Ahh a purse by any other name would hold just as much…..or would it? Shakespeare’s purse was a small pouch worn around the waist. But now? Women control the purse….literally. Today women are not content with the simple purse, nay, we have to have a variety. So, that being said the next question is : 

           

            How will you choose your next purse ?  Perhaps the following will help.

           

            We have the clutch, a simple bag with no handle , the satchel, the size of a doctors bag of which it is named after, hobo, a curved slouch bag with long strap, tote, big , tall  with loads  of room,  shoulder tote, same with longer strap, wedding bag, a fancy clutch for weddings or other formal occasions,  bucket bag, yep it is a big as a bucket,  barrel bag, shaped like a barrel,  messenger bag, medium to large bag with long strap designed to go across the shoulder diagonally,  sling bag, smaller version of messenger bag. Each one comes in different styles depending on where you shop. For instance you can get any color you want along with metallic, rhinestones, studs, leather, glitter, sequins, ruffles, patchwork, and well you name it. 

             

           Trends have fluctuated since women took over the purse. For instance in the 40’s women carried a clutch type then by the 50’s women carried the clutch to match their evening gowns and during the day they carried a satchel type with a snap top closer. By the 60’s totes became popular for their ability to carry books and a variety of necessities. The 70’s brought us shoulder strap purses. The 80’s? It was barrel bags. Metallics were the 90’s. And the new millennium  gave us a mixed bog of everything of every color. But in all these years one thing has remained almost a constant. Women like their shoes to match their purses. Oh sometimes we get radical and have a black purse and red shoes. Oh! How could we?! But if we are wearing a black dress with red jewelry then all is forgiven. The bottom line is ….carry the purse that most fits your personality, your needs, and your style!   

 

              What would Shakespeare have said about the purse trends of today?  He would probably say something like:

‘What light through yonder storefront breaks? It is a man purse and I will away with it!‘ And of course :

 

         ‘All’s well that ends well!’