No two women are alike. So how can their bags be the same? While some women prefer ultra small bags that are high on the fashion quotient, others prefer large and airy bags to accommodate their large list of things. You need to first assess your lifestyle and your choices. If you are a very busy person who needs easy access to things then a large sized bag is best suited for you. On the other hand, if your focus is on looks and you don't like carrying too much while on the move, then a small bag is well suited. You also need to check the quality of fabric on the bag. Leather bags are an all time favorite while even cloth bags remain popular these days. You could even make a cute make up bag using nice fabric that is easily available these days.

Variety of uses

A woman's handbag needs to see her through the day. Maybe you need to touch up your makeup in the middle of the day or before a party in the evening. Or perhaps you are a busy journalist who needs to carry around a large collection of papers and documents. Maybe you are a travel enthusiast who loves exploring different parts of the world. In such cases a large hobo bag along with a nice rucksack does the trick! If you are heading out to a formal dinner party then a nice clutch bag with elaborate embroidery or embellishment can accessorize you perfectly!

Materials used

There are many different materials and textures used in the modern woman’s handbag. You can find materials as diverse as jute, to straw, leather, lycra, cotton, silk or nylon fabric as well as many others. You can select the material of the bag depending on the climate and country you are residing in. For example, if you stay in colder climes then a leather bag is best for you. Even woolen crochet bags will look great on any outfit you are wearing. On the other hand, if you stay in a tropical zone then cool cotton handbags with trendy pockets and designs look fabulous. Even jute bags as well as straw bags look very chic and trendy.

Makeup bags

Perhaps you are an aspiring actress or model who needs to carry her makeup and jewelry with her. Or maybe you are a busy executive in an office who needs to be presentable and well groomed throughout her busy day! No matter what the profession or need is, a makeup bag is essential. There are cute purses available that can nicely accommodate your blusher, translucent powder, lipstick, lipgloss, eyeliner, mascara, concealer and all the daily makeup essentials you need. There are plenty of bags available these days which come with thoughtfully placed zippers and extra compartments inside for added functionality. For example many of the modern handbags also incorporate a small side pouch to accommodate the cell phone.

Lovely embellishments

Today the handbags have moved away from mere functionality. The handbag of today is a far cry from what it used to be. There used to be a time when women had dull, drab brown leather bags as their only option. However, today there are so many options that choosing can become difficult! Right from colorful sequins work to elaborate embroidery detailing to accents of leather or appliqué work on the bags – the choices are truly dazzling! Today’s handbag manufacturers are also experimenting with different fabrics and textures. So, you will find wool and straw in one single bag while in another bag silk and wood might be used in conjunction. In fact, the trend is towards unusual combinations. The more unique the materials used the more costly and sought-after the bag becomes. There are cute butterfly designs, animal prints or even traditional printing techniques used in modern handbags. In fact, Indian prints are the hottest thing to hit the handbag scene. Traditional zardosi work along with mirror work and tie and dye techniques are being used in bags of today. Plenty of bags also have traditional batik or kalamkari work which is a form of painting. The more intricate the print or detailing the more is the price of the bag.

Accessorization is big business!

Today, accessorizing does not just stop at jewelry. It extends to a woman's bags and shoes as well. No wonder then that today's woman shops for matching accessories right from hair accessories to handbags to even shoes. Everything needs to be perfectly color coordinated and in harmony with the outfit. So, if you are wearing a fuchsia pink evening gown then classic lilac chandelier earrings and a hot pink clutch bag are essentials in your wardrobe! You could even accentuate the look with a beautiful pale lilac hair stick to look truly ravishing!