I got my first "Real" job so I could buy a handbag. It was during the "Preppy" fashion craze and I lived in New England. I already had the chinos and the boat shoes and the button down shirt with the argyle sweater, but I didn't have a Bermuda Bag. My parents had informed me any "needless accessories" would have to be bought with my own money. Needless accessory? Obviously, they hadn't a clue.
I was 15 and finding a job wasn't easy. At last I got hired in the local mall pushing cheese at the Hickory Farms store. It was horrible. The uniform was itchy, the product unpalatable and, regardless of how many hot showers I took, I still smelled like curds and whey. Ah, but the Hickory Farms was just four store-fronts from Pappagallo's, the store with MY Bermuda Bag. I could visit it on my way into work and on my way home.
A Bermuda Bag is a soft-sided purse with a large wooden handle. At the time, they came in two sizes, large and small. There is no clasp or zipper. You pull open the handle to gain access to the bag. The bag itself is simple muslin stitched to the handle. You needed to buy a cover for the bag and you would button the cover over the muslin, onto the handle. Ah, what style. For me this bag was it. 
I remember the day I'd finally saved enough money. Smelling of Stilton, I ran to Pappagallo's and made my choice – the larger one with the darker wooden handle. I opted for the classic navy blue wool cover. It felt wonderful. I took that handbag everywhere.
The next week I returned to the mall, Bermuda Bag at my side, to turn in my Hickory Farms uniform. No more processed wine/nut cheese spread for me. It was March. The store fronts were full of the new spring lines. I passed Papagallo's, and quickly turned back. There, in the window, was a Bermuda Bag. The light cotton cover was reversible – a new feature – Kelly green on one side, pink and white argyle on the other. I clocked in at the Hickory Farms 5 minutes later.
So, guess what I saw the other day, while browsing about? These.
Anyone for a little more cheddar?