In 1961, I spent a semester abroad studying at the Institute of European Studies at the University of Vienna. It was a wonderful time. Over our Easter holidays, friends and I traveled to Florence.

While we were there, we went shopping. Years earlier, my mother used to tell me, "Harriet, you have wonderful brown eyes. You really should wear brown or beige.”

And so, I found and bought a beautiful Italian leather handbag. And it was brown. I bought this absolutely exquisite bag, yet I've carried it only a handful of times. If I’d chosen a black handbag that day in Florence, you wouldn’t be looking at it now. I’d have worn it out. But you see, after 46 years, my brown Italian handbag is in perfect condition.

After I left home – no more brown. I wore black and I carried a black handbag to work every day. I have to say, my hair is turning a soft frosted brown and I may begin to carry that purse a bit more.