I continue to be amazed by some women who carry a large purse. I don't mean just a tote for a book. Obviously they are probably more organized and ready for anything unpredictable.

Everyday purse is a black leather purse that I carry around like a smallish sleek knapsack. It has no outside pockets nor flap for any thief to unzip/unbuckle behind my back. Just right size to carry:
wallet, 1 lipstick, hairbrush, sometimes foundation, keys, sometimes a paperback book, pen, somtimes kleenex, and 1/2 time, I've printed off and folded a short draft document that I've drafted at work that I want to take along and ponder over while commuting/over weekend. That's nearly all that can fit in my purse.

Yes, true, I do not carry around a cellphone nor little phone book for self. Do not own a cellphone nor do I have a need to phone people suddenly while in transit. Some years used to carry a 4x6 appointment book. Right now, not a need to.

My evening purse, is an elegant black smaller handbag purse, so small only for wallet, tiny makeup and brush. Small enough, I can hold it elegantly while holding a glass of wine and plate of food in other. I have stuffed this purse in my bike pannier when I went on business trip but also went on vacation immediately next few days.

Carpetbag-like purses do not appeal me for any occasion.