| Q. What can I do to keep my handbag organized? | | | | Q. I hate the "new" handbags with all the straps, |
| --Losing It | | | | tassels, buckles, rivets and more. I refuse to buy one |
| A. It all begins with selecting the right handbag for your | | | | because I consider myself too old for all that stuff. But...I |
| lifestyle. Inner and outer pockets and zippered sections | | | | don't want to look like my grandma either. Help me. |
| help sort and separate the contents. Limit the contents | | | | --Too young to look old |
| to those basics you really need each day: cash, credit | | | | A. As in all things fashion, it's best to be aware of the |
| cards, keys, lipstick, and planner. Your chiropractor will | | | | trends but ultimately to do only what's right for you. |
| thank you. If you need additional beauty products | | | | You don't want to be a fashion lemming following the |
| consider a small makeup case that will prevent spills. If | | | | masses off the cliff of good taste just to fit in. You |
| you find yourself lugging around an umbrella, | | | | may choose to opt for a simpler, cleaner style (with |
| paperback, file folders, baby formula, toys, camera, | | | | less 'stuff' happening) in one of the season's newest |
| snacks and more, either consider a larger tote-style | | | | colors---but only if it's a color you love and will use long |
| bag that can accommodate all your needs. Or | | | | term, not because someone else deemed it a "must |
| consider keeping a separate bag with these items in | | | | have." |
| your car or office. Another option that works for some | | | | Q. How do I choose the right handbag for my size and |
| women is carrying a small clutch purse (that's quick to | | | | body type? |
| grab and go) in a larger tote-type briefcase. | | | | ---Want to Get it Right |
| Whichever option you choose, remember to regularly | | | | A. You need to think proportion. If you're a tall, |
| purge the store receipts, old tissues, lint-covered | | | | large-framed woman yoo can pull off anything but a |
| candies, and business cards that can load you down | | | | teeny-tiny bag. If you're petit, many large bags will |
| and steal precious space. | | | | simply overpower you and be all wrong |
| Q. How can I stash everything I need for my busy | | | | proportion-wise. Ensure you check out the look in a |
| work life without resorting to wheeled luggage? | | | | full-length mirror or if ordering online, compare the |
| --Desperate | | | | product dimensions with those bags you already own |
| A. Look for one of today's totally hot briefcases. Opt | | | | that are perfect sized for you. |
| for one with both long and short padded straps and | | | | Q. Sometimes I feel like the fashion industry is holding |
| lots of interior pockets. Consider using a laptop case or | | | | me hostage. "Experts" proclaim the season's "it" bag, |
| postman style bag. Either will accommodate file | | | | anoint the greatest designer ever, decide what you |
| folders, brochures, and other office paraphernalia and | | | | must have to be anyone. I'm sick of it. What do you |
| you'll look great too. | | | | suggest? |