In the Clear...Fad or Function?

Clear Plastic Purse with removable liner $39.99 at Winners

Many trends come and go each year and one that struck me as odd at first were clear bags. I thought to myself, why would anyone purchase a clear purse?

A woman’s purse is her castle. It is the sacredly guarded gatekeeper of her life. No one is allowed to even peek inside without her permission. Why then, would any woman in her right mind want to openly exhibit to the world what’s hidden inside its depths? An overstuffed wallet, receipts askew in a wrinkled mound, lipsticks, mascaras, powders, not to mention, period products - tampons, pads, Midol? Our secrets would be exposed for all to view and we would endure further judgement from the outside world. Who wants that? Not me that’s for sure!

Then it happened. I got tickets to a football game and low and behold there was a sign stating no bags were allowed unless they were clear. What?!?! I was forced to stuff my things into a locker or go home. I was left with a dilemma: Have the world see my stuff or be left without it.

More and more venues are enforcing a no bag/only clear bag policy for security reasons. It now seemed as if this fad had gained a more practical purpose - safety.

A clear bag now seemed to be a necessity if I wanted to continue attending concerts and sporting events with my stuff. Still hesitant of exposing myself to the world, I looked for something that wouldn’t be so soul bearing. The bag I found and opted for has a removable pouch. Though most places don’t allow for an opaque liner as it impedes viewing into the bag, (the whole purpose of a see-through bag), it does allow me privacy until I get to the security checkpoint. I can easily place all my items in a Ziploc bag, put the Ziploc bag inside the liner, then easily remove the pouch, roll it up and tuck it away, all before entering the venue. I slowly got used to the idea of a clear purse and now am enjoying the fact that it goes with just about everything.

There are a lot of different styles to choose from to suit your needs from backpacks to totes. The smaller tote I chose can be dressed up or down, allowing me a great deal of versatility. What started out as an unthinkable fad to me, has now become a well utilized staple in my wardrobe and as for my secrets? They are still safely tucked away from prying eyes.