They can come in larger sizes but are usually just a small clutch, made to hand-carried or tucked under an arm. They were originally made to be attached to a belt so that ladies of means could carry their belongings in style. Sometimes they come with small carry handles or a pretty little chain to hold on to, but they are rarely seen with the shoulder strap which is so ubiquitous on the everyday purse. If they do have a shoulder strap, it is delicate and decorative.
That was a long time ago. Even now, in my forties, 'The Position' is excruciatingly difficult to maintain for more than thirty seconds, especially when one's bladder is bursting.If that wasn't bad enough, when you have to visit a public toilet, you usually find a line of anxious women have got there before you, which makes you think you must have taken a wrong turning and stumbled across a half-price sale of M&S underwear. So, you wait, trying not to look as if you're squeezing your legs together and smile politely at all the other women, who are also trying not to cross their legs and smiling through clenched teeth.As you get closer to your goal, you start checking for feet under cubicle doors.
Some of the most unique and glamorous are evening bags made in the shape of animals. One is a black cat complete with white facial whiskers and white paws. Elephants trumpet their tiny trunks with multi-colored skins and elaborate saddles. You can find them are adorned with flowers of all varieties and colors, with seasonal motifs such as poinsettias and wreaths.
These little purses were once crocheted in the shape of fruits and animals. Clusters of grapes and frogs were popular themes during Queen Elizabeth's time. Celebrities have recently sported designer bags shaped like small hearts and encrusted with crystals. One famous designer bag is in the shape of a heart with a glittery snake curled on the face of it. These tiny decorative bags can be expensive, running up to several thousand dollars for a clutch roughly the size of a glasses case.
Naturally every one is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the cubicle. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter; you have long arms and tell yourself: 'I'll just keep one hand against it.' At this point you would hang your handbag on the coat hook if there was one--but there isn't--so you hang it around your neck whilst glancing furtively about to make sure no one saw you commit such a dreadful faux pas. You could put it on floor, but given that the floors in public toilets are invariably wet, you might just as well pee in it yourself.Finally, you yank down your knickers, and assume the dreaded 'Position'.
Ah, the evening bag. Men have it pretty easy for formal occasions - tux, shirt, tie, socks and shoes. Women, on the other hand, can't slip into a formal gown or even the classic little black dress without carefully considering all the accessories - earrings
Women Coogi T-Shirt, necklace, shoes, and the essential evening bag.
The small clutch only carries a few essentials - a lipstick, a small set of keys, maybe a mini brush. At an average width of only a couple of inches, these accessories will rarely hold a full-sized brush or complete makeup ensemble. Larger bags might be more useful, but the clutch still reigns as the classic for evening and formal wear.
Women's everyday purses can be huge, bulky, and packed to the gills with everything from ancient receipts to cartoon-character bandages. The evening bag, on the other hand, is a sleek, elegant receptacle of just the bare essentials for a lady's night out on the town.
Sleek basic black is the most common, but they are also made in an amazing array of colors to match your shoes or special evening dress. Red, silver, pink and gold are popular colors. They are made of leather
Christian Audigier Handbag, satin, velvet, chenille
chanel winter boots, and silk, often with intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork, or colorful sequins or crystals. Patchwork can add whimsy and a variety of colors to your ensemble, and there are even vegan varieties available, which look like leather but are actually synthetic.
Women who are not walking the red carpet at Hollywood award ceremonies can find a much less expensive but still suitable evening bag from one of several retailers. You can buy one for as little as $12.00 if you are not in the market for a $10,000.00 bag.