Pursonalities
What Your Style Of Bag Says About You
There are women who think of purses as little more than a gussied-up sack for toting stuff around. And then there are women who feel nothing short of longing and lust when they behold the perfect bag (what other reason could there be for the Web site Bagborrowsteal.com, which lets women rent the most exclusive seasonal designs). Ranch & Coast decided to round up a few looks from local places and analyze the personality of the purse-carrier — or as we like to put it, their pursonality. — AnnaMaria Stephens, photography by Vincent Knakal

1. Her Life’s In The Bag
A career woman on the go needs room in her handbag for everything from a BlackBerry to a cosmetics case — and maybe even a few extra accessories to take her professional ensemble from day to night. Strappy heels, a lacy camisole, and a bold pendant, perhaps? This roomy bag doesn’t skimp on style or structure to meet the stringent demands of its carrier. The luxurious white leather is durable (though accident-prone women should consider a darker shade) and the dangling patent pom-poms declare that this woman — though a mover-and-shaker in the boardroom — still has a sense of femininity and fun.

2. Schlepping All Over Town
Yoga at 9am, coffee with girlfriends at 10:30am, beach at noon, shopping after a little siesta. The girl who needs a bag this big and slouchy has a packed — but casual — agenda. She can fit everything in here, from her yoga mat to her favorite bikini, beach towel, and designer flip-flops. White cotton and patent red accents make this bag casual but still fashion-forward, just like the easygoing San Diegan who carries it.

3. The Icon
Leave it to the house of Chanel to take a timeless classic — the 2.55 flap bag, which Mademoiselle herself designed in February 1955 — and give it a subtle edginess. All the original features are there, from the double-chain shoulder strap to the inside compartments for lipstick and a compact. The woman who carries a Chanel handbag recognizes that luxury is a smart and lasting investment. Like the bag, she is classic but appreciates modernity. She keeps her clutter to an absolute minimum, because chaos does not belong in a bag for the elegant.

4. Clutching The Basics
Croc-embossed black-patent leather and smooth walnut — this handled clutch is a juxtaposition of textures. The bag’s body is sexy and the rectangular handle architectural, yet the two form a cohesive whole. The woman who carries this is at ease at a contemporary art opening, on a first-class red eye to New York, or just out to dinner at a chic local restaurant. She knows how to pair it with any ensemble (dress it up with diamonds, dress it down with zebrawood bangles). The clutch isn’t spacious, but all this lady needs is her lipstick and credit cards.

5. Green With Envy
The woman who slings this funky crescent-shaped green bag over her shoulder has courage when it comes to fashion. She doesn’t stock her closet with neutrals. No, she favors a burst of color that turns every eye her way. She’s also not a label junkie. This unique accessory is by San Diego’s very own Lust 4 Luxe (L4L) (see our Personalities section for more about founder Jeff Catalano). She’s also quite practical — L4L bags have a patented lighting system that makes it easy to find keys, cell phones, and whatever else finds its way to the very bottom.

6. Day Into Night
Don’t go thinking a clutch can only come out to play after the sun goes down.
This smart little bag embodies all the best of the spring runways: ombre, bright turquoise, and snakeskin. It’s also deceptively versatile. Pair it with anything from skinny jeans and a T-shirt to the chicest Little Black Dress (that’s LBD to true fashionistas). This woman who carries this has no qualms trotting out several looks in a single day.