Taking a handbag vs. not - Page 6

bamasec · ‎06-02-2012

@Lucky Charm wrote:
I only by shoulder bags, but of course they can be carried on my arm or in my hand.

I never bought a handbag I didn't like, so no shame in carrying it with me where ever I go.

My wallet is large, I have large sunglass cases, my phone, lipstick, BB&B coupons (hell---oooo), I carry a packet of Alba organic wipes - I use them on little hands that get dirty when we're out and about.

It's not burdensome at all for me to carry a handbag. Some people probably do feel burdened by a handbag. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Great post Lucky Charm! Some people really do sweat the small stuff! There will probably be a lot more stuff for you to sweat than if you carry a handbag in your life.

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@Lacey1 wrote:
Freedom! When I go out to run errands-I've ditched the purse! I wear jeans-put the phone in one back pocket-my wallet in the other. It's a relief not to be lugging a purse around.
I see so many purses in unattended shopping carts, on the front seat of cars, and hanging off someone's arm-easy to snatch.
I don't miss all the, 'stuff' that was in my purse. Now, I bring a purse on more formal events, but for short errands-Try leaving it at home!

To each her own, but this would never work for me. I don't like the look of things stuffed into pockets, and I rarely wear anything that has them. I also need my prescription eyeglasses as well as medication, and I never go out during the day without sunglasses. And where would I put my keys? Taking the appropriate keys on and off a keychain every time I go out seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

My handbag is never out of sight. Never left on a shopping cart or anywhere else. I don't find it burdensome at all to carry one, and I actually like knowing that everything I need is right there with me (tissues, lipstick, etc.) I also love handbags! I remember that it was very freeing when my kids got older and I no longer needed to carry a diaper bag anywhere. But I've never felt that way about a handbag.

I also think the back pocket thing isn't practical for those of us who drive or are getting in and out of cabs. Sitting on my phone or my wallet doesn't sound very comfortable! And there's also the pick-pocket aspect. It's very possible (especially on a crowded city street) for someone to have something taken out of a back pocket without even knowing. And far easier for the thief to get away undetected.

So to each her own, but I wouldn't find this liberating at all.

bamasec · ‎06-02-2012

@NYC Susan wrote:
@Lacey1 wrote:
Freedom! When I go out to run errands-I've ditched the purse! I wear jeans-put the phone in one back pocket-my wallet in the other. It's a relief not to be lugging a purse around.
I see so many purses in unattended shopping carts, on the front seat of cars, and hanging off someone's arm-easy to snatch.
I don't miss all the, 'stuff' that was in my purse. Now, I bring a purse on more formal events, but for short errands-Try leaving it at home!

To each her own, but this would never work for me. I don't like the look of things stuffed into pockets, and I rarely wear anything that has them. I also need my prescription eyeglasses as well as medication, and I never go out during the day without sunglasses. And where would I put my keys? Taking the appropriate keys on and off a keychain every time I go out seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

My handbag is never out of sight. Never left on a shopping cart or anywhere else. I don't find it burdensome at all to carry one, and I actually like knowing that everything I need is right there with me (tissues, lipstick, etc.) I also love handbags! I remember that it was very freeing when my kids got older and I no longer needed to carry a diaper bag anywhere. But I've never felt that way about a handbag.

I also think the back pocket thing isn't practical for those of us who drive or are getting in and out of cabs. Sitting on my phone or my wallet doesn't sound very comfortable! And there's also the pick-pocket aspect. It's very possible (especially on a crowded city street) for someone to have something taken out of a back pocket without even knowing. And far easier for the thief to get away undetected.

So to each her own, but I wouldn't find this liberating at all.

ITA, I would not find it liberating at all. Alleycat

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@Lacey1 wrote:
@chickenbutt wrote:
I ditched it a long time ago, when it's just errands. I have a little wallet that I grab. It had any cash, cards, etc, and that's all I need if I'm just going to the store, post office, bank, etc.

Half the time I forget the phone, as I'm really not tied to my phone at all, and all I need are my keys and the little Coach wallet. It's just the kind that has a flap-over snap. Then you open it and there is a divided area for cards and a 'coin purse' part that zips closed. It's like a little smaller than two decks of cards stacked on top of each other.

If I had a coat or jacket on I can just put it in my pocket. We probably to go a point, as we get older, that we just don't feel the need to carry EVERYTHING around all the time. I agree that it is very freeing.
Lugging a huge bag around seems so , 'Old Lady' to me. My mother's purse had EVERYTHING in it. Address book, kleenex, first aid/sewing kit, coupons, photo album, umbrella, plastic rain bonnets, etc, etc. I think she would have won on 'Let's Make a Deal', when they asked for a hard boiled egg!
So, not necessary.
I've known many women have had things stolen because they left their bag in the break room at work, with their coats.

No one should be deciding for anyone else what's necessary and what's not.

And yes, some handbags seem dated to me, too. But bags come in many sizes and many styles, and quite a lot of them are very stylish and current. I have no problem with women who prefer the older styles. We should all be able to do whatever works for us without being labeled as "old lady" or anything else.

Chrystaltree2 · ‎12-08-2014

If it works for you, that's good but I'm a woman and I love my handbags as much as I love my jewelry and my lip color and my nail color. Handbags are functonal but that's not the only reason for carrying them. I don't know many women who want to stuff their belongings in their back pockets. I do have a cute crossbody that I carry on those occasions when I don't want a handbag,