What Your Purse Says about You
Mar 11th 2008
Julia LondonGoddess Grins
I saw this on the web – a woman has made it her job to interpret personality types based on the sort of purse they carry. I am paraphrasing here, but I learned that little clutch purses suggest the carrier has a grip on life. She doesn’t need all the detritus of her day, she only needs the essentials, and she can party with the best of them. I think Rachel has one to match her shoes, and I bet she changes it frequently.
Big stand-up straw bags with lots of pockets suggest the carrier is over-organized. Everything has a place, and the clutter disappears. Apparently you can save a lot of time being this organized—imagine not having to sift through all those receipts in the bottom of your bag to find something! I wouldn’t be surprised if Sabrina or K-Ho had one, either (that’s what we’re calling her, right? K-Ho?). These are people who probably have a lot of baggage, but carry it neatly.
Ah, the Hobo! This is where I get on, and I’m guessing so do Suz and K-Ro. The Hobo, as you know, is a big, deep, shapeless bag with everything thrown in it. It suggests disorganization, chaos, and a rebellion against authority. However, the expert did say that a disorganized mind is a creative mind :-).
These are pictures of my purse. I change purses maybe twice a year. I carry a wallet made fat by receipts and not money. I have a make-up bag that doesn’t hold much makeup, but a lot of allergy medicine. I have an i-Pod, keys, reading glasses, sunglasses, a little notebook, and a tin of those Godiva pearls (if you don’t have a tin of Godiva pearls, you MUST get them!).
I also have a bottle of wine in my purse, for which the expert failed to give props to the Hobo Bag. You cannot carry a bottle of wine in a clutch or a grab and go. I suppose you could carry one in a big straw bag, but I don’t think there is a pocket for it. And lest you worry that Julia is banging as many highballs as computer keys—the wine was on sale and I wanted to save the earth. I told the clerk she could keep the plastic bag and I could slip that puppy in my ginormous, unstructured, chaotic, purse.
What kind of purse do you carry? What’s in it? What are your purse essentials? Do you change them with each outfit, or use one until the handles break?
114 Comments »
evlqn on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:41 am #
For years I carried what one of my bosses named “The Bag From Hell”. It was actually a denim gym bag and I had everything in it, all in thier own little pouches. I had the makeup pouch, the first aid pouch, the office supply and tool pouch. I also carried two books in it, the one I was currently reading and the one I planned to read next, just in case I got stranded somewhere. If you dropped me and my bag on a deserted island I could survive, but after I finished that second book you wouldn’t like what I became.
Now I usually carry a suede cloth bag I made to go with my Suede and silk cape. I only have my wallet,checkbook, book I am currently reading (somethings never change) in it.
Susan K on 11 Mar 2008 at 6:44 am #
I carry a small tote bag. Looks can be deceiving though. It may be small but that thing sure is roomy. I carry my wallet, handsfree for my phone, sunglasses, book I am currently reading, small calender, my winter gloves, little bag with essentials like alieve and chapstick, and I also have my checkbook. Soon it will also carry my ipod since I just got one! yeah! I have 5 songs downloaded so far.
freshechelle on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:13 am #
I’ve usually got a bag that is big enough to fit my laptop, not because I want to but because of little airplanes (not worth ’splainin’). I usually buy bags that I like but unfortunately don’t zip when my laptop goes in. Since I’m in my 21st year with a handbag company, I’d probably put the kibosh on my career if I chnaged bags 2x a year, what a waste of a good inventory! I have a special rack with to acoomodate my bounty. When I feel generous, I give away a bag or two I don’t use. My sharing gene is deeply hidden so this is rare.
What’s in it? must be every freakin’ thing coz even when I go small it’s still bicep building heavy. Phone, blackberry, camera, iPod, makeup case w/dramamine and 9 shades of lip color, and lots of red accessories. Beyond that, it’s a winner for Let’s Make a Deal in there - bet if you look hard enough you’ll find a ruler, maybe a flash cube, a pudding cup and when the planets align, some celery. Oh and of course, goddesses, there’s always a book in there.
freshechelle on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:17 am #
Julia, we make a handbag that was originally designed to carry 5 bottles of Champagne. Wine, Champagne - it’s all the same.you might need to consider this as a need, not a want.
MarthaH on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:35 am #
Wow freshechelle, I’m so jealous - a handbag company! I happen to absolutely adore handbags - I buy them whether they are practical or not and I change bags almost with every outfit. Given this, I have learned to keep articles down to a minimum - wallet, blackberry, phone, keys, comb, mirror, lipstick, business cards, pen & tissue.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:36 am #
I change my purse often; as in almost every week often. I keep them and change as the mood strikes.
I looed after children for almost 20 yrs, so I needed a good big bag for diapers, snacks and so on.
One old boss still laughs at me and calls me bag lady because of the totes and things I’d drag to their place. Their four girls get my cast offs. I was there for a sleepover this past weekend. I went to the basement to look for a messenger bag that I was sure I’d given them and found a stack of backpacks, totes and assorted purses- a good 50% of them came from me!
Now I have it down to a smallish over the body sling bag with wallet, sunglasses, advil, asthma puffer. dead cell phone and cheap no name ipod thing.
Roomy enough for a book, but not so large it kills my back.
SnikyWhite on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:51 am #
For the most part, I carry my “hobo bag.” A canvas catch all that I obtained at Books-A-Million of all places, it makes up for its lack of style by its functionality. Since I only really need my keys, wallet and checkbook, I consider everything else superfluous. At any given moment you will find at least 3 journals, because one is never enough and my writing journals are classifyed by type of mood/material. (ie prose/poetry, songs, and misc thoughts/ideas) Since I am a mom, you will most assuredly find a doll, a scrunchy, some form of granola bar or gummy snacks and of course some fun activity in case we get stuck somewhere and she gets restless. We actually had a contest at work to see who had the strangest item in their purse, and for an entire week I was the reigning champion, I’ll be around to sign autographs after
The strangest thing I’ve been caught with? A bottle of Cumin spice. Cause you never know when you want that smoky goodness.
amy1242 on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:52 am #
I have a “Life is Good” brown and tan, canvas hobo. It holds my camera, i-pod, reading glasses, sunglasses, hair pick (which I never use), cough drops, mints, gum, coffee nips, Burt’s Bee’s lip balm, band-aids, dental floss/pick things, book, bottle of water and a small purse that I use as a wallet that holds my cell phone, cash, credit cards, various gift cards, pens, more Burt’s Bee’s lip balm and my rosary. I only change purses once or twice a year. If I don’t want my big bag, I leave it in the truck and grab my small purse from inside it. Sometimes, I toss the whole thing into a “Life is Good” duffle bag and add a softball mitt, change of clothes or whatever else I might need for the day. A clutch? I can’t even imagine it! Where would you put all your “stuff”?
Margaret on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:58 am #
Currently, I am using a Calvin Klein purse. One of my gds was working there & gave it to me for Christmas. I don’t care for it a whole lot. It looks roomy, but isn’t. I hate changing purses. I only buy black. Usually, I get a $12 microfiber bag at Walmart. Must be a shoulder strap. Why do they put both the strap and handles on the same purse? It’s like suspenders and a belt, fer cryin’ out loud. The Walmart bag is roomy and has lots of places to stash cell phones & such.
What it holds is my life. Checkbook, billfold, cell phone, couple of books, keys, loose coins, debit card separate from billfold in an inside zipper. Receipts I need to file. Sometimes knitting. A camera. And not one of those wussy little onese either. I just keep cramming stuff in and making it fit, by golly! As soon as Calvin kicks the bucket, I’m off to Walmart.
KariE on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:03 am #
I have all sorts of purses but the flavor of the month this month is the Hobo Bag. It never matches anything I wear but it fits everything I need. Its current contents include: wallet, checkbook, Carmex, pen, band aids, female items, paper clips, tweezers, cell phone, hands free for phone, camera, keys, contacts (I am always afraid that one will pop out and I will be left blind), hair bursh, and mascara.
It has been known to carry various beverage and food items. But I can’t claim to have carried wine. Yet.
J Perry Stone on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:06 am #
Hobo all the way. It’s a multi-colored patchwork slouch bag by Lucky Brand Jeans. I think it might be expensive, but I got it for free (I know people), which would be the only way it would ever come into my possession.
It goes with absolutely everything (multi-colored) and when I reach my hand into its depths, I’m likely to grab hold of anything from a matchbox car to a half-eaten granola bar.
You see?–I’m not as classy as you, Julia. No wine. You’re classy hobo. I’m could-be-growing-exotic-fungus-in-my-purse mom hobo.
Amy1242, I’m OBSESSED with Burt’s Bees lip balm and have them on all the end tables in the house. Best stuff ever.
So here’s my bag, minus the juice stains on the bottom:
http://www.luckybrandjeans.com/Product.aspx?p=LBX10650&l=00020008009000000000&km=&pn=1
ladydawgfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:07 am #
*Looks around nervously, clenches fingers together tightly, scuffs toe against the floor* Ummm, I don’t own a purse. I stopped carrying one when I started college and never picked the habit up again. I carry my wallet and keys in my front pocket, and don’t really need anything else. I have a tote that I take to work that has my book and assorted essentials for work, but since I don’t take it anywhere BUT work, I don’t consider it a “purse.”
Sonja Foust on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:17 am #
I love that you have a bottle of wine in your purse. I might have to go put a bottle of wine in MY purse, just because I am so jealous.
Susan K on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:31 am #
Well I tried to find a picture of my purse on Target.com to show you guys but I guess it’s only sold in the stores. I eyed this purse for weeks before I finally gave in and bought it. I debated between a large one or a small one and I’m glad I got the small one. Cause it fits quite a bit.
J Perry Stone on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:48 am #
SnikyWhite said: “The strangest thing I’ve been caught with? A bottle of Cumin spice. Cause you never know when you want that smoky goodness.”
I SO understand this.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 11 Mar 2008 at 8:52 am #
http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/pouches_waistpacks/Simple-Pouch-40447/
this is the closest to my purse.
Gannon on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:24 am #
Right now, I’m carrying a hobo bag, which somehow ends up being the catch-all /black hole for everything I own. No wonder my chiropractor told me to stop carrying it! “No purse over you shoulder.” He doesn’t seem to understand that if I didn’t carry it over my shoulder, I may dislocate said shoulder by carrying it in my hand!
I’ve tried to carry a small purse–I have many–but it just never seems to last for long. *sigh*
cail on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:33 am #
Julia, i had suggested K-Hawk and K-Ro… I dont think Karen Hawkins will appreciate being called K-ho…
my bag is a big lesportsac. i think its actually called the weekender or overnighter… supposed to be an overnight bag…
i have everything you can imagine in it, and when i go shopping for something dry in it goes! (groceries have their own bag that gets reused)
I periodically switch to various other giant bags in my collection. sometimes i’ll even carry a clutch, but thats usually IN my bigger bag which can be left at the coat check.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:36 am #
Evlqn - notice that my book won’t fit in my bag….unless I remove the wine. Decisions, decisions!
Fresh, I am so jealous!! And you’re right–if there is a purse out there for carrying wine, I should have a dozen of them!
Sniky — love the cumin. Small, compact, and no one else will have it, LOL
Jperry — love the patchwork. But I don’t like the short handles. All the styles this spring have short handles. How can you get a short handled hobo over your shoulder?
Ladydawg–REALLY?? You don’t have a purse? REALLY?
Sonja — carrying your wine in your purse is really very easy to do. You should try it
Cookie — that’s not a purse, that’s a rucksack!
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:36 am #
OOOH…it’s K-Hawk, not K-HO.
My bad.
RachelG on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:46 am #
Well, Julia smarty pants. I do change my bags often. It depends on where I’m going and what I’m wearing. At the moment, my main purse is a very red Dooney. It’s big and unorganized with mints, gum wrappers, and my cell phone hiding in the depths.
I never thought of carrying around a bottle of wine. Brilliant as it might come in handy when I have to go to the DMV or stuck standing in line at the grocery store behind someone with a folder filled with coupons.
rachelg
doglady on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:48 am #
Julia, the wine in the purse says SO much! Actually I am proud of you for being eco-conscious. I acquired a couple of great canvas shopping bags when I lived in Germany. They stay in my car and I insist on bagging my groceries in them. The girls at Wal-Mart think I’m odd, but oh well! My purse is HOBO all the way, but definitely writer hobo. I have small notebooks for each book that is rattling around in my head. 7 or 8 black razor-point pens for writing. Notecards to carry in my pocket when I am actually working and get a bright idea for my WIP. Wallet, keys, nail kit, carmex, aspirin, safety pins and a little pouch that contains my flash drive (learned to use this after my hard drive crashed with my entire novel on it and no back up! Thank God for our local bookseller’s DH - a computer genius!)I too have the current book I am reading and the next one I intend to read. Just in case!
RachelG on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:50 am #
I thought K-HO and K-RO had a nice ring to it. Ah, well.
Sabrina Jeffries on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:57 am #
Okay, it’s downright scary when someone you only see once a year knows you THIS well. While my purse is black leather, it does have six pockets and I know what’s in them. Well, MOST of the time. But this is only because of my ADD nature. If I don’t have organization, I will fall into a deep pit and die. Simple as that. Despite the pockets, I have still managed to get into trouble occasionally. Which is why I keep an emergency twenty in the side pocket of my wallet, away from the rest of the money. Because I forget to refill the important things in my purse. Like money.
ladydawgfan, I used to not have a purse, too. For years, I kept my money, credit card, keys, and driver’s license in my pocket, mostly because I have a tendency to LEAVE my purse in places. Then I became an author and got old. Suddenly, I need things like reading glasses and eye drops and naproxen (didn’t used to get headaches either) and business cards and …
Now I carry a purse. Sigh.
SuzyQ on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:59 am #
I change purses twice a year and both are very small - just about 6″. I wouldn’t call them a clutch because they do have handles. I never have a wallet, I keep my money and change (what little there is) in the little side zipper compartment. I do have a little leather thingy for keeping my credit cards and license. As for a checkbook - don’t any of you ladies have a VISA checkcard? Best thing ever! Other than that I have a tiny notepad and pen, a picture bifold, lip gloss, asprin, hair tie, a slim camera, a memory stick, and a pen flashlight. My keys I clip to the handles and the phone is in my pocket.
I have to keep it small. If I had a big bag I put everything in it and end up with bursitis in my shoulder. But I love the idea of carrying a bottle of wine . . .
cail on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:59 am #
rachel… i think we should let karen hawkins decide which she prefers. its her nickname afterall
doglady on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:59 am #
I do have some fabulous bags to match shoes, but I only carry them when I am dressed up.
My Mom’s purse is the 8th wonder of the world. It is LEGEND in the community where she lives. In it you will find - Safety pins, sewing kit, kleenex, neosporin, triple antibiotic, iodine, band aids, baby wipes, scissors, cell phone, address book, little notebook, pens, highlighters, juice boxes, a sleeve of Ritz crackers, vanilla creme Nips, cough drops, aspirin, a washcloth, small atlas, a ziploc bag of buttons, two empty ziplocs, scotch tape, paper clips, electrical tape, binder clips, a stapler, small roll of duct tape, mace, manicure kit, cans of Vienna sausage, collapseable cups, bottle of water, collapseable dog bowl, football mouthguard, ace bandage, novel. I am sure I am leaving something out. My SIL has the complete list. At ball games in any emergency my SIL says “Go ask Nana. I’m sure she has ______” If I am in a wreck and stuck for days awaiting rescue, I hope I have my Mom’s purse
ladydawgfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:05 am #
Julia, yes, REALLY, I don’t have a purse!! Sabrina, I tried carrying one after college but I, too, kept leaving it everywhere and finally decided that it was a bad thing so I gave it up again. I didn’t carry anything valuable in it anyway. I learned long ago, after having my wallet lifted, not to carry my money in my purse, hence the pocket wallet. It just seemed to be more of a bother than it was worth. And truth be told, I have rounded shoulders and the shoulder straps never seemed to stay put. Annoying to the extreme!!! I really don’t need the aggravation of a purse. Just my ‘druthers, I suppose. I can see their usefulness, but I prefer not to carry one.
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:06 am #
RachelG–do you have the D&B that resembles the Birkin bag? I’m SO jealous. I lust for a Birkin, even a knock off because well, I’d never pay a gazillion dollars for a purse. A friend had the D&B look-alike in Dallas and I very nearly dumped all her stuff out and ran with it
I don’t change purses often. Maybe once a year. Currently I have my $40 Coach! Its going on a year now, I think. Its basically a hobo. Very roomy with only two pockets. I don’t carry much in it. Empty wallet, chapstick, lotion, pen and business cards.
Probably my favorite is my Vera Bradley ($20 at Goodwill!). Its the classic Villiager and big and roomy! For the trip to Dallas I used it as my carry on and got my wallet, curling iron, make up, snacks, pajamas and change of clothes in it. Coming home I packed it with about 20 books *g*
Fun fact about me: when I worked in the office furniture factory I designed a jumbo tote bag that is completely reversible. The company gave me a ton of old leather and
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:08 am #
cont….
fabrics. A couple co-workers and I came in early and worked our breaks to make up hundreds of the bags and sold them to raise money for my boss’s brother who had terminal cancer and no health coverage. We sent one to a charity auction and it went for $60!
Susan K on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:09 am #
Wow, doglady! Your mom’s purse sounds like it would be great to have in a national disaster. I only wish I could be that prepared. How big is that purse!? I am in awe.
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:11 am #
Oh and what is The Gypsy Kings and Godiva Pearls??
KariE on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:21 am #
I had to google them, Kim. I didn’t know either.
RachelG on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:26 am #
Kim,
The current purse is the Hayden bag. It rocks.
ladydawgfan,
My oldest daughter has never carried a purse. In high school she had a chain drive wallet and blue hair. These days she carries her money and ID in her back pocket. The big wallet on a chain is gone.
SuzyQ on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:29 am #
I have to get me some Godiva Pearls! Thanks for the tip Julia!
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:30 am #
Oh, I buy purses. Lots and lots of purses. However,
I use the same, huge, shapeless, black bag again and again. I think it was designed by either Hefty or Glad. And yes, it could hold up to two bottles of wine if the situation presented itself.
(I’m so immature…I snort laughed over K-Ro and K-Ho…Sorry girls)
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:33 am #
This is what my purse looks like.
http://www.amazon.com/Hefty-Twist-Gallon-Lawn-Leaf/dp/B000E0FZOM
ladydawgfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:46 am #
LOL, Ellen!!!
BTW, I admit to snickering over the K-Ho error myself!! Maybe if we referred to them as Rosie and Hawk, or does that sound too much like a cheezy 70’s cop show??
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:53 am #
I’m sitting here shaking like a crack ho in church while I contemplate giving up my purse like Ladydawgfan. Could I actually free myself and give my aching right shoulder a much needed break?
I can’t do it. I have to carry my “stuff”. What if something happens and somebody asks me for something. It’s who I am. People count on me. Can you image what would happen if I wasn’t there to save the day?
Tweezer? Check
Stain Remover? Check
Tampon. Nail clipper. Nail file and Chocolate? Check, Check, Check and Hell Yeah Check.
“Does anybody have a battery operated gadget to remove those little pills from a wool sweater?”
Check.
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:58 am #
Julia, you’re scaring me. I *do* have a grab-and-go purse.
I have lots and lots of purses, more than any sane woman could ever use, but for the past year I’ve been hooked on Ralph Lauren. I have the same Ralph Lauren bag in six different sizes and colors. Hey, when I get hooked on something, I’m really hooked. The thing I love about the bag is that it’s light! When you’re jetting off to Rome or London at a moment’s notice (which I’m wiling to do if anyone wants to spring for the airfare), you want a weightless purse because the stuff that goes into it is not weightless.
Contents include but are not restricted to: wallet, make-up bag, handkerchief, sunglasses, reading glasses, back-up reading glasses, notepad, pen, dental floss, band-aid, nail clippers, emery board, 8 oz water bottle, breath strips, magnifying mirror, keys, cell phone, receipts, aspirin.
I’m proud to say that I still have room for one wine bottle and two paperbacks. Rome? Here I come!
cail on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:58 am #
wow ellen, you actually have more random things in your bag than i do!! well, really just the sweater pill remover.
i have been known to find rocks in my bag. usually little ones i pick up while walking around.
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:04 am #
I see Rosie and the Hawk as a 70’s Detective Show. Just picture them running down the street with bad perms and psychedelic bell bottoms while chasing the bad guys. LOL too funny. Of course they would not carry a gun, so Rosie would be forced to pelt the criminals in the head with Tab cans.
Hmmmm…Theme song anyone?
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:11 am #
RachelG — if you go the wine route, don’t forget the corkscrew. Nothing screams frustration like standing in line at DMV with a bottle of wine and no screw.
Doglady…just how old are those Ritz crackers in your mother’s purse??
Kim, if I had a Birkin, I would never ever change purses again. I droool when I see them. Gipsy Kings are spanish guitar. Godiva pearls, girlfriend, are little pearls of chocolate. They give you a taste of it without the worry of eating the whole bar. Barnes and Noble sells them at the check out!
Ellen I have seen your hefty and raise you one glad bag. I have had that purse!
Claudia, Sabrina–I knew it! You guys are too easy!
Where are K-Ho and K-RO, otherwise known as Rosie and Hawk, the dynamic duo?
elsiehogarth on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:13 am #
Julia with all this K-Hawk-K-Ro are then J-Lo 2? I have to say that I love the bottle of wine and the Gypsy Kings CD, that really says that if anything is going to happen you are the person to be around when it does. Do you have a cork screw cause I didn’t see it in the bag?
I love handbags, purses, totes whatever you want to call them but when it comes to my own personal use I am very picky. I am presently using a black leather HOBO(B.Makowsky) that has so much stuff in it: calendar, 2 notebooks (with all my things to do, lists etc.), Snoopy change purse, wallet, coupon books, paperback book(K.Caskie’s latest), small photo album, a small prayer book, address book, cell phone, hair brush, 3 sets of keys, and envelope with gift cards & gift certificates, 5 pens and my drug store supplies: Advil, vitamins, eye drops, a jar of Vick’s vaporub and 2 Burt’s Bees lip balm. I agree…Burt’s Bees are the best products.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:28 am #
Elsie, I like to think of myself as J-Lo 1. After all, I am older.
Oh yeah, there’s a corkscrew in there. I started buying them in bulk after losing so many to TSA.
I, too, am a fan of Burt’s bees.
That sounds dirty.
ct009ct on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:29 am #
I have a purse.
It’s black with shoulder straps.
It has two compartments - one for important stuff (checkbooks, pocket calender, etc.) - one for misc. items (cough drops, gum, antacid, lists (Junie B books we already have, James Bond movies my son still wants, etc.))
I only carry it from the house to the car, it only leaves the car if I am going to write a check somewhere.
I do have my keys, cell phone and ID with me at all times, Okay, sometimes I forget my ID (I DO still know who I am)
For all other occasions, usually some kind of trip (zoo, park, vacation, water park, etc) I carry a brown leather backpack that holds my purse and quite a few of the items in doglady’s mom’s purse. (yes, I have had a can of vienna sausages in it, but no duct tape or collapsible dog bowl) LOL
ct009ct on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:32 am #
Oh, I carry Burt’s Bee lip shimmer everywhere. It’s like lipstick and chap stick in one tube.
Suzanne Enoch on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:32 am #
Snort. I am totally a purse hobo, Julia. Ipod, earphones, pads of paper, a gazillion pens, Hot Wheels, rubber balls, Altoids, wallet, 2 checkbooks, a wad of napkins, straw wrapper, etc.
It is kind of scary how well you’ve purso-analyzed your fellow goddesses, JL. And I go with K-Ha rather than K-Ho, because she can run faster than I can.
KariE on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:39 am #
It is very reassuring that no one has mentioned the Fanny Pack. I admit that I lost mine in 1992.
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:45 am #
Little bitty pearls of chocolate. Yummmm!
Where are Rosie and Hawk!??!?!
cail on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:00 pm #
Kari, Fanny packs terrify me…
thank you ladies for entertaining me so much the last few days. i’ve been home sick with the flu and i have remained steadily amused thanks to you (and the A&E Pride and Prej).
SuzyQ on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:08 pm #
Ellen - love the bag. Did you know you can change the color of the ties to match your shoes?
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:09 pm #
Oh No Cail…Feel better sweety.
A purse that draws attention to my Fanny. Just. Say. No.
PS Did you know in Australia, a Fanny is not the same thing we think? Let’s just say a Fanny is something you would give a “Sabrina” to.
Ellen the Bag lady on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:12 pm #
But of course, SuzyQ. I am a fashion icon. You should see when I hit the town in my Reynolds Wrap dress and Hefty Bag. Unfortunately, Now that I am almost 49, Cling Wrap is being banned from my wardrobe.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:13 pm #
I have a purse buying problem. I just came back from shopping with a friend. She needed a new purse…I had to get one too. sigh. At least this was marked down from 50 to 20!
It is a PURSE this time too, Julia, not a rucksack!
I feel like such a grown up
lol!
feel better soon Cail.
my friend/downstairs neighbour has a nasty cold, so while I was out, I bought her some popsicles for her sore throat.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 11 Mar 2008 at 12:15 pm #
love your bag Ellen! lmao!!!
goofy girl on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:03 pm #
Ohhh but the handbag on the counter…. ick…. where else has it been sitting…..
But all you Vera Bradley lovers — in May every year in Ft. Wayne, IN — overstock, retiring, production models….. on SALE!!!!! Yeah — but boy does it bring out the competitiveness in the those attending…
I want to know where that $40 Coach bag was found?
love you all!
Marie on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:25 pm #
Why do you have a bottle of wine in your purse?
I carry a backpack. With one pocket for cell, money, and keys. I can’t see why so many carry a purse and a backpack.
On weekends its one of those little bags. Seriously I only need 3 things. What does that say about me? I have handle on life. HA. HA. HA. HA.
If I have a handle on my life than pigs are flying.
I want a bottle of wine in my purse.
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:33 pm #
Hey Goofy Girl! Are you close to Ft. Wayne? I’m about 90 minutes. I haven’t made it to the annual Vera blow-out but I’m DYING to. I loves me some Vera Bradley.
The Coach was a Goodwill find;) You wouldn’t believe the designer bags they get.
amy1242 on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:35 pm #
You’re right, Ellen! Never use the term “fanny pack” or say, “I need to cut my bangs today.” That goes for England, as well. You’ll be having a whole other conversation there.
Margaret on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:37 pm #
I’m vastly relieved to hear that none of you are carrying a Saturday Night Special next to your wine. The corkscrew could be an interesting weapon of self-defense, however.
On the K-Ho & K-Ro name game. Nope. Karen R is too sweet looking to be saddled with being called a K-Ho. And K-Ro makes me thing of syrup. Karo? My mother cooked with this all the time back in the 40’s. She was a whiz at making pecan pies & that was an ingredient. I still have the recipe, BTW
I was an adult before I learned that Cairo, IL is pronounce “kay-ro”. I wonder if the syrup was named for the town?
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:53 pm #
Cail, get better soon!
Cookie, I like that. Someone talks trash about your purse, and you rush out and get a new one, LOL
Goofygirl, my purse is a hanger–I never put it down on foreign surfaces!
Marie–I have a bottle of wine in my purse because…why not?
Margaret, K-Ho is actually for Karen Hawkins, who doesn’t look very sweet to me. And I did not know that about Cairo, Il. I thought it was like the Egyptian Cairo. Learn something new every day!
ladydawgfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:54 pm #
Amy, my niece spent last summer in NZ on an academic fellowship. While she was there, the vehicle a group of her friends was driving was hit from behind by another car. Even now, they STILL laugh at the shocked looks on the faces at the rental agency staff when they told them that they had been rear ended!!! Apparently it means something TOTALLY different in New Zealand!!!
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:56 pm #
Well, I think K-Ha, K-Ro, and J-Lo ought to be made permanent. Just too cute not to snap up!
Could we get them embroidered on your purses? If so, that would end the K-Ho discussion.
SnikyWhite on 11 Mar 2008 at 1:59 pm #
Ok…I get the fanny reference. I get the rear ended. What on earth does “i need to get my bangs cut today” mean that can be dirty?
Margaret on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:00 pm #
>Margaret, K-Ho is actually for Karen Hawkins, who doesn’t look very sweet to me.
Senior Moment there, Julia. I knew which was which.
Glad I could edify you today. I found out from a friend who’d moved to Dallas from near Cairo. IL, that is.
Where are the Karens today? Plotting against the rest of us? Actually _gasp_ writing a book? Feeling deadlines breathing down their necks?
K Ho on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:11 pm #
My dearest goddesses, while I’ve never seen Julia London dance, I DID see her arse when she bent over to retrieve her hulky purse at last year’s RWA conference, and the J-Lo comparison is apt.
Just sayin’.
And no, J-Lo, I do NOT have a large straw stand-up purse with many pockets, thank you very much. My grandmother, however, did, bless her soul. And she frequently had a bottle of wine in there, tho sometimes she’d carry Something Stronger.
Meanwhile, I have a fashionable, sexy leather purse that holds many things, none of which are tucked neatly into pockets because it only has one and that is for Personal Items that I dare not list here. It is, in fact, a bit of a mess but I hate spending time tucking things away and it’s so convenient to just drop them in.
I can’t hold a bottle of wine in my purse, but I DO have a Wine Tote that I take to the grocery with me when I hit Shopping Day. It’s a lovely shade of merlot.
K Ho on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:13 pm #
And yes, Margaret, this is me, K-Ho. And yes, I’m at a coffee shop, writing.
You, me, and my editor are all astonished.
amy1242 on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:25 pm #
“I need to cut my bangs today” means that I have to have less sex today than normal. In England, you must refer to your ‘bangs’ as “fringe”, because the word bang means, well, you know…getting banged. Wow, that sounds horrible written out like that.
zambonigirl on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:32 pm #
Ah. The bag. The extension of every woman in America. Some of them are designer, others are organic and utilitarian.
I like a bag that’s big and roomy. I love hobo bags. I’m currently carrying a little canvas thing that slings over my shoulder. I’ve sewn an owl onto it. I also sewed a lining into it and a pocketses, because I really need pocketses. There’s outside pocketses too. One has my cell phone, and the other has my Burt’s Bees Tinted Lipbalm in it. I have two colors. They look almost exaclty alike. It’s pathetic. I think one is rhubarb, and the other is…wait, let me check. Rhubarb and fig. I need to take a picture. They’re identical.
God, I want a bottle of wine. Why are you holding out on me, Julia?
SnikyWhite on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:37 pm #
Amy - thank you so much for the clarification. I am quite pleased to have this new twisted meaning to such an innocent phrase here in the states. So if there, someone in my situation might say “I wish my bangs would grow” LOL yeah, I’m going to go back to my corner now
ct009ct on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:40 pm #
ROTFLMAO - Snick!! I wish my bangs would grow, too.
Zam - Funny, my two shades of Burt’s lip balm are also very very similar!!
Merlot & watermelon.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:42 pm #
Well, well, K-Ho apparently knows and appreciates a curvy bottom when she sees one :-).
So I am 4 for 7 on the day, with two non-reporters (nicole and K-Ro). I’m feeling pretty good about myself. Maybe I should buy a lotto ticket.
Zambo, why didn’t you sew a wine pocket when you were busy sewing all those other pockets?!?!
And is the Burt’s Bees tinted stuff unanimous here? Does everyone have a tube of rhubarb or fig? (because the colors all do look alike).
ct009ct on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:46 pm #
I can’t stop laughing!!!!
I was just thinking, my husband colors my hair for me - he needs to take better care of my bangs!!!! Too funny - I have to call him. Right now!
Sorry!
Ann in IL on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:53 pm #
My handbag would rival doglady’s Mom’s. I carry everything I might possibly want/need and anything anyone else may possibly want/need.
Does anyone else find it difficult to find a bag they like? It takes me months to finally decide on a bag that will carry everything I need. I buy plain black. Cheap, big and a zipper are my main requirements. I’m thinking of trying a canvas tote next. Like the Lands End styles.
ladydawgfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:55 pm #
*singing, “Bang, bang, Maxwell Silver hammer . . . “*
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:57 pm #
Love the Burt’s Bees lip balm. I have it in shimmer, watermelon (which I gave to my daughter as it was too pink), merlot (which I only wear to walk the dog as it is too red), and another shade I can’t remember (which I only wear around the house as it is too dark).
The plain shimmer looks great on me! Figures that my color would be an absence of color.
Julia, if you saw the colors on me, you would not think they all look alike.
zambonigirl on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:57 pm #
Julia-when you said that you had wine you were carrying around, I automatically thought of those little bottles that you can get in a four-pack from Sutter Home. You know. Small. Then I saw it!
The pocket that holds my cell phone was originally put there for a water bottle, but I don’t want to have a water bottle on there, so I use it for the phone.
It’s very good to know that I’m not the only one with similar shades of Burt’s Bees! I almost got Watermelon, but I thought it might be too pink for me! I think rhubarb would compliment just about anyone.
cail on 11 Mar 2008 at 2:59 pm #
zambi, i’m a rhubarb girl myself. you’re right. it looks good on everyone.
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:01 pm #
Ann, I can always find a bag I like, but one of the Mysteries of Life As A Woman with Accessories, is that you CAN’T buy a bag for another woman. It’s too personal. Only my mother was able to get it right for me. And I can get it right for my daughter—in fact, I bought every purse she has and she loves them all. But my DH knows better than to try it; it’s way beyond his skill set.
Unfortunately, one of my friends does not understand this. She gave me a bag for my birthday that was the wrong color, the wrong size, and the wrong fabric. I love her, but she does not know my Bag Qualifications.
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:02 pm #
Cail, thanks for reminding me. I also have the rhubarb lip balm. It makes me look like a vampire…and not in a good way.
Hawk sans Rosie on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:05 pm #
What about “Chitty chitty bang-bang, chitty chitty bang-bang, we love you!” Might be a good theme song for the Mount today.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:19 pm #
Claudia, I was going to say, there is nothing worse than when a man tries to buy a purse for you. Bless their hearts, they try, but they so don’t get it.
goofy girl on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:21 pm #
Kim!! If you love love vera bradley — you must go — we used to live about 20 minutes away from the Colseum — but that was 8-9 years ago — so you’d need to contact the company to see where & when they hold it now… It is such a cool company - they’re even doing rugs now….
zambonigirl on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:26 pm #
Curses, Claudia! You’ve ruined my hypothesis!
But since it’s too red for you, I wonder if you should go with one of the browner shades like nutmeg? I must ponder.
And I of course had to add that the best part of having a huge bag is that you *can* stick a bottle of wine or whatever in them and save on using the plastic bags at the stores. I can fit an entire bag of guinea pig food in my purse and still have a little room for my wallet.
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:26 pm #
OMG, I’m LMAO here! K-HA—you crack me up!
Okay, I thought THAT was called shagging in England. Now its called banging? I think I need a sexy British man to teach me all the cool slang. Where are Simon and Piers when I need them!?!?
Is the Burts Bee that good? I’ve eye-balled it but its a little pricey for my tight-wad-ish ways.
Speaking of good wine, does anyone else love those fruity Arbor Mist wines? Love those!
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:35 pm #
Zamboni, I hate to ruin anyone’s hypothesis! I honestly can’t wear any lip color that has any…uh, color in it. Every shade I wear is some shade of nude or shimmery clear.
Kim, Burt’s Bees (sold at Borders, near the check-out) is fabulous. Pricey? I think it’s cheap, but it’s made locally so that may be it.
And Kim, Kim, Kim…shagging, bangs, there are many ways to say the same thing. Are you just figuring that out? LOL
Ka Ha Ha Ha on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:37 pm #
I’ve only had one person buy me a purse and, frankly, it was a disaster. It was HUGE and loose and empty and very BRONZE. I leave it in my closet and stuff receipts in it and call it The Tax Purse.
It takes a very, very close friend to buy a woman a purse.
I need to haunt the Goodwill stores for a Coach purse, My guy’s daughter loooove Coach and she salivates whenever she sees them . . . and she’s only 12! Sheesh!
KariE on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:49 pm #
Kim-I think they are yummy!!! I’m partial to the Marlot. (Thanks to Sniky)
Kathy/Cookiedough on 11 Mar 2008 at 3:56 pm #
it’s called banging here in Canada too
giggle
Mia Rose on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:05 pm #
Good lord, I can only stop by for a minute, but this is too funny to pass up (especially the great new nicknames, lol)…
Wow, I’m ashamed to say I’ve never even thought of keeping wine in my purse, but it’s definitely an idea to keep in mind next time I’m venturing somewhere that might require sustenance.
Although, I don’t think my purse would fit it. I’m a small purse person.
My usual purse is the white Vuitton mini speedy… I got it for $50 from some guy selling them out of the back of his truck during Hot August Nights.
Karen Rose on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:09 pm #
Nay, verily, Julia!!! I do not carry a Hobo bag - that would make me go insane, not to mention messing up my back.
I have a coach bag, blue suede, gift from DH. In it are the following:
-Wallet, made fat by receipts, not money - okay, you’ve got me there
-compact of MAC makeup (must keep away from 13 year old child)
-lipstick and chapstick
-One VERY cool mini-laptop called ASUS - runs Windows XP, Word 2007 and weighs less than 2 pound and fits nicely in my bag
-Cell phone/PDA
-Assorted change
-Assorted pens
-Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion
I don’t change my purse except to get a new purse. I’d forget to move something over and that would make me insane, too.
Paula M on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:16 pm #
You all amaze me!! I have a handbag (no idea why in England it’s called a handbag when most of them have shoulder straps). It is fairly small and in it I have my cheque book, purse(wallet?), lippy, phone, 2 pens, diary and female bits! I usse the shoulder strap and carry it diagonally across my body.
Some of you must have sloping shoulder syndrom with those huge bags, or rucksacks.
In England it is called shagging more than banging and we have a bum bag not a fanny pack. You’d get some very funny looks if you talked about your fanny pack over here. LOL Ellen your bag is soo funny!!
I also have my reusable bags for the supermarket shopping as they want to phase out the plastic bags as part of saving the environment
Karen Rose on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:17 pm #
I’m here, I’m here! If I must be called K-Ro, I’m packing heat. (K-Ro sounds so Ronco. Like Bass-a-matic or Peel-a-Meal)
I’ve been in NYC with my editor and agent discussing various stuff including my May book, my WIP which is approximately 12% too long and many other fun stuffs. I was wined, dined, and I met Michael Connelly - which was tres cool.
I was carrying my suede blue Coach at the time.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:26 pm #
Okay, I’ve missed two, but I think everyone here was pretty certain you were a hobo, K-Ro :-).
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:30 pm #
Paula, shagging always sounded like a very acceptable way to say what you are up to. “Fancy a shag, Nigel?” That sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?
But banging sounds like a group activity. I guess because a girl I went to high school with was accused of the group bang with several guys, and I will forever associate that word with her.
K Ha ha ha…at least in our town, everyone knows the Goodwill to haunt. some of them are awful, some of them hold treasures.
And Mia, next Hot August Night, look for a bigger bag that will hold your wine.
All this purse talk has got me in the mood for new one. Something spring-y. Something with pockets. Not too many, tho. I don’t like too many pockets.
Karen Rose on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:33 pm #
All right. In my misguided past I have carried a hobo bag. Drove me freakin’ nuts. So you were only a third wrong about me.
Paula M on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:37 pm #
Julia that’s made me remember an expression from when i was at school (many moons ago!!) about a gang bang or gang banging, so I’m with you that shagging sounds fun!!
Nicole Jordan on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:47 pm #
You goddesses are just so baaaad. ROFL.
And Julia, m’dear, you have me pegged perfectly!
I wonder, though, if K-Ho will ever be able to shake her new soubriquet now.
zambonigirl on 11 Mar 2008 at 4:53 pm #
Burt’s Bees expensive? Good lord, no! And they last FOREVER, too. The color is not incredibly sheer, but it doesn’t give you Velvet Lip Syndrome, either. You can use a nude-ish lip liner to give your lips definition, or go linerless for an easy-like-Sunday-morning look. The best part about them is that they are lip balms, not lipsticks, so they really work well in a “I’m just going out for a hike” lifestyle. “What? No, I’m not going to wear makeup!” (I’m actually really pale, so unless the hike is vigorous, I look like death with rhubarb-colored lipstick on until the flush in my cheeks kicks in.)
colinfirthfan on 11 Mar 2008 at 5:09 pm #
I used to have a hobo purse. I miss it dreadfully but I was having dreadful shoulder pains carrying it around. It had assorted make up, bottle of milk (when the kids were younger), a book, wallet, check book ,cell phone, iPod, enormous hand sanitizer, tampon, pad, mirror, chapstick, separate chapstick for my son etc.. etc..
Now I have a a small purse with my cell phone, wallet, check book and 1 lipstick. Oh and my iPod. I recently threw in some hand sanitizer.
My shoulder has stopped hurting!
I vote for the K-Ho. Has a nice ring to it. I suppose I could go with K-Ha.
Claudia Dain on 11 Mar 2008 at 5:26 pm #
K-Ro, 12%?
That’s some darn precise overage measurements! Dang impressive.
“This bag is 12% too big.”
“This bra is 12% too small.”
“This paycheck is 12% embezzled.”
Kim on 11 Mar 2008 at 6:06 pm #
No in my defense I said it was expensive for my tight wad-ish ways. LOL. I like to pay 99 cents for the avon chapstick:D No, $3 isn’t a lot for lip balm at all. Its just more than my internal value meter would like to pay.
Claudia–more than one word?!?! Yup, just learning that one. LOL.
Sabrina Jeffries on 11 Mar 2008 at 7:19 pm #
I forgot to mention that I DO have a thing for evening bags. I must have ten of those. Love to use them at conference. I only wish I had more events I could use them with.
Karen Rose on 11 Mar 2008 at 9:14 pm #
Claudia, it’s 12.2592%
Judy on 11 Mar 2008 at 10:26 pm #
Lately I’ve been a no-bags kinda gal. I put my money, atm, and DL in my back pocket (I wear A LOT of jeans). I put my I-pod and phone in my front pocket. I’ve recently hated to be encumbered with a bag in which all I need is my money, atm, DL, I-pod and phone and a plus, my hands are free and so is my shoulder.
The weird thing, I used to be a hobo bag person, I loved big bags and everything and anything would fit in it.
Julia London on 11 Mar 2008 at 11:45 pm #
Well the Hobos definitely reign in this crowd.
I am still gloating over the fact that I pegged 6 of 7 goddesses, and the one I didn’t peg I only mis-pegged by 2/3. What doest that come out to, K-Ro?
Hoo-ray for the Hobos! And I found a new bag to covet today: The Vera Bradley. I can’t wait to get one.
Ka Ha Ha Ha on 12 Mar 2008 at 7:14 am #
Psssht, easy J-Lo! You didn’t peg me!
I repeat: I don’t have a big straw purse with numerous pockets. I have a smallish sized leather bag with no organization whatsoever. I got it at Target and love it dearly.
Karen Hawkins on 12 Mar 2008 at 8:45 am #
And Julia, the Vera B is SO cute! I have a friend with one and she LOVES it. Hasn’t used another purse in years.
Btw, check this out:
http://designedhandbags.com/outlet/vera-bradley-handbag
Julia London on 12 Mar 2008 at 9:19 am #
Details, K hahahahaha. I love the Vera bag, by the way!
Sherri Erwin on 12 Mar 2008 at 9:25 am #
Julia London carries a bottle of wine in her purse?! And that explains why she is my very best friend.
Julia London on 12 Mar 2008 at 11:27 am #
Sherri, did you ever have any doubt of it? Who always has the corkscrew? What did you think the corkscrew goes to? Silly girl!
Kathy/Cookiedough on 12 Mar 2008 at 5:13 pm #
ooooo!!
I looked at the Vera Bradley bags
So PRETTY!
Too bad they aren’t near me! or maybe that’s a good thing.
SheridanLA on 24 Mar 2008 at 9:40 pm #
I lurk upon occasion and once I read this post and saw the photos I had to give my kudos to a bottle of wine in your purse?!?!? WHY, oh why, did I not think of this for my own bag? There is plenty of room, I have carried a bottle to a friend’s in my bag… but to have one on hand at all times for emergencies? All hail the great Julia London!
As far as my bag goes, it was a gift from a friend who nails those things on the head. Leather utility bag - in magenta - with .•:*¨¨*:•. SPARKLES .•:*¨¨*:•. on the shoulder straps (rhinestones - BeDazzling to the max). It puts on a disco-ball like show when I am stuck in traffic and makes me happy.
Now to go choose my stash bottle…. so many choices!!