The Handy Handbag

It's used for lipstick stashing, cell phone holding, car key cramming and wallet hiding. Ladies and gentlemen may I introduce to you: the purse. Attractively priced, it comes in a wide array of colors, shapes, sizes, and uh, smells. That's right! Available in any color in the rainbow and then some, and shaped in every design possible, you can find purses resembling a fish to a purse with a million zippers. Although not always a fashion statements, purses are practical as well as pretty.

Handbags have been essential to fashion history ever since people have had something precious to carry around with them. Only the items have changed over time. In the 16th century, handbags took on an air of practicality. These purses or satchels were carried by men and were often made of leather and held together with a drawstring. In the 17th century, women started carrying handbags underneath their clothing, sort of like pockets. By the 18th century, a reduction in the amount of underclothing worn by women started the trend of a 'must have' handbag. Wearing a bulky, leather purse would ruin the look of their clothing, so fashionable ladies started carrying handbags called reticules which were very similar to the handbags men carried, only smaller and made with a printed fabric instead of leather.

The term "handbag" first came into use in the early 1900's and generally referred to hand-held luggage bags carried by men. These were an inspiration for new bags that became popularized for women, including handbags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments and locks. With this new fashion, jewelers got into the act with special compartments for opera glasses, cosmetics and fans.

Without this essential fashion statements, all the little important things would be left at home. The errands wouldn't get done and the keys would never be found. Without a purse, life would be complicated.