The Handbag

HANDBAG > A VISUAL GLOSSARY OF PURSES the SADDLEBAG the SATCHEL • inspired by the shape of saddlebags on a pack horse • rounded bottom with a flap front closure and crossbody strap • flat bottom allows it to stand upright • top handle and/or crossbody strap • variety of shapes and sizes • flap top with buckle or clasp closures • small to medium in size • typically made of leather • commonly features metal hardware and/or embossed leather details the the DUFFEL/ MINI DUFFEL FRAME BAG • rounded with flat sides and a roomy interior • rectangle or trapezoid in shape • built on a metal hinge frame • top closure with a clasp or kissing lock • two top handles • top zipper closure • a.k.a. "weekender," small versions are called "mini duffel" • one or two short handles • originated in the military the TOTE BAG the MESSENGER BAG • a.k.a. the "shopper's bag" or "shopper" • thin and wide structure with a crossbody strap • large flap front that is plain or features belt clasps like a satchel • simple structure with an overall squarish or rectangle silhouette • open top with two short shoulder straps or handles • utilitarian shape originally used by mail carriers and bike messengers • available in a variety of sizes, although typically on the larger side the FOLDOVER PURSE • defining feature is the folded over top section • a contemporary and versatile style • can be worn two ways: as a long tote with the top handles or as a messenger-like bag with the crossbody strap the BARREL BAG the BUCKET BAG • similar to the duffel bag • small horizontal cylindrical shape that resembles a barrel • two top handles • top zipper closure • shape originally introduced by Louis Vuitton's Noe Bag, used by champagne vintners to transport bottles • shape originated in the military • drawstring top closure with buttons or magnetic clasp on the inside • either long crossbody strap or two backpack straps • structured bottom with slouchier top the HOBO BAG the BAGUETTE BAG originated from the "bindle" sack seen on cartoon “hobos" • long and narrow, named after the shape of a baguette loaf • one short shoulder strap • small in size, good for holdingjust • slouchy crescent shaped bag with a short shoulder strap • usually medium to large in size the essentials • popularized by the HBO series Sex and The City the DOCTOR BAG the BACKPACK PURSE • originally used by doctors to carry supplies on house calls • frame bag structure with hinge at the top that opens wide • the ultimate hands-free bag • elongated, large shape with a flat bottom and roomy interior • features 2 straps, one for each shoulder • variety of different features and closures, i.e. zipper, clasp, buckles or drawstrings • range of different shapes and sizes • 1 or 2 short handles • magnetic flap, clasp or zip closure the ENVELOPE CLUTCH the MINAUDIÈRE • small clutch with hard sides and a hinged frame • clasp or kissing lock at the top • can be rounded or box shaped • available in a range of materials and embellishments • usually small to medium in size • no straps, meant to be clutched in the hand • called a "wristlet" when it has a short wrist strap • based on the shape of an envelope Scarves.com Sparkle &fuzz