I grew up not wanting to carry a purse around, because I felt “prissy” and awkward enough as it is, especially going through puberty. I would use my sweatshirt/vest pockets and backpack. Middle school I found a simple wallet that housed my cards, money, and coins perfectly. I still use it to this day, 25 years later! It’s leather and held well, you can see in the picture below.
In high school, my sister and I got a pattern and material to make our own purses! They were bucket purses. She used hers up until it was ragged and needed to be thrown away. I kept mine in good shape and used it when I needed it. Later on in my 30s, I upgraded it to a zipper with pleats, and made a metal hole to put comfortable straps on. Yet, it got bulky and didn’t work for me anymore. I have it saved for my kids to play with.
I was also impressed with the fanny pack because it can be functional. I found one on our trip across the country in 2006 and wore it over my shoulders before everyone made it a trend! At the time, I felt too self-conscious so I got rid of it. It is practical because over the shoulders it’s super easy to go to the bathroom, and it’s under your arms at your chest so it’s harder for pick pockets to get at it.
In college, I only carried around my ID badge on my neck and my first portable phone. I had jeans then, so it worked out!
At work, I brought my bucket purse and a lunch box. I tried a few different things over the years. Tote, backpack, new wallets, nothing seemed to work.
Now, I have learned a little more about what I want/need when it comes to bags/purses. Everyone has their own way of keeping their bags. I have a friend who carries her house with her! My mother keeps a bulky purse with the things she’s carried with her all these years. Some girls bring a wrist bag. To each their own.
I have decided I want to keep my phone, wallet, and keys on me at all times as they are important. Then I will have a tote of some kind to house my see-through first-aid kit, sunscreen/bugspray, sunglasses, tissues, water bottles, diapers, wipes, gum, notebook with pen/pencil, baggie of bags, baggie of napkins, fan (for line dance) etc. These things you can replace if it gets stolen. So I have that tote and little bag now:
The little bag is the best I can find as of right now, but it still feels like it’s “in the way.” So I can either get a fanny pack again or try a utility vest! Stay tuned!
So I have also learned that I don’t care for boxy, bulky bags. I like soft fabric that can mold to you (that’s kinda hard to find!), which is why I kept my homemade purse for so long! Also, I need to see my lifestyle to fit which bags I need for which occasion right? I do have an envelope bag for weddings, my small bag is for quick errands, my tote (or a bigger tote) is for when I bring kids with me for most of the day.
So judging from our past, what feels good for us intuitively, we just need to find the bags that work for us!
