It’s a sad fact that the story of my life can be told in the handbags I have owned. In my trendy youth I carried a tiny, trendy beaded pouch. As a student I switched to practical- but-cool leather rucksacks. Through the years I gained a degree, a husband and children, and a larger handbag... much larger.
The amount of stuff I lug around now is scary. Make-up for starters (who knows when I may run into Johnny Depp at the post offi ce), a mobile phone (which hadn’t been invented when I was a teen), spare tights (me), spare pants (toddler), tissues, baby wipes, a set of keys that would put a prison offi cer to shame, a purse of gargantuan proportions (though sadly lacking in cash), a notebook and wi-fi - enabled tablet, assorted pens, spectacles, and several of the cast members from the latest animated fi lm. I bet I’m not unusual either.
My life is in my over-sized bag, but while fi ne for everyday purposes, when I go out in the evening I face a dilemma. I know my outfi t would benefi t from a petite, chic clutch, but which bits of paraphernalia can I do without for four whole hours?
It’s tempting to grab my normal bag, but I know I’ll regret this when I spy more elegant souls clutching their diminutive designer numbers. So for all of us who struggle I have devised a defi nitive and minimalist evening bag contents list…
Lipstick / gloss: An absolute must to keep your pout looking perfect throughout the evening. Compact mirror: Useful for quick make-up adjustments and contact lens emergencies. Coin purse: Ditch your usual purse with its useful pockets and pouches, for a dinky coin purse in which to keep your cash for the evening. Mobile phone: They’re so tiny now they hardly take up any room, and most double as a camera which is handy. Blister plasters: These special plasters are life-savers when breaking in new shoes and, even if you don’t need them, they’ll make you very popular when others are hobbling. Mints: Whether you’re single or part of a couple, if you’re hoping to steal a few kisses under the mistletoe, keep your breath fresh throughout the evening. Don’t forget: Your house key. You don’t need to take the whole bunch, just remove the one you need.
And the bag? With evening bags anything goes. But
whether it’s sequins and sparkle, buttons or bows, funky or sophisticated, your bag should make a statement. Now go and bag some fun!
78 To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
Bah! Handbag!
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