Dear hideous handbag: I have a girlfriend whose handbag is the size of Rhode Island — on steroids! When I asked why she carried a year’s supply of cosmetics, not to mention a large jewelry roll; full set of rollers and an assortment of hair brushes, combs and perfumes in her bag, she answered: “My purse is my salvation. I live my life as a gypsy, never knowing where I’ll be and what I might need.” Big, slouchy bags are just that: cumbersome and shapeless. Look for a light-weight, small to medium-sized bag that has a defined “shape” and a light-colored lining, making it easy to find things. Remember, less really is more. Avoid purses with too many compartments. All you need is one inside zippered compartment and a cell phone pocket. Opt for bags with secure top closures. Trust me, people will sneak a peek to check out what’s inside your purse. They’ll remember an unkempt, dirty handbag just as easily as they will a clean and organized bag. Following is a list of hints to help you organize your handbag: I.C.E. card: If you do nothing else, create an In Case of Emergency Card and carry it with you at ALL times. I suggest using the following template and filling-in your personal information. “My name is xxxx. In case of emergency (I.C.E.), call: name/home, work and mobile telephone numbers. I have a dog (or other pet) named xxxx. For entry into my home to reach them, contact xxxx. Do not take xxxx to an animal shelter of any kind; contact my vet: Dr. xxxx/ number.” If you have an Advance Medical Directive on file, add the following information to your I.C.E. card: “I have an Advance Medical Directive on file with my lawyer, name/telephone number who should be contacted in case of an emergency. A copy is also on file with xxxx/number who has durable power of attorney should anything happen to me.” Paper money: Ask any bank teller and they’ll tell you the secret to keeping track of your money is to keep your bills flat and in numerical order, starting with the $1s and going backward: $5s, $10s, $20s and so on. Some people also hide an “emergency $50” in the deep crevices of their wallet — to be used in case of emergency only. Credit/debit cards: Limit the number of cards you carry and be sure to make a copy (front and back) of EVERY single card in your wallet; making note of the emergency 24-hour contact numbers. Keep this list in a safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you’re good to go. Receipts: Empty your handbag EVERY night and put all receipts into a separate envelope. Save credit/debit card receipts long enough to check against your monthly statements, then shred them; cash receipts do not have to be saved. If you purchased something and want to return it, staple the receipt to the price tag of that particular item. Insurance/miscellaneous cards: Keep copies of current automobile and health insurance cards in your wallet, as well as a copy of your prescription card and eyeglass/contact lenses prescription (I learned the hard way). Enter frequent flyer account numbers into your phone and leave the cards at home. Checkbooks: Puleeeese! Have you seen the television commercial where the guy is writing a check for three items in the express line at the grocery store? Use a debit or ATM card and leave your checks at home. Change: Loose change is messy; it will ruin your wallet and weighs you down. Get an old-fashioned piggy-bank and dump the change from your purse into it every night. You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up. You can save a few quarters for the vending machine if you need them at work. Gift cards: Put all gift cards and dining cards, etc., into a smaller, easily identifiable, change purse-sized pouch, then make a point of getting rid of the pesky things as soon as possible. Eyeglasses: To protect your glasses, the best case is a hard case. Finally, after each use, empty your bag and clean it with a damp cloth. Protect handbags by stuffing them with tissue and if possible, cover with dustcovers; store separately on shelves or hang from hooks rather than piling them, one on top of another. We invite you to send us questions about how to get and stay organized, which will be addressed in future columns.
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