Big Handbags Are All the Rage for Today's Busy Women

"Carry all" can mean just that when it comes to handbags this fall.

Bigger is better for today's busy woman, who needs to tote around everything from lipstick to a computer. But ...

"Women still want the bag to be stylish," says Lisa Michael, buyer and co-owner of Larrimor's, with stores Downtown and in Mt. Lebanon. "They want something that's lightweight and comfortable so it doesn't hurt their shoulders.

"But they also like having a big bag that has lots of inside compartments, because the more they put in a bag, the more things there are that they won't be able to find without a specific place for those items."

The style a woman chooses is as individual as she is, Michael says. While some need to carry a laptop and file folders like they would in a briefcase, they don't want to look like they are on the way to the office. One way to avoid the Mad Men look is to choose a bag with a lot of detail -- studs, fringe or brass trim.

The inside should have pockets for things such as a cell phone and iPod, as well as space for pens and sunglasses.

"Our customers love the big handbag trend for fall," says Erin Conroy, trend expert from Brown Shoe, the parent company of Via Spiga.

"An oversized bag offers a fashionable look," she says, "and it's practical because there's room for everything women need throughout the day -- essentials like wallet, phone and keys, plus extras like bottled water, a wrap or a change of shoes."

Because women juggle many hats, switching bags throughout the day isn't realistic, says Koren Brewer, vice-president marketing and merchandising for Hobo International. That's what makes the big bag so attractive.

"At the end of the day, women need their style to transcend time, place and activity," Brewer says. "Handbags, in particular, are such personal accessories.

When shopping for a bag, I think women should consider how they plan to use their handbag in addition to considering the style of the bag."

When in doubt, as long as you can carry the handbag comfortably and have access to everything you need, you're probably in good shape, Brewer says.

Oversize buckles, latches and other metal hardware give the big bags more style, says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom fashion director. Colors such as plum, blue and red can be chic, because women want the handbag to be part of their fashion personality, he says.

"You have to pick a bag to fit your needs," says Michael Carl, Allure magazine fashion director, who prefers neutral colors, such as cream or putty.

"And don't overstuff it," Carl says. "Make sure it is big enough to carry everything you need. And that it also has enough compartments for you to find everything."

If you choose a slouchy handbag, and don't fill it, it won't look as big, says Erica Miller, owner of One Brilliant in Aspinwall. It also won't hurt your shoulder after carrying it all day.

Some women include a clutch or wristlet inside the big bag that has important items they can pull out of the big handbag easily. And it's smart to carry a small cosmetics bag, so you don't find lipstick smeared on the lining.

"The big handbag is being called a tote, and totes have a multi-purpose to them," Miller says. "They are very much in vogue right now. The tote is like a briefcase, where it is the 'everything under one roof' concept. But you have to make sure you aren't carrying too much to where you can hurt your body."