Do you still carry a purse? And if so, what’s in it?
Yesterday I shared a little about my recent trip to the antique store {I’m on the hunt for vintage galvanized gardening supplies} and yada yada yada…
OHAM reader Cindy told me I needed to carry a blacklight flashlight in my purse so I could:
- Pick up the green in uranium glass {something I’m not collecting}
- Pick out patched areas on walls {interesting}
- See newer repairs in old textiles {something I’m also not looking for}
Well thank you Cindy!!! It’s always funny to learn something new. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Fact: Cindy is a personal property appraiser.
But Cindy’s comment about the reasons why I should carry a blacklight flashlight isn’t what caught my eye in her comment. It was that she told me I should carry it in my purse that made me stop and re-read her comment.
A purse? Do people still use those? I haven’t carried a purse around for nearly 20 years.
If I had one I don’t even know what I would put in it.
When I leave the house I have just two things in my pocket; My phone and my teeny tiny wallet that holds a couple of credit cards, my identification and a few bucks.
If I’m wearing a coat it would have a Sharpie and a tube of Chapstick in the pocket.
That’s it!
Maybe I have a little too much MacGyver in me. A purse? I don’t need no stinkin’ purse.
So now I’m curious. Do you still carry a purse? And if so, what is in it? If you didn’t carry one around would you feel lost without it?
~Mavis
Erin says
I never even thought about it before, but I do carry a purse – well, a small Fjallraven backpack/tote combo. I have chronic illness, so I have to carry medications & my prescription sunglasses & readers (I can’t wear progressives or bifocals so I have to carry around two pairs. Call me granny in my 40s). And then my keys need somewhere to go, but that’s only a key fob & one house key. My wallet is tiny, & I have the old, small iPhone (hanging on for dear life because I don’t want the big phones they make now!). If it wasn’t for the chronic illness stuff, I’d never or rarely wear a purse. I am one of those people who constantly carries around a water bottle, though, even at home. I drink my water all day long.
Tamara says
What I carry in my stinkin purse: billfold, sunglasses, house and car keys (I don’t always have my chauffeur with me), note pad and pen, wipes, handkerchief, chapstick, fan, small brush, smarties and cough drops, phone, pepper spray, handgun. It is a small/medium crossbody purse that I switched to when I began using a cane. If you don’t need/want to use a purse more power to you; some people need/enjoy a purse.
Anna says
I have a fanny pack that holds my wallet and other essentials, like headphones, keys, and lotion. it goes around my waist so I can’t forget it 🙂
Nancy Settel says
Yeah I am still old school medium size purse with wallet that has money and credit cards and insurance cards and ID in it. Also some meds I might need (just in case) glasses, phone, lipstick, keys to both house and car. About 40 bazillion register receipts (just in case I need to take something back – which I never take anything back). Oh and a couple of pens.
Julie V says
I still carry a purse. It has a pillbox with a day’s worth of meds, glucose tabs for emergencies (diabetic), face tissues, throat lozenges, sugar substitute packets, a spot treatment for clothing packet, small flashlight, keys, wallet, coupons, small phone book, phone, ink pens, paper/notes on errands or groceries. Sometimes I toss my IPad in there too or a book to read if I know I will be waiting somewhere.
Karin says
I definitely need a purse. I carry my wallet including ID, credit & debit cards, cash, insurance cards, Costco card, AAA, etc…, phone, sunglasses, reading glasses, keys, ibuprofen, chapstick, a pen, ear buds…, I’m impressed you can go out without one.
Katy @ Practical Walk says
I don’t go anywhere without it, except walks.
I have:
– Wallet
– phone
– ibuprofen
– tissues
– sunglasses
– pen or pencil
– glasses (in case I drive at night)
– usually some jibblity trash, like gum wrappers and an old grocery list
Barbara says
I have been trying to downsize what I carry to stop needing a purse, or at least get a much smaller one. Would love to know more about your tiny wallet because I can see times where I would be able to just grab my keys, phone and wallet as well. I have been on the hunt for a wallet just as you describe.
J in OH-IO says
“Maybe I have a little too much MacGyver in me. A purse? I don’t need a stinkin’ purse.” LOL- love this comment!!!
I do still carry a stinkin’ purse on occasion for: bottle of hand sanitizer, packets of wet wipes hand sanitizer, pack of Kleenex travel tissues, Burts Bees chapstick, lipstick, mints, foam earplugs for concerts, glasses case, feminine supplies, a very old falling apart (embarrassment to my family) leather wallet that is the perfect size for my pockets so I refuse to use the new wallet I bought to replace it).
Depending on where I am going I pack in my stinkin’ purse: a small Bible, packets of Gatorade, Propel, and lemonade for bottled water, snacks (protein bars, granola bars, rice cakes, fruit snacks, yogurt covered raisins, trail mix nuts and fruit packets) and quarters! My Mom always made sure we had quarters to use for pay phones to call home back in the day when I was a teen- LOL! Now quarters are for Aldi grocery carts and parking meters at DD college.
EVERYDAY I use a holster style phone case that goes on my belt loops lengthwise with a magnetic clasp that holds my phone, a few credit cards, library card, Healthcare cards, AAA card, and dollars sorta like a very slim fanny pack. (I know I am old not having my phone in my back pocket with apps for some of those cards), but I love the holster phone case and it works for me not having to carry a purse if I don’t need, too.
Fashion Rant: pockets in women’s clothes are not deep enough to carry our phones fully in our pockets!
I always crossbody my stinkin’ purse to keep my hands free to carry stuff and to hold hands with my HH. I liked this question because I have in the past wondered what people do with their wallets, cards, etc. but now with almost everything on a phone digital wallet I can see how people just carry phones.
Curious how many stinkin’ purses people have if they do carry them. My Mom buys a new stinkin’ purse every few years and even has seasonal purses. I have two stinkin’ purses a very old Coach leather one I’ve had since high school and a straw one.
Ok, come to think of it there are a few special beaded wedding/prom or black velvet with rhinestone stinkin’ purses at the back of the closet just in case they are needed. LOL!
Dawn says
I have more purses than I ever thought I would because my friends and boss (I get a new purse every Administrative Assistants Day) keep gifting them to me. I’d rather spend my money on other things so I used to only buy a purse when the last one was worn out. Thus, all the gifting.
Tracey says
Wristlet here! + phone sized crossbody when I travel to keep me hands-free. (I have always wondered what you carry when you are walking around on vacation.) I will admit, however, that I keep a small canvas bag in my car with all those odds and ends that used to be in my handbag. My Epiphany was when I went into the office one day without my bag and realized that the only thing I missed all day long was my debit card for lunch.
Lesley says
I don’t carry one either and I wish women’s pants had deeper pockets for this very reason!
Jamie says
Yes & much like the comments above, I carry everything. It’s like a survival bag. Where do your keys & snacks go?
Kim says
I’ve never used a purse for daily life. I have a small wallet that I bring whenever I’m driving as it includes my insurance cards, back up credit card and cash. All other times, I have my phone – the case has a flip compartment that has just enough room for my driver’s license, credit card and $20 bill. I will use a purse when traveling internationally.
Lana says
No purse for me for about ten years. A couple of weeks ago I cleaned about twenty out of my closet and no more purses for me.
Funny thing- my grandpa grew up poor and never threw anything out and used my grandma’s discarded purses for tool bags. Many a time I saw him working on the car with purses full of tools spread around on the ground. It was hilarious!!
Amanda says
Your comment made my whole week! So funny and so awesome!
Kathy Wolfe says
My grandfather did that also!
Sbk says
I carry a small crossbody bag everywhere with the usual, plus medication for emergencies. I commute into Boston on the T, so I need essentials (badge, office keys, T pass) in one spot always! I also carry a backpack to work with my laptop and lunch, but the crossbody bag keeps things accessible.
Sue says
I wear a crossbody bag, with all my personal essentials, to keep my hands free. There is an outside pocket on the bag for my phone.
My daughter doesn’t carry a purse. When we are out shopping, she is constantly asking me to carry her wallet and phone. One of those ‘forest for the tree’ things, I guess.
I don’t care if you carry a purse or not. It’s not a flex in either case.
Laurie says
I use this Uniqlo bag-highly recommend! It’s light, colorful, roomy and inexpensive. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E481610-000/00?colorDisplayCode=59&sizeDisplayCode=999
Dawn says
I still use a stinkin’ purse. I prefer a crossbody so I don’t carry as much but the purse I’m carrying now is a small tote sized.
My purse has a pen, multiple tubes of lip stuff, my kindle, my phone, my wallet, medication (chronic illness), sunglasses, reading glasses, a small tube of sunblock, hand cream, sanitizing wipes and my car key fob. I put electronic locks on my doors so at least I don’t need to carry house keys anymore.
Once upon a time I was the person who would buy a purse and use it until it was worn out. I still rarely buy purses unless it’s something that catches my eye but one of my friends gives me a new purse every few years for my birthday and my very generous boss gifts me one every year for Administrative Assistants Day so I now have more than I know what to do with.
Rosemary says
I have a backpack type purse. I carry lots of stuff! Medications, first aid stuff, hairbrush, wallet, eyeglass repair kit, sunglasses, pad, pen, phone, keys and a backup drive (with my laptop backed up on it). If I leave the house and something happens, at least I will not lose all my info (I do not use the “cloud”). Also, I have medications with me for a couple of days should something happen. I would rather be prepared than not be. (PS: I live in an area that has hurricanes and tornadoes – if I have to leave quickly, I just grab my backpack)
Stacey says
Hi Rosemary, we think alike. I’m in the desert rather than tornado country, but I view my little backpack purse as a preparedness resource. Lots of little things in it that save the day sometimes, and peace of mind when they stay packed in. It’s easier to grab when I’m heading out the door than having to think about what I will need and carry items individually.
Jam says
love my purse I have a Lululemon and I paid a pretty penny for it and it’s my favorite ever. it’s sturdy and washes easily, it’s small and a cross-body so I have my arms free. Inside it, I carry a zipper wallet with my cash and cards, my car keys, phone, tampons, hand sanitizer, chapstick and sunglasses. Sometimes I will put ear buds in there too.
Katherine says
I have a small crossbody cellphone “purse”. It holds my cell phone, credit cards, cash, ID, a pen, car key, Chapstick, reading glasses and it can still easily fit a protein bar. I upgraded from a wallet similar to yours and found that I really like this crossbody much better.
Pamela says
Of course I carry a purse. I don’t carry a bottomless huge tote/purse that was in style 10 years ago but I need things when go out so I carry things in a bag when I go out. The thing is I don’t expect everyone to be like me. If some people don’t carry a purse, carry that huge thing I mentioned, carry a tiny cross body or anything in-between more power to them. No judgment from me. My only rule is, except for a family member, if you chose not to carry a purse don’t ask me to carry your extra’s in mine.
Marcia says
My purse has my wallet. Sometimes phone and car keys. That’s it. My wallet is bigger though, cuz I’ve got stuff in there, like insurance cards..
Meg says
I do carry a purse. Mine is from Saddleback leather and it wears like iron. Something about the photo of your wallet, Mavis, makes me think that it, too, is from Saddleback. Think leather, the stitching, the color.
Teresa Young says
Why do you carry a Sharpie in your coat pocket?
I’m picturing you correcting grammar errors on signs.
Jean C says
During covid I switched to a small Baggallini backpack purse so my hands would be free. It’s washable and has multiple zipper pockets. I have my keys on a carabiner that I sometimes snap on the purse so I don’t have to dig around for my keys (a trick a friend shared with me).
I have 3 “adult” purses for when the dress code calls for something a little snazzier (wedding, nice restaurant, travel). I no longer carry a big purse.
I carry my wallet, phone, readers, lip gloss, tissues, a mask, a small brush, ibuprofen, ear plugs, a couple pens and a very small notebook. I also have a credit card size “tool” that has several small gadgets for emergencies. I often have a to do list and coupons in my purse too,
CPMass says
I’m a pocketbook girl. I recently upgraded to a travel one w/locking zippers and reinforced straps to deter pickpocketing. It’s machine washable, w/a strap inside for a mini flashlight- very handy. I carry a small amount of basics, but enjoy the extra room in a medium size pocketbook in case I need to shove paperwork or whatever in it until I get home.
tia in boise says
I have a “travelling” crossbody nylon purse that is just big enough to carry my phone, ID, some cash, credit cards, and passport. It just barely holds a tube of chapstick and little hand sanitizer, too! If I’ve been travelling “recently”/lazy–that’s what I have–but it’s usually shoved under the driver’s seat.
I have a slightly larger crossbody with wider strap–bit longer than my hand and about 2 inches wide. It holds my phone (unless that’s shoved in my bra) and credit cards, ID, cash, and CHECKBOOK and pen and chapstick. It also goes under my car seat!
I could never carry a larger purse like my mom carries–she keeps Kleenex and a wallet and a hairbrush…if I had a big bag, I would just have to rummage around to find stuff!
Denise says
My phone case and key fob is all I usually carry in a pocket. The phone case holds my necessary cards and some cash. I keep other of the items others mentioned in a small bag in my car. If I do need a purse I prefer either a crossbody or a backpack style. Need to have my hands free and I don’t want to take a chance of getting .my purse stolen. I see lots of women leaving their purse in the shopping cart and not paying attention to it. Not a good idea.
J in OH-IO says
Denise, I am SHOCKED as well to see women leaving their purse in the cart and NOT paying attention with their backs turned away or walking half way down the aisle away from the purse in the cart!!! I resist the urge to say something all the time as it probably wouldn’t come off as caring and concerned as I intend it to be.
Sherry in Sumner says
I have a strap that attaches to the outside pocket of my purse. It also has a clip on the other end. When I use a grocery cart, I bring out the strap, loop it through my purse handle, around one of those metal things on the cart near the handle, and clip it back to a metal thing on my purse handle.
Judi Y. says
A year ago I wanted a dark brown purse. I fell in love with one online. I ordered it and when it came it was soooo heavy. I threw everything in there and it almost rips my shoulder off to carry it but I love it and all the things I carry in it allow me to be prepared for things that will never happen. Some of us are just nuts.
Joan says
I still carry the black Coach Hobo I bought in the late 90’s and it looks as good as the day I bought it. In it is a pad and pen, stylus, my cell, an inhaler, chapstick, brush and wallet.
Susan Williams says
Nope, after a back injury several years ago, I stopped carrying one and never went back. I carry a large, zipped wallet with a wristlet strap. And sometimes just take my ID & credit card out and put those in my pocket. Can’t imagine going back to a purse.
Jennifer B says
Day to day I have my phone with a small wallet attached for my id + credit card, reading glasses and car key fob. When I travel I keep them all in a small cross body bag just large enough for them plus my iPad. Its very freeing to not carry so much stuff!
Angela D. says
I carry a different style of purse to fit the occasion.
My everyday bag/purse has gotten larger over the years, especially now that I carry a water bottle. I could never leave home without my large sunglasses in their hardshell case, as well as the following:
Wallet, slim, no change or cash (usually) and about 7 cards: license, a few credit cards, and medical insurance card.
Lip balm, Kleenex, current Costco sales flyer, various restaurant coupons and grocery store coupons, less than 20, combined.
Pantyliners, a tampon or two, a small package of moist bathroom wipes, and even a fresh pair of panties in a Ziploc bag! I usually have about 20 squares of toilet paper from home, too. Fool me once– UGH!
Certainly my iPhone MAX takes up a bit of room, along with my key fob and house key, and the keyfob to my husband’s vehicle, too, in case we switch cars.
I always have ibuprophen, gas-X, Tums, etc. -just a few tablets of each kept in a smaller container, and my special migraine emergency prescription med.
Also: a hair tie and hairbrush, nail clippers and crystal file, a few toothpicks and flossers, and several lozenges. In this large bag I keep an organizer that I found off of Amazon for around $12– no more digging around in a deep dark purse! This allows me to fit my water bottle upright between the organizer and tall side of my bag with no shifting or spills. I’ve even placed a fountain soda with no problems.
Living in Wisconsin, it’s nice to be able to fit my Winter gloves and scarf
in my purse upon entering a building.
I know this all sounds heavy, but I have often found other women’s bags to weigh more, on the rare occasion that I might be handed one, or upon offering to help carry something.
For serious shopping, (antiques and thrifting) I use a small crossbody to keep my hands free and avoid knocking anything off of shelves with my bag if I’m in a tight area.
Cindy, I definitely always have my blacklight flashlight! — but more times than not,
I am using it to light up dim corners of antique stores. It’s less cumbersome than managing my phone’s torch. Hopefully, I’ve remembered to stop for actual cash, which is often a safer bet for Mom&Pop shops, garage sales and whatnot.
For special occasions such as a nice restaurant or theater show, I try to carry a smaller purse with just essentials: lip balm, Kleenex, pantyliner, phone, hairbrush. This is the only time I might try to match my purse to my outfit.
My entire life, I’ve never been able to carry anything in my pants pocket.
It drives me absolutely bonkers, feels like my pants are
being pulled down on that side and I’m walking lopsided!!!!
Or the item (library card, usually) keeps working it’s way up because
my pants pocket isn’t deep enough.
I can carry several folded Kleenex in the breast pocket of my
barn coat when doing yardwork, but nothing else.
And that’s my whole story.
xoxo
JulieP says
This is hilarious, I have two handbags a small navy blue leather one that I’ve had for over 30 years and it is a little shabby but it holds my purse (I’m in England) that’s what I carry my cards change and not money in, a tissue, a lip balm, my phone and usually a pack of paracetamols and Rennies (indigestion) and my keys after I’ve locked the car. Then there’s my now retired work handbag which holds everything else for any emergency far too much to mention but room for snacks, iPad, medical supplies/small first aid, dog treats, a couple small bottles of water which I throw in the car if we are travelling out of our local area. Habits are hard to break at 65, but my daughter who is 35 doesn’t carry a handbag. She has her phone and some £5/£10 notes tucked in the back for emergencies! However, their old Land Rover is actually full of stuff as they have a3 year old so that really is a giant stinkin’ handbag! 😉
Amy says
I’m with you! No purse for maybe 10 years. When I do think I need to carry one, I don’t have enough to fill it. I use one of those pop sockets that has a “wallet” attached that magnetically sticks to my iPhone. I was a purse collector. Just this past week I finally donated the last of my purses to the thrift store. I was always thinking I’d need them but nope- hands free ! Never going back to a purse.
Gigi says
Nope. No purse. I have my phone and an attached magnetic wallet. I always wear jeans or shorts with pockets. I got rid of the purse when the kiddos no longer needed a diaper bag.
Lori says
I don’t carry a pocketbook either. I would set it down and forget it some where. Been there done that. I have my phone with me always. It has a small wallet attached to it that holds a couple of cards, ID, and a few bills. It has everything I need.
Cyndi Parido says
I don’t use a purse either. For at least 20 years also. The only time I will break out a purse is if I’m wearing a dress with no pockets. That only happens about 2-3 times a year. I’m so glad to have gotten rid of the purse. I feel much safer without my whole life, (phone, credit cards, Id, checks, etc.) hanging on my arm.
PS It might be a Northwest thing.
Elaine N says
I’m a hands-free girl and if I’m having to carry my phone, it’s not hands free. I always use a cross-body because… hands-free. I prefer small Bagellinis with the wallet as part of the purse. I’m using an old Hobo now that’s my favorite but like me, it’s aging.
Kirsty says
Yes I carry a handbag, which I wear bandolier style to keep my hands free
It contains my purse with money and cards, mobile phone, sunglasses, notebook with shopping list, pen, spare sanpro because I’m a Mum, house keys, car keys, spare fold up shopping bags as no shops give free bags, token for supermarket trolley,
When the kids were little, I kept an emergency nappy sack for “Mum I feel sick” moments
Sarah says
I haven’t carried a purse in probably a good decade! I’m not even sure what I’d put in one. I use my phone for 99% of everything, I haven’t carried cash since before covid, so I also don’t even carry a wallet with me. Before tap to pay, I carried around a very small coin clutch that was big enough to hold just my license and citi credit card.
Annette says
I need a purse for my key fob, hand sanitizer, cough drops, etc. Smallish cross body so I can catch myself when I fall 🙁
Amy says
Like a few others, I have to have my epipen and puffer and need a bag(backpack, purse, tote of whatever) So it additiona I have a wallet, cell phone, notebook and pen.
Elizabeth says
I do carry a purse and will probably until I either die or stop caring about fashion (which, to me is worse than dying). I agree with you on a lot but the fashion aspect is something we must agree to disagree upon. I need my Lady Dior, LV Capuchin, and bottega veneta bags. They make life a little bit more whimsical and fun. Here in Texas we don’t have the luxury of beautiful gardens so we make do with beautiful shoes and accessories. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make life bearable at 110 degrees.
Sherry in Sumner says
My Vera Bradley medium tote is like an appendage. It’s got everything I might need. And yes, I probably look like a bag lady but at 76 years old, I don’t really give a rip.
Mallory L. says
Love all these responses – it’s always so interesting to learn about what works for some, and doesn’t for others.
I’ve got a “nesting dolls” approach to a “purse” personally.
If I’m just popping out to the store, errand, etc, I just bring my phone, which has my licenses and credit card tucked in the back. Keys I will either hold, or if I’m lucky, put in a pocket (50-50 shot on that). I have a little lanyard on them, so can tuck into a waistband as well depending on the pants.
If I need to be more “hands free” I put my phone and keys in a small black coach purse (Goodwill Bins score). It’s quite small, single handle. It also has a chapstick, pen, and any giftcards/insurance cards.
If we are taking a longer road trip, or will be out and about all day, the little black purse fits in a larger Vera Bradley bag that has a few extras like Tylenol, lotion, etc. This all stays in the car.
We have a toddler, so there is always an extra bag or two for them (because if you don’t have it, you will need it!). Plus we keep a small tote with trash bags, paper towels, wipes, sanitizer, and basic medical supplies in each vehicle.
And finally – in the day to day of going to work, I carry a medium size backpack for my laptop, notebook, etc – little black purse rides inside.
Cindy Brick says
Two more reasons the blacklight flashlight comes in handy, Mavis — it shows up bugs (inc. bedbugs in hotel rooms), and urine stains. If Lucy has an accident and it dries, you still have a chance to scrub that area. It probably shows up other gunky stuff, but I know those two.
I personally do not wander the world, pointing my blacklight at stuff…but it has come in handy at thrift shops and antique stores. (And yes, I do collect ‘vaseline’ green glass. It resells well, too.) Thanks for mentioning my profession, girl!
I generally carry a small crossbody leather purse…unless I’m on a gig (i.d., wallet, etc. goes in my briefcase) or traveling out of the country. Then I put i.d. and important stuff in a body wallet, worn under the clothes. I’m curious, though — if you don’t carry a purse, where do you put your i.d., checkbook and credit cards?
Magen says
I still have littles, but have now entered a season where I can downgrade from a diaperbag to a purse just big enough for my essentials (phone, wallet, keys, chapstick) and emergency baby wipes, small toy and snack. It’s nice not needing a large bag anymore.