Janet CollinsYes, I’m a Bag Lady
December 3rd 2008 13:33
I am one of those women who carries everything in my handbag. I’m a just in case person because if it’s not in my bag I am surely going to need it.
I had difficulty in the years when the trend for handbags was small but over the past few years the bags have grown in size to suit my needs. Just think what you do need to take with you anywhere these days. There’s the purse, the keys, the make up, things you may need to fix up your hair, the notebook, a least one pen, the mobile phone, the camera, often sunscreen and if I have to catch public transport there is usually a book.
Of course, there are many other items I stick in there that I won’t bore you with but I’m often curious about where a man puts all the things necessary to leave the house with. I know I go overboard and fill my bag much more than most of my women friends but really what do men do with all their bits and pieces?
The other day when I was walking in the city it all came to me. Those bags that look like they are carrying a laptop probably don’t have a laptop in them at all. If they do have one, there are plenty of places to stick their necessary items. Perhaps even those briefcases are just a man’s version of a handbag.
I must admit, I blush a bit when I go to the dentist or the hairdresser and they offer to relieve me of my bag. The look on their face as their hand nearly hits the floor with the weight of it is embarrassing. I do remember when I was younger these people would always say something like – Wow , what have you got in there? Or Did you bring your household contents with you? Or even – Are you staying overnight somewhere?
Now I am a bit older, they just smile politely.
I also wince when I enter a premises where the procedure is for a security guard to check my bag. They look at me as if to say “I know. My wife does the same”.
There used to be a time when I – and I think most other women – managed with one handbag generally – usually black or a dark colour. Now bags are in all colours as well as multi-coloured. You can have one for every different outfit if you want. They have become so much of an accessory for most women that there are many shops who now only sell handbags. There are others that have recently added handbags to their merchandise because there is a such a good market for them.
One thing I cannot understand about the whole handbag thing, is why are evening bags so small. I have in the past been so caught out when I have bought a little cute bag to accompany me on a fancy night out and found it could hardly fit a lipstick in it let alone my keys, a mobile phone or anything to hold my cash.
So what then do these A-list female actors do when they go to those awards nights in their glamorous outfits and a matching mini-purse do with all their stuff. I mean, these awards nights go on for ages. Where is their touch up make up, their hair spray or gel or all their other items that help them to look good throughout all these glamorous events?
I know they wouldn’t need to bring any cash or probably anything else along but I have come to the conclusion they must be provided with lockers on these occasions or at least have their own minder holding these things for them.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte at the Logie Awards in May
Yes, the current trend for large handbags that fit a multitude of must-have-with-me items suits me perfectly. I only hope they don’t go out of fashion.
Image of Natalie Bassingthwaighte courtesy of Kristian Dowling, Getty's Images
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Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
sometimes it turns into a filing system full of important forms and letters and receipts etc
i usually have a thousand pens and a few hundred lighters, an emery board, nasal spray, eye drops, lip balm, tampons, bobby pins, hair ties, safety pins, perfume, spare change, panadol, aspirin, nurofen and assorted other pharmaceuticals . . . as soon as you take one of these things out of your bag you WILL need it urgently!
i can fit a bottle of water and a packed lunch if i need to!
its a regular Mary Poppins bag . . . i just need a house plant and an umbrella (well actually ive been known to put a fold up brolly in there)
this is all on top of the basic wallet, mobile phone, writers notebook, and digital camera . . . no wonder ive got a bad back!
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm with you. I have a million bags, not designer expensive ones, but Indiany kind of bags that I love but are not that practical. I usually end up killing them by overfilling them, then I keep fixing them over and over until I have to declare them deceased.
The last time I bought a bag I had to find one that was sort of practical and sturdy. I had to concede. So far it's going well. But it's quite big so that means I put more and more in and spend more and more time with my head in it trying to find what I need.
Ah the dilemmas!
Tracy
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
You don't need designer ones. There are so many designer imitation ones that look just as good. I must admit, mine are always filled pretty quickly.
Thank you for dropping in.
Janet