| There are many great mysteries of the world: what is | | | | mobile phone and keys. These are simply the basics, |
| the meaning of life? What else is out there in the | | | | the foundations of a woman's mini-home with straps. |
| universe? And, of course, what's in a women's | | | | Most women feel completely lost without other |
| handbag? An object of mystery and a well-guarded | | | | essential items that, if left at home can induce panic! |
| secret, all men are fully aware that a woman's | | | | For example, iPods - to cheer one up, calm one down, |
| handbag is sacred and to be entered at their own peril. | | | | or just to pass the time with; a novel to make a long |
| Ironically, the term 'handbag' was originally coined for | | | | commute more pleasant; a notebook and a handful of |
| the leather bags carried by men at the turn of the 20th | | | | pens to jot things down such as to-do and shopping |
| century. It wasn't until the 1920s that the term came to | | | | lists; an emergency beauty kit which includes: a |
| its rightful place and became the handbag women | | | | make-up bag with lipgloss and other touch-up |
| know and love today. The handbag was designed for | | | | essentials; mini deodorant and/or perfume; a toothbrush |
| the 1920s woman because she needed something to | | | | and toothpaste; a hairbrush; and even |
| carry her possessions in. In those days dresses were | | | | battery-powered mini hair straighteners for that |
| skimpier and pocket-free, and women had growing | | | | unexpected work meeting, or spontaneous after-work |
| independence which meant they began travelling | | | | drink invitation. |
| without men or servants to carry their things. | | | | Other 'useful' items sometimes found in the depths of |
| Ever since, handbags have been a fashion staple and | | | | a woman's beloved abyss can include a compact |
| go hand-in-hand, or shoulder-to-shoulder, with the | | | | umbrella; sunglasses; feminine hygiene products; |
| continually changing trends and fashions. With a | | | | painkillers; tissues; handcream; a bottle of water; and |
| plethora of designs, materials and sizes available, most | | | | sometimes even a laptop! The list is endless, and that's |
| women have a handbag to suit almost every | | | | before you talk to mothers of small children, at which |
| occasion. | | | | point the list becomes even more extensive, if not |
| With the average bag weighing 5lbs - that's the | | | | wonderfuly weird! |
| equivalent of carrying around 5 bags of sugar - | | | | Men frequently ask why women carry around so |
| chiropractors warn that heavy bags cause back pain | | | | much stuff. Some say it's for security reasons - |
| and can even lead to painful injuries. The recent trend | | | | knowing their most treasured things are with them at |
| for the oversized, designer 'It' bags hasn't helped this | | | | all times. Some believe it's their innate ability to be |
| concern. The must-have tote allows women to cram | | | | super-organised - that they are prepared for any |
| even more into their handbags; essentially carrying their | | | | situation. Some even say the content of a woman's |
| life on their shoulders. | | | | handbag is a reflection of their personality. |
| But what really is inside? Well, guaranteed finds are: a | | | | Whatever the reason, one thing for sure is that a |
| bulging purse, complete with bank cards, credit cards, | | | | woman's handbag is an integral part of their lives and |
| business cards and receipts as well as money; a | | | | something they absolutely cannot leave home without. |