A news article on Yahoo! is causing a buzz in the bag-loving community. It claims that those currently big in the trend department, and big in the size and weight department, large bags should be used with caution - for they can cause aches and pains if overused (and overloaded).
"I see so many women with neck pains and headaches and what I usually do is look for their purse and pick it up," said Jane Sadler, a family practice physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, Texas.
"We take it over to the scale and weigh it and usually they're anywhere from 7 to 10 pounds (3.1-4.5 kgs)...We're really going to see women with more and more problems later on if we continue the big purse craze."
So now are huge purses "out"?
Above all, [William Case, a physical therapist in private practice in Houston, Texas] recommended correct posture while carrying bulky purses, keeping the head and shoulders aligned upright. Patients should also frequently change the size and weight of purses carried.
Professor Alan Hedge, an ergonomics specialist at Cornell University in New York state, said similar health problems arose when laptops were first introduced.
Traditionally women adopted better postures for carrying loads, such as baskets on heads or strapping a papoose across the back, but placing objects on one shoulder was one of the least efficient ways of carrying a load.
"If it (a big bag) is a fashion accessory, then occasional and symbolic use is fine. If not, then keep it light."
The poll we have running to the left reads that our visitors still love their bags big. Willing to reconsider? I'm not, but I suggest anyone with neck or back pains to take some advice from this article.
For a humorous approach to this piece, check out Pursed Lips.
Marc Jacobs photo source: Style.com
When I posted about a similar Gucci Scarf "Positano" Tote, I was told by a commenter that another was much more expensive. The first was straw, the second---crocodile. The price of the crocodile tote? $19,800.
Nearly $20,000! Actually it's nearly $21,000 with tax!!!
Oiiiiiiiiiiiii.
It's lovely, but I don't need it. I do, however, need a new car. A nice hybrid would be an option with that amount of money. Oi.
TORONTO, Jan 16 (Reuters Life!) - With big handbags becoming a key fashion accessory for working women, health experts are warning they can also become a key health concern.
They're talking about
big handbags there, and they probably mean over 17" wide or very tall ones. Specifically, if a woman's handbag weighs more than 7 lbs, it's not a good sign.
But in this modern age, women can't leave home without their 3 gadget accessories, hair products, face wash wipes, an extra set of under garments, lady-time emergency supplies and of course the required industrial-sized mase can. Some women need to fit changing tables, toy boxes and a whole smaller purse, all inside diaper bags. And yet other women need bags for a laptop, but luckily those are getting smaller and actually - lighter than a Paddington's padlock.
I feel a bit safer knowing my Paddington only weighs a max of 6 pounds, but I don't like this widely spreading bit of news here. I read somewhere this means huge bags are out. I think that was a joke though. ;-)
Actually, it might just mean large bags are more in than ever, which is pretty cool. We need to stand proud, because if we need larger bags it shows how badly we need bags in general!
And don't you kind of think people are switching from hating stilettos to bags? Perhaps men want women's accessories small so they can keep us down! Well, not I, I say! I'm going to have my bags and fill them, too!
Handbag pride!
So what about you, what size are your bags and how much do they weigh? Are you going to downsize now?
Ella M.
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