Every woman needs a one-of-kind purse for a specific purpose, perhaps all purpose, but the quest starts with the bags design. For every day, for shopping, for evening or for carry-on, some can take the credit for multiple uses. Evening bags are a separate category, along with the wallet on a shoulder strap. Others could have dedicated usages for wine, diaper, potluck, laptop, fresh fruit market, and for the under 25, a messenger bag.

When purchasing a new bag, whether at a thrift store or high end, look for a few important details. The lining, closures, snaps, zippers, handles and buttons. Check that you can really get your hand into all those lovely pockets. What color is the interior? Black is common, but inside a larger tote it adds to the fumble factor. Can you see the zipper tabs on the extra pockets? Do you want pockets on the outside? Is there ""bling?""

For a casual bag, one that slings over the shoulder, a no closure style is appropriate. But a flap, snap or zipper closure is more important in high risk environments. On a practical level, items, including wallets, don't fall out of closed bags. Look at the zipper closely. If the teeth and tab are very small, the durability is suspect. Some tabs will have a number label. Anything lower than a 5 is not strong enough for continued use.

Some women prefer snaps to zippers. When the car keys are at the bottom and the groceries are dangling off the other arm a snap can open more quickly than a zipper. There are three types of magnetic snaps. On a sturdy material a magnet is invisible, its sewn within the layers of fabric.

The third can be hand or machine applied, sometimes used in highly crafted purses. With your fingers examine the area around the magnet. If properly installed some reinforcement should be evident. Some totes snap shut with the same design as found on jackets.

Handles can be the greatest source of frustration or the most agreeable part of the purse. Long handled straps should end above the hip bone, where the hand will naturally go to hold or search. A thin strap can be less secure, but have less bulk. A long wide vinyl handle is frequently unpleasant on the skin. The texture of natural cotton or hemp handles feels pleasant, but unless properly made will ""curl"" becoming narrow and no longer appealing. The casual ""rope"" handle is sturdy, but only as sturdy as its attachment.Look for double stitching.

Short handles whether leather, wood, strapping, or heavy bead take a lot of abuse. Unless its purpose is elegant evening, most purses are not always delicately handled. Before buying, hold the handle, arm down, now visualize the feel of that same material with triple the weight (or more). Some women prefer to tuck their purses up under their armpit. If it's a larger style, does it fit there?

Before making the final decision at the checkout visualize the items meant to be carried. It could be too big to be carried when full or too small to carry everything. Perhaps you are the woman who wants five or six bags for variety, and you are already aware of the importance of bags design.