jenn- Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 What size purse do you typically carry? I am a smaller purse wearer and I was about to attempt to make some new purses to sell, but I realized I didn't know how big of a purse most ladies carry. I'd love to get a feel about the outer dimensions on your favorite purse(s), guessing is okay. Thanks for any help you can give me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Medium, but what's more important to me than purse size is whether it closes or not. If it doesn't seal closed I drop it upside down at some point and all the stuff falls out and then I get grouchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I carry a larger sized purse with inside pockets for everything. I tend to carry "everything I could possibly need in any given circumstance" due to several times in my life when I had nothing I needed for days, generally involving hospitals. Or, you know, a zombie apocalypse. ;) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 This size is perfect for me: http://www.verabradley.com/browse/_/?Ntt=cargo+sling. It's about 14" x 13" x 6". Lots of pockets and a zippered closure are essential. Do you have an Etsy shop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I recently downsized, which I discussed here: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/560120-minimizing-your-pursehandbag/ My new purse is about 8.5" wide, 4.5" tall, and when my stuff is in it, about 3.5" thick. I am really loving it so far, very liberating, but I'm not sure if there's a big market for such small purses. Certainly the majority I saw at the store were significantly larger. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Medium, but what's more important to me than purse size is whether it closes or not. If it doesn't seal closed I drop it upside down at some point and all the stuff falls out and then I get grouchy. Would you consider a messenger style closure with a snap a sufficient enough of a closure? Zippers and I are sworn enemies, but I have defeated them in battle before. I carry a larger sized purse with inside pockets for everything. I tend to carry "everything I could possibly need in any given circumstance" due to several times in my life when I had nothing I needed for days, generally involving hospitals. Or, you know, a zombie apocalypse. ;) I will definitely be adding pockets to any of my larger sized bags. I haven't felt the need to put them on my smaller bags or my large totes. This size is perfect for me: http://www.verabradley.com/browse/_/?Ntt=cargo+sling. It's about 14" x 13" x 6". Lots of pockets and a zippered closure are essential. Do you have an Etsy shop? That is a good reference size. I do have an Etsy shop which has my crocheted work in it. I just had renew all of my purses this morning as a matter of fact. I hope to work on some cloth bags soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I love my Baggallini Hobo bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I do have an Etsy shop which has my crocheted work in it. I just had renew all of my purses this morning as a matter of fact. I hope to work on some cloth bags soon. Thanks! Are those your puppies in the pet section photos? They are so adorable! :001_wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsy Type Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 It needs to be big enough for at least a kindle and my billfold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Below is my typical daily bags features: - Interior features back zip wall pocket, 2 slip pockets - Approx. 13.5" H x 14.5" W x 2" D - Approx. 5.5" handle drop - Approx. 26" strap drop They can fit in two ipads, a kindle, wallet and phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Thank you everyone for your replies so far. They are really helping me to decide which size to try first. Thanks! Are those your puppies in the pet section photos? They are so adorable! :001_wub: Those are my puppies. My Boston Terrier was a much more cooperative model then my Jack Russell Terrier. She just had way too much energy to be told to sit still and look in the general direction of the camera. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I'm currently using this Baggallini Triple Zip Crossbody Travel Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VPB622/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MeW7vbPRNSFTG I bought it for a trip, but when I tried it out, I loved having a smaller purse and less stuff to carry around. If I want a bigger bag, I just unclip the strap and use it as a wallet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 My bag requirements: crossbody big enough to hold my journal (size of a hardcover book) has a good spot for my phone (so I hear it ring) has a good spot for lip balm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 My current purse is (according to its maker) 12.5" x 9" x 4". It's pretty much perfect for me. I need something that can fit my tablet, my wallet, and a mini spiral notebook. I also like interior pockets, so I can put small things and pencils in there and have a clear spot for my phone, and at least one exterior pocket for my keys. I also have this thing where there needs to be a clear difference between front and back, so that I can find things without looking (because I always orient the purse the same way and I know which direction to go for my chapstick or whatever). And suddenly I am feeling like I'm super demanding in what I want from a purse! :laugh: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 My bag requirements: crossbody big enough to hold my journal (size of a hardcover book) has a good spot for my phone (so I hear it ring) has a good spot for lip balm Just this weekend I had to make myself a slightly bigger purse because my new journal didn't fit in my old one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 nm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Would you consider a messenger style closure with a snap a sufficient enough of a closure? Zippers and I are sworn enemies, but I have defeated them in battle before. Snaps are fine if there's a flap to fold over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I'm currently using this purse, but in silver: http://www.amazon.com/Coach-Leather-Convertible-Crossbody-Mahogany/dp/B009D4ZR0C I usually have my Kindle, my phone, a book, an epipen, a wallet, and six or seven other things crammed in there, so I need something big and sturdy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Mine is small, about 7"x5"x2.5". It's leather and has a cross-body strap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I just ordered this Travelon cross body bucket bag and haven't received it yet. It says it's 10" high and 14" wide and I hope it's considerably bigger than the one it's replacing, but not enormous. I was looking for a bag with two compartments--one for my stuff and one for my disabled dd's stuff that I need to carry with me--a diaper, travel wipes, her wallet. I'm hoping the zippered pouch on the back fits her stuff. My "wallet" is actually a filofax daytimer that stands vertical--hoping it fits vertical--I can slide out credit cards and library cards without pulling the whole thing out if it does. If it has a spot for my phone, kleenex, a pen, and loose change I'll be thrilled. http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Cross-Body-Bucket-Black/dp/B00C75L4O2/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1441743166&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=travelon+cross I first fell in love with a Baggallini bag that looked perfect--two equal, zippered compartments. Then I saw it in person and it is tiny! I never checked the dimensions when I fell in love with it on Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 9" by 6" by 4"? It's a small backpack leather bag. I carry keys, purse (wallet), Kindle, phone, a couple of lipsalves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I recently downsized, My new purse is about 8.5" wide, 4.5" tall, and when my stuff is in it, about 3.5" thick. Me too! I got sick of everyone stuffing their stuff in my purse. It's great to have a light bag with just the stuff that I need, nobody else's water bottle, books, phone, snack.... I carry my large wallet, a kindle paperwhite, a pen, my phone, a comb, gum and lip balm. That seems like a lot but it fits in a smallish bag with no problem. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 A medium purse is a tight fit for me. I like medium to large, usually 12 x 10 as the absolute smaller I can make work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 My current purse is (according to its maker) 12.5" x 9" x 4". It's pretty much perfect for me. I need something that can fit my tablet, my wallet, and a mini spiral notebook. I also like interior pockets, so I can put small things and pencils in there and have a clear spot for my phone, and at least one exterior pocket for my keys. I also have this thing where there needs to be a clear difference between front and back, so that I can find things without looking (because I always orient the purse the same way and I know which direction to go for my chapstick or whatever). And suddenly I am feeling like I'm super demanding in what I want from a purse! :laugh: I have a multi digit expensive purse right now and I have to say, I LOVE those bags. They're so simple and functional and look really well made. I'm totally buying one, thanks for the link! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Pockets inside and out are a must for me. I detest everything dumped into the bottom of the bag whether it's a big one or a small one. I sewsime if my own bags and I customize the pockets or add additional ones if I need them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear23 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I have three sizes that I use depending on what I am doing and where I am going. What ever the size, it has to hold my wallet, keys and phone. On average my size of purse is a mini backpack. It's cute and not too big or small, perfect for every day running around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 What size purse do you typically carry? I am a smaller purse wearer and I was about to attempt to make some new purses to sell, but I realized I didn't know how big of a purse most ladies carry. I'd love to get a feel about the outer dimensions on your favorite purse(s), guessing is okay. Thanks for any help you can give me. Well, my "purse" needs to be able to contain stuff that goes in a wallet (driver license, Sam's/Costco card, AAA card, medical information card, cash, coins, etc.); my glasses, and my sun glasses, my keys, and a couple of pens/pencils (zippered pockets--a couple of those). I want to be able to close it fairly securely. I prefer a cross-body bag, and I prefer something a little more structured. Hobo-style bags...no. Those envelope-shaped bags...no (the glasses make odd bulges, lol). A pocket for my cell phone, especially one where I'll actually be able to hear that thing when someone calls, is a bonus. I have had purses with slots and whatnot such that the cards and cash can be tucked into them, so I don't need a wallet, but sometimes those don't have room for the keys (!?!) or the sunglasses. Sunglasses are not a fashion accessory for me, lol. I keep hand cream, aspirin, nail files, all that extra kind of stuff, in the car and not in my purse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Big. I carry a lot of stuff, and I have tried many times, but I just can't downsize enough for a cute itty bitty purse. I have wanted to, but nope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Shape makes a difference, too. I just ordered a new purse (thanks Purpleowl!) but switched bags temporarily back to a cheapo favorite because my nice leather one was driving me nuts (D&B Florence Satchel - gorgeous but problematic). The cheapo bag is the same basic dimensions, maybe an inch or two wider at the top, but it is fabric and flexible. It opens up SO much more easily for access than the stiff leather. I found I couldn't fit half as much into the D&B as I wanted because I was limited by the width of the top by the zipper and the lack of flex. The cheapo bag has a wider top and narrower base, and no zipper, just a magnetic clasp - it fits everything with plenty of room to spare because of that better design. It also has more pockets and more zipper compartments. Dimensions matter, so do materials. I have discovered I like structured fabric - no flimsy liner pockets sagging (that drives me nuts), but nothing rigid or too stiff, either. It's like goldilocks :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Thank you everyone for all your help. I'll be sure to update when I get my first one finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I mostly carry a small one that only holds the basics- wallet, keys, phone, tampon, lip balm, and pen. Any more room and I fill it with junk I don't need. For overnight trips I upgrade to my purse that's big enough for my ipad and phone charger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merry gardens Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Medium. Gone are the days when I carried a big purse instead of a diaper bad. And a small purse looks disproportionate to my body now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Needs: 1. Long strap 2. Stand up on its own 3. Big enough for an IPad, glasses, and small wallet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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