A woman’s handbag is much more than a man’s wallet. True, the size of it is definitely a plus. But, you can tell a lot about a woman’s life by what she carries in her purse. Maybe that’s why it’s sacred territory.
You would never think to look in uninvited.
There was a time, for almost 20 years, when I managed to carry baby wipes, diapers, a change of baby clothes, pacifier, toys, crayons, small toddler’s books all in my extra large handbag. I had finally decided that a diaper bag and a purse were just too many bags and I joined the two. Now there’s so much to choose from.
When I was a teenager I carried in my purse — my first lipstick — that shade of frosted pale-pink.
I think that was the first makeup I was allowed to wear, maybe eighth grade. I haven’t really worn lipstick since. We went with the natural look after that era.
In fact, I had more than one purse. It was the late 60’s and girls had shoes and purses that matched. I remember a bright yellow patent leather purse with a chain for a shoulder strap and matching yellow shoes. So sorry I can’t find a photo.
My Aunt Norma gave me a little silver evening clutch when I was young. My parents used to go to the Los Angeles Performing Arts Center — The Music Center. On occasion my sister and I would be invited. I maybe carried it once, before I was allowed to wear lipstick or drive, or use a powder compact, so all I had in it was a small white handkerchief. I still have it. Kind of a momento.
When I was in high school the big thing were saddle-leather purses, over-the-shoulder that were made out of thick leather with a long braided shoulder strap. Very stiff, kind of hippie-like.
They were considered cool, or bitchen, whatever it was then. I even made one. Yea, that was my leather phase. Made sandals that wrapped up my leg like Ben Hur too. So much for flower power.College, and I do not think I even carried a purse, it was all books and backpacks or over-the-shoulder book bag/purse all in one. Mostly full of pencils, pens and books and a Shell Oil card for gas, keys to the car.
I remember when the Le Sportsac came into fashion. I had a purple one. And maybe a navy blue one. My mom is still addicted.
But my purse today — I have one. It is leather. Black. Simple.
But with pockets inside to keep things sorted. No baby diapers. But a few disposable wipes for those sticky finger emergencies with my grandkids. The center section is for allllll my receipts. They get filed later. Pen, colored pencil. Little black notebook, called a moleskine– for taking notes, ideas, insights.
Clear zip case with drugs. You know, vitamins, Excedrin, Dramamine, Benadryl, Unisom, sometimes a rare codeine, amoxcillin, allergy eyedrops. Nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, lip gloss, mascara, dental floss, bandaid. Tissues.
And a chocolate bar, dark chocolate, Lindt, Intense Mint, for emergencies, which are daily.
And of course, iphone, with kid’s games for my grandkids. Car keys which are clipped to my purse with a carabiner (climbers coupling link, with a safety closure used by rock climbers), so I can’t lose it. Oh, yes and eyeglasses for reading.
A wallet with some money, credit cards, temple recommend.
How about yours? Do you call it a purse, a handbag, a pocketbook?