — if you’re carrying a Neal Decker Porthole purse. Handmade from nifty fabrics (from vintage to Schumacher), each bag is a limited edition.

Decker says the bags are year-round totes, but we’ve picked the Haitian cloth and the cheetah needlepoint numbers to complement our spring wardrobe. They can fit a cardigan for cool nights, flip-flops for warm days, and a beach blanket for spontaneous sunning. (With sunscreen, of course).

Each bag has specific detailing like zip pockets, brass feet, side snaps, and grosgrain lining. And they fold flat for packing.

Another one for the history books? Maybe not. But certainly a bag for many seasons.

Available online at nealdecker.com.