Some of us carry the same tired handbag day after day to avoid having to switch out our essential items. The downside of this is that extra items from receipts to old lipsticks find their way into the bottom of your bag never to see the light of day again.
Swapping over bags is actually an easy way to spice up your favorite outfits and elevate your style to the next level. The only decision you have to make is which type of purse you want to use.
Okay, maybe it's actually not that simple. After all, there are countless different designs, styles and variations of purses out there. Knowing where to start can be a bit daunting if you don't know what to look for. To simplify your decision, lets break down 2 of the most tried-and-true purse styles, clutches and handbags.
Clutches
The clutch purse rose to fame in the 1920s and has been donned by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marylin Monroe. It's cute, it's compact and it's stylish. These purses are best suited for low maintenance types who really only need to carry around the bare essentials.
Pros:
1. Lightweight and Low Maintenance
The clutch purse is pretty tiny. If you're the type of girl who only needs to bring along your phone, money, keys, and perhaps a tube of lip gloss, then you don't need a big, bulky bag swinging around your hip. You can easily fit those items into a cute, compact clutch purse.
2. Less Stress on Shoulders, Neck and Back
Carrying around a big, heavy bag all day can put a lot of unnecessary stress on your body. Lighten the load with this little cutie.
3. Contemporary and Cute
A clutch purse is a great way to make a fashion statement. It's stylish, contemporary look makes you feel sleek and sophisticated. You also have the option to match your clutch with your shoes or outfit. If you’re wearing all black, you can suddenly get away with bright pink shoes when you also have a bright pink clutch.
Cons:
1. Not Hands-Free
One of the clutch’s biggest drawbacks is the absence of straps. This means you can't hook it over your shoulder or on your arm and forget about it; you have to consciously carry it around.
2. Easy to Forget About
If you're as forgetful and easily distracted as I am, it’s only a matter of time before you put down your purse and walk away, leaving your essential belongings at the mercy of kind hearted strangers who noticed your faux pau.
3. Not Ideal for Outdoor or Standing Events
A clutch purse is best suited for a restaurant or bar setting where you can sit down and put it on your lap or next to you on the table. Standing events or functions that require a lot of movement aren't the best places for clutch bags. If you've ever tried to juggle your change into your clutch while paying for a drink at the bar, you'll know what I'm talking about.
Handbags
When you think of a purse, chances are your mind will conjure an image of a classic handbag. And trust me, there's a reason why this style has become a staple. Let's dive in.
Pros:
1. Fits All Your Essential Items
If leaving the house with only the bare minimum frightens you, then you're better suited to a handbag. This style of purse is large enough to fit pretty much anything and everything you’ll need while your away from home.
2. Timeless Style
Handbags aren't a cliché, they're a classic! If you want a cute purse that will never go out of style, then the handbag is the pick for you.
3. Durable
The handbag's style isn't the only thing that's going to stick around for a while. These babies are built to last, especially if you opt for a real leather bag.
Cons:
1. Can Get Heavy
The ability to carry all of your necessary possessions doesn't come without a cost. If you tend to overpack, then you run the risk of putting some unnecessary stress on your back, neck and shoulders when the bag is full.
2. Too Casual for Evening Events
Handbags are better suited for daytime events, like shopping, running errands or going to work. They're a practical choice for a practical woman. You hardly ever see bulky purses out on the dance floor at a club. It’s not their domain.
3. Swallows your Belongings
While having extra makeup and other items at all times is a pro, it's all too easy for your things to get jumbled together while you go about your day-to-day routine. Hunting for that one specific tube of lip stick amid the chaos is frustrating, to say the least.