I was just keeping my small blue notebook updated this afternoon. This is where I jot the bag collection of my sister and I. I noted for the first time that this Tignanello Perfect 10 Top Zip, which I bought to mark a "Freedom Day," is currently not just my favorite but the one I've used the longest. As my sister remarked in her email today, this is the bag that has seen my high and low points of recent months. I still keep it on the bed, nearly two months after I bought it from Rustan's Cebu. All my stuff sits comfortably inside. Ma's gift of a Le Sport Sac tote has tempted me to switch bags, but the Tigna is it.
Here's why I think this Tigna is a Perfect 10 if you're looking for a bag that's functional, handsome and chummy-as-an-old-shoe:
* Soft, smooth leather with silky print lining: Thumbs up! Tignanello leather is soft and becomes shiny with frequent use. The side of the bag that's turned towards my body is well buffed. The lining is nice to see and touch. The lining design of chains makes me think retro.
* Top zip closure with silver-tone hardware zipper puller: The zip's hole is not circular but square. If the zip is not positioned squarely, it doesn't function smoothly. Had the hole been circular, the zip would operate even if its "head" wasn't in position. But this is really a negligible design quirk.
* Single shoulder strap is adjustable and features bold silver-tone hardware: Both my sister and I have learned that a single strap is best because it will most likely not slip off the shoulder. I've placed the buckle on the second to the last hole because the strap's fall is just right: secure and comfy.
* Tignanello logo etched in silver-tone buckle: Nice and not loud at all.
* Front zipper pocket is great for keeping your keys and a cell phone: That's what the copy writer wrote, which makes me doubt if the writer was a she. For valuables like phones and keys, a secure, inside compartment is best. I put pens, note pad and tissue in this front pocket because it's convenient. Plus I don't worry that I might lose this stuff.
* Inside two slip pockets large enough to fit a cell phone and a backwall zipper pocket: Thumbs up! Roomy pockets. I keep my novenas in the backwall zipped pocket. The slip pockets are roomy and look sturdy but I don't keep my phone in these pockets as the phone might tear the stitches. It can hold a pocket perfume vial and note pad.
* Detachable silver-tone Tignanello logo key fob: Looks nice and classy but is actually heavy and makes the strap ends curl and the leather on this side scrunch and fold up. My sister advised me to take it off but I didn't. It's not too heavy to bother me though.
If you're a book lover, this Tigna can hold a pocketbook even if you bring a lot of essentials.
My sister bought on sale a black version of this in Australia. I've been egging her to use this because it's practical and classy for her new post. And bags like this need to be used and admired :-)
This is my second Tigna, after a black sling I got years ago from Rustan's Cebu. This Tigna I gave to my sister and she sent it back from Australia. We're not into slings, specially black ones. But this Tigna brings me closer to the mythical quest. Could the Tigna finally be "It?"
