It's In the Bag (by Request)

Some of the latest trends in purses would have us all looking like hobos. Others give us a bag that seems big enough to qualify as checked luggage.
How do you find a bag that's practical and fun?  A bag that doesn't look like a Member's Only travel wallet from the 80's-- you know the one's I mean.  I had one too.

It's okay to go big.
You can use a big purse as a practical accessory and not carry-on luggage.  The key: Plenty of pockets and dividers inside to keep you organized and avoid carrying around extra baggage.  The danger of a big purse is that it will become a black hole-- somewhere that you dump all your worldly belongings.  We both know you don't need every receipt from the past four months, white out, hair brush, sun block, book, juice box, socks-- how did those get in there anyway?  So simplify.  If your bag has plenty of pockets and compartments, the things you really need will all have a place.  That means there won't be a place for the items you don't need to tote around.  So decide what items you really need, and then put them in their place.  This will keep them accessible and easy to find, and you won't be rummaging for your car keys in the darkness.
Target has offered some surprisingly good options.  I have found a couple great bags in Target, for equally great prices.  Oversized, fun, fashionable, and loaded with pockets, dividers, and the ever handy key chain clip!  Because these bags are faux leather or cloth, stick with fun and funky colors.  Don't try to make them look like something they're not.  Target Satchel
Another big option: Franklin Covey.
Marketed for the business woman, their bags are intended to carry an array of contents.  They have room for all the items you would keep in your purse, while being mindful of the files, planners, or disks you may need for your meeting.  With Franklin Covey behind these bags, you can't avoid staying organized. The styles have been updated, and are far more fun than an old briefcase.  Totes are of course pricier than Target, but with such attention to detail and quality material, the durability of these bags is worth the extra purse.  Franklin-Covey Totes