Peek at a Handbag, Writer’s Values

In “The Key to Life? It’s in a Handbag” (Feb. 1), Valli Herman-Cohen says that she was not interested in the other trendy designer bags because “they spoke of conformity.” Somehow, her Dior bag is different because its design is “very original.”

As often as she stresses that she is budget-conscious, her actions beg the question. Even $200 sunglasses as a consolation prize seem extravagant, but when you add a $1,200 piece of leather, I wonder what “priceless lesson about life” was actually learned. She seems more interested in the compliments received and the special treatment encountered in other expensive boutiques.

I think if Herman-Cohen wanted to be whimsical and original, she should take some art classes and learn to create her own interesting bags. What is really depressing is that she even acknowledges that she could have put the $1,200 into her charitable donations or more practical items, but instead, she now craves an “affordable” key chain to go with her obscenely expensive handbag.

ERICA KIM

Claremont

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I absolutely loved Herman-Cohen’s story about the Dior purse. She captured why a designer item can make you feel good and also tackled my favorite topic of purses.

I have helped many of my friends shop for purses, so they all called me when they read the article to make sure I saw it.

CAROL BEEKMAN

Laguna Niguel