It is true men have their cars while women have their handbags, but unfortunately they are both targets for theft!

And I know that if you are anything like me,( I cannot speak without having my lipstick on…) you are simply not able to fit your 'entire life' into the back pocket of your trusted Levis jeans or jacket pocket unless you are a guy then let’s hope your beloved wallet contains a generous bank account!

What I'm trying to say is, we ladies, NEED a handbag!

Handbags have been one of the necessities of life for women ever since recorded history began.

There are two theories which may explain why a woman feels 'undressed' unless she has her bag with her. Women are by nature gatherers and care givers (take care of their offspring) and therefore genetically had to carry the stuff she gathered and needed along with her.

I also believe that the designers decided pockets ruin many garments especially when stuffed and therefore introduced and encouraged the wearing of handbags!

We know too well, since the first handbag designer Louis Vuitton was introduced branding of bags, its now all about the label of the bag that adds to the credibility and the price tag!

At RISK

With carrying a bag, especially flaunting a great big designer one, you are putting yourself at risk, when fraudsters want to steal not only your money BUT your identity.

Fraudsters have become very sophisticated and they are able to steal your whole identity plan from the bank, and you may find yourself broke or even married to someone who like in Timbuktu!

Hints of protecting yourself with some valuable tips from an insurance company.

• Rather wear a smaller side shoulder bag when you are going to carry a lot of money of documentation with you ( like when travelling) so that the bag is in the front of you and you are in control of it.
• Never leave a utility bill with surname and full residential addressing your bag together with your credit cards and check book.
• Don’t carry your diary with all your personal information together with your credit card. This is too easy to defraud!
• Only carry the absolute essential documentation needed with you.
• Very important is your driver's license. If you are driving you MUST have this on you at all times and this is also used as an official document of identification.
• Leave your other documentation safe locked up at home.
• This is a GLOBAL problem for any countries you visit; always be on guard.

A good handbag

• Will have safe inside pockets and will zip up.
• It will also have a good quality lining and secure straps.
• The length of the strap must be so when hanging from the shoulder the fingers can curl around te bottom length.
• Never overload your handbag. It is bad for your posture, safety and it will ruin a good hand bag in no time!

Don’t put yourself at risk by all the things pertaining to carrying 'proof of identity' all together, carry only the absolute essential and guard this with your life.

The coat and inconvenience of getting all our documentation is worth the precaution effort you put in place!

Take care of yourself; protect yourself your identity is your most important possession. And be the best you can be until next time!