How to...
BUY A BAG
BUY A BAG
This may seem like a simple undertaking, but we're guessing you've splurged on handbags that have taunted you from your closet before. Through trial and error, we've transformed purse shopping into a science.
Satchel
This unabashedly lady-like purse begs to be held in the crook of your arm (and taken out for afternoon tea): It's just big enough to carry all the essentials.
Structured Tote
No need to pare down: lug your laptop, makeup, and reading material with ease, and no one will be the wiser about the tornado brewing in your bag
Crossbody Bag
Feel free to text, or sift through racks of clothes: This bag is totally hands-free (and one we can't live without!).
Oversize Clutch
Dress up an otherwise casual outfit with one of these minimal clutches. They're large enough for your life, but so easy to grab-and-go.
Shoulder bag
Never thought a bag can make you look slimmer? Keep this under your shoulder to conceal any bits you want covered. Yup, we've done it. (Really!)
Bucket Bags
The drawstrings make it easy to get in and get out, and to snap up what you need, fast.
Hobo
The soft, slouchy shape makes this bag ideal for just about any casual outing: introText points for being ample without looking gargantuan.
Backpack
For those feeling the pain of carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, do your body a favor and invest in one of these. They'll distribute the weight evenly, and are infinitely more comfortable.
Video Transcription
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Elise Loehnen: Hi. I'm Elise, the editor-in-chief of www.beso.com, the site devoted to shopping. Today, we're going to talk about buying a handbag, which is one of my favorite things to do, and it seems like it should be very easy. But there are actually a few rules to keep in mind, so that you end up with a bag that you actually use.
So the first thing to think about is the length of the strap, and the shape of the purse. If you're not the sort of person who can ever imagine holding a lady-like bag, either in the crook of your arm, or in your hand, then resist the siren song of the satchel, you are never going to use it.
And the same holds true if your shoulders tend to get really tired and you don't like carrying a shoulder bag, then you do not want a big, roomy tote that's going to get heavy. It's easy to convince yourself that you can change, and that you can adapt to a bag that seems really awesome, but you're not. People don't change.
Consider the weight of the bag empty. Obviously, we already all carry around a lot of stuff. So if you pick up a bag that has a ton of hardware, and already weighs a few pounds, you're literally going to feel like your back is breaking by the end of the day.
Finally, keep in mind the constraints of your life and your personality type. If you're the sort of person who carries a laptop and files and they need to be pristine, then you need something that's really structured, and you absolutely cannot buy one of those awesome, slouchy totes. Sorry, you just can't.
Are you the sort of person who carries 16 tubes of lipstick, three phones, a hardcover book, and some magazines? Then don't imagine that you're going to fit the contents of your life into an oversized envelope clutch. I know I said oversized, but that thing is skinny.
Hope this helps, for more tips and tricks, come see us at www.beso.com.
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