Purses and Shoes

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Anyone know what kind of purses and shoes that aren't overly shiny and glittery that can still make you look like "a professional woman"? I've been trying to conform and be more gender-appropriate for some time now, but all the options I've seen so far are making this harder than it needs to be.

(I know, I know, next thing you know I'll be shaving my legs and wearing a bra, or something.)

Depending on what sort of profession you're in, you might look at briefcases. My mother is a (retired) psychologist and worked at a mental hospital plus a private practice plus teaching classes in life stages at a university. When I would meet her for lunch, she didn't have a purse - she carried a briefcase that had one space for her professional papers and another space for her keys, money, etc.

I highly recommend investing in a leather satchel. I can fit my books, first aid kit, pencils, coin purse, everything but the kitchen sink. As they say. It's not too showy or ritzy. Practical yet professional and adult-like. I also like the fact that you have to buckle it, for safety reasons, and also keeps me from impulse buying, although sometimes i get lazy and forget or only do one.

Payless Shoes is good for professional-looking shoes that aren't shiny.

Personally, I think a purse like this is awesome.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54592123/pe ... straps-and

It's big, it has slight feminine touches (pleats) without being overly girly. It's made out corduroy velvet, which is a feminine material, but it's not overly "loud" or pink or anything. And the color is likely to look good with almost anything.

As for shoes, I think if you don't do high heels, ballet flats will work well for you.

http://www.payless.com/store/product/de ... me=Womens+

Those are basic, with feminine touches, but should be very comfortable. Look for round toes, with a little girly touch that you like.

The point here is to remind people that you are a woman, without going overboard. That's what you want as well. And you should be comfortable - you can find flats that look good and feel good.

And a tip on ballet flat: check the soles. And try, if you can, to walk in them on hardwood or linoleum or tile floors before you buy them. Most shoe stores have you walk on carpet before you buy and that won't give you a cue as to how slick the soles are.

I twisted my knee from walking in ballet flats that had soles that were too slick! They can be really dangerous, especially if you don't have the best footing or are prone to bouts of clumsiness like I am. It is crucial to have shoes that will not slip your feet right out from under you.

If you like shoes more covered up, and you have wide feet, you might look into men's loafers. Not so good with a dress and nylons but I'm betting you wear pants, if you don't shave your legs. Loafers would also look good with opaque tights, but that might come off as too bohemian. Black loafers and a sort of matching laptop-bag type purse would look businesslike, and you'd have room for your stuff in the bag even if you don't carry a laptop. I like basic polyester blend pants with some stretch, but not knit, and won't buy them if they don't have pockets. Just add some kind of comfortable but ladylike top, a nice print or some kind of non-obnoxious ruffle detail, you will look like a girl but still be comfortable and machine washable. (The clothes, not you! ) I know a lot of people look down on polyester, but for me it's a miracle fabric! Inexpensive and stays OK-looking for a long time. If you have sensory issues and hate polyester, cotton or a cotton blend would work too.

I don't like shoes that don't cover my whole toes either. Most ballet flats won't work but you'll find the occasional pair that will. Also try wide-width, or a half size up. Sometimes that works for me. But either way, it's just a suggestion. And as was mentioned, be careful with how slippery the sole is. I have two pairs of flats that are absolutely awesome, both from American Eagle for Payless. Both about $25, and both very comfortable, without showing "toe cleavage" which I hate.

Check out some books from the library. You'd want things that are labelled "classic styles" because if you get something that's faddy, you probably won't know when it goes out of style. The "What Not to Wear" books are fun.

in 10th grade i had an intense perseveration about designer purses. i can still identify fakes from a mile away. if you want a purse that's durable, not TOO expensive, and that looks "adult" and "professional" i would say go with coach. not the gaudy printed ones, but the plain leather goods.

I use a meerkat stuffed animal backpack as a purse.

Persionally, I prefer medium sized bags. Small ones don't fit all my stuff and big ones overwelm my small frame. For shoes, I like round toe flats, a good compromise between loafers and heels. I can't wear pointed toe flats because they're so uncomfortable.

For you, I recomend a laptop bag or a leather satchel. They hold all of your stuff and look professional at the same time. For shoes, try loafers or round toe flats that are wide width. Pointed toe shoes are so uncomfortable.

For shoes I wear these things that are like a hybrid of sandles and crocs. They are sandles made from the same miteral as crocs. I am doomed once they fall apart or something becuase I've never seen anything like them here in Texas and was only able to find them in once place back in Ohio.

A follow-up question: Does anyone know how to put the on a shoulder strap without manually puncturing the sides of the bag?

(I already bought this bag, which I picked partly because it came with a shoulder strap. None of the reviewers mentioned anything about any difficulties putting on the shoulder strap, so either they never bothered trying or I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't know how to do it.)