Is There Any Difference Between A Handbag And A Purse?

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(Free-Press-Release.com) October 2, 2009 --

First I think we should address the question, "Is there a difference between a handbag and a purse? And what about all the other types of handbags out there - clutches, satchels, totes... what does all of it mean?" A lot of the facts out there are merely people's opinions. So I'll start with mine. I say the only difference between a handbag and a purse is the way you carry it. A handbag is more like a satchel, in that the straps are shorter and are not meant to hang from the shoulder. A purse has longer straps so that it hangs down almost to your waist. (These types of purses remind me of the older style that our mom's have.) But I do tend to use the word "purse" more often than handbag because I find that handbag is a newer term, and purse just rolls off the tongue.
But let's discuss what the so-called experts say about the difference between a handbag and a purse. When you search for "handbag" on Wikipedia, it actually re-routes you to the "purse" page. From Wikipedia:
In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag or a pocketbook.
In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger; indeed, a purse is often kept in a handbag.

A purse or handbag is often fashionably designed, typically used by women, and is used to hold items such as wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, cellular device or personal digital assistant, feminine products, or other items.

In the early 1900s people began calling their bags "handbags". This term referred to luggage that men carried. They then inspired women, who began carrying bags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. In the 1920s, it became popular that bags no longer had to match your outfit. In the 1940s, with WWII, women's purses were made out of wood or plastic since metal was being saved for supplies. In the 1950s, popular handbag designers included Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. Today these three brands are still popular, along with Gucci, Christian Dior, Fendi, Prada, Kate Spade, and Lockheart among many others.
Types of handbags
* Clutch: Small, yet long (rectangular), evening bag without a handle.
* Satchel: large bag with small handle that is carried on the arm rather than on the shoulder.
* Duffle: A large bag usually used for travel or sports.
* Tote: A medium to large bag with two straps.
* Messenger bag : A bag with a long strap to be worn across the body.
* Sling bag : A bag with a long strap (similar to a messenger bag), yet smaller.
* Draw string bag: A bag with a straw string closure

So see, even Wikpedia agrees with me. There's not much of a difference!
I hope you've enjoyed this little lesson on the handbags vs purse subject!
More information about handbags and purse, please visit: www.highquality-bags.com

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