Big Purse or Little Purse?

Indulge me if you will, in discussing another passage from Lisa Scottoline’s book, My Nest Isn’t Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space.

In one of my favorite chapters, entitled, “The Right to Choose,” Scottoline discusses the ‘decision that women have to make every morning: Big purse or little purse?’

She says, ‘I know it’s not life or death, but it makes you nuts if you choose the wrong one as consistently as I do. If you carry a big purse for the day, it’s guaranteed that you’ll end up never needing anything you’re lugging around like a pack animal. And if you carry a little purse for the day, you’ll invariably end up tucking things under your armpit or asking your husband to carry them.’

For day-to-day use, I am more in favor of carrying a big purse, though I am aware that makes me look disorganized since I insist on carrying so many items with me (at least according to an article I read on yahoo.com). I prefer to think of myself as ‘prepared,’ which is why my purse is so full.

For instance, I carry a small umbrella which occasionally comes in handy. I also have a small cosmetic bag full of misc. little items like antacids, mints, a tape measure (both kinds), wet wipes, etc.

Otherwise, I pretty much carry normal items: my wallet, a cell phone, a small digital camera, my I-Pod & speaker, a small notepad and pen, a bag of coupons, and three fold-up reuseable shopping bags (I have more, but only carry three).

I once heard on the radio that the average woman’s handbag weighs 7lbs. I weighed mine once and it tipped the scales at only 6lbs. I suppose that is kind of heavy, but I actually use most of what I carry, so I don’t see how I could possibly downsize. Sometimes I’ll remove my cosmetic bag and put it in my book bag, but I’m not sure that eliminates much more than a pound.

I could perhaps get away with a smaller wallet if I didn’t have to carry so many reward cards for all the stores where I shop. They should all do what JC Penney does, and just give you points when you use your regular credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at their store. Of course I realize you don’t always have to have your card with you, but it usually speeds things up if you do.

About half my ‘bag collection’ consists of smaller bags to be used for weekend excursions to the mall, dinner and a movie, or wherever. Due to the amount of walking involved sometimes, it’s preferable not to weigh myself down too much, so I usually leave the umbrella and cosmetic bag at home. I also like how cute and stylish (at least to me) some of these smaller bags are compared to the larger more utilitarian ones I have.

I have to admit to envying those that can get away with carrying a smaller bag all the time. I’m just assuming they have their essentials stashed elsewhere, or don’t worry about being caught off-guard without something.