Handbag: A Symbol of Female Power and Authority

Have you ever thought of a handbag as a symbol of female power and authority? Of course everyone is different so a purse for one person may mean something totally different and unique for another but let's look at handbags from a different perspective.

The press of England has spent time and effort speculating and commenting on ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's handbag. To quote "The Times" in June, 1982 written by Julian Critchley, "She...tends to believe the worst of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She cannot see an institution without hitting it with her handbag..."

It's obvious that the press equates Margaret Thatcher's handbag with her assertion of power and the ability to impose her will. If you look closely, you will notice that her handbags closely resemble the Queen Mother's handbags. Is it because both of these powerful women choose the same type of bag or is Ex-Prime Minister Thatcher deliberately mimicking this female symbol of ultimate authority in her country?

Negotiations are underway for the famous handbag to be placed in a museum that houses Winston Churchill's papers and historical documents from the War. There is no indication that Mr. Churchill's wallet is stored in this prestigious collection but, then again, Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to impose her powerful presence (and pocketbook!) on 10 Downing Street!

What You Should Know About Handbags

Quality and durability

There are many factors determine the durability of handbags. Perhaps the versatility of the handbag is the deciding factor in its durability. The majority of fashionable and versatile handbags are designed and created in leather. There are many types of leather, each with its own characteristics. The most common leathers used to make handbags are ostrich, rawhide, lamb, deer, moose, alligator, and swine just to name a few good examples. The process, in which the leather is processed, treated, cured, and eventually shaped is extremely important to the lifespan of the handbag. Obviously, many of the handbag designers are going to use a higher quality of leather depending on the potential price tag to the consumer.

Design
Besides the durability, the actual design of the handbag is essential to the life of the handbag as well. The compartments of a handbag are a vitally important feature to any handbag. However, some people like many compartments, some like only a few; some like big compartments, some like small. Handbag designers try to keep the variety of their potential consumers in mind. One thing is certain about the design of the handbag: all handbags are potentially unique. All handbags offer the individual user a sense of uniqueness and style. Handbags are invaluable accessories to anyone's wardrobe. Your wardrobe is incomplete without handbags.

Price
Price is an important consideration to many people when purchasing a handbag. Finding a reasonable and acceptable price is often daunting and something straight out of a spy movie. Finding a Mulberry handbag for $29 on the street corner may seem exceptionally wonderful. However, you must ask yourself: do you honestly believe that a Mulberry handbag for $29 is an authentic Mulberry handbag? Many people sell imitation handbags - often referred to as "knock-offs". If a handbag looks like a name brand handbag, has the name brand tag, and is a steal... proceed with extreme caution. Owning a knock-off brand is illegal in most countries. Now keep in mind that many people purchase replica handbags. These handbags do not claim to be the original brand at all, but closely replicated facsimiles. Of course, the replica handbags are not going to be the same quality of the name brand. Remember: you get what you pay for.


Deciding to purchase a handbag is filled with options, options, and more options. Do not feel overwhelmed. Be aware of what you want before you begin. Know the price range you are looking for. Know the options you just cannot live without. Then buy exactly what you want and need. A good handbag will offer the owner many important factors: versatility, reliability, functionality, and all of this while remaining stylish, trendy, and affordable.