Show Us Your Purse
■ Who? Christi Yarnell, general manager of Tivoli Village
■ Location: Tivoli Village
■ Handbag: Charming Charlie's metal bracket bag
■ Are handbags status symbols? Realistically, anyone can obtain a high-end designer handbag. It certainly doesn't mean they have achieved a certain position or status based on the logo on the outside.
■ What does this bag say about you? That I am a pretty normal, low-key gal.
■ If someone found your bag and looked inside, what would he/she think of you? "Wow. Her dentist's kids must have a killer college fund going!"
■ What's the most important item you've carried in your bag? My Blackberry. I cannot remember anyone's phone number anymore.
■ What's the strangest item you've carried in your bag? There are many. My niece's sippy cup and binky; flip-flops and my coveted Dallas Cowboys hard hat during (Tivoli Village) construction.
■ Tell us about the first special bag you owned. A former boss rewarded me for a sales contest by taking me to buy a "big girl purse." She probably had in mind a Coach or Louis Vuitton, but I was more interested in a trendy little Nine West number. I appreciated her gesture, but I couldn't see myself being committed to one handbag long enough to justify the return on investment. The buyer's guilt would have taken over!
■ Knockoffs: Love 'em or hate 'em? Dislike 'em. In retail, both as a consumer and an industry professional, I have seen the effect knockoffs have on a brand's integrity. Work hard for something nice and go get it; you'll appreciate it more. Don't feel like you have to have a label (fake or legit) to express who you are.
■ Image is ... self-generated, but should be something that is a reflection of what is on the inside.
■ What's in your bag? Candy (I might have a little addiction), Tissues (one word: allergies), Mirrored emery board (To prevent those embarrassing broccoli moments), Notepad (I'm a list person) Blackberry (My entire life is packaged in this little piece of technology.), EOS Lip Balm (I never leave home without "chappy").
