Handbags are a pain in the neck, as well as the shoulder. Ever since the Ambassador II–the greatest handbag invented since carrying stuff around in a small, decorated vessel was assigned to women–went out of production, it’s been a fruitless search for a replacement.
Just this week I got one based on an online examination, and I’ll have to return it; it looked good in the picture, but the metal handle alone weighs five pounds, and it’s about the size of a toddler to carry along. I’m really trying to downsize my purse, like most women (along with our weight). I’m down to carrying the contents of a fat cereal box, and checking the scale (yes, I weighed the contents of my purse) I found I’m carting about six pounds every day on my shoulder. You male readers may laugh, but just wait until you need a spare tissue or a pen. Unless you cave and buy a “man purse” or fill your pockets, a woman with a purse is your best friend.
For those of you looking for a purse with a good flap closure and some room inside for more than just a lipstick and pocket change, the best I’ve come up with so far is Donna Sharp’s Pauline model in patchwork fabric, which happens to be in this season. There is a center zipped pocket, an extra outer zip pocket, one inside the flap and the back section, two outer pouches for cell phones or to stuff receipts, a pen loop, and plenty of strap room to adjust for any shoulder. Mine is in pink, but they come in a variety of colors. One woman I know has a collection of them. We now exchange purchasing lore, and now that I’ve introduced her to ebags.com and she pointed me to the handbag, we’re tight.
Talk about tight, have you seen the new theft-proof bags out on the market? The company, Travelon, says their bags are made of nylon and “wire mesh, chain link construction” (I’m not making this up) to deter pickpockets and thieves who might slash your strap and make off with your spare tissues and pocket change. They look fashionable enough, but unless my favorite haunts become demilitarized zones, I want colorful and roomy.
The problem I’ll have with Donna Sharp fabric is that I’ll be worried once winter comes. There’s nothing like a soggy purse, which is why leather has stood as the most popular handbag material. Maybe I’ll do what women have done for ages: slap a plastic bag over it like it’s own little all weather coat.
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