Handbag Glossary

Baguette bag - a long, narrow, small handbag with a flap and short shoulder strap. The Baguette fits just under the arm and against the breast and is carried "just like French bread" - hence the name.

Calfskin - durable leather made from the hide of young cattle. Soft, smooth texture of calfskin makes it good for making handbags.

Clutch bag - a small woman's evening purse that is usually strapless and carried (clutched) in the hand.

Evening bag – a little bag with just enough room for the essentials. It is certainly not practical, but makes a visual statement. Like jewelry, it is usually embellished with precious materials, artistic workmanship, and feminine iconography.

Hobo bag - a soft, large practical handbag that bends in the middle when hung from the shoulder.

Luxury bag - a bag primarily distinguished by the quality of its materials and craftsmanship, and by the beauty of its design.

Minaudiere - a small case that combines the functions of purse and compact decorated with costly materials, pieces of metal and semi precious stones. Often takes on the form of plants and animals.

Tote bag - a most basic practical handbag, sometimes called a "shopper." The tote is adapted from the basic paper shopping bag and is top-handled, often with a zippered main compartment. For many women the tote is an office away from the desk, a portable dressing table, a locker room, lunch-pail, library, shopping cart, travel bag, or an amalgam of all of these.

Satchel bag - a hand-held bag that comes in many variations, but always with a flat bottom and a top closing. It usually has two handles or straps and is often designed as a "convertible," meaning that the handles or straps can be adjusted or removed.

Wristlet - another type of evening bag which combine the functions of purse and jewelry, slipping around the wrist like a bracelet. Wristlets with straps are designed with the wrist strap at the center top of the bag, so that the bag can dangle in a balanced manner. Some women like wristlets, because it is not always safe to leave a bag unattended while dancing.
 

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