Real stories · A proper handbag

The crossbody bag with a pocket for everything — at last

I'm 67, and I'd been at war with my handbags for years. The little smart ones hold nothing; the big totes weigh a ton and everything vanishes to the bottom. I'd stand on the doorstep rummaging for my keys or my glasses while the taxi waited, and a shoulder bag would slither off my arm the whole time.

What I wanted sounds simple: a bag that's organised, sits close, and leaves my hands free. But everything was either a shapeless sack or far too dear for what it was.

Then I found the Meredith bag from a British label called York Boutique — a multi-pocket crossbody with neat top handles and a long strap. I chose the black.

It's been a revelation. There are pockets for everything — zip sections front and back, a proper compartment inside — so my keys and glasses have a home at last. It has smart top handles AND a long adjustable strap, so it goes right across the body and leaves my hands free, and it sits close instead of swinging about. The quilted finish and gold clasp look far dearer than they were.

A place for everything, and it goes across the body. My shoulder and my back both thank me.

A handbag this nicely made, I assumed, would be eighty pounds. But York Boutique sells direct, so it was £39.95 in the summer sale. I was rather pleased with myself.

A friend admired it at lunch and couldn't believe the price. It comes in eight colours — I'm tempted by the khaki next — so there's one for every coat.

If you're forever rummaging in your bag like I was, do treat yourself to a look. The Meredith is rated 4.6 out of 5 by more than 300 women, it's £39.95 in the summer sale instead of £80 — half price — and the favourite colours always seem to go first.