Finally found the key for the lock--looked everywhere in the packaging.  It's inside the bottom of the "tassle" & you have to kinda pry it open to get the key into the lock.  Once you get the lock open you can pull on the purse to adjust the top opening, but then the locking area doesn't meet & you can't lock it so it looks tacky, & so it doesn't open @ the top as much as I'd like.  Other than that it looks nice, is a soft ostrich-like material. I like the interior fabric as it makes it easier to find things.  Unfortunately the cell phone pocket is too small for my phone, but I use it for 2 pens & mace, w/the phone in the other side pocket. So w/a few rather unimportant drawbacks I give it 4 stars.