I always try to find a nylon light weight purse. I've had shoulder problems for several years and can't carry anything heavy. I also try to get the messenger type that goes across your shoulders and not on just the one side.
I recently got a smaller nylon shoulder purse at Walmart that's working for me.

You can also find a strap with hooks on each end to make your shoulder bag into a messenger bag

I used a back pack purse for years. It held a lot, but still not as much as most of my friends purses.

I now downsized. I carry a small fossil shoulder bag.

You said:

Thoughts on purses that are light, attractive, yet allow you to get cellphone, glasses, keys inside?

Not all that fits in my purse. I leave my sunglasses in their case in my car. They are to big for my purse.

Moni

I think, the trick is to get a small purse, cause you can't put much in it. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: similar to mine

This post was edited by OklaMoni on Sat, Oct 26, 13 at 14:15

I carry different size purses but not with much in them. I just bought a nice 'SAK' brand black leather cross over. I carried it to Disneyland yesterday and I loved it.

I clean my purse out after each outing and keep it lite. I have a GF that carries about 10lbs of stuff, I think it is odd she never uses any of it.

I use an organizer purse which has built in slots for credit cards. Eliminating a separate wallet can reduce the overall weight of your purse. There are many different manufacturers that make them. Macy's sells several and you can also look on eBags.

You can also use those plastic credit card sleeves to carry all those extraneous cards you might need but not on a daily basis - library card, insurance cards, memberships etc.

I've also reduced the number of extra cards that I carry by figuring out which supermarket or store will let me enter my phone number rather than swiping a card in order to get my discount or earn points.

This is similar to one that I use.

Here is a link that might be useful: organizer crossbody

Two things that make my bag heavy are a lot of change and those darn plastic membership cards. I try to spend down the change and I leave the cards at home except the ones I use all the time. Amazing how the junk builds up in there. I also have a makeup bag in there that I take out if I want to lighten the load.

The other day I had an open can of Diet Coke in my bag (don't ask), forgot it and it spilled all over. That made me do a big clean out. I also had a library book in there and I feel bad that the top edge of the pages got soda on them. Sigh.

I should be embarassed to tell you all but I am not...I carry on my shoulder and when necessary at my waist, the old stand by "Fanny Pack". I tried to force my self to give it up but it is just not happening...most of the time I wear it on my shoulder but there are occasions when I do wrap it around my waist...ugly...yes I know but I like the security of shopping with it securely wrapped around my waist...Mine is leather and doesn't look too creepy...I've been using one for about 10 years now and can't make myself use any thing else. My husband now carries one too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fanny pack like mine

What was that TV show where the host would go into the audience and ask if anyone had a certain (oddball) item in their purse and then they'd win a prize? I probably could have won. I used to have a large handbag that carried far too much:

Multiple check books (thankfully we now have debit cards)
Discount/promotional cards - seems like every store has one
pens
Kleenex
keys
cell phone
Cash and Coins
driver licesne
sunglasses
lipstick
eye glass cleaner
hand lotion
bandaids/foot pads
comb/brush
Ipad
etc.

But then I got worried that stores would think I'm shoplifting or something and I downsized immensely.
Now I have a simple clutch purse with a shoulder strap. I holds one wallet w/ select debit and membership cards, 1 picture of each of my kids, driver license and cash, lipstick, a pen and my cellphone. It forces me to keep it organized.
It's almost liberating.

I still have the bigger bags for when we travel so that I can carry the Ipad, but for everyday use I like the smaller bag so much better.

I don't carry a purse, mostly because I think they are too much of a security risk - makes you very vulnerable to mugging. Of course, you can develop shoulder problems from purses as well.

I use a wallet for credit cards/cash/ID. I leave it hidden in the car when I can, and only carry cash when I go in many stores. Since it's so small, it's easy to hide. My cell phone goes in an inside jacket pocket or holster if I'm not wearing a jacket. I carry my keys, that way I always know where they are. My inhaler - ugh. Right now it's floating around in the car. I think.

A fanny pack has always seemed like a good alternative, except that it attaches to the "fanny" and makes it appear larger. Not something I need.

I admit that I don't like purses. They seem too matronly, too "old lady" to work for me. Even when I'm a little old lady - which I suppose I will be in another 20 or so years - I don't want to act like one!

I only carry a wallet, with several sections in it.

Lately I have done simple runs to grocery, library, and drug store without any purse. I take my driver's license and auto insurance card, a CC, a customer card for the store, library card, and a packet of Kleenex -- all in a coat or pants pocket. All I have in my hand in the store is my grocery list and some coupons clipped to it. Cell phone is in another pocket -- when I remember to carry it!

I almost never use cash, but carry some in my purse, along with a lipstick, comb and emery board.

If guys can walk around with free hands, why can't I? "The Purse" as some kind of 'statement' has always escaped me.

Hilltop: That was Monte Hall on "Let's Make a Deal"!

Here are some brand names of relatively lightweight purses you could look at on eBags or Amazon (I name those 2 sites just because of their stock variety and the multiple photos they show of the items' interior, too):

Baggallini
LeSportSac
Kipling

Macy's sells Kipling; Marshalls/TJMaxx frequently have Baggallinis; I think Lord&Taylor still sells SportSac; and most luggage stores have a good variety of those and similar brands. Also, if you have an AAA auto/travel store in your area, they have Baggalllinis.

Also, there are the fabric bags by Vera Bradley.

A crossbody bag style could also help ease the back pain, once you downsize what you carry.

So many now have good inside organizing features, like built-in card slots (as Maire wrote), and a cellphone holder on the outside so you don't have to go digging around inside the bag (just be sure to measure your phone and check the website description to make sure it'll fit -- my sister had quite a time of that!).

I too was going to suggest LeSportSac. I have one and use it when I go on vacation. Other times I use a leather purse that looks more attractive.
During the summer I picked up a really cheap Rosettie bag at Marshals.It became my favorite bag as it was light weight and the zipper opened up very wide so you didn't have to struggle to find something.
The trick is to find a very light weight bag to start with.
The bag I am currently using is an expensive Coach bag given to me by my daughter. It's heavier than I would like,
But hey, it was a gift my my daughter.

I use a fanny pack it has a large zipped area a small zipped in front and a zipped in the back -in the front I only have my current credit card I use, in the back I carry my DL a little card thing with a few cards and my auto ins card etc, in the large pocket is my coin purse (with side pockets for bils) a tube of ointment a small tooth glue, mirror comb pen and a lipstick. It is pretty heavy but it goes around my waist. I also carry a smal bag with glasses magnifying glass and coupons. this I take with me when I grocery shop and keep in the shopping cart for easy access, Now I also carry a small tote which I leave in the car with essential items I might need but dont need to carry around with me when leaving the car it is always covered with a sweater so it doesn't look "inviting" I have a lot of fashion bags (over the shoulder) which I might use instead of the fanny pack if going out in the evening etc.

So many good suggestions--already looked online and checked out all the brands recommended... maybe will purchase a few different ones in the stores and see what I might be able to make work and then take the rest back.

Vera Bradley might be a good choice--if I could only get past the loud prints which are just not my style. The bags sure look lightweight though. The baggalini, Sac & Kipling look good too! Need to see them in person.

My friend was telling me that there is an update to the old fashioned fanny pack--its called the "hip bag" and it either hangs low on your hip or the strap comes off and it attached to two of your belt loops--much better looking than the "pack", might take a look at those as well. Below is a link if anyone is curious...

The toughest part is figuring out what to eliminate... can't eliminate keys, cellphone, or wallet, or lipstick (LOL), but maybe the hand sanitizer or hand lotion, coins, kleenex pack, perfume bottle, sunglasses, readers, tape measure, etc etc... (?). It all adds up and I just HATE all the loyalty cards all the stores give out now--going to start tying all those in with my phone number, so I can get rid of the stack of cards!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: hip pack or hipster

I might mention that I carry my cell phone in my left pants pocket and my keys in the right pocket wear pants/jeans most of the time

One of our chain groceries (Jewel) has dropped the customer card, and another is leaving town entirely. (Safeway is selling its' Dominick's groceries in the Chicago market and will be gone by the end of the year.)

Just found a great cellphone APP for all those loyalty cards -- it's called KEY RING, it allows you to load all the loyalty card info into your cell phone, it scans the barcodes and stores them, so you CAN GET RID OF THE CARDS. It even worked with my local library card. Didn't know about this app. N I C E (I found this after I spent a good amt of time going online into all these retailers websites & entering my phone number, so I could use the phone # instead of the little card)...uggh

Here is a link that might be useful: Key Ring App

I carry a smaller purse at least according to my friends. I bought a new purse and when I cleaned out my old purse I found a spare golf ball that I had forgotten about. I need to carry a small purse or else I'll put any number of strange things in there. LOL

It all depends on where I'm going. I can fit keys, cell phone, IDs (removed from their usual handy case), lipstick and a tissue in an evening bag. Day-to-day, I take all of the above in a larger bag. I take my check book and cards, cash, change purse, and my IDs, in their usual case. I usually carry a tape measure and a magnifying glass in case I run across an estate sale. On a long trip, I add my iPad and a few packets of almonds. I always try to have at least one hand sanitizer towelette with me, whenever/wherever.
I prefer a shoulder or a messenger type bag so I can be hands-free.

One thing I didn't see anyone mention is medical information which regardless of age, should be with you at all times. Meds you are on, allergies, emergency contact numbers (which you may have those phone numbers in your cell phone), doctor's name and number, and any other information an EMT might need should you be unconscious. Always in my purse is a ziplock bag with all medical info for my husband and myself. A copy is hung on the fridge and copies are in our glove compartments. If anyone is allergic to bee stings, you "better" always have the bee kit with you....it could mean life or death.

My purse is big, shoulder bag, handmade by me of cloth, washable of course, compartmentalized and I carry a lot. Several times I've had to downsize while on a "don't lift anything over 5 pounds" order. I felt lost without all of my "stuff". LOL

If you have allergies, etc. that a medic would need to know about, you should really be wearing an ID bracelet that is obviously medical ID. I also have a wallet card with the really important info on it, but the bracelet is most important. It won't get separated from me in an emergency (a wallet/purse might), and I *never* take it off.

I carry a leather satchel bag that has both handles and a shoulder strap.
The inside is divided into two sections with slip on pockets(long enough to hold phone One side has a zippered pocket, and thee other is open. A totally zippered section is in the middle of the handbag.
Enough places to assign different spaces to different things.
Wallet and card cases (one for loyalty cards, and the other for credit cards).
The open sides are for tissues, lipstick, and hand sanitizer ,Cell phone in pocket and change purse. And whatever else I toss in, like sunglasses in summer, etc. Cugh drops in winter

I try to clean out my purse weekly.

Summer handbag is a larger satchel.

I'm a retired RN and have always thought that I should be prepared for almost everything. Thus, my purse is loaded and heavy.

I mostly just carry a wallet,just a small one that I made ,and it's made of cotton,so doesn't slip out of my pocket.I only carry my atm,have NO cc's,my insurance cards,,a few bills,and of course my license.

When I do carry a purse,it's just a small across the body type and holds my wallet,phone,calculator,a comb,and a pen,and small note pad.

I really don't go out a lot anymore either,i've turned into a real homebody.
Kathi

I got tired of having shoulder pain. I bought a cute small Coach purse as a treat to me and downsized. It's amazing what you DON'T need in your purse. I only carry a small wallet, a chapstck, a lipstick, my phone and keys. I don't miss all the other "stuff" one bit and I don't have shoulder pain anymore.

I use a small over body bag. It has two sides, one zips and one flips open. On the flip open side, I carry my keys, a small glucose meter and my phone. It has a window inside the flip cover to hold my driver's license. The zip side has slots for cards...debit, library, store cards. I put cash on that side if I have it, a pen, a small comb and a lipstick and chapstick. It's great to have my hands free and not have to worry, when I go shopping for example, about where my valuables are.

My purse always seems heavy. I use different purses but most all are over the shoulder. They are not great big purses either. Here is my list of stuff.
Keys
Credit card in it's metal case
Bag with medications
Change and bills
Lipstick
Mirror with brush
Kleenex
Coupons
Cards such as ID, cards used at stores and insurance cards
Pennies for the horse in the grocery :)
Pen
Small Tablet
Shopping list
Seldom ever have my cell phone in my purse, that is on another clip on or over the shoulder carrier.
That is all I can remember, but it still seems heavy.

Sue

I used a Healthy Back Bag for a long time until I tired of it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Healthy Back Bag

I forgot Ialso carry one of those date books (like the ones we used to get at the Hallmark shops.) it is about 5 inxhs wide and flat. I have a few larger bills clipped to one page and one blank check. This fits up against the side in the larger pocket.This has some important tel numbers etc

I don't usually carry a purse as I use a walker or cane most of the time. My hubby carries my drivers license and insurance card. I carry lipstick, cell phone in my pocket. If I need a comb I have that in our car, a pen too. I have learned to downsize on my purses. I have always carried a purse that was always loaded down with stuff I didn't need.
Mary

A tip I heard of: Don't carry your keys in your purse. Put them in a pocket. That way if your purse is taken, the thieves can't get your car, or have the key to your house.

May I ask a question? I'd honestly like to know why women/girls carry purses, especially all the time - ? I *know* there are "feminine stuff" that many of us need to carry, but I used to carry mine in my sock or a pocket. These days, many of the "things" have shrunk anyway. Superabsorbant pads that we didn't have decades ago...

Are purses a part of being a "girly girl"? A few years back I saw a little girl - about age 4 - running off to children's church. Her mother firmly called her back and insisted the girl come back for her purse! I know the mother was raising her daughter to be very girly - is carrying a purse all the time part of that? I'm very much a "girl", but the practical side of me says I'm not interested in carrying around a bunch of stuff that I probably won't use and that marks me as a target for crime.

I just carry a little soft cigarette case, it has a wrist strap and is perfect size for cell phone, keys, debit and credit card, insurance card and some cash. Digital camera case would work too.

Usually when I go shopping I am gone most of the day and yes, I use the things in my purse. I do not drive so I don't have keys to anyone's car, just one of the girl's remote door opener. There are times when I have to take some of the medicines I carry with me. So my purse is not for looks so much as what it holds. Never shop with my husband. I seldom have any pocket to put things in.

Sue

My "big" purse has, lip balm, mini bottle of pills(ibuprofen,tylenol, Aleve)
1 pen, 2 sets of keys, mini wallet that has all my cards and money.(easily slips in front pocket),
3-4 roll up shopping bags,
Sometimes my check book
Cell phone
Mini lotion tube
Sunglasses in their case
It may also hold my Ipad, my husbands wallet(he carries a zippered address type book) and on shopping trips 4 more roll up bags.

I got so tired of trying to dig for something so I finally gave up and downsized. it's amazing how easy it has been. A neighbor lady carries everything but the kitchen sink in hers. I mean everything. It about breaks your arm picking it up. Dumb thing is she can "never" find anything when she needs it. I don't know how many times I have stood while she is looking for a coupon in all that mess!! And I wonder why her house is the way it is!!

have a wallet on a "string" ..nothing but a few pictures, med cards, drivers lic and Costco and sam's cards ,lol...with 4 kids years ago I got smart fast!

Oh my gosh snowglobe! I am totally "tripping"! Name that last time you heard someone say that? ;) I am in love with keyring. Thank you! I needed something like that. I usually don't carry a purse except on weekends. I always carry my phone. Ta da! so now I will always have all of my cards. For now, I have the grocery card on it. I can't wait to try it out.

Women carry purses because we can not count on having pockets in our clothing the way men do.

I have learned from a friend that I can use the pockets on my jeans and my parka to carry everything I need when I attend football, basketball and volleyball games. I carry my driver's license, keys, tissues, cell phone, lipstick, some cash and my game ticket. That way I don't have to worry about my purse when I leave my seat for food or the restroom.

I didn't see that any of you have ever weighed your purse to see how much extra weight you might be hanging on your shoulder. I know my purse is WAY too heavy, but I can't seem to pare down the "ingredients". I just weighed it and it is a tad over 5 and a half pounds. My job is not in the same town I live in, so I feel that I need to be prepared for all contingencies, LOL. I do have a wonderful organizer (actually, my purse is so large that for a while I had TWO organizers in it) and I can always lay my hands on exactly what I am looking for. I know my Kindle adds weight, but still less than the book I previously carried around pre-Kindle. Just this weekend, I decided I would clean out anything unnecessary, and you know what? I couldn't think of a thing to remove. Very few articles of my clothing have pockets and I'm "fluffy" enough so that I don't want any extra bulk in that area anyway.

Rob333, Glad you are happy about the KeyRing App, I also loaded all my store cards (even my Library card), so glad to be free of all those little keychain monstrosities.

I loaded each one, scanned the code (you do have to check to make sure it took the entire code, I had to re-do 2 of my cards because when I reviewed each card afterward, on those 2, it only captured a single digit). Once I redid those, all were perfect. I also took a photo of the front and back of each since it offered that option.

I also noticed that they can do gift cards as well... I have so many starbucks, biggbee cards, but I didn't scan those in yet. Guess I will see how all the store rewards cards work first.