So I was walking around today with a small purse, which is more than I normally carry since I normally find it inconvenient. But I was watching some women with giant bags, and I got to thinking, because I've done the giant bag, and I've done the little bag, and I've done no bag. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but I honestly couldn't really pick one I preferred the most.

Do any of you ladies have a preference? Guys you can feel free to answer for yourselves or your ladies less

I like to be prepared. Thus, I've spent decades hunting down the perfect compact umbrella, sewing kit, hair brush, hair dryer, COMPLETE make-up kit (Hard Candy's "Take Out Makeup Kit"--out of production, but if you can find it, buy several: "Open wide to find a built-in mirror and six Super Shine Lip Glosses. Flip to the next level for eight Eye Candy Shadows, a classic black eye pencil and black mascara. Finally, finish that face with two shades of concealer, a bronzer and a blush...all necessary applicators are included." Measurements: Height is 1", length is 3.5", and the width is 2"!!!; one of my favorite things EVER!), panties & nighty (can double as a bathing suit), pads, tampons, condoms, lube, discreet vibe (surprise, surprise), deodorant, perfume, first aid kit(with mini-pharmacy), emergency slippers or flip-flops, drinking cup, utensils, notebook, multi-colored ink pen, address book, wallet (the size of a clutch), checkbook (that doesn't fit in the wallet), gum, toothbrush w/paste, emergency 'meal bar,' lighter, cigarettes (I don't smoke, but there are few things more hellish than being stranded with a smoker who's out of cigarettes), sweater/shrug, lotion, disinfecting spray/gel, toilet paper (trust me on this if you ever travel outside the US), tissues, small towel, purse hanger, Swiss-Army type knife, manicure kit, flashlight, spare keys...and more I'm surely forgetting.

I also HATE to be bored if I'm stranded somewhere. Technological advancements have helped tremendously--cell phone, iPod, Kindle, Nintendo DS have replaced my old Walkman, audio cassettes, mini photo album, emergency contact book, dictionary, journal, copy of my favorite book, book of poetry, and whatever book I was reading at the time.

You should see what I define as an 'overnight bag.' less

I like to be prepared. Thus, I've spent decades hunting down the perfect compact umbrella, sewing kit, hair brush, hair dryer, COMPLETE make-up kit (Hard Candy's "Take Out Makeup Kit"--out of production, but if you can find it, buy several: "Open wide to find a built-in mirror and six Super Shine Lip Glosses. Flip to the next level for eight Eye Candy Shadows, a classic black eye pencil and black mascara. Finally, finish that face with two shades of concealer, a bronzer and a blush...all necessary applicators are included." Measurements: Height is 1", length is 3.5", and the width is 2"!!!; one of my favorite things EVER!), panties & nighty (can double as a bathing suit), pads, tampons, condoms, lube, discreet vibe (surprise, surprise), deodorant, perfume, first aid kit(with mini-pharmacy), emergency slippers or flip-flops, drinking cup, utensils, notebook, multi-colored ink pen, address book, wallet (the size of a clutch), checkbook (that doesn't fit in the wallet), gum, toothbrush w/paste, emergency 'meal bar,' lighter, cigarettes (I don't smoke, but there are few things more hellish than being stranded with a smoker who's out of cigarettes), sweater/shrug, lotion, disinfecting spray/gel, toilet paper (trust me on this if you ever travel outside the US), tissues, small towel, purse hanger, Swiss-Army type knife, manicure kit, flashlight, spare keys...and more I'm surely forgetting.

I also HATE to be bored if I'm stranded somewhere. Technological advancements have helped tremendously--cell phone, iPod, Kindle, Nintendo DS have replaced my old Walkman, audio cassettes, mini photo album, emergency contact book, dictionary, journal, copy of my favorite book, book of poetry, and whatever book I was reading at the time.

You should see what I define as an 'overnight bag.' less

I need lots of room and lots of pockets and many compartments. I also need a zipper (I hate purses that only snap or magnet close. My stuff will fall out.) and shoulder straps, but not too long, because I have short arms.

It takes me WEEKS to pick out a purse.

I'm one of those people who always thinks I'm going to need everything I own, so I pack everything. Keys, extras, pens (I HATE using the pens in store, yuck) at least 6 or 7 lipsticks, lip gloss, eye liner (hey, it wears off) mascara, my wallet, my reading glasses, my phone, medicine for me, medicine for my kids, Puffs, a rosary (really, the Catholic upbringing stuck somewhere. I put in in my purse when we were going on a trip, in case I died on the way there, and it's still in there. I think it would insult Someone if I took it out.) Lactaid (I have terrible lactose intolerance, I won't eat in a restaurant unless I have my Lactaid.) coupons, money, credit cards, pictures of my kids and My Man, my iPod, ear buds for the iPod, and more stuff. Don't I sound like fun?

I need room. You never know what you might need. I might need to place my camera in there, so there has to be room for that. less

Sounds like my mother - it was always fun when she changed over to a new tote because she'll pull stuff out and say "I don't remember putting that in there", "I wondered where that went!", and "Is this yours?" Plus the couple of dozen salt packets that ended up at the bottom (some broken). One time her best friend told her it was time to get a new tote by opening it, sticking her head inside, and asked "L, did something crawl in here to die??" (Nothing did, but her best friend had a crude sense of humor.) Made me decide to carry something moderate-sized with pockets and not put condiments inside. less

As per usual, you sound like me, Dame Demi. I don't carry cigarettes, though. My Man can "man through it" if he forgets his. (Bwahahhahaaa!) I hate the smell of them, to be honest, and the tobaccy gets all over my purse, so I don't carry them. But, WOW, would I love that make up kit. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. I have make up (which loses caps and breaks) all over the bottom of my purse.)

Victoria, I, too, always have medicine with me (My Man calls me "The Walking Pharmacy") so people make fun of me, UNTIL they need Motrin or some eye drops or even a Fioracet and they know I have it. less

It's probably not surprising to learn my friends often refer to me as "The Pharmacist," or that I have an RX for Fioracet, is it? Or that I know the OTC type and dose equivalents of most prescription meds?

And yeah...my makeup collection is larger than several recognized countries. I'm on the verge of cracking open the last of those take-out kits, otherwise I'd share! less

I need lots of room and lots of pockets and many compartments. I also need a zipper (I hate purses that only snap or magnet close. My stuff will fall out.) and shoulder straps, but not too long, because I have short arms.

It takes me WEEKS to pick out a purse.

I'm one of those people who always thinks I'm going to need everything I own, so I pack everything. Keys, extras, pens (I HATE using the pens in store, yuck) at least 6 or 7 lipsticks, lip gloss, eye liner (hey, it wears off) mascara, my wallet, my reading glasses, my phone, medicine for me, medicine for my kids, Puffs, a rosary (really, the Catholic upbringing stuck somewhere. I put in in my purse when we were going on a trip, in case I died on the way there, and it's still in there. I think it would insult Someone if I took it out.) Lactaid (I have terrible lactose intolerance, I won't eat in a restaurant unless I have my Lactaid.) coupons, money, credit cards, pictures of my kids and My Man, my iPod, ear buds for the iPod, and more stuff. Don't I sound like fun?

I need room. You never know what you might need. I might need to place my camera in there, so there has to be room for that. less