Purses - johana leon    I am obsessed with purses. I always get excited to buy a new bag whether it’s a tote bag, mini purse, handbag, or a crossbody. It has become a hobby for me to buy purses. They all look different and can be an expression of who we are or how we are feeling. I started collecting bags about two years ago. I now have 11 bags in total.  My bags are either from the brands Tory Burch, Kate Spates, or Marc Jacobs. I was motivated to start this collection when I watched the show Gossip Girl. Two of the main characters were two rich girls who bought Chanel bags or Hermes bags for fun. I love Chanel bags but I can’t afford them. I also love Tory Burch handbags because of the elegance they give off and they fill the void of not having a Chanel bag. One day I aspire to have a collection of Chanel handbags. I don’t think my collection is necessary to gain happiness. Yes, I love collecting bags but I don’t idolize the collection either. A lot of people think it’s a waste of money. The way I see it though, It’s kind of an investment. I take care of my purses very well. They’re on display in a bookshelf. I maintain them clean and organized. One day If I need money, I can just sell them. I probably won’t get the same amount of money I paid for, but Tory Burch isn’t cheap to sell under $75 dollars. Especially if you get limited edition purses. People who collect purses don’t care how much money they spend as long as they get the bag. It’s kind of like an art painting. 

    Purses aren’t just trendy, fashionable items, they are helpful, they support, and supply. Society claims that purses are a status symbol and that they make a statement but they are necessary to carry our belongings so that they don’t get damaged, lost, or stolen. Purses are hard to hide or avoid. They’re usually on our shoulders or in our hands. Bags in general are very important for human civilization since they allow us to carry more than one item. They are also useful when we find new provisions or items so that we may take them back home. An example would be the grocery store. We are able to take groceries back home because bags keep them from getting damaged or lost. There are all kinds of handbags and purses for different occasions. Even men carry bags. For the gym we might use a backpack or duffle bag, for work we might use a tote bag or an elegant purse, for school a backpack, for church a handbag. There are also bags that can be used for all these locations. An example would be the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag. It is the perfect size and doesn’t seem too elegant or too basic. It is perfect for the gym, school, and work. Overall, purses and bags are very helpful. We don’t have to carry ten items in our hands before leaving our house. We don’t need eight hands to carry everything we need. A bag will help us stay organized and we no longer forget our belongings because they’re all safe and sound on our bags. “Carry your dreams” is an accurate slogan because you can carry your favorite bag and all your favorite items in your purse. Usually the most popular purses are the handbags and crossbody bags. The crossbody prevents you from getting tired because you carry it on your shoulders. It is also harder to lose a crossbody bag. Investing in bags will make your life easier. 

    The “mini purse” is very different from all the other purses. They are elegant, classy, and smaller. Mini purses have my heart. They are my favorite bags because not only are they cute and little but they’re easy to carry around. Mini purses are only used for special occasions since you can’t really carry much in them. They are often worn by rich women or models. Mini purses usually put an outfit together. They are used for fashion and not to actually carry stuff. Many argue that mini purses have no purpose and that they aren’t helpful but according to an article called, “Is the Mini Bag Trend Impractical or Fashionably Convenient?” it states that mini purses are more for fashion and not to be used as an actual purse. It is made for creative expression. This gives me the certainty that mini purses won’t ever go out of style. I own two mini bags and even though my phone is all that fits inside, I still use them. My mini bags don’t cost $600 like the JACQUEMUS infamous tiny Le Chiquito mini purse, but they still look luxurious. I only use my mini purses for special occasions where I only need my phone. I wouldn’t take a mini purse to the gym or school because nothing would fit and also because I wouldn’t want to damage them. Mini purses do bring your whole look together and it does create expression. They are fashion icons. 

    Purses sometimes might become a want instead of a need for many women, but a tote bag is actually a need for everyone not just women. Like I mentioned before, bags are useful to carry all our items since we only have two hands and we cannot carry everything. My tote bags are the bags that I use everyday. I rely on my tote bags because they’re big and spacious. The mini purse was more of a fashion item but they’re not necessary or helpful since they cannot carry much. Tote bags, eliminate the need to carry multiple bags. They are perfect for a busy day. You don’t have to be switching bags since everything you need will be in your tote bag. Tote bags can be used almost anywhere since they’re not too basic but also not too fancy. You can use them for work, church, school, shopping, traveling, and even for carrying groceries. The thing about tote bags is that they don’t have to be stylish or aesthetically fitting because we use them for their capacity. Usually when I travel, I always take my tote bag because since you are only allowed to take one personal bag in your lap, then why not choose a big purse. Fashionmantra, an instagram user once captioned her post with “Who needs a therapist when you've got a tote bag that fits your entire life?” and I couldn' agree more. However it is important to note that tote bags are not for every occasion. You might want to avoid large bags if you are going to a formal event. Tote bags are also good for the environment. They’re reusable and durable. Tote bags reduce plastic waste that harms the environment. Another advantage about tote bags is that you don’t have to take care of them the way you would with a luxurious purse. Tote bags are not made out of leather and don’t get scratched or damaged. Either way, tote bags are supposed to look bulky since we use them for their capacity so they don’t require proper care. This shows how every bag is necessary for different occasions or situations. 

    Every time I carry one of my handbags I remember how hard I worked to get it. I would like to grow my purse collection but I also refrain from buying a bag if I know I’m not doing well with finances.  I love my bags and would love to continue buying more bags but like I mentioned before, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell them or give them away. I don’t idolize them either. It is something I do because It makes me happy and I am able to do it. I collect purses but with responsibility and self control. My bags make me feel more confident and feminine. I can’t go out without one. I always chose a bag depending on my mood. The size of the bag is also important when choosing which one to use. If I’m going to school I would probably grab a tote bag. If I’m just going to the store I will probably just grab a mini purse. Purses are helpful in so many ways and can aren’t just for fashion. 

Works Cited 

Kliest, Nicole. “How to Properly Clean Your Handbag to Keep It in Great Shape.” Byrdie, 11 Dec. 2023, www.byrdie.com/properly-take-care-of-your-handbag-455003Links to an external site..

Ellison, Robert, and Robert Ellison. “Handbag Slogan Ideas - Boon : Best Logo Maker for Your Needs.” Boon : Best Logo Maker for Your Needs - Create professional logos instantly with Boon. Elevate your business identity in minutes., 17 June 2024, blog.boon.so/handbag-slogan-ideas.

Feldzamen, Sylvia. “How Are Reusable Tote Bags Good for the Environment?” Envi Reusable Bags, 30 July 2024, www.envireusablebags.com/blog/how-are-tote-bags-good-for-the-environment#:~:text=Tote%20bags%20have%20gained%20immense,are%20good%20for%20the%20environmentLinks to an external site..

Lan, Alan. 10 Reasons Why Bags Are Essential for Your Wardrobe!!! 3 Nov. 2022, www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-reasons-why-bags-essential-your-wardrobe-alan-lanLinks to an external site..