I need a new purse. Funny, how purses make me think of my grandmother and her sister, my great aunt. They called them handbags. Does anyone call them handbags anymore' Maybe your aunt does.

Handbags or purses or whatever you call them, that's fine with me. I usually have only one at a time that I'm using. I tend toward basic neutral colors like black or brown. Sometimes I will buy a cream colored purse, but they get so dirty! I'm not worried about carrying my black handbag in July. I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just need a place to put my billfold, my brush, my lipstick, notebook and pen and stuff.

For some women, though, handbags are like shoes. They can never have too many of them. Some women have to have a different one for almost every outfit. It can be done, and easily, too. There are purses made from every sort of material imaginable to match anything you may wear from the most casual to the most formal outfit.

Blue jeans. You can find bags made out of blue jean material. Yes, it's cute I suppose. I actually had one like that in high school. They're sturdy and you don't worry too much about how dirty they get. They were really popular in the 60's and 70's. They're still around, too. So are canvas bags. In fact, some of those canvas grocery bags are just fine as everyday casual purses. Or you can go pay designer prices for something a little nicer. You can find a purse made out of all kinds of fabrics in many different designs to match your wardrobe.

Of course, leather is a standard for handbags. Leather can be dyed and decorated in a hundred different ways. If you don't believe me, go to your local shopping mall and look around. They're pink and purple and green! They have bows and sequins and designs of all kinds. Leather purses can be small and elegant or they can be large and functional. They do last a long time.

It's up to you. You can collect handbags. When you're done with them, if they're still in decent shape, give them to Goodwill or your favorite charity. Someone else will be grateful for just one.