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The perfect example of what to keep inside your shoulder bag.

“A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag; even when you get to the bottom of it, there is always something at the bottom to surprise you!” -Billy Connolly

Despite the common perception that a shoulder bag is “just an accessory,” it serves a much greater purpose for many. Those who believe shoulder bags are a waste of money are often the same people struggling to juggle their coffee, lip balm, car keys, and wallet all in one hand at once. A well-designed shoulder bag can provide a convenient and organized way to carry daily essentials.

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a shoulder bag is choosing one that compliments your style. What’s the point of a purse if the exterior doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing? As someone who always carries a bag on my shoulder, my all-time favorite bag would have to be the Coach Teri Shoulder Bag. Though it may be more pricey, it still serves as a perfectly sized purse. The exterior is alluring and holds the perfect amount of space for daily essentials such as car keys, wallets, and sunglasses. Another option I would recommend would be any of the many selections of the BAGGU line from Urban Outfitters. As they fall into the cheaper category of this list, they might serve as better options for people not looking to spend their monthly pay on a purse. Though I do not own one, I have had my eyes on a few from Urban for the past few months, as they hold the cutest exteriors and the most spacious interiors. The last and most affordable option would be to keep an open eye out for shoulder bags at local thrift stores such as Goodwill or Plato’s Closet. Also, Depop provides substantial options for used designer bags, such as Coach or Kate Spade. 

After picking the perfect purse to your preference, personalizing it and making it your own is the most critical step when decorating an ordinary shoulder bag. Out of the many ways a simple shoulder bag can be structured into a unique accessory, my personal favorite is with bows. Though bows are beginning to lose their popularity as we near the end of 2024, they still make for a great accessory to add to a new bag. Pinterest provides many different examples of how bows can be utilized, and the most popular way is on a shoulder bag. Keychains can also make a perfect addition to a bag, personalized to one’s characteristics. Based on personal interests such as favorite TV shows or music artists, investing in unique accessories specified to your interest is the perfect example of adding a distinctive hint of personality to your bag.

When organizing the interior of your purse, consider what essential items you’ll need to carry, such as money, hygiene products, and a small wallet. One item I always keep on hand is a pair of sunglasses. While you may not think you’ll need them all the time, the majority of the time it leads to scrambling hands all over in attempts to find a pair. Hygienic accessories such as hand sanitizer or gum are also great essentials to keep on you. Online shops such as Temu or Shein provide great options for small compact bags that are perfect for holding small items for such accessories. 

Now that you know all the essentials to structure the perfect shoulder bag, you will always be able to handle the stressful hassle of closing your car door while trying to carry coffee, car keys, and a wallet at once.