If there is in fact a good reason, this may be the dumbest thing I have written yet. But I really don't think there is. I just don't get it. It looks super uncomfortable, not to mention kinda pretentious and snooty. Sometimes I see women talking on the phone with a bag on their elbow, but then the other arm is usually just dangling there. I could understand maybe if you needed both hands to send a text or something, but then why not just hold the bag in your hand again when you're done? Seriously, I need an explanation for this. I'm betting I get a few comments with reasons why, but I also bet none of them are actually very logical. Free subscription for life to anyone with an answer that actually makes sense.Just now I had some second thoughts about posting this. I think there may be a little backlash from the "pretentious and snooty" comment.
Actually, there's a very simple explanation... Because the straps aren't long enough to carry it on her shoulder. (And IMO bag designers should really stop doing that - it might look dainty and feminine, but it's annoying, uncomfortable, and impractical.)
ReplyDeleteBut why not just hold it in your hand?
ReplyDeleteLet me just start off by saying this post is some of your best work. Secondly, it's a weight/balance thing. That shit can get heavy, so it's easier to carry around when its closer to your center. It might not look it, but it is in fact the more comfortable carrying option.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll buy that for some cases. But it doesn't explain what's going on in the picture, or last night in my bar when this lady walked in and out carrying a tiny purse like that.
ReplyDeleteThe laws of physics! It is simple gravity - the dang thing slides off the shoulder and gets stuck on the crook of the elbow. If you let it dangle from your hand it drags on the ground, gets tripped on or is even more of a nuisance! Purses suck and women don't have functional pockets! Of course, it does make the guys in our life irreplaceable...
ReplyDeleteTrue, but that still doesn't explain situations like what's going on in the picture.
ReplyDeleteI think all of these comments completely explain what's going on in this picture. Would you want to have one hand out of commission all the time just b/c you have to carry your bag? No. So, you put it on your shoulder and it slides down, or it doesn't fit, and it ends up on your elbow. What I recommend is that you try carrying a handbag - a a full handbag, mind you, so you have an idea of the weight - and you'll understand in no time. It's not really a conscious decision; it just happens.
ReplyDeleteIt is time for me to weigh in on this critical topic.
ReplyDeleteSometimes my girlfriend asks me to hold her handbag for her while she's doing something with her hands. The handbag always ends up on my elbow somehow. And then I look down at my arm and feel ridiculous, so I put the handbag back in my hand. I agree with Lauren, it just kind of happens because there's no better place to put it - as soon as you need to actually do something useful with your hand, you just subconsciously shift the bag onto your elbow.
Hmm. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteSnooty. Only reason
ReplyDeleteI understand the reasons given. However why will you never see a man carry any item like this ever?
ReplyDeleteIt's a uniquely feminine gesture.
It’s because very expensive bags cost a fortune. They become grubby quickly. Avoiding the handles keep the condition. They live longer and retain their considerable value! I’m
ReplyDeleteYou lot don't even know where the elbow is, you are carrying bags on your forearms not on your elbows, for your reference elbows are on out part of the body
ReplyDelete