How Often do you Switch Your Purse? I wonder if you are wed to your bag forever? Kinda like a ball and chain?

I am all for favorites, classics, designer and husband gifts, but is it necessary to be together everyday, everywhere, every time? If you are ever going to switch, I recommend doing it in spring! Now, I am not saying you have to switch everyday, I am just suggesting that you have 1-2, maybe 3, in your rotation. I realize some women will be like, "No, duh Hillary, I switch between 218 bags." And I actually TOTALLY relate to those gals. But that's not who I am writing to. I am here to give an ever-so-gentle nudge to the chronic monogamous purse carriers.

You probably do not switch because:
1) it's too hard to move stuff
2) who has the time?
3) hard to find another one you love
4) black goes w/ everything
5) you got this really great deal on ebay...
6) the aforementioned husband gift, so you have to wear "until death do we part"
7) what goes with my shape? (this actually is a good one)
8) you're a boy mom, and nobody would even notice

So let's just take this slowly. The springtime purse menu is abundant! You will never see more colors, shapes, sizes, hardware and fabrics. Truly, like a flower garden. Embrace the selection and even your femininity - the ruffles, rosettes, and feminine features are on purses everywhere you shop!

I do have a couple of tips to get started. You need a SYSTEM to be able to switch easily and time-efficiently. Get a "purse pouch" (see photo) -- a little pouch that will hold your miscellaneous everything: lipsticks, receipts, gift cards, gum, tissues. Now, when you switch, you do not have to do the "Big Dump Out," you only have to move your wallet, daytimer, phone and purse pouch. So much more manageable when you are organized like this. Maybe even consider 2 pouches: one for paper, pens, and crayons and one for the makeup touch ups. And by the way, I actually do recommend the "Dump Out" periodically -- may find enough change for a green tea latte! Also, we need to be cogniscent of how much we are stuffing into our hobos ... the doctors are serious when they say there is a direct relationship between purse weight and back pain.

Also, you do have to find a purse that works. Know your favorite style, strap length, zipper position and whether you prefer a structured or soft slouch bag. What colors are you attracted to? Obviously lifestyle and budget are huge factors. I actually think that it is ok to spend a little more on a purse since you are using it daily (or every other day, now that you are going to switch!). What other "thing" in our life do we spend this much time with? (My philosphy is that its ok to spend more on PJs, purses & coats -- since we wear them more than any one article of clothing!)

So, I am here to say there is a second bag for everyone! Think out your style and then go to your favorite stores, or surf away and celebrate the impending change of season with a new friend! Also, the purses you see here will be at my boutique show 3/18-3/20 (see http://www.chickspicksbyhillary.com).

Remember, you are not breaking up with your #1 bag forever, just giving it a much-needed rest!

Hillary

 

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Hillary Tattersall is known as the Accessory Queen. And for good reason! As owner of Chicks Pick's, a pop-up boutique and web store (www.chickspicksbyhillary.com), Hillary works with hundreds of designers and magazine editors to create products that the hip & modern mom loves! She lives in Loudoun County with her family and will be giving I Am Modern moms weekly hints and tips to freshen up either their homes or their personal fashion style. She is also Modern Style Guide Guru.  She welcomes your thoughts, comments, and questions.

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