It’s the Inside that Counts…

We are indoctrinated to believe that it’s what's inside that counts, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t necessarily disagree with the mantra, but I do prefer to be a little more practical – always aim to please the beholder but most certainly endeavour to maintain an inner chi. I mean, let’s face it, is anybody perfect?

Before we get too caught up in a debacle over the importance of the inner you versus the outer you, however, my blog this week reflects on the importance of interiors of a different sort – our handbags. Not medically proven to be totally the root cause of my current consultation for back pain, this week as I listened to the advice of my lesser fashion-conscious physiotherapist I wondered ....could it really be down to my relationship with LV that my big bag trend is impacting my ability to properly bend?

Just as mobile phones threatened our brains and a life of texting and gaming risks a population with preposterously large thumbs, I wonder…is the ailment of the fashion victim to be health hindered dependent on the size of his / her handbag/manbag?

I’m often bemused at the constant magazine articles that tell us the 6 things in the A-lister designer bag that they just cannot live without . As I think of my own day to day changing needs in a routine that that morphs day to night without the A-list demands, I wonder if perhaps it is the advertising endorsement of the 6 essentials that is so life critical, espeically when there is an entourage to lug the rest on their behalf? Indeed, for the average ‘NeverFull’ Handbag Joe, isn’t it more realistic that what we really want and need is a never empty?

Wallet, lipstick, mobile, camera, flat shoes (heels to change), mints, boarding passes, passports, bottled water, keys, sunglasses, mini umbrella, ipad, ipod and the travelling plastic bag of liquids and cosmetics – not one of the more than 6 essentials could realistically be removed from daily life and, as I satisfyingly return the contents of my latest possession carrying obsession, I wonder ...is the reason we buy big not really because a life 'on the go' doesn’t mean that we can go without?

So, before you rush out to purchase a padded neoprene rucksack to carry life’s little essentials, stay true to your fashion judgement and 'Go Large'. That, or find yourself a different fashion accessory who is happy to carry your keys, phone and high heels on your behalf…

'Til next time, Pandora