Pocketbooks

About Pocketbooks

Naturally the term "pocketbook" itself may bring to mind visions of pockets, which are wonderful for organization. Many of today's bags do, in fact have ample interior and/or exterior pockets to keep your purse items neat and easy to find. Yet many of the bags referred to as pocketbooks may not have visible pockets at all -- thus it is a term simply used, often interchangeably, with handbags.

Pocketbooks, purses, handbags, totes, bags, -- these are all names for an item used to hold money, identification, personal items, and daily necessities. For most women, it is also a highly personal accessory, and with today's vast number of styles and designs, finding the right purse is easier than ever before.

Day, Evening and Weekend Bags

Despite the many variations and styles today, most pocketbooks still fall into certain categories, such as day, evening, or weekend bags. Many designers, however, such as Kate Spade, have started designing handbags that are practical, stylish, and versatile, many of which can easily go from day to weekend.

The Daytime Handbag

Purses designed for daytime use are typically stylish, but practical, designed to be used on an everyday basis. They usually have room to stow items you use everyday. A daytime bag may have a more professional look -- rather than being either overly glamorous or overly casual. Mid-size structured leather handbags are common day purses.

The Evening Bag

An evening bag denotes a more dressy purse, designed for dinners, parties, dances, and other affairs that often take place in the evening. An evening bag usually accompanies attire that is more glitzy or formal than dress suits and office wear. Clutches, small, and mini bags are often best -- you can toss in your theater tickets, some breath mints, and lip gloss in an evening bag rather than lugging a clunky bag around while wearing a sophisticated evening dress.

The Weekend Purse

Purses that fall into the weekend purse are typically more casual bags. A denim weekender or a slouchy washed leather backpack for example, a type of bag that you can throw over your shoulder and head out to have some fun ( or tackle some errands), is a great weekend purse.

Common Styles List

Many women enjoy changing their pocketbooks to complement their outfits and fit their activities, so it's no wonder that the average woman owns a variety of purses. What the right styles are for you depends on a variety of factors, including your lifestyle, your personal activities, and what you carry in your bag.

Common types of pocketbooks include:

• Shoulder Strap Pocketbooks: Designed with a longer strap or straps to be worn over the shoulder, shoulder strap pocketbooks are one of the most popular and versatile styles.

• Hobo bags: Whether slouchy or structured, hobo bags are another popular style. Available in small, medium and large, as well as dressy and casual styles, these roomy favorites offer s chic look.
• Satchels: In their smaller versions, satchel pocketbooks make great handbags. Larger styles may have shoulder straps. These bags range in shape from oval, squared, rectangular, and others, and often have unstructured, more bag-like bottoms.

• Bowler Style Bags: Bowler styles mimic bowling bags, with rounded tops and flat, bottoms. These bags often have rolled handles and zip tops.

• Barrel Purses: Usually a smaller style purse, this type of pocketbook is in the shape of a barrel turned on its side. Cute, fashionable, and a nice alternative to a typical handbag.

• Messenger Bags: Messenger bags typically have one long strap that can be worn across the body. These also usually have a lap enclosure and a slightly structured rectangular style. Versatile and stylish, these are one of the new classic must-haves for the pocketbook wardrobe.

• Slings and Backpacks: A more casual style of bag, slings and backpacks are roomy, sporty, and versatile. A great alternative to when you need more room than more standard pocketbooks.

• Totes: Available in much more than the standard double strap manilla canvas, totes now come in mini scoop versions, bucket styles, structured, and other designs. They are also available in a wide range of materials, including suede, washed leather, nylon, and much more.

Brands and Prices

There are hundreds of different brands of pocketbooks, ranging from luxury designer pocketbooks to discount handbags, for every budget and style.

Designer Handbags

Some well known and popular names behind designer handbags include Kate Spade, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Coach. Designer styles range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Designer bags have a high cost, but also yield incredibly high quality. Beware of fakes, to avoid overpaying for a lower quality, counterfeit purse.

Mid-Priced Purses

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a good purse, however. Most department stores carry a wide range of mid-priced purses. Kathy Van Zeeland and Tignanello have a great range of purses for under $100 and are sold at most major department stores. Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, and Worthington also offer a variety of stylish bags for decent prices.

Budget Bags

Even on a tight budget, you can still get a great bag with lots of style. Check out Isaac Mizrahi's handbag line at Target, selections from Old Navy, or the chic Metro 7 handbag line from Wal-Mart for styles that will look without wreaking havoc on your budget.

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