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Carrie,
A: Dear Carrie, And usually, the bigger the bag, the bigger the problem. The more room we have in a purse or tote, the more compelled we are to throw in the full contents of our makeup bag, our cell phone and pager, the latest Patricia Cornwell novel we're reading and a snack for later. And if you are a mother, oy vey!, who knows what matter of toys and snot rags might wind up in there. Unappetizing as it sounds, it also looks quite unfashionable for a smartly dressed woman to be rifling through her bag searching for a business card or change for a soda. Why take the trouble to craft a pulled-together look only to broadcast disorganization with a cluttered purse? The designers of accessories have heard the sighs and have stepped up with handbags that are both fashionable and well organized. These bags are stylish, unlike the first of the organizer bags that appeared several seasons ago and were basically credit card holders with hard leather straps. Today, these bags from Nine West or Kenneth Cole, Jennifer Moore or Dooney & Bourke come in soft leather or durable and fashionable nylon or vinyl. They typically come with slots for your credit cards, business cards and driver's license; a key fob onto which you hook your keys; and compartments for pens or lipstick. But increasingly, these organizer bags come with a lot more. For example, Kenneth Cole's Essentials collection – which comes in tote, backpack or flap-over styles – includes a matching wallet, a smaller handbag and an umbrella.
"We've built in all of those essentials so you don't have to think about it," she explains. Calegari adds that the Essentials line has been so well received, the designer has expanded it into other areas, among them a small wallet with handles called the Grab and Go. Another product in the line is a smart diaper bag that comes in black or brown nylon and has a bottle holder and changing pad built in. "This bag is so functional that mom and dad will carry it," Calegari says. "Even after the baby grows up, you can still use it." For women who need a dressier look, try a large, black tote in which you can carry umbrella, the morning newspaper and even your lunch; tuck a smaller handbag into it for carrying around once you've reached your destination. DKNY (nylon) and Dooney & Bourke (black leather with matching black trim) both have stylish black totes that aren't so large they become a hazard on the Metro. If you want color, check out Jennifer Moore's organizer bags, available at Macy's, that come in palettes just right for spring – lavender, turquoise, yellow and lime as well as navy, black and taupe. The purses have a key fob, a matching checkbook and several credit card or identification card slots. These bags will help keep all your necessities neatly arranged, but you must do your part. Don't stuff the credit card slots with ancient receipts or sticky notes; keep your bag free of yesterday's lunch and be sure to use the key fob each and every time. If you take your umbrella out to use it, fold it neatly and replace it in the proper compartment. These bags are trendy, rugged, stylish and a godsend for the busy woman. But they can't perform miracles of organization. That part is up to you.
© Copyright 1998 The Washington Post Company Back to the top |
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The front pocket stores umbrella, mini shoulder bag and wallet.
(Courtesy of Kenneth Cole Inc.)
Kennth Cole's Reaction diaper bag in 100 percent coated nylon has a bottle holder, changing pad and pouch.
(Courtesy of Kenneth Cole Inc.)