A survey published day suggested than an 'average' (whatever that means) woman owns 111 handbags throughout the course of her life. As a handbag obsessive myself (and editor of The Bag Lady) and I actually think this is a surprisingly low amount. Sure, 111 designer handbags would be quite extreme as these often costs in excess of £1000 but, in bargain high street stores you can pick up a bag for as little as £3.
The Daily mail stated, "For most women the handbag is more of a lifestyle necessity than a fashion accessory." But of course! How else would we carry round all of our good in order to be prepared for almost any occasion? On countless occasions I have been out with a male friend and they have asked me to carry something for them. Men can get away with stuffing their pockets with their worldly goods, have you ever even tried to put your house keys in the pocket of your skinny jeans? It hurts!
1,500 shoppers were quizzed about their shopping habits at Lakeside shopping mall in Essex. Five percent of those surveyed admitted to have more than 100 handbags at present and I must admit that I am not far off this.
Handbags, believe it or not, were never carried by women until less than one hundred years ago. Women who were seen carrying bags were pitied as they did not have a big, strong man to carry it for them. Following the Second World War women began to gain a sense of independence and handbags quickly became the fashion accessory. Although a handbag may not appear to represent that much now it is still true to a certain extent. Lugging round a giant tote full of important items allows a woman to be prepared to handle most situations independently!
Also, when men so famously spend large amounts on cars, gadgets, games consoles etc, why shouldn't women be able to spend their hard earned cash on accessories?
