There aren’t many guarantees in life but I can say with absolute certainty that no one else within a 50-mile radius of Washington, DC (and that includes Chinese Embassy workers) owns this fabulous canvas tote.

Can you tell it’s not Chanel?

Until the blessed day comes when I can afford an authentic Double C quilted leather purse [cue angels singing], I’ll be rocking this “Chanel.” My best friend Susan who lives in Beijing (but not for long!) gave it to me as a gift. I love its bold graphics and homage to the old propaganda posters of the Cultural Revolution. It’s very roomy so I can throw alot of stuff in it. It demonstrates my half-assed-at-best commitment to the whole vigilante anti-plastic-bag movement. It’s basically my cool twist on the classic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag. It’s Mao meets Coco. It’s utilitarian meets proletarian.