Purposely Purseless and Proud: Women Who Don't Carry a Purse
Now, why are you carrying that Purse?
Shopping in a department store, people mistake me for a salesperson. Individuals ask me where the restroom is, or where to find the designer potpourri simmer-pots, and seem mildly annoyed when I tell them that I sincerely have no idea.
Usually I pay no attention to other customers, so people naturally assume I am a salesperson.But perhaps the kinder explanation for their misperception is that I don't carry a purse.
WOMEN'S LIB
Most women cannot imagine shopping without a handbag, but I have found it to be very liberating.
I never worry about misplacing my bag, or locking it in the car, or leaving it in a bus or dressing room. I laugh at purse-snatchers, or I would if I ever saw one.
Why would anyone want to carry around all that extra weight?
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At unlimited buffets I don't have to carry a heavy bag back and forth with me or worry about leaving it unattended at a table.
It's not that I have anything against purses.
I often stop in the purse department to marvel at the the variations in styles and innovations in organization that have separate designated places for all of the things I don't need to carry. I'm also amazed that some of them-- even without contents-- weigh as much as a complete new outfit with matching shoes.
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VINTAGE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ART NOUVEAU FRAME GERMAN SILVER MESH PURSE HANDBAG
Current Bid: $60.00
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Victorian style Civil War Old West Victorian Regengy style black beaded handbag
Current Bid: $38.84
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THE TRADITION
In Victorian times a proper lady carried a purse to hold proper Victorian essentials like smelling salts ( since occasional fainting was considered ladylike) and a few embroidered hankies (since Kleenex hadn't been invented) a long bejeweled hat-pin (since pepper-spray also hadn't been invented) and a pair of kid gloves (for some forgotten Victorian reason).
These were small pouches that dangled effortlessly from the wrist. Today's handbags have evolved and, in some cases, are large enough to contain all of the essentials to furnish a small apartment.
Women's handbags were dreamed up by men who didn't want their wives to have both hands free while shopping.
Of course, being conditioned to the idea of carrying a bag, we have learned to shop with the equivalent of having one hand tied behind our backs. Think of the freedom that being purseless might give you.
Without having to tote the extra weight of a superfluous handbag, you can actually buy more items, like the extra outfit with matching shoes.
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THE CHALLENGE
I challenge you women to free yourself from handbags. Look in your purse now, Better yet, dump the contents on the floor and throw out everything you didn't even know was in there. Why are you carrying that emergency pacifier when your youngest child is now 23? Why do you lug around enough cosmetics to do the makeup for the entire cast of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?
You will discover that you have been toting several pounds of unnecessary stuff. Do you have a sewing kit, a manicure kit, a dry cleaning kit, a first-aid kit, a leatherman multi-tool , a local phone directory and a food processor in your purse? When was the last time you interrupted a serious shopping spree to do mending, manicuring, spot removing, or to splint a simple fracture?
All of those things can wait until the shopping trip is over. If you think you will need phone numbers, write them on your arm, or consider a tasteful tattoo.
(For women) Do you carry a purse?
See results without votingThe Fashion Conspiracy
The fashion industry has shamelessly promoted the idea that women need purses-- especially expensive ones.
They play on our fears of being caught without items we never use. They insist that our costumes are incomplete without a distinctive handbag -- perhaps one covered with Saworski crystals or made in the shape of a horse's head. Why?
Do you remember a few years back when designers tried to promote handbags for men? It didn't fly, did it?
Partly because men know that they really don't need to carry a lot of extra stuff and partly because men know that when they do have extra stuff like binoculars, camera lenses and tool catalogs, they can give them to wives who will carry them in their purses.
WHY DO THEY DO IT?
What do women of European Royal families carry in their purses? They don't need credit cards, do they? Does the Queen need a photo ID? Does she even shop? How about breath mints? Would anyone tell her if she needed them?
If any royal personages were to ask me, I would say lose the purses. With all of those tiaras and sashes and things, they are already highly over-accessorized.. If they need a tissue, or dental floss, or anti-aging cream, someone in the royal entourage would have it, wouldn't they?
The bare essentials for a commoner's excursion away from home include car keys, drivers license, and credit card-- all of which can be carried in a small coin purse that fits in a pocket or attaches to a belt.
My Revelation
When I was a substitute teacher I found there was no good way to securely stash a purse in an unfamiliar classroom.
Another sub had an idea-- she locked her purse in the trunk of her car, and only took her keys with her to the classroom. I did this too, until the day I heard that her car had been stolen from a campus parking lot.
At that point i made a decision that Thoreau would have applauded. No purse.
In the future we will be able to lock and unlock our cars with pre-programmed laser thumbprint readers. An iris scan will provide our credit/debit information for making purchases. Our medical profiles and even instant access to electronic communication will be sent through tiny microchip implants.
. . . And I'll bet women will Still carry purses.
Comments
LOL, Shell, I quit carrying that dang thing aound years ago (Maybe, Cindy, that was about the same time I hit menapause and didn't need emergency tampons?)
I have one of those neat little "offices" 5X8 inch, holds daily planner, address book, plastic, license, money, pen, and I can even squeeze in a tiny notepad. It has a cell phone pocket on the outside. This is handy for from home to stables and scheuling riding lessons, etc. And I have learned to tuck it in my armpit while shopping. But, lots of times I just stick the keys and the credit card in my pocket and go.
Not everyone can do it-- i'm not suggesting that everyone should. Moms with young children need a purse. Most of my clothes have pockets for hanky and cell phone. Luckily, i don't need any meds, and menopause does make life simpler.
Gosh this was fun, Rochelle. I have many jackets and coats with deep pockets and I too rarely carry a purse--unless I'm going on a real excursion or it's high summer and i am jacket-less, I guess I shoulda leave the tiara at home too eh? Thanks for a delightful romp through the history and lore of handbags.
I do not like to put things in my pocket, so having a purse is essential for me. Also, I like to make decorated purses of my own design, so for me it is a hobby and a passtime. I guess that makes me too girly, but it is just who I am. However, I respect those who choose not to carry a purse, I just know mine is essential. However, I think women's lib is also about the decision to wear a purse or not wear a purse if you want. I actually like to wear skirts quite often and many women think I dress up way too much, but I just remind them part of women's lib is the right to choose what is comfortable and right for you. This is an interesting topic.
Yes indeed, SweetiePie, it is all about having a choice. When I am traveling I sometimes have a 'fanny-pack' that also doubles as a purse. I have gone so long without using one that I have become accustomed to traveling light.
For young moms-- it is purse, diaper bag, tote bag-- and sometimes something else. ... most of it is necessary.
My personal theory is "less is more"-- whenever possible or practical. All in all, I'm sure you recognize that this was somewhat in fun. I have a neighbor who tried my system and found that she had to pay $20 to get into Yosemite (we live nearby) because her lifetime pass was in her purse.
You always have to have your essentials.
Thanks for the comment.
I love purses. LOVE 'em. I don't care if there's nothing inside, I don't care if they weigh more than I do... I have a 'thing' for purses. And I can laugh at this thing I have, which is why your hub appealed to me so much. It is funny that I would carry around something for pretty much no reason at all. I'm still gonna do it, though.
Yes, Maylinda-- some people alway will. It's a personal, Choice. I can't go into a grocery store without pushing cart-- even just for a few things.
Love the hub, but I'm not swayed. I might NEED that food processor.
Rochelle! I'm sorry to say I need my suitcase... the bigger the better. My kids always tease me. A few years back they got me a bottle of handsanitizer in the shape of a kitchen sink. That was the only thing that was missing. Come to think of it, Em's comment made me realize I'm not complete yet I do not have a food processor in my bag... Oh dear panic is slowly setting in
Love the hub regards Zsuzsy
As long as there are people like Em and Zsuzy around , I'll never have to worry. I can always borrow the food processor in a pinch. I just regret that you will never know the freedom of purselessness. It's better than going braless.
I've tried to give up my purse - or at least downsize to a small one with room just for my cigs & drivers license - but my husband always hands me all of HIS stuff to carry!
See, that's one reason I don't carry one.
I do declare, i think I am the first man in the world to ever read this hub. I feel like I snuck in the women's dressing room! Women's purses baffle me. Most of the time women don't even seem to know what exactly is in there, and God forbid a woman asks us to get something for her out of her purse. It's a jungle in there. Thanks for a great hub.
I think most men misunderstand the purse concept, and the peculiar attachment women seem to have to them. It's no use trying to get husbands to try to get women to go pureless-- because then they would have to carry their own stuff.
Thanks for reading, Cristoph.
Hi Rochelle,
Alas, I still carry one, but I have tried to downsize the overall size of the purse. I do often, though, have the same thought when shopping, which is 'wish I didn't have to lug this thing around'. I remember when the kids were growing up, between them and my own mom, I ended up with all kinds of stuff jammed into my purse. I hated it, but did I stop to think, gee, why not ditch it for the next outing, or at the very least, bring a smaller one. But even that didn't work, as long as there was a thing the kids didn't want to carry, Mom found room for it.
I've also bought those super-duper organizer purses that are so popular. That didn't work either. Once I put everything in its proper place, I couldn't remember which pouch held what. So then I went back to the bottomless pit types, and those drive me crazy as well. As Chris mentioned, I surprised even myself at some of the stuff I felt I had to carry around.
Oh! and I was very happy to read that you need to push a grocery cart no matter the size of the order. I'm the same way! Even if I'm just getting a gallon of milk, I need to push the silly cart. My daughter thinks I'm silly :)
A very interesting, fun hub. Thanks for sharing!
Rochelle- Btw I always look for the store name tag when I want to seek help..hehe. I have one of the organizer type of purses. Nice techno gadgets may come.But you are right "women will Still carry purses"....LOL
Im going to have to get my girlfriend to read this, since I always end up being a babysitter for the thing too.
Next step, encourage sensible shoes!
This could have been a fun op for a sidebar explaining corsets -smelling salts and "fainting couches" in victorian culture
LOL Great hub, Rochelle. I've always thought many of the accessories women feel they need are just pushed on them by marketers.
Christoph & sunforged - My husband actually supports my carrying of a purse. First, I NEVER ask him to hold it for me. Second, it's a handy spot to keep HIS stuff. Third, if he needs a tissue, or gum, or money, I've got it.
It also works to my advantage. If he's away for business for more than three days, he generally brings me a present in the form of fine leather goods. The man actually has pretty good taste in Coach.
Thank you Trish. I think moms probably do need a purse, and I agree that too many organizer pockets defeat their own purpose, plus they usually add to the weight of the purse.
Thanks, countrywomen, yes people need to look for the badge. I sometimes forget to remove my nametag when I have been volunteering in the museum-- and then go shopping. Maybe that was it, after all! Organizers are good, I think -- as long as they are small.
Sunforged-- good luck. Most women are just too attached to their purses. I wouldn't think of asking my husband to hold mine -- if I had one. Another one--sensible shoes (I have those too, wouldn't you know) I'll think about that hub.
Sterling Sage-- you may be right about the marketers (don't tell Misha) but I think it just a habit that has lasted for generations.
Em don't you think he should be responsible for his own stuff? You are making him dependent on you. Oh well, I know better than to try to convince some people :) We all have different needs . Also, dont you know you can make a coach out of a pumpkin? >grin<
I have a handbag (which is what I think you mean by purse? I'm learning to speak American on hubpages....)
When I'm working, I need a bag because you can't put much stuff in a suit before it hangs wrongly.
When I'm out and about with Isaac, I definintely need one (-:
But to free my hands up, my normal handbag is a small black leather rucksack. It has my purse (for money, credit cards, etc), mobile, keys, packet of tissues, mascara and lip gloss, and a couple of pens.
Your use of a handbag (we call it that, too) seems proper and necessary. As I said, children need things.
Thanks for the comments.
What a great hub! Fabulous topic, fabulous cause to root for! I hate carrying purses. I lose them repeatedly. It's awkward to dance with them. At restaurants they usually go on the floor, ultimately getting food on them. I stick my card and licence in my bra or a pocket and I don't have to worry about anything. I do own purses, mind you. There are occations when you just really want them. But I never like to feel tied down to a purse. And because men's clothing is so filled with hidden pockets inside and out, if I'm with my husband, I make him carry anything I need to bring with us. And that settles that.
I think you have completely understood my theory, Frieda.
I've tried not to carry a handbag or shoulder bag. I try to keep the contents to a minimum. But I just love them. The smell of leather. Good leather. And I like to have an assortment of pens, of different color inks, because -- well, because you just never know when you're going to have to grade a paper, or need a sharpie, or want to write on a whiteboard. And pencils. And of course I need a small notebook. And my electronic dictionary that has the compact OED in it. And my iPod.
I've tried, I really have. And then I go into a store and see a Hobo(TM) and I swoon. . . .
A writer without a pencil and notebook is no writer.
I've never understood the need for an iPod, either-- but there obviously is one.
I've been saying this exact thing for YEARS!! No matter WHO designs it nor how much money is paid for it, it is still DEAD WEIGHT!! There is nothing attractive about a bag hanging off a woman and it contibutes to her overall appearance of heaviness. Whats more, the currently stylish large ones are a chiropracter's dream, they are TERRIBLE for your posture and spine. No ones needs all that crap everywhere they go, a clutch wallet and keys in hand or in a jacket pocket has served me well for many years. Keep things you might need while going out in the car. And for these men who hand you their things to carry, how about 'This is YOUR stuff, I'm not your pack animal' and hand it back so they can put in THEIR pockets or better, leave in the car. Be sensible and move lightly.
And by the way, researchers have found that the underside of a woman's purse is one of the filthiest things on the planet, partly because of womens' habit of placing them in the baby seat of a grocery store cart, think diaper leakage. Ewww!
I havent carried on in years, myself. I'm afraid if I went back to the practice, I would be so out of the habit that I would be constantly leaving it beind.
My kids are grown, I won't carry around anyone else's stuff, I know exactly what/where everything is in my well organized (and giant) bag; and (to the person who noted how women's handbags are dirty on the bottoms) I watch where I place my bag and clean it regularly. As people can probably guess, by now, not carrying the trusty bag is just not an option for me. (I don't even carry around all my make-up, just a few touch-up items).
I like the look of a lot of bags (although I tend to stay with one per season most of the time); and I prefer to stay away from leather products. My point is I apparently have a fairly different set of "handbag values/opinions" from many other people.
Having said all that, I just like having one and not worrying about taking wallets and keys out of one set of pockets and moving them to another, every time I change and/or leave the house. All my stuff is all in the handbag and ready to go at any time; so I never forget or lose anything.
I have to always have a comb and mini-hairspray (because of hair type), wallet and usual cards in it, keys, cell phone, hand sanitizer, breath mints, and touch-up make-up - so I figure, "why not add a lot of other handy items and call it 'having everything I could possibly need'". Based on the struggles of some of the guys in my life (with their many belongings), I think guys ought to carry bags too. :)
People will alwys come up with good reasons for carrying, I won't try to convert anyone, but it is not for me.
I just love this hub!
I had a friend who had to undergo rotator cup surgery because of her heavy shoulder bag carried for years.
When I was working in S. Korea I was able to go purse free -this is because I had a suit made in Bangkok and unlike here in the US the (fabulous fitting) suit jacket has sleek pockets inside the jacket so I could slip in emergency money, my cash card, and a train card if needed. Further, my door lock was electronically programmed so no keys. The pants had deep pockets. In the US men get these benefits in their suits but because women are constantly told they are FAT!!!!! - they buy pants without pockets and jackets can't have a bulge so no sleek inside pockets. Good grief.
I seldom carry a purse now but I sub too and bring a sandwich and a few odds and ends - so I have one bag I just throw things in and get out in the a.m.
By the way in S. Korea if a woman is out with the family and needs her hands to be free, I saw so many dads carrying her purse. Happily.
Alas we are the consumer nation and women have been taught to buy shoes shoes shoes and then handbags - which we fill with all sorts of responsibilty - our responsibilities and needs don't stop when we step outside.
Shoulder straps have been proven to throw off our balance, and disrupt circulation causing brain fog - but... well, we are women so we have to do what society tells us about accessorizing. (I'm gagging while I say that).
Great hub! It's time to effect some change here! Thanks!
Filling our handbags with responsibilities-- yes, that is an interesting idea.
Learning to live without one is very freeing, and it's really just a matter of deciding what is really necessary. I rarely buy any clothes that don't have pockets. I'm especially happy when I find a vest that has inside and outside pockets, with some zippered. I've even considered those fisherman or photographer safari vests-- but that's going a little too far even for me.
I had an ultimate pleasure reading this hub, as any of your writings. Just loved your points. Growing a “tomboy”, I developed love for clothes with pockets. Like, “what is this jacket for, if there are no pockets in it”? My pockets were always full of rocks, coins made flat by a street car, stamps, acorns, what not….
I am a “womanly” woman, but I still prefer clothes with pockets. I carry a purse (a small purse) just when it is really needed. A small purse just with my money wallet (purse), a cell phone, and the keys, well, a lip balm. But whenever possible, I put those in my pockets. I like to feel free.
I like the way you think.
By now, if I started carrying a pocketbook again, I would surely leave it behind somewhere.
Thanks for reading.
OMG, this was hilarious, and so very much apropos what I wrote about women's handbags! *g*
"Look in your purse now, Better yet, dump the contents on the floor and throw out everything you didn't even know was in there." I can see a few saying, "all right, I forgot about carrying a pacifier, but what if I get pregnant again?" *L*
Thanks for visiting, Buffoon. As you might have seen in the comments women are usually totally against, or adamently for, the idea. I think we are right on this one, usually.
I really enjoyed your ideas on the subject.
Reading this I feel so embarrassed. I tote around a handbag full of (1) a cologne (2)makeup (3)pens and notebook (4)hand sanitizer (5)nail clip (6)comb and brush (7) junk (8) junk (9)more junk.
The truth is when I put my lip gloss on I rarely touch up. I don't usually spray cologne on after I leave the house or do a manicure while on the road. The only thing in the purse I may really need is the hand sanitizer.
The first commenter seemed offended, but if you are diabetic or have some other ailment that needs constant attention by all means take your medication with you. Most women know their bodies well enough to know when they will need a tampon...so it all comes down to common sense...when to carry a purse.
Thanks Rochelle, I really enjoyed reading this one.
One more thing, the Victorian women needed the hanky to drop at their feet so the gentlemen would pick it up and return it, then they would have a secret affair or something...saw that in a movie
Thank you, Cardisa, for the comments.
If you are used to carrying a handbag, it's good to give the idea of purslessness some real thought before trying to go without one. Sometimes they are necessary.
ah this is wonderful! I am 21 and have NEVER carried a purse... I don't own a single one. It's good to know that there are others out there.
I think you are very sensible. Yes, there are a few of us.
Interesting... I have a cute little Coach strap that I have started carrying around in place of a handbag, but ... I miss having my "stuff."
I guess I just need to get out of the mindset of needing a purse.
Some people do need them-- these are just my (sometimes silly) reasons for not.
I've recently switched to just carrying a wallet that is just big enough for my cards, money, lip balm and iphone. On occasions where I need something bigger, I can throw it into a bag. It dangles easily from my wrist and I love it. It's a bit hard to let go of all that crap I lugged around, but I'm mostly going to and from work, so I keep extra makeup and other "necessities" in my desk at the office.
I love not having that huge weight on me all the times. My husband is definitely on board with the no bag concept, so if I do need him to carry something for me, I'm sure he'll be willing to put it in his endless pockets.
I applaud you for discovering your new freedom. Pockets are great-- especially if you husband has them.
Now...if all of my clothes had nice roomy pockets, I just might try this. When I think of what I use most...the keys, money, kleenix tissues, an occasional refresher with lipstick and sunglasses make the list. I carry a cell phone but rarely use it. If I wish to photograph anything, my camera is then added to the purse. I can see already that I will probably never be able to totally give it up unless my hubby can also carry some of my "stuff" in his pockets as well. Nice thought, however!
I like pockets. As I probably already mentioned, it would be hard to adapt to a purse again. I'd be certain to leave it behind. Thanks again, Peggy.
I carry a purse only when absolutely necessary or when I am wearing something that has no pockets. I would take one to work because I'd have my Kindle, my lunch, my keys and my wallet in there. In winter I have a ski jacket that has an inside pocket, I put my Kindle in there along with stuff I might need like my debit card.
Thanks, UW. Yes, it's probably easier in Winter when you have a jacket pocket. Some travel vests with pockets are light enough to wear in summer, too.
Interesting perspective. For me the purse attachment seems to be mainly psychological. For most of my life so far I've lived in either a dorm or with my family, so the sense that "my important stuff is HERE and it isn't going anywhere until I decide otherwise" is important to me. It also provides something to fiddle with when someone is trying to eye-contact me for a prolonged period of time and something to occupy me if I end up stranded somewhere like a waiting room or a social gathering. I'm a hobbyist writer/artist, and the sensation that "I could at least be doing concept sketches for Story X if I had my stuff with me instead of standing here picking my nails while I wait for Friend/Relative/Driver Y to finish telling Acquaintance Z her life story!" is truly maddening. I am the kind of person who is literally at risk of kicking a dent in the wall from that kind of frustration.
Also, most of my clothes lack pockets for some reason. X_X
But I get the feeling my psychology is unambiguously abnormal, and most women do not have the same problems.
If it saves your sanity it IS important.
And, no, not abnormal. After all, don't you see more women "carrying" than not? I think us purseless ladies are the odd ones.
Cindy 3 years ago
You have never had a need for a tampon or pad while shopping?
You have never needed to have a candy bar for your diabetic condition?
You have never needed eye drops, nitro or any type of medications?
You have never had a cold when you just might need a hanky or tissues?
You have never needed hand wipes before eating out?
A women's purse is her safety net in an effort to prepare for all emergencies.
It is similar to a carry around pantry stocked with emergency supplies.