It's In The Bag—Handbag That Is

Like most women, I’ve been brainwashed by the fashion industry to think that I not only need a handbag, but I also need a collection of them—for different seasons, outfits and occasions.

I have dozens to prove it–leather, felted and woven–all sizes and shapes clutch, shoulder, crossbody and tote. Handbags are expressions of our personalities.

My closet has a shelf just for handbags. Some rarely see the light of day. Some are too big or too small or the wrong color or style for a specific occasion. One, a quilted bag with a chicken design, faded and worn, has seen better days, but I love it and can’t make myself part with it. Another has a zipper with missing teeth so it won’t stay closed. Additionally, I have purses–accessory items less functional than handbags because they hold less stuff–that are seldom used.

Why do I keep handbags and purses I rarely use? Some are too good to throw or give away. Some were expensive. Some are perfect for those special occasions that come along, but mostly, it’s because someday I might want them again.

I’ve used a tan, backpack style bag for several years now. Being hands free is a real advantage at times, but it’s a casual bag and doesn’t cut it for those occasions that call for a dressed up look. It also isn’t the best accessory with black, but it's convenient and I hate changing purses every day.

I carry “essentials” in my bag–ChapStick, make-up (blusher and lipstick for sure), wallet, keys, cell phone, glasses (sun and reading), gum, hand sanitizer and lotion, Sweet’n Low packets, teabags and Band-Aids. I also have Kleenex, pen and pencil, notebook, change purse, scraps of paper and receipts, camera and a checkbook. Who knows when I might need one of them?

The Scout motto–"Be Prepared"–applies more to women than any man I ever met.

On occasion, I’ve toted a scarf, extra shoes, sweater or spare jewelry “just in case.” I used to carry a Swiss Army knife, but took it out before a trip and never put it back. With short hair, I don’t need to worry about cluttering my bag with styling tools, but I do have a Kindle I like to tuck in now and then.

Many men use messenger bags or briefcases with room for a laptop, business papers and other gadgets. (In some circles, it’s considered a fashion statement for a male to own a "Man Purse.") Most men carry essentials in their pockets–wallet, car keys and loose change. They might have cough drops, ChapStick, nail clippers, small pocketknife and certainly a cell phone, but none of that other stuff. I wonder, is that because they never need those things, or because they assume someone else (a spouse or partner) will have them so why bother.

I seldom have pockets unless I’m in pants or jeans, but things in pockets create an unsightly bulge. Something no woman wants at her hips.

At the recent festival, there were great purses. Handmade wool bags and recycled ones. Did you see the ones made from old vinyl record albums? The ultimate recycle and repurpose item. The front of the bag was the album cover and the back the actual record—charming conversation pieces if nothing else. The Cat Stevens bags were awesome! I didn’t buy one, but took the designer’s card for future reference.

Craving a new purse? Look no further than downtown. On Castro Street, you can find a variety of purses at Therapy (they have one with audio speakers on the outside) and at the new store on the block, Crazy Heart at 257 Castro St. The selection at will have you reaching for your wallet. Frugal minded shoppers should check out on Villa Street, local thrift shops or Goodwill–because not everyone holds on to their purses forever. Think about swapping a purse with a friend.

Still hankering for a unique designer bag? (The one with the hefty price tag you can’t afford?) Check out the rental site, Bag Borrow or Steal, that Jennifer Hudson’s character in "Sex And The City" used. (It’s an eye-opener!)

C’mon, admit it, there’s just something about purses we gals can’t resist.