If you are a mom and you are looking for the perfect purse, you are not alone. But it can be argued that what moms want in a purse is different depending on the job that needs doing. I will argue that it all comes down to these six things.
I recently switched from having a carry-all-the-things purse to a tiny grab-n-go wristlet. It holds my debit cards and IDs and not much else. I’m currently looking for a replacement that is just big enough to add lipstick and an ink pen. I love being able to just grab my little wristlet off the dresser as we fly out the door.
I used to think I needed to go big. So my idea of what makes the ideal mom purse has changed. But my kids are older too. When I had littles, if I didn’t have a purse big enough for a bottle or sippy cup and some hand cleaner, it wasn’t the right purse for me.
Roominess is what moms want in a purse.
Hear me out now. I’m not saying we need big purses, unless that’s what we want. What I’m saying is this: A mom’s purse needs to have the perfect amount of room for whatever she wants to put into it. Whether that is everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink, or just a few cards and lipstick, mom’s purse needs to have the perfect amount of room.
Color is what moms want in a purse.
Pops of color make a huge difference to any outfit, and adding a bright colorful accessory to a boring outfit changes everything. But sometimes, a super colorful outfit needs a neutral purse. So when moms are looking for the perfect purse, they are looking for the perfect color.
Good lines are what moms want in a purse.
Whether I’m shopping at a local discount store or shopping in the Coach Outlet store, I’m looking for a purse with good lines. A purse that I will buy is one that is pleasant to the eye, and one that doesn’t have straps or knobs or pockets that are strangely out of proportion. Shapeliness is probably one of the first things I look for when I’m choosing a purse.
Quality materials are what moms wants in a purse.
It is very possible to spend a lot of money on a “name” and get crappy leather that is really not leather (it can be called leather even if it is mostly something else with a tiny thin layer of leather glued on) and it is also possible to spend a lot less and get real solid leather that will last for years.
Moms want purses that will live through the impossible lifestyle of a mom. Getting thrown on the ground next to a lawn chair at a soccer game, drug through the mud by a helpful toddler, smashed in the grocery cart under piles of food, licked by the dog, left in a hot car until midnight, set down on a counter covered in milk, or any one of a dozen other ways a mom’s purse is going to be mistreated until it reaches the end of its life. This purse is going to have to “weather the elements” and as such it needs to be made from good stock.
Intentional interior design is what moms wants in a purse.
Nothing is more aggravating than finding the perfect color purse, with perfect lines and quality materials, only to open it up and realize they forgot to consider the interior design. The interior of a mom’s purse should be intentional. Whether it’s an ID pocket where the ID can actually be seen OR removed, or a pocket for baby bottles and a pocket for lipstick, moms want the interior design of a purse to be created for function. I will never choose form over function if I can have both. And I can.
Clean-ability is one thing moms want in a purse that we almost never get.
Do you have any idea how many melted chocolate bars I have cleaned out of purses? Or better yet, do you know how many purses I’ve thrown away because of melted chocolate I didn’t even know about? Let’s hope it was actually chocolate.
Sometimes I think the inside fabric of purses is never clean-able, because the purse manufacturers want to force us to buy more. But seriously, if you made a purse where the inside could easily be wiped clean of grossness, while the outside looked fabulous — I’d be buying multiple colors and sizes and styles of your brand! (And recommending you to all of my mom friends.) This is a huge selling point that purse designers are completely missing the mark on.
Tanya says
I have a favorite Coach bag—and have loved it for at least 18 years! I think that is how long anyways. It is my favorite style ever! I do use smaller bags to grab just keys, ID and my phone when I am active, Suh as hiking. But otherwise the purse I have is one I always use—I do admit I would love the same style in a different color though.
Jeni Tedeschi says
I love this! I collect Coach purses but mine are purchased second hand and are so small I can’t fit my wallet in them! Thank you! This is a dream opportunity and amazing giveaway!
Julia Daniels says
Pockets! That is what a mom wants!
Cindy Kuykendall says
What an awesome contest. Check it out
Jessica Boivin says
Love it!
Lori says
Summer fashion tip: I like to wear light weight fabrics, but carry a coordinated sweater just in case.
Lori Humphrey says
My only summer fashion tip is too wear what you feel comfortable in.
Sumaira Khan says
Best summer tips, hydration, sunscreen and fun
Lynne Johnson says
I just recently got into using purses. Up until then, I used a backpack or tote. We are a home-school & hockey family always on the go. Having something that would carry school work, snack, gear, water, & whatever else we needed. I just had a wallet. I only have two but on the lookout for my next purchase. I know that I don’t like purses with lots of pockets, zippers & compartments. Had to get rid of that one. It should have some pockets but still simple.
I made my kids get their own bags, purses or whatever they wanted to use to carry their own stuff they wanted to take with them. We usually have to drive 20 miles -/+ to our destination & usually stayed in town until we were done for the day, instead of making multiple trips.
Karen says
I agree with Lori Humphrey–be comfortable and cool! (I live in the very humid Deep South).
What I need in a purse: at least two inner pockets; outer pockets for keys, pen, and lipstick; a long strap and/or a cross body design; a good quality leather or reasonable substitute so that all the weight I’m carrying won’t break the strap. (Ask me how I came up with that).
CarolSue says
My fashion tip is wearing clothes that are comfortable and lightweight and make you feel pretty.
Jackie Belcher says
Balance.
Roomy but not too big.
Adjustable strap or removable strap to carry as a satchel.
Stylish but not overdone.
Kim says
I like roominess quickly followed by quality. Everything else is just icing for me. My kids aren’t so little anymore however, I still end up needing wipes and carrying their stuff! There is no way a small purse would ever work.
Jessica says
I like my purse to not be too big, but it has to have an outside pocket and at least one interior pocket.
Jamie E. says
Summer fashion tip: Wear light-weight fabrics that keep you feeling cool and comfortable.
General comment: I love a purse that has lots of pockets & whatnot for organisation. I dread having to look for a small item in a gaping cavern. I also look for purses that are neutral in color. I tend to not change out purses with the seasons or weather so I need a purse that will go with anything and everything. To me, it’s not a fashion accessory, but a functional tool.
Keylee says
I love a crossbody, hands free purse. Adjustable strap. Zip top closure. Room for a wallet, phone,
chapstick, a few granola bars/snacks, & small medicine container bottle.
Michelle says
Summer is the time for strappy sandals and flip flops. This purse would go great with either and could hold all the summer essentials you need! I have never had a coach purse and would love to win this one!!
Helen says
I need organization inside the purse, pockets & zippered compartments.
Ruth L Coller says
Cute Bag!
Amy Velazquez says
As a mom of young kiddos, I think an important feature for a purse is the type of material used that is easy to wipe off any spills or grime.
A. Farnsworth says
A good purse feels comfortable when you wear it
Crystal says
I want a purse that looks so nice on the outside that it hides the mess that is on the inside! 🙂
Patti P says
My fashion tip is to be comfortable and wear what makes you happy.
Jennifer says
Functionality is what I need in a purse!
Rebekah G. says
I would like a purse that is just
the right size. Not as big as a beach bag, but a good
size to keep the essentials: wallet, phone, lipstick,, hair band
or three, Lego blocks, hot wheels car, bandaids, pen, etc.
Bethany Kennedy says
interior pockets!!
Lynda says
It looks just right, not too big, not too small.
Dianna Auton says
Pockets are so important. Plus comfort. It absolutely has to be comfortable.
Jess says
Yes! Finding the perfect mom purse is so tricky! I always have to give something up and settle for good enough… 😉
Jennifer Davis says
My summer tips are to be comfortable, be you! Love your style, express yourself through your clothes, do what works for you!
Emma Shetler says
I live in Florida so my summer fashion tip is always wear a swim suit under your clothes! Flowy dresses and linen help keep you cool!
Renee says
Pockets, right size not too big or small. (Has to have room for some matchbox cars though ?)
Carrie says
My summer fashion tips are use good sunscreen and cute comfy clothes. As for a purse…..interior pockets are a definite must have for this mama.
Rebecca says
When it comes to purses, I need one that fits what I need and has pockets inside for easy grabbing. With 5 kids, I am always juggling people and things so grabbing money or car keys can get dicey! And easily wiped clean goes a long way too 🙂
Christy says
Cotton skirts and t-shirts are my summer wardrobe staples. Cool, swingy, comfortable!
Nancy says
I would love to win this purse! I’ve been looking for the perfect purse for a while now and this could be it!
Charity says
Wow, I have no summer fashion tips, lol. Except one… leggings are NOT pants!
But the purse is definitely beautiful.
Lisa says
Not too big and bulky but has pockets.
apple blossom says
oh you can never have enough purses.
stella methvin says
easy going, cool and comfort are my main goals.