Nate: Why do women have so many bags? You have one. You put all your junk in it, and that’s it. You’re done.

Doug: Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity.

.   .   .

Amen. And yet there are still some who think me to be simply searching for some sort of justification for my predisposition for handbags. An unhealthy predisposition. Also known as an  o b s e s s i o n  for the frank. But my love for bags do extend beyond the materialistic reasonings – yes, I do love “pretty” [upon seeing the new Marc Jacobs bag, Lily squeals: “And it’s so prettyyyyyyy!”] things, but this obsession is also interlaced with an appreciation for bags. I believe the handbag to be an iconic symbol of independence and individuality for the woman.

Giovanna Battaglia’s custom Roger Vivier handbag. I would love one. (image source: jak & jil blog)

Of course you and I can go on about the actual history of it; how it was only men who carried variations of bags, then developed into a perfectly-coordinated-with-the-outfit accessory, then became un-matching in the early 1920s, etc. I shall leave dearest Wikipedia to explain that. My personal interpretation of the handbag’s historical story may perhaps err with the actual background of the handbag, but I see the development of the handbag as a lessoning of dependency on her husband; the 1920s were indeed a period of social and cultural change, where the woman grew bolder and embraced a bit of androgyny in her apparel. It was when the handbag no longer held the single purpose of being an accessory; it was a different way she could express herself.  The purse then held her necessities out of practicality – the lipstick, the mirror, cash, the credit cards. Eventually the larger, grander bags showed off the woman’s ability to provide for herself – she had more possessions of her own, and had her own work to tote around.

And it is quite easy to tell who a woman is by the bag she carries. A fringed, suede hobo, possibly vintage, is the sign of a carefree woman. The one who carries a black, Porosus Birkin is one who means business (or simply has a lot of moo-lah to spare). A leather bag for the practical woman, canvas for the girl gone green. Et cetera.

I stop myself here; my fingers have a mind of their own, typing whatever the brain thinks. Thank goodness I have some control over what I say. Onward and forthward: I received an email from a lovely reader. Whose question, I’ve decided, is my favorite of all fashion inquiries. Then again, I am biased, as I am a bag lady.

Dear La Couturier,

First I wanted to say how much I LOVE your blog. I read it everyday :). I was wondering what you think are somethings that every girl should have with them, at all times, in their bag?

Thanks,

Lizabeth

Prepare yourselves, darling! I am one who lives for oversized bags; the bigger, the better!

The Balenciaga City, in a gorgeous  e g g p l a n t  purple.

Yes, I dream of it. I do love my black one, but this shade is just dreamy.

The Essentials

A wallet.

Duh. As expected, large wallets are necessary for me, especially with my ever-growing collection of gift cards (and the likes). But since I love my vintage Gucci oh-so-much (bestowed upon me my dearest mother), I’ve invested in those clear booklet additions for my wallet (a good investment for $1!).

A coin purse

Tiny is all you need to hold loose change. Easy to find & locate that four cents you need for exact change. And it prevents any dirty-ing or over-stretching of an expensive wallet.

Pens

I prefer black ballpoint pens. I always have two with me, just in case I should have a sudden revelation of inspiration, or have this need to jot any notes down. I also happen to carry with me a black (and silver) Sharpies: thin & fine. For what reason? Je ne sais pas. But they did come in handy in London when I went backstage to get the  g o r g e o u s  Fiyero to sign my Wicked playbook.

Post-it notes

Another addiction of mine. Adorably cubicle, lightweight, and easy to jot impromptu shopping lists or inspiration down.

The cellular device

My Parisian alter ego carries the gold Blackberry Curve. I carry a simple black one.

The iPod, or MP3 of choice

Also known as my life. It provides a haven and a source of entertainment for commutes on public transportation. The perfect way to avoid eavesdropping on gossip too juicy for your taste, or listening to any sort of crazy music that drives you insane.

Camera

To snap a photo of any passing fabulous persons, famous, or not. No moment should be left un-captured!