SHOW US YOUR PURSE
• Name: Michelle Dell
• Occupation: Owner of Hogs & Heifers Saloons in New York City and Las Vegas
• Occasion: Everything I need for a 12- to 16-hour day on Wednesday Bike Nights at Hogs & Heifers Saloon Las Vegas
• What kind of handbag? Ed Hardy bag made from used military-issued green army clothing with five big pockets to hold all kinds of junk. It has brass and colored studs all over it with lots of patches. It is a huge "boho" style bag with no inside pockets. I call it my Janis Joplin bag because every time I have to find something in it, I am reminded of a scene in the movie "The Rose" where Janis Joplin dumps out all of the contents of her bag looking for a dime to make a phone call.
• How much did it cost? I think it was $300, but I was given a discount.
• Where did you get it? Ed Hardy in Manhattan at the shop on 13th Street.
• What does your handbag say about you? It has a rock and roll edge to it without being overly trendy…like me.
• Why did you choose this handbag today? Honestly, unless I am going somewhere that I don’t want to carry a lot of stuff, or I want a bag that works with a particular outfit, this is the bag I use everyday.
• What do you like about this handbag? I like that it holds all of my stuff and I like the way it looks. Mostly I like that it has lots of pockets, which I use to divide the items that I need faster access to.
• How many handbags do you own? At least 50. I have lots of different styles, some are for black tie and business dress up, some are for practical use but still hip and many of them are Southwestern leather bags, all handmade, which I collect and have in every imaginable color. My all time favorite is a red, white and blue leather bag with studs going down the strap and long fringe that was made for me by Agatha, who makes all of my leather pants. I have been buying leather from her for 12 years and now she does lots of clothing for Sheryl Crow, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera…you name it.
• What’s the most you ever paid for a handbag? $800.
• Image is … about versatility, being able to adapt to any scenario and dress for any occasion while still being completely comfortable and feeling like yourself.
• What’s in your handbag? Clockwise from top: Ed Hardy bag, Durango cowboy boots, scull and crossbones make-up pouch, United States passport with renewal memo, Stiletto Leather tops, expandable back scratcher and Hogs & Heifers Saloon wooden nickels
