Handbags Large and Small

I was recently perusing the handbags at a TJ Maxx (the best selection I had seen ever!) and I came across this gorgeous colored handbag.  The question I have to ask: do I love the color enough to risk the disproportion??

I will never forget the day I first realized that proportion is everything.  I had just gotten a call from my boss that he was sick and wouldn't be coming in.  Five minutes later, his girlfriend walked into the office.  I had no idea who she was at the time, and so I politely asked if I could help her with something.  She said she was just dropping off some cold medicine for Mike (the boss - this is when I realized who she was.)  I inwardly freaked out - what was I suppose to do in this situation?  Why hadn't my boss told his girlfriend he wasn't going to be in the office?  Was I suppose to be covering for him??   I told her he hadn't arrived yet and that I would give the package to him.  She insisted on leaving it in his office......

That was when I saw her backside.  And her little itsy-bitsy backpack.  I couldn't stop staring.  That little backpack made her backside look HUGE.  I mean, she was definitely packing a honky-tonk-bedonka-donk (that isn't a bad thing, by the way) but that backpack was about ¼ the size of her.....everything. It was so unflattering and looked a bit cartoonish.

What did I learn from this?  Tiny backpacks never look right, unless you are a doll.....or Dora the Explorer.  Backpacks will either enhance your backside, or make it worse.  Don't like your backside?  Don't wear a backpack.  Not to sound snotty, but backpacks were designed for lugging school books or hiking/camping gear, that's it.  There are a million options out there, you don't ever need to wear a backpack.

That being said, clutches are awesome - but not with your big bulky winter coat and snow boots.  Clutches were meant to be an accessory, something to add a pop of chic to an evening gown or to be so diminutive that it's the handbag that isn't really there.

Seriously, how great is this clutch?!?

Wristlets are more utilitarian than anything else.  They should be used for when you need both hands (I use them when I go shopping - I will never forget the heart-stopping moment when I realized I had set down my Louis Vuitton handbag at a Forever 21 and walked away from it........)  That's when I bought a cross-body.  Cross-body's should be worn right near your hipbone.  If it adds too much bulk (or if you actually have hips) you can swing it around toward the back a little bit.  Beware the bouncing-off-the-butt-cheek syndrome that can occur with that position though, lol!  Worn any longer, and the proportion will be all wrong, and not flattering.

Choosing any other type of handbag depends largely on how you plan to carry it.  Are you an on-the-shoulder carrier?  Slimmer (chains are so in right now by the way) handles with slightly smaller than a medium size handbag don't add bulk to your biceps (and that's a good thing.)  Are you a crook-of-the elbow carrier?  Nearly any type bag works, except for this one (a Hobo.)  Are you strictly a hand-held carrier?  Thicker handles and bucket styles are perfect for you!  

The top left handbag is a perfect size, while wearing it on my shoulder is the least flattering.  The red leather bag is such a beautiful color, but absolutely the wrong size.  That pathetic little purse is making me look fat.  Just kidding.  But the tiny purse is all wrong, don't you agree?

What do you think?  Are you carrying the right size handbag for your proportions?

Day 1: The Introduction

Day 1½: A Triple P Giveaway

Day 2: Nude vs. Black

Day 3: How to Walk in Stilettos

Day 4: Floods and High Waters, Heels and Maxis

Day 5: Pointed vs. Rounded

Day 6: Wear Pants

Day 7: Choose Your Hem

Day 8: Knot Your Belt

Day 9: Belts, Part II

Day 10: Handbags Large and Small

p.s. Looking for a cute clutch?  Maybe a dress or skirt to wear with it?  I've got three fabulous giveaways going live tonight.........in fact, there are over 100 fabulous giveaways going live tonight.  Browse the lookbook below for more details: