5 Things You MUST Have in Your Handbag
By Helen MacGillivray
Handbags have become outward symbols of who we are - reflecting our taste in fashion, our social status and even our professional status - yet the contents of these widely viewed bags is off limits to the eyes of the public.
Ironically enough, this very feminine accessory was originally carried by men (of course!) and became a staple component in their wardrobe for no other reason than the fact that their clothing lacked pockets. Men later gifted their new brides with elaborately embroidered handbags with an illustration of a love story. Ladies' modern day handbags only became more mainstream in the 1940's when women entered the workforce. Symbolizing our ability to take care of ourselves (since we were now making money), the handbag was evidence that we no longer needed escorts to flip the tab!
Nowadays the purse is a multifunctional and vital component in the lives of women in developed countries. It has escalated into more than just a way in which to haul our possessions around and cover tabs, it has become a symbol of status and our taste in fashion. We have purses for each season: light hues for spring and summer and darker tones for the cooler seasons. We have evening clutches, we have work totes, we have relaxed bags and we even have beach bags.
Like our grandmothers told us, "Things aren't made the way they used to be!" Back in the good old days, handbags were actually made by hand and they lasted. Vintage bags are a great way to go if you want a product that will last. I recently purchased a $500 bag from a well established and widely recognized company - only to have it fall apart after one wear. No, I wasn't abusing the bag; the threads simply gave way, thanks to being machine made. The company graciously exchanged the bag; however, it goes to show that Grandma was right.
If you want a well-made bag that will last, you'll simply have to fork over a little more cash. Let's consider the Hermes Birkin. Entry level bags are priced around $8400 and can cost anywhere up to $120,000 - and this is not considering the diamond encrusted bags that are in the seven digit figures. This bag actually has a waiting list for you to purchase it! It has truly become a symbol of status in today society. Believe it or not, this is a logo free bag made by a company that once designed horse saddles!
The handbag has become such a money-maker that a handbag accessories industry was created to supply women with all kinds of knickknacks that they might want to waste their money on.
� Handbag organizer inserts
� Key Finders
� Handbag hooks (which I did cough up $20 for)
� Charms
Purses have become a bit like Pandora's box. The contents are off limits. Apart from the obvious wallet, phone and keys, the contents of our bags vary from person to person.
The American Chiroprator Association suggests that your handbag shouldn't weigh more than 10% of your body weight!
5 things Women need in their purse (excluding the wallet, cellphone & keys):
1. Tide-to-Go pen stain remover. Let's keep ourselves looking fresh!
2. Breath fresheners
3. Make up. For me this is lipstick. Go from average to fabulous in one pucker. Don't forget the pressed powder.
4. Business cards. You never know who you may meet (personal or professional).
5. Sunglasses in their case.
A Few Extra Things You May Like:
1. Footsies nylon socks to remove deodorant stains
2. Sample size mini perfume to freshen up, of course
3. Hand sanitizer/ baby wipes
4. Pain relievers for any nasty aches or pains you may endure
5. Sewing kit. You never know when you will lose a button.
6. Eye drops. This is a must in my purse! My eyes still have not adjusted to the dryness of Calgary's climate.
7. Pens. I don't leave the condo without them!
8. Mini nail polish (clear) for nylon tears
9. Small umbrella
10. Compact Mirror. No one wants to walk around with something stuck in their teeth!
If Men Carried Handbags (excluding the wallet, cellphone & keys)
(Based on a survey of 10 men, these are the most common objects)
1. Water bottle
2. I-Pad/ I-Pod
3. Sunglasses case
4. File for important documents
5. Business cards
Helen MacGillivray, president and founder of Miss Helen's Image Consulting received professional accreditation from the Sterling Style Academy, an internationally recognized institute in New York City. Miss Helen's provides quality service to clients who are searching to define their own unique style.
http://www.misshelens.ca
http://misshelensblog.blogspot.com/
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