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Purses are pains-in-the-__________

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Casual Uncluttering LLC

I don't like purses. Can not stand purses. Purses are pains-in-the-__________. If I could shove everything I need in a wallet, I'd be a cheerful human. I fiercely prefer knapsacks, but I can't justify carting a knapsack around when I'm not carrying my computer, and knapsacks aren't as easy to hide (I like smash&grabs even less than purses.). A wallet carries my cards, the purse carries everything else.

 

So all this translates into: (1) I'm not uncomplaining when I choose purses and "decide" on the first even slightly OK thing I see to get done; (2) I'm a dedicated Scrooge when it comes to spending a penny on a purse, further reinforcing "decisions;" (3) I am TERRIBLE at choosing purses. This has all been true for years. Years. Fast forward to last week. I go to the Post Office, do my thing, pay with a card. Go to a hardware store, grab stuff. Go to pay for stuff. Can't find my wallet... in my purse. Hunt, hunt, hunt some more. Can't find my wallet. Figure I wasn't paying attention, left it in the car. Un-huh. Go through the hardware store aisles. Un-huh. Go back to the Post Office. Un-huh. Finally become convinced I've lost my wallet, get home, cancel all the top-tier cards. And then find my wallet in my purse. Might as well have opened an umbrella to stop the Seattle rain while I was at it. The wallet was obscured in a pointless pocket of the purse, black wallet on black interior. I'd mislaid things before in the same pocket. When I bought it, I did need a purse, its predecessor snagged on something sharp and ripped open.

 

The new purse has a grey interior and half the number of pockets. And it looks like a baby knapsack.

 

It's a chicken-and-egg question of course: if I slowed down and cautiously considered my needs, maybe let myself spend a little more, was careful to shop when I was in a good mood, would I have chosen a better purse the last time. Probably, and sometimes you need to practice. Perfectionism is the enemy of good and of done. But there's a huge difference between refusing to settle for a tassle instead of a knot or settling for the wrong color, too many pockets, the straps were a ridiculous length, and there were no real closures. And even Organizers aren't always organized or patient all the time.

 

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Lauren... you and I are not on the same page in this regard. I adore my handbags and collect them and use them and get many compliments on them. Like some women feel about shoes is how I feel about my handbags. And no knapsacks for me... when I was growing up only dweebs carried them... and that attitude has lasted my entire life.

Mar 29, 2021 10:38 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Lauren,

I am on the same page as Nina.  I love my purses, and I am about to get a new one for Spring/Summer.   And yes only Dweebs (whatever that meant) had Knapsacks..). A

Mar 29, 2021 10:42 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Lauren- well, I too love purses!!!  I do however tend to carry the same ones all of the time. And I'm very particular about my purses and wallets so would never want someone to buy one for me. I however do love backpacks. 

Mar 29, 2021 07:22 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Oh my gosh, Lauren, I am on your side! I hate purses as well. I wish clothing designers made clothes for women that were attractive AND useful. Why can't we have pockets that are big enough for a wallet and keys? If you have a bag that is a hand-held one, then you can't use your hand for other things. And if it hangs on your shoulder, it can get heavy and bulky and uncomfortable. Or it snags on your hair. I hate purses also. Pain in the the ###.

Mar 30, 2021 05:54 AM