Purses With Purposes

Sunday, April 07,, 2024

Weeks ago, while working in the Men’s Department, my customer was a college-age man who was about to travel to Europe. He bought a suit and accouterments, sportswear, and luggage for that trip and then asked if the store carried men’s shoulder bags. Learning it doesn’t, he said he’d shop for one elsewhere.

I used to live in Southern California, where many men carried good leather shoulder bags and looked very cool. Now, in Central Oregon’s predominantly country-like Western culture, men carry leather shoulder bags, but only types made for holding tools. Essentially, around here, there’s no romance, at least not yet, regarding men and shoulder bags.

In the history of fashion, men have led the way and women have adopted their clothing accouterments. As to shoulder bags, men have carried them for centuries. Of course, styles evolve, and today’s leather shoulder bags are a modern take on tradition. Many men consider the bags a masculine accessory.

Yesterday, I thought about that and remembered my young customer, while looking at a display of women’s bags. I need a shoulder bag, myself, one with a strap or two that won’t slip off my shoulder. My tendency to slump might cause strap slipping, and working out at a gym could help that; I consider it. Meanwhile, I want a strapped catch-all that moves with me and stays on my shoulder.

I usually resist carrying that traditional feminine accessory. I’m happiest having in my pocket what’s needed and just going. But it’s different since I’m working part-time and want to have certain items handy, like portable snacks, lightweight outerwear, my wallet, cellphone, reading material, and maybe (just maybe) gym clothes.

Dear Friends: Carrying a bag or not depends on one’s needs and preferences. Diana