Five essential handbags for Fall 09

September 10, 11:38 PMBoston Inclusive Style ExaminerVeronica Vidal Praeger

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Coach Glam Tote, $298 on coach.com

Quick question: how many handbags do you currently own? Fifteen? Thirty? Now, tally up the handbags you use on a regular basis. Two, maybe, three? Wouldn’t it be better to have a much smaller collection of handbags that function exactly the way you need them to? Of course! Prepare yourself for a serious accessories overhaul with the following handbag shopping cheat sheet.

The first step is to purge your current collection. If money is tight, sell any designer brand bags through an online auction site like eBay, as the proceeds will help subsidize your future purchases. If money is not an issue, consider donating your bags; the Boston-area Dress for Success affiliate accepts interview-appropriate handbags, portfolios and briefcases to help disadvantaged women look their best as they attend career fairs and interviews.

The second step is to know ahead of time which handbags you will need. This knowledge will help you to avoid choosing something simply because it’s a bargain, it’s a color that you love, or it’s trendy at the moment. Once you have a solid idea of what types of styles and features you’ll need, it’s time to shop:

Bag #1: The “Everyday”. In theory, this is the handbag you’ll be using most frequently, so functionality and quality are the most important things to look for. It needs to be versatile enough to wear with jeans on one day, and business casual the next. It should be large enough to fit an average-sized book or magazine, but not so gigantic that carrying it puts strain on your shoulder. Essential features: pockets for keys, mobile phone, and PDA. Things to avoid: loud prints (it should be versatile, remember?) and faux leather (heavy use will make your bag look old and cheap, fast). Suggestion: Lucky Brand Ramblin’ Rose Stash Embossed Bag, $179.00.

Bag #2: The Large Tote. That classic nylon Longchamp tote is nice and all, but let’s be honest, these days it seems as if everyone has one. For something a little more sophisticated, choose a tote with subtle, luxurious details. Also, be sure to look for bags with comfortable shoulder straps, because this is the bag you’ll be using on those days you’re toting around your lunch, the book you’re reading, running sneakers, a bottle of water ... well, you get the idea. Essential features: a roomy interior with a fabric that’s easily washable or even stain-resistant. Things to avoid: athletic brand or sports team logos (they're too casual-wear). Suggestion: L.A.M.B. Signature Collapsible Tote, $295.00

Bag #3: The Cross-Body. Free your arms to do more important things (like ride a bike, or sift through the endless racks of clothing at a thrift store) with a cross-body style. Ideal for travel, this bag stows everything you’ll need for a day out. Essential features: zippered pockets to keep valuable items secure, and a waterproof or water-resistant fabric (you never know if you’re going to get caught in an unexpected downpour!). Things to avoid: straps that aren’t adjustable (this bag needs to be as comfortable to carry as possible). Suggestion: Kipling Rita Medium Shoulder Bag (in six different colors), $72.00

Bag #4: The Laptop Carrier. Don’t expect to find the perfect laptop bag in the aisles of Best Buy; there are plenty of fun and funky styles available from many different brands. Of course, the most important feature of the bag should be the protection it offers your laptop. There should be plenty of cushioning, and pockets for laptop accessories like mice and power cords. Essential features: a discreet appearance that doesn’t announce to the world that you’re carrying a laptop. Things to avoid: those boring black briefcase styles (can you say, "office drone"?). Suggestion: Timbuk2 Marina Computer Handbag (this one is on sale for only $30.00, marked down from $80.00).

Bag #5: Evening Clutch. En route to an evening event, have you ever had to make the choice between your cell phone and your lipstick, simply because your clutch was too tiny to hold both? In this instance, style is important, but be realistic about the amount of stuff you’ll need for a night out. Essential features: a small pocket for a credit card or a few bills (always be prepared!). Things to avoid: bags that won’t accommodate a mobile phone (you never know when you’ll need it). Suggestion: Michael Michael Kors Berkley Python Clutch, $198.00