Big Bags - A Soliloquy

Jan 08, 2008 @ 2:50pm

Everyone - mainly the New York Times followed by the Wall Street Journal's usual lag - is worried about the effects of big bags on women's backs and shoulders. Yes, this could be a problem. But I'm kind of worried about the women who carry small bags - where do they put all their stuff?

I've carried a big bag around for as long as I can remember (or at least as long as I haven't been carrying my red Jansport), and I never thought its size was a trend so much as a necessity.

It currently holds my wallet, two books, my Moleskine calendar, two Moleskine notebooks (one big and one small), W, orange juice, an apple, endless pens and Lipsmackers, my new pink lipstick, a water bottle, some gold bangles, a hat, a sweater, the black tights I just bought, my iphone, my ipod, my keys, my Kiehl's cucumber lotion, and a lifetime supply of bobby pins. These are all things that I need everyday when I leave my apartment early in the morning and don't return until bed time.

The only girl I know who actually carries a small bag on a daily basis is Natalie. She's 1/4 my size and so is her bag.

I asked her where she puts all her stuff and she said, "In college, I carried the most ridiculously huge Puma bag everywhere - by the time I graduated I had serious back problems - so now I carry my little leather bag from a market in Florence, and I just hold my notebook in my hand. If I have to bring more stuff to work I'll bring it in a shopping bag."

So that's why women carry shopping bags with their lunch and their shoes and their books? Because they carry small bags?

That sounds backwards - the only way I'll abandon my duffel sized handbags is if I don't have anywhere to go for the day, or if I ever stop reading/using lotion/writing/drink juice/you get the point.

How big is your bag? Or, how many bags do you carry?

posted by queendistructo

Jan 08, 2008 3:22PM

I usually carry a HUGE bag- one that would had been considered an overnight bag to previous generations, but now blends in with the other immensly oversized purses out there.

It was huge and eggplant and almost YSLish...

Until my boyfriend bought me an amazing Marc by Marc bag for our 3 yr ann.

It looks medium sized, but I can fit a ton in there some how. This morning I had my makeup bag, wallet, sunglasses in their case, can of soup, greek yogurt, small tupperwear container, cell phone, Lucky magazine, business cards and digital camera. It doesn't look overstuffed and I feel like it's teeny.

posted by Joluwole

Jan 08, 2008 3:26PM

I agree. Carrying a large bag is for sure a necessity when leaving your house for 8 hours or more. Lets be real here, There is no way you can stay fresh and well put together with out carrying ALL necessary objects to refresh your self throughout the day and possibly night!

posted by oui_oui

Jan 08, 2008 3:29PM

I live for over-sized bags, it's always been like that for me. Over-sized clutches, over-sized bags, over-sized sweatshirts, over-sized coffee mugs. I love the space and comfort. I bought an expensive designer bag that wasn't very large and I absolutely could NOT manage with that purse. I only wore it a few times which is a shame. Currently, I carry the Marc by Marc Jacobs North/South patent utility bag and it's so spacious, I love it. Even if I'm not carrying a lot, it's still very convenient. Usually, I have my phone, classic iPod, wallet, keys, bottle of water, mints, make-up case, and sometimes I'll throw a scarf in if it's cold. I do use small bags, cute ones that I can wear on the side if I have to run a fast errand. But overall, I love my over-sized bags.

posted by rachael

Jan 08, 2008 3:30PM

HUGE.

I need my laptop, power cords, calculator, work documents, big spiral notebook, small steno notebook, planner, magazine/book, water bottle, granola bars, pens/pencils/highlighters, phone, ipod, keys, wallet, makeup bag, flats, multiple chapsticks, sunglasses...I'm sure there's more.

posted by Emily

Jan 08, 2008 3:33PM

Hmm, my bag is medium sized cynthia rowley, and contains:
sunglasses and case
a large wallet
makeup bag
a book
my cellphone
cigarettes and a lighter (I know I know...)
my ipod
a water bottle
but I also have to have space for school notebooks..

I also have a smaller multicolor mark jacobs I can fit all that in. To be fair I leave things I might need but probably won't, like sweaters, in my car during the day. So I don't have to stuff them in a bag.

posted by shinyredthermos

Jan 08, 2008 3:48PM

i mean...is one big bag any worse than multiple smaller bags?
people need stuff.
maybe if someone made a back pack that was a little more chic we wouldnt all have crooked backs/tennis elbows.

posted by nadarine

Jan 08, 2008 3:50PM

There was a discussion about this on Jezebel yesterday (http://jezebel.com/341605/huge-bags-hot-chiropractor-bills-not)
to which I essentially agreed with Britt: if you're leaving the house at 8 am and returning sometime after 9 pm, a big bag is a (bulky) necessity. Current (giant) purse contents: 1L water bottle, 2 tupperware, ipod, phone, notebook, moleskine, checkbook, wallet, sunglasses in largeish case, sweater, flats, comb, lipbalm, lip gloss, nail file, mirror, purse-hangy-thingy, pens, flash drive, mail.

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 3:51PM

That's ludicrous! Do you really need to be equipped for natural disaster everytime you leave the house??

I carry:

A wallet
Keys
Cell phone
Ipod
A Pen
Lipgloss

Girls these days look ridiculous weighed down by all this stuff. And it's suprememly annoying going out for dinner with one of these people and having to squish into a booth with their larger than life purses!

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 3:57PM

omg-- love the boyy bag picture with the post!! shopbop just got new ones!! yipeeee! thats my boyyyzzzz

posted by chartreusegirl

Jan 08, 2008 3:58PM

I carry a big bag, but it's normally pretty empty* -- that way I can add to it if I take off a layer or run to the store. I absolutely hate adding to our plastic bag collection if I don't have to.

* Empty being one binder, lotion, wallet, cell, keys, ipod, beverage container (water/coffee), thumb drive, tons of pens. The big concession to my shoulder pains has been leaving the laptop at home and consolidating school notes into a single binder when possible. It seems to be working, which sadly means I can't get away with asking for as many back rubs.

posted by mpw

Jan 08, 2008 3:59PM

My bag's only medium-sized, and I find it can hold everything I need for work and going out afterwards. But I usually end up lugging manuscripts, rain boots, and other crap around in a tote bag, too.

posted by nadarine

Jan 08, 2008 4:07PM

3:51 guest-
yes, that's all fine if "leaving the house" means "coming back in under three hours". But what about when you leave the house and are actually gone for 12+ hours, and I dunno, might need to read something from home/ pay bills/ eat something that's not overpriced takeout/ layer and de-layer at work, depending on the AC setting?

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 4:16PM

I think its pretty impossible to carry a small bag for day if you live in nyc or any major city where you don't have a car. I could get away with a little purse when I lived in the 'burbs, because I would leave all my other stuff needed for the day in my car.
i really don't understand all these girls who carry shopping bags full of stuff rather than just using a bigger handbag..

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 4:22PM

A big bag, but I always take it to the shoe repair guys when I first buy it and have a very very long shoulder strap put on it, so it hits low hip, or I can wear it across my body when I'm on the train, or my shoulder gets tired.

posted by Ryan

Jan 08, 2008 4:23PM

I got a fabtastic big bag as a gift and use it all the time. It has most of my life in it and therefore, gets pretty heavy. I'll switch to a smaller bag for evening, though.
As a former massage therapist, I have seen the effects that larger bags (and their contents) can have.
I have suggested to clients switching sides as often as possible to distribute the weight more evenly.
For some, I suggested using a smaller bag but most felt that was akin to lopping off an arm.
I generally recommend that if you are carrying the bigger bags, see a masssage therapist at least once a month , if you can. Really. It can help ease the pain and revent future muscle imbalances and postural problems when you're older.

posted by porscha

Jan 08, 2008 4:27PM

've carried larger bags for quite a while now. since high school. i wouldn't know what to do without one. i basically carry the same things everyone else does...keys, wallet, book, makeup, pens, water, etc. yes, somedays it seems like my big bag might kill me, but i'd be lost without it!

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 4:37PM

@ Nadarine:

This is 3:51. And to answer your question I often leave the house at 8 am and return around 9 pm at the earliest. First, you don't need to reapply makeup. Once is enough and anyway natural is more beautiful. Second, I keep a pair of heels at work and only commute in flats. I keep one laptop at home and one at the office. Last, I always throw a sweater around my shoulders or a pashmina/large scarf around my neck. If i need it, i have it, if not, why would i lug it around all day?

Simplify simplify simplify.

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 4:45PM

One can carry a large bag without causing bodily harm- dont fill it all the way. What makes me cringe are the women who carry multiple bags… you know the type- gym bag AND purse AND lunch bag AND those misc plastic bags from leftover carry-out food places. Looks horrible and painful.

posted by Kara

Jan 08, 2008 4:55PM

I feel naked without my giant bag. I need a lot of things on a daily basis whether I'm gone for five minutes or 18 hours. Although my latest bag is such a shame...my brother gave me a huge...:sigh:...Betsy Johnson... bag for Christmas. And he was so proud of it I couldn't bare to tell him how tacky and awful it is. So if you're in Boston and you see an otherwise stylish girl carrying around a giant patent leather Betsy Johnson bag...please don't mock me.

posted by oui_oui

Jan 08, 2008 5:01PM

Oh yeah, I forgot to add Nature Valley peanut butter granola bars, Havianas, a book (currently, Lolita by Nabokov), and a ballpoint pen to my bag contents lol. I do feel like Mary Poppins sometimes!

posted by haleygrrrl

Jan 08, 2008 5:05PM

I had a LARGE tote that I used to carry my books to and from school.
However, after freshman year my shoulder couldn't take anymore.
I've ditched that bag since then, but I still carry a tote (that's on the larger size) along with my backpack.

I'd rather carry a larger bag than worry about not having something because I didn't have enough room in my purse.

posted by lentil

Jan 08, 2008 5:12PM

I am with chartreusegirl on this one...

A few weeks ago I pulled a medium-sized Gucci hobo from several years ago out of my closet. I thought I would use it for a few weeks but found that I could only fit my standard things inside. I like a little "legroom".

My everyday bag is large (Lanvin Kentucky), but it's not heavy (canvas) and I don't fill it all the way. I like to be able to put purchases in it or toss my scarf inside when I need to peel a layer off... or my gloves... or some water...

In the same breath, if I am just going out for drinks I will gladly grab a smaller bag or clutch that will fit my Blackberry, ID, cash and some powder and lipstick.

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 5:23PM

I like a medium-sized bag for everyday necessities with a little room for random purchases. I will bring a smaller shopping bag if I tote my lunch to work - I've had way too many food and beverage disasters in the past!

posted by hannah

Jan 08, 2008 5:39PM

I'm still in school, but as far as bags go, I bring all my stuff in an L.L. Bean backpack for practicality and comfort, then transfer it to a largish tote bag to carry to individual classes. I'm worried about my shoulder, though, because I always carry it on one side. Some people use regular big handbags (mainly hideous faux Chanel) to carry their books, but personally I don't know how they stuff all their binders in. When I'm going shopping I usually just bring this small black purse with a big bow on it that I got for like $12, and it fits my money, lip gloss, and cell phone, which is all I need, though sometimes it does get annoying when I want to take off, say, my sunglasses.

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 5:52PM

I just wear whatever bag goes with my outfit... at night its always small or an oversized clutch. But during the day... if I cant fit it I dont bring it...

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 6:12PM

I can go either way depending on what I'm up to but generally for commuting I like to keep my load light so I'll leave what need for work/school at the office. However in defense of people who use shopping bags with their nicer purses, I use do this if I have to carry shoes or food around because I don't want to get my nice bag dirty and who gives a crap about a paperbag that would be trash otherwise.

posted by beccaeve

Jan 08, 2008 6:38PM

I usually have a medium sized purse and a cute tote bag/briefcase-ish thing to carry the computer, notebook, and magazines. This became at habit in college when I stopped using my backpack. I get to carry two cute bags this way, and I can leave the large one home if I don't need it.

http://fashionmefabulous.blogspot.com

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 6:50PM

I am pretty tiny so overly huge bags look a bit ridiculous on me. Plus if you really load a large bag, it's so laborious to carry! I'd imagine it would damage your back. I never realized how much stuff people carry in their bags. I carry a medium and usually just have my cell phone, blotting papers, pens, paper, and my novels for class with me. I only wish I had a bigger bag when I'm desperately trying to shove my small laptop in my bag on certain mornings.

posted by Modupe

Jan 08, 2008 8:05PM

My friends talk about me all the time because i carry bags that are huge. They always hold an extra pair of heels, a water bottle, a pair of flats, either a pack of Starburst or a Twix bar,whatever book or magazine i'm reading, my cosmetic bag, an organizer and the rest of the stuff i need for school. But i need to survive and with those things is the only way.

posted by glttergrl3890

Jan 08, 2008 8:12PM

As much as I'm over Hervé Chapelier bags they are still the most practical thing to carry for school (for those that are older, the day that you start middle school - usually 6th grade - a backpack becomes a thing of the past, at least on Long Island...). I tried to switch away from it and nothing holds up as well or fits as much stuff. That being said, my back kills from it all the time. Back in middle school I got a stiff neck and had to take vicodin from the weight of everything in it, that was 6 years ago. Just the other morning I accidently left my bag on the passenger seat of my car and it made the seat belt signal go off. There is an occasional textbook but I don't even bring home binders! I take everything I need for homework out of my binders in school and take home worksheets and what not in an everything folder - so what is making my bag so heavy? My phone, ipod, wallet, camera, planner, pencils/pens, moisturizer, tide-to-go, bandaids, random art supplies, magazines, photo paper, negatives, an outside reading book, and food - lots and lots of uneaten food that i've taken for snacks and then just don't want during the day, as well as (empty) water bottles. Do I need all of this? NO. But what am I supposed to do when bored in class - I'm a senior, I already got into college early decision. And the sad thing is, I get away with using all these distractions during the school day, even in my AP classes.

When I go out on a normal occasion I almost always have to use a tote - where else am I going to fit a polaroid or my 35mm camera. I can't imagine not using a tote, how could you prepared for what you may face during the day without everything in it!

Can we bring back whats in my bag?

posted by gen

Jan 08, 2008 8:18PM

for work, i have a tote with my laptop, my makeup bag, travelcard, phone, purse, pins, keys, lipbalm and a pen. maybe a book as well. i really ought to get a decent laptop/travel bag, or at least a big squashy bag large & sturdy enough for my damn macbook, but i'm lazy and hate spending a lot of money on bags, especially when i know unless i spend £300 the handles will probably fall off. bags, to me, are a thing you get at second-hand stores for £15 and treasure until they break. then you get another one.

for weekends/nights out, i get by easily with a medium sized clutch [with a tuckaway-able gold chain] - travelcard, phone, lipbalm, pen, pins, tiny drawstring purse and the decanted essentials of my makeup bag - powder, lipstick/pencil eye pencil and a concealer. i couldn't be arsed with something huge, i'd just fill it with more crap and do my shoulders in.

posted by sydneyt

Jan 08, 2008 9:15PM

I think that once you start carrying a huge bag, you can't go back. I keep my cell phone, ipod, make up, sunglasses, notebook, a magazine (currently nylon), always a book (currently a marie antoinette biography), my camera, a water bottle or two, a granola bar, a calculator, my day planner, a hairbrush, my wallet, and altoids in my purse. It's a lot of stuff but I don't see how I could get by without any of it. But carrying multiple small bags seems silly to me.

posted by poppy

Jan 08, 2008 10:42PM

It's a bit ridiculous but I NEED a huge bag. Right now, I'm carrying a huge Chloe bag to hold my makeup, Iphone, camera, pens, a notebook, gum (like 5 packs), my wallet, many shades of lipstick, planner, keys, tylenol, photo album, sketchbook, portable set of pastels, a pair of flats, and a sweater dress.

posted by Lindsaysue12

Jan 09, 2008 12:17AM

I have that HUGE Devi Kroell for Target bag. I carry my life in it. Right now it contains...
.Two sketch pads I use for taking notes
.One folder
.3 water bottles, all empty
.One banana
.My wallet
.My Moleskin datebook a la 2007...I need a new one
.My ghetto phone
.The current Teen Vogue
.Makeup bag
.Keys
.A few pens/pencils
.2 chapsticks
.Black ballet flats for work

Funny story: Last Christmas my aunt was questioning my big bag. She said it reminded her of my grandma's bags. She noted that one time she took my grandma's bag and her arm almost fell off. She asked "What the HEdoublehockeysticks do you have in here?!" She pulled out two cans of soup. "Why do you need two cans!?" My grandma responded "Well...you never know when you're gunna want vegetable beef or chicken noodle!"

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 1:07AM

I am a big bag wearer && I recently purchased the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Pretty Nylon Tote" because it was cheap, durable && HUGE. I carry all my books plus the other ridiculous things I feel the need to lug around. LOL the bigger the bag the more stuff I find to put in it. I heard Judith Lieber say "All a woman needs in her purse is lipstick && a $100 bill"..... I wish.

posted by arcane

Jan 09, 2008 4:33AM

My bag is pretty huge. I don't always need all the stuff I carry, but I'd rather have it just in case. When you leave your house super early and have work and a 6 hour class and any kind of social activity...you need to carry your life in your purse.

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 7:05AM

I feel so akward when I transfer my things into a smaller bag if I am going out with friends, so I usually just carry my large bag with a smile. I am a graphic design student so I have to carry a number things with me along with my purse which is very annoying. My parents and friends constantly make fun of me for the how large my bags are but are grateful when I pull something out they need! I usually have my purse that really isnt large enough that has lipbalm, pens, wallet, granola bars, mints/gum, cellphone charger, cellphone, ipod, medicine and band-aids when I need it, random bits of paper, small makeup bag, digital camera, and a few other random bits that have fallen to the bottom. I can also fit my tupperware of lunch if needed as well as a scarf. My other bag I carry for school is a large tote that I have my books for class, spiral notebooks, small sketchbook, laptop, laptop charger, various pens and papers, a few magazines,ruler and other items for my drawing class. Twice a week I am even forced to carry a very large drawing portfolio for my drawing class, which is a hassle *sigh*, but luckily I can stash it in my car between my classes.

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 8:21AM

My girlfriends laugh at the bizare amount of things i carry in you guessed it...an XL bag.

Contents: a small makeup bag(what didint fit in the bag is lying at the bottom of the purse), a wallet, change purse, day planner, digital camera, 2 pairs of sunglasses(will not fit in cases), eyeglasses, cell phone, ipod, random lipglosses, chap stiks, a spoon, snacks i toss in the am, x-rays from the dr a WEEK ago, earings, bracelets, crazy glue, headache medicine, supplements, bumble hair powder, bobby pins, hair ties, and my large set of keys.

Currently I am carrying a Speedy 35, which is so full I'm afraid the bottom is going to give out.

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 10:15AM

I carry a rather large Ted Baker bag. the content?
- cell phone
- iPod
- tissues
- chapstick
- a bottle of water
- 5 pens and about as many lighters
- cigarettes
- keys
- old receipts just piling at the bottom of it
- and a Macbook (wich weighs a heavy 4kg)
When i take the bus, I always pray to have a seat, not beacause I am lazy, just to be able to rest my left shoulder which, by the time I get home, is pretty soar!
(I guess it's time I find a good laptop carrier...)

posted by mmechou

Jan 09, 2008 10:31AM

so, given, as a student i have no career and my life is not yet the toil of 9 to 5, but i don't even carry a purse. and at night, when i go out and do carry a purse, i hate carrying much more than a clutch. i don't understand the BIG bag. what the heck do you put in there??

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 11:50AM

everyone at work thinks it's humorous how big my bags usually are - they say they're big enough for me to fit in. granted they probably find it funny because i work with people at a sports franchise rather than a fashion magazine. such is life.

posted by guest

Jan 09, 2008 5:33PM

I have two Lockheart bags (the simpler styles, not the overly tricked-out ones) and both are their "medium" versions but have tons of interior and exterior pockets (plus a key chain inside), which easily hold: my wallet, sunglasses, iPod, makeup bag, notebook, tape recorder, digital camera, pens, tissues, business card holder, lady things (ok, ok, tampons), an extra pair of shoes - flats or big platforms - and a bottle of water. Oddly, they're not as big as some of my other bags but seem to hold just as much AND they always maintain their shape. It's a handbag miracle, I tell you!