True confessions: Yes, I love a new purse. And, maybe even more, I love a bargain. If it weren’t for an absolutely inflexible family trip this week, I would stay in town to attend the second annual Power of the Purse, the Her Mind fundraiser on June 12 to benefit the Business Women’s Network and Blossoms of Hope.

At last count, more than 700 new and gently used purses had been collected to sell at the event. Last year I bought a pink Coach bag with blingy charms for a friend’s daughter, a linen satchel appliqued with summer flowers for myself, Vera Bradley clutches for my daughter and her friends. I spent something like 60 bucks.

It isn’t just the bargains at Power of the Purse. It was a mini-reunion of familiar faces. So many of the magazine’s readers, advertisers and friends will mingle at the Fretz Kitchen Showroom on Wednesday, sipping wine from Iron Bridge and beer from Heavy Seas. Aida Bistro will present cooking demonstrations. There will also be a silent auction of new bags stuffed with local goodies. There will also be a purse donated by local girl Danielle DiFerdinando, who designs handbags under the moniker Danielle Nicole in New York (look for more on Danielle, who grew up in Ellicott City, in an upcoming issue of Her Mind).

Did I mention Power of the Purse is for a very good cause?

It’s killing me that I can’t attend this event. But I have a enlisted a couple of friends as personal shoppers who have promised to find me a bag I can love….till next year.

Power of the Purse, Wednesday, June 12, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the Fretz Kitchen Showroom, 9204 Berger Road, Columbia

Martha Thomas

Editor, Her Mind