Philadelphia - September 29, 2006

Large and in Charge

Liz Mole Handbags

Hypothetical situation: You’re stranded on a deserted island with three (and only three) things. What are they?

Food? SmartWater? The club version of “Sexy Back”? Perhaps. But it would be wise to substitute one of these (we won’t say which) with the ultimate carryall — the Liz Mole.

Let us explain. First, said bag literally carries all of your essentials (meaning not just water and snacks, but a laptop, sunglasses, running shoes, an umbrella) at once. The Mole also comes in an array of muted earth tones (or a silvery purple) that serve not only as camouflage, but also as a means of attracting a mate (it can get awfully lonely on the shores).

But besides being ginormous, it’s also practical: It comes with detachable compartments for stowing smaller, more necessary provisions. Once you’ve been rescued and brought back to the mainland, you can clip it around your waist for a hands-free night on the town or throw it over your shoulder as a tiny evening bag.

Either way, this purse has about as many options as your VW (and many more than your life raft) and makes you look just as good.

And in very little time you’ll find that it’s become a bare necessity.

Available at Sugarcube, 48 South Third Street (215-238-0825 or sugarcube.us).