Must-Have Handbag Styles

Must-Have Handbag Styles
8 Purses Every Woman Should Own

From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

Handbags come in all shapes, styles, colors and fabrics. When building your handbag collection, be sure to look for these essential styles. These different types of handbags are defined by their shape as well as how they are carried (handheld, over the shoulder, crossbody, etc.). Check out these must-have purses that every woman should own.

Office Handbag
Your handbag for the office should be well-constructed and not too flashy. It should be medium to large sized--big enough to carry your essentials but not much more. It should have organizational pockets inside and out for easy access and convenience. A neutral color is the best in smooth or patent leather. Leather satchels, bowlers, shoulder bags and totes are ideal. This B. Makowsky leather bag is just perfect. This handbag is priced at $368 from Nordstrom

Weekend Bag
A roomy weekend handbag is a must. Select a tote bag, shopper, oversized hobo or large satchel. This should be the biggest bag that you own but it shouldn't so enormous that it overwhelms your body. It should be large enough to hold a simple change of clothes and your toiletries. This bag should have both interior and exterior pockets for convenience. Play with color, textures and prints. This bag should be durable--you never know where the weekend might take you.

This extra large convertible satchel from Juicy Couture is a fantastic option. With its adjustable strap, you can convert it into a crossbody bag. At 21 inches wide, it will hold everything you need. This bag is available at Nordstrom (Buy Direct) in three colors, priced at $228.

Everyday Satchel
This should be your go-to handbag for everything from dinner with your parents to a daytime date. A satchel has short handles and the top can have a zipper, snap, drawstring or buckle closure. Your everyday satchel should be medium-sized with high-quality construction. You can experiment with fun colors and patterns, but realize that you are looking for something that will work well with most of your wardrobe. The domed satchel is a popular shape right now. If you want to splurge on a designer bag, the Chloe Astoria (pictured here in pollen yellow buffalo leather) is a classy option. You can order this satchel from Neiman Marcus (Visit Their Website) and other top department stores and boutiques.

Casual Shopper
This versatile purse is perfect for shopping trips. It should be fairly large and definitely roomy. Instead of leather, pick a shopper in canvas or cotton to make it light and easy to carry. This soft body bag needs to be durable enough to get enough to get knocked around. This coated canvas shopper from Dooney & Bourke is a fun choice with its cheerful duck print. Get it now at Nordstrom for $195

Slouchy Hobo
The hobo comes in all sizes from small to oversized. If you only have one hobo, make it medium to large in a slouchy rather than structured style. Hobos are recognized by their distinct crescent shape. They come in leather, suede and just about every other fabric. For spring and summer, pick up a colorful bag like this Tarnish printed cotton hobo. This handbag is priced at only $68 at Nordstrom

MY THOUGHTS

second to shoes, i have a thing for bags, too. until i openedmy closet one day and all the bags fell on me. they didn't hurt one bit. but i realized i had too many bags. i stopped buying. but then, friends and family know i love them. so, i get them as gifts. 2-4 new bags a year is certainly better than 1 new bag a month. guess what? with all the bags i've amassed i can;t find that perfect weekend bag. it's always smaller or bigger. maybe i should change my packing habits, too.