I haven't carried a purse in years, since I left corporate America. I have a man's wallet in my left hip pocket, my keys in my right front pocket, my phone in my right hip pocket or in my hand. If I really need, I have a comb, nail file, etc in the car.

On the rare occasions that I'm not wearing pockets, I do have a couple of small bags that work, but usually only for evenings (rare).

Oh yes. I get distracted so easily and have a lot on my mind most of the times. After a time or two of forgetting my bag I realized if it wasn't tied to me it was gone ....Haven't had a problem since I started using these: bag

I have reduced the size of my purse from large enough to fit everything including the kitchen sink, to one that fits everything but not the kitchen sink. Even when I don’t bring my iPad (I have kindle books on it so anytime I might need something to read when away from home, the iPad goes in my purse), there’s my wallet, makeup kit, keys, hand lotion travel size, hand sanitizer travel size, tissues, iPhone, and a couple of pens in case I have to sign something or need to write something down. There have been points in the past where I had extra clothes and toiletries in the trunk of my car, and a mini tool kit in my purse with all the things I carry around in my purse now. The thought of not having something immediately accessible when it was randomly needed, meant I was carting all kinds of things around in my bag and in the trunk. :p

As I got older I upgraded my big, sloppy, old mama bag that I used to carry. I do enjoy good leather goods. Sometimes I buy the designer bags and wallets. My daughters call them my "fancy lady purses". There is a cell phone in there along with sunglasses and other necessities. I gave up carrying a checkbook and only use plastic these days and sometime cash. Yup old fashioned cash.

The older I get, the bigger my bag gets. :/ I do, however, have a “dinghy” (zippered pouch with wrist strap) in my bag that comes in handy if I’m going to be doing cart-less shopping or if I go into a store where carrying a large bag is either a nuisance or is prohibited, like in an antique store. I put my license, credit card/cash, phone and car key in the dinghy, and lock my bag in the trunk.

I need clothes with pockets as I always have a chapstick & house key on me. My iPhone 6+ goes in my back pocket always. Everything else goes in in a leather backpack as I prefer a handsfree life. I have a dark brown one for cold weather and a tan one for warm. Both are LeDoone and I love them for size & durability. I used to use small crossbody bags, but found that even small ones bothered my shoulder.

I occasionally see the "no backpacks" signs in local stores, but I've never been challenged (although I initially asked if mine was okay and always got a "yes").

I use regular size purses when out and about, but when we are going to be somewhere (like going to NYC) I put only what I really need in a small pocketbook.

When I started using a cell phone, it went right into my purse. I stopped wearing a watch, so it now does that job for me.

I used to carry fairly large purses with too much stuff in them. When we started traveling, I didn't want to carry all those things around with me, so I bought a small purse with lots of pockets. It's amazing what would fit in that small purse with an across the body strap. There was a pocket for my phone and one for my camera. The rest of what I carried was copies of my ID and passport, a small amount of cash, one credit card, travel size hand sanitizer and maybe some tissue. When not being worn, my sunglasses are on top of my head and my reading glasses are tucked down the front inside of my shirt. Lip balm is in my pocket.

After three months in Asia, I realized that I didn't need nor did I miss the big bag, so when we came back home, I stuck with the small purse. I now have several of them in different colors and styles, so I can swap them out when I need a change. I really enjoy the freedom not carrying around a large bag has given me.

I try to carry my phone with me, but I hate it. I realized it used to be easier to ask someone to borrow their home phone.Now everyone carries a cellphone and borrowing that is so personal. Lol! I like the phone for when I need it. It annoys me that I am expected to answer or respond to texts immediately. I could never be someone who answers phones all day.

My purse I have right now doesn't work for me. It's a Coach bag that my neighbor gave me when she moved. I need something more efficient. I like a medium size bag with separate zip pockets where I can keep stuff organized.

I bought a clip holder for my one cell phone. That way if no pockets I just clip to the waist band. This is my extra little flip phone, not my smart phone.

No. I really should carry my cell phone with me, especially when I am out in the pasture or woods by myself. There in a 2 acre pond with a concrete dam on property behind me. No one lives there...in fact, it belonged to us, but we sold it. Anyway, a beaver has taken up residence and I walked out there to see what he had been doing lately.....like raising the concrete dam an additional 3 ft. :-) Anyway, I almost slipped and fell, and there I was a long way from my house, and if I had fallen and broke my hip or something, I had no way to call anyone. My dogs were with me, but they aren't as smart as Lassie....to go get help, and actually, there was no one to bring to help me. My husband doesn't get home until after dark....so I would have been in a bad way, if I had needed help. But, like you said, some of my pants don't have pockets, and I don't carry a purse anywhere, so sure not apt to carry one in the woods. My current cell phone has a wallet like covering, so it is easy to carry in my hand. I need to make a practice of doing that.

Marilyn, get a small carpenters or nail apron. I have a small one that ties around my waist for when I walk or garden to carry tissues and my cell phone.

Marilyn, I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself. Carrying your cell phone with you is a good idea. I always take mine when I'm walking out in the woods. I like jkayd's suggestion; another option might be a fanny pack.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/04/11/newser-beaver-kills-man/2074145/

Now I’m imagining what might be done if there’s a beaver discovered to have taken up residence in a unsuitable (or maybe just not all that acceptable to people who might encounter the critter or the critter’s new construction project) place...there’s no such thing as a beaver construction oversight agency, or a beaver policing department, is there? ;)

But...a. the iPhone 6 and 6 plus have a reported issue caused by the flexing/bending that occurs when the phone is taken out of and put into pockets, so for those models it’s not recommended that you do that to carry your phone around. And b. Anyone who routinely goes off into areas that carry a risk of suffering an injury whether it’s a fall or a wild animal attack (coyotes and even mountain lions are widespread throughout the US, there are also bears in some regions), where the chance of someone happening to find them quickly or knowing where to look is limited - NEEDS to bring their phone along, it’s the only way to ensure that you get the help you need dispatched to your location in a timely fashion! It’s bad enough to suffer a fall at home when nobody will pop around to check on you for hours or even days, but when you’ve gone out and nobody knows you’ve left or where you’re headed, it can be much worse!

For carrying a cellphone, when you have no pockets, one can also try this. The brand of mine is Racon-Trip but I don't think they make the same design any longer. They now have this one on Amazon.

I went on horseback trailrides with my family last year and one of the guides requests is that you not bring a phone in case you dropped it. They wouldn't be thrilled if they had to stop a ride to pick up your phone! The lanyard worked perfectly and the phone was easily accessible for a quick photo.

I luckily found the nicest leather Fossil cell phone purse. It has a couple zipper compartments. It was at a thrift store so I scored! I use it if I will be going on one of our bus trips or someplace that my other bag would be too much to deal with. I have a very small sling backpack type bag I use most often because it hangs on the arm of my Sunny Bella power chair.

Pictures

I downsized my purse about 15 years ago by no longer carrying a wallet with checkbook. However, I still need to carry something larger than those small crossbody or cell phone purses. I just had an unplanned overnight hospital stay and all I had was my ID, my keys and cell phone. I was very inconvenienced by not having ear buds, a charger, a pen, a lip gloss, a comb, a mirror and a credit card.

I could not go without a purse. Even when I've just run in to a store real quick with my wallet, cell and keys....I feel like I'm fumbling trying not to lose one of them. I like free hands to pick up and look at things. Can't do it.

I like your idea of a small purse like that.

Lucille, I'm maybe in-between. My phone is in my front pocket when away from home but on a counter (that may or may not be near where I am) when I'm home. I turn up the ringer a bit when home so I can call the phone to find it, probably needed once a week.

I somewhat understand the purse dilemma but I think too many have too much in them. I don't think it's necessary to be equipped with what you need for any possible situation. It's helpful to be male, the pockets in my pants are limited and I don't like to have much in them - I even take out change from my pocket, it goes into a cup in a bathroom drawer . If you've ever moved and had to do without your normal compliment of stuff for awhile, or taken an extended trip with only the clothes that fit into one suitcase, you learn that most of the "stuff" you think is essential to have around is stuff you can do without.

Elmer, here is the list of stuff that will be in my new purse when I go out (When I'm home it will be just the phone in the purse): The purse is I think approx 5x7 and only an inch and a half thick.

phone

Key

ID

1 credit card

Costco card

Lipstick

I don't think that is excessive. I'm getting one of those small credit card holders to put the assorted cards in but it is small and almost flat and will easily fit into the tiny cell phone purse. Of course when I go out with the grand baby there will be more stuff. And probably I'll just take one of my existing larger purses. When we go to the park I will take my 'mom' purse because I do have to have everything then.

But what with my age, and recent vision issues, I am thinking that it would be a good idea to have the phone actually on my person during the day.

Of course everyone is different in their needs of what and how much to carry, My older son for instance has a very attractive canvas and leather bag which holds his diabetic supplies.

Losing everything you own cuts down on all that stuff and clutter!

We always have our phones on us too...I think it’s a smart thing to do actually. The purses are cute, but what made me kind of chuckle is that your new Costco card made it to the bag...never leave home without it. LOL

I never travel without a spare pair of glasses with me. I broke mine in a strange city once and it was difficult getting another pair made quickly. Very distressing. I also have a credit card size copy of my RX in my wallet. I carry my sunglasses too. Hand sanitizer is a must also.

ITA with carrying the cell phone when outdoors alone. I fell on the back of our property one winter morning and was unhurt, but shaken up. It was near 0° and I was not visible to motorists or neighbors. If I was unable to get up it would be another 8 hours before DH got home and looked for me. Not a good scenario.

You're a star, Lucille, an example for others to follow. I've known that for a long time and in many different contexts besides this one.

I decide what kind of phone to buy based on whether it will fit in my pockets. And I decide what clothing to buy based on whether there is a pocket for my phone. I currently have a Sony Xperia X Compact Android smartphone. I carry it with me all the time.

I use a moderately big purse -- usually the type called "a shopper" -- kind of a leather bag somewhat tote-bag shaped. I like to be able to place small purchases in my purse rather than taking shopping bags from the stores.

I keep my ID /money /credit cards /etc. in a Vera Bradley wristlet, and sometimes (like when I go into the grocery store), I take out the wristlet and leave the big purse in my trunk. Also, on school days I move the wristlet to my school bag.

Speaking of changing your habits with age:

My grandmother began carrying her house key on a lanyard, which could go around her neck. She did this because sometimes she'd leave her keys in the doorway ... but she couldn't do that if they were attached to her neck. Also, I gave her an athletic wristlet -- the type that runners use -- that would hold just a credit card and a few dollars. She enjoyed that quite a bit. Interestingly enough, my college girl enjoys something very similar.

In my teens we carried HUGE purses. You had to have room for that economy sized can of Aqua Net hairspray along with your makeup. It was such a relief to go natural in the sixties.

As a mom I downsized to a regular purse, maybe 8" by 10" with lots of compartments for receipts, checkbooks, wallet and and things.

My next generation of purses became as small and minimalist as I could get by with. I stopped carrying a checkbook and went to a slimline wallet. I became the queen of small. Mini pens, mini notebook, Car keys and house key only etc.

Now with Smartphones getting larger I had to size up again. But I still keep it as small as possible. I prefer light weight fabric bags. Many are the small compact ones designed for travel. Small crossovers. As long as it fits my phone but not only the phone. The mom stuff has been replaced by old lady things. Now it's reading glasses, wipes, meds I may need, hearing aid batteries etc.

I wish women's jeans came with real usable pockets like men's jeans do. I can fit my key fob and knife and that is about all in these shallow ridiculous things they call pockets for women.

When we moved to this rural property I realized that if anything ever happened to me outside no-one would ever hear me scream, so phone goes into my pocket or a gardening apron with pockets. Even if I make a quick trip to the mailbox at the road (150 feet from the house) I take it. Out here I could get snake bit, attacked by a pit bull, slip on wet slippery driveway, whatever. I downsized my purse about 10 years ago after realizing that no matter how big it was it was so loaded down with stuff I "thought I'd need" it weighed a ton so now I'm forced to not carry the whole house with me. But I only carry a phone for emergencies, I don't even have a smartphone. I'm so weary of seeing everyone's face in a device everywhere I go but I've resolved myself to it since I'm an old f#%$ now and that's the way it is now.

I walk a lot and like to listen to podcasts so I need my phone. But especially in the summer, I don't have pockets in my clothes. So I made this for myself which I can wear over my neck or over one shoulder.

That's beautiful!

You're a star, Lucille

OK Stepford Elmer, give the real Elmer back.

A few months ago Walmart had a grocery cart full of crossbody cell phone purses (I hesitate to call them purses) on clearance from 1$ to 3$. No they wernt real leather but many were very cute and the price couldn't be beat allowing that multiples could be bought to match different outfits. I kick myself for not buying one. These would be great if its just hubs and I off running chores or grocery shopping.

I do need a huge purse if im taking my daughter out but even that issue im trying to solve. I want to buy a bicycle basket that zips closed that i can attach to the wheelchair.

Frankly I don't carry much of anything for myself. No lipstick but do carry lip sunscreen in summer and a phone and Chips rescue inhaler. Thats it. Wasnt very many years ago when I had to carry a diaper bag as a purse...Never doing that again. LOL

Just putting this out there for some who might not have thought of this... if your cell phone is paired up with Alexa at home you can use alexa to call one of your phone contacts if you fall in the house and don't have your phone on you and can't get to it. I had an Aunt that fell in the back yard and broke her hip, she was there for quite a while before anyone noticed. Marilyn I'm glad you didn't fall, I like the carpenter's apron idea too but like Lucille, I've also knitted myself several bags to wear when I don't have a pocket. Depending on the situation I carry all kinds of purses I'm a purse addict lol. I have a vintage coach crossbody that I love best right now, and it's the perfect size, small enough for a french wallet but large enough to carry all my essentials.

thank you

You're welcome! Now, say something controversial so we can start picking on each other again.

The state makes some of us wear ankle bracelets for electronic tethered tracking. Well the state doesn’t make you wear it, the state gives you a choice to wear it or go to prison. The free enterprise system gives me a choice too. If I want to stay in the 25% tax bracket, I will continue to keep my Apple 8+ phone on me at all waking hours and charging on my nightstand, right next to my Wilson Combat .45, when I’m asleep. So far, the Apple has created much more mayhem than the .45.

It used to be that the biggest got all the work, now in the internet age the work goes to the fastest, hence my conjoined phone. I swear I’m not making this up, but I got out of the shower to take a call yesterday. Apparently the strippers at the club and I are the only ones making money dripping wet and naked. Good thing I bought the waterproof case.

If you can’t stand always being a little bit at work, self-employment isn’t for you. I recently enabled my Verizon account to allow me to take calls in Mexico when my wife, Lynn Anne, and I stayed at a fancy 5-star resort as guests of friends. I so wanted a break, but I had a print ad publishing several days before we would return. I considered an answering service, voice mail was out of the question, but soon realized that the peace of mind of answering the leads from my ad immediately would far outweigh the several minutes of vacation interruption. It was, me, my wife, my friends, and my phone, drinking margaritas poolside at 11:00 a.m.

I haven’t forgotten that this, like giving every 4th dollar I earn to the government, is a first-world problem. Forty years ago, Lynn Anne and I were living on government food stamps in a cockroach-infested apartment her father owned. Our neighbor, Artie Johnson, was bitching about how much he had to pay in taxes as a railroader. I remember thinking “I wish I had your problem.” We outgrew our poverty and the government got a very nice return on its investment in keeping these future taxpayers fed. I not only pay my and my wife’s cell phone bill, but subsidize 4 other family members. I’m grateful I can, however, judging by how many voice mails I have to leave and how few returned and unsolicited calls I get, they don’t feel the same tethering obligation I do.

To prevent inconsiderate ringing, I put my phone on Airplane mode when I’m at the movies or other performances or in an actual airplane. It was disabled while I was being rejected for jury duty for a full day last month, per the judge’s stern orders. I can only think of one circumstance under which I would deliberately let a call go to voicemail, but I’m going to let you guess what that may be. Here’s a hint: My phone will probably be on my nightstand. Sometimes tethering is just too high a price to pay.

The taxes you pay provide governmental benefits and services that you and the fellow members of your community require. In theory, people pay based on their ability to pay, higher earners pay more than lower earners. There are well known problems with the application of the theory, including how chiselers like our current president can accumulate wealth without paying his share of the costs of the society that enabled him and others to prosper.

Here's two ideas for you, Joseph. Why strive to be in the 25% bracket, why not instead try to get yourself into a higher bracket? You'll have more money left in your own pocket if you do so. Secondly, you're entitled to a vacation. Why not hire and train someone to take your calls, to free up your time for other things?

Good luck, there are alternatives to being a slave to the phone.