So what does your handbag say about you? According to Kathryn Eisman, it says a great deal! Eisman spent two years conducting research into what women carry in their bags, and in turn what it says about their personality. The outcome is Eisman’s second book, a veritable fashionista’s guide to self, How To Tell a Woman by Her Handbag.

Among the many different personalities your handbag may suggest about you, there are four main categories that can be broken down by bag, according to Eisman’s research.

1. Minimal. Eisman suggests the person to fit this category carries only the essentials that she needs-wallet, keys, phone, glasses-in a small bag. Apparently by mastering this ability, she is also the envy of others due to her organisational skills.
2. Prepared. This woman very rarely swaps bags, and carries exactly what is necessary. She may not be as clutter free as the minimalistic handbag type, but she is still relatively organised with her bag. Everything has a purpose due to necessity, suggesting this type of person as practical and focused.
3. Creative. This person is a free spirit who tends to go against the crowd of conformity. Eisman says their handbags are most like a bottomless pit of chaos-ranging from bills, to wrappers, to medicines-that makes sense only to the carrier. Bags are usually in bright colours, showing their fun, friendly and approachable personalities.
4. Expressive. According to Eisman, this type of handbag personality is caring and thoughtful. The owner of the bag of a Mary Poppins sort, containing everything and anything that may be of use to others. You may find medicines, bandaids, gum, perfumes, makeup and other odds and ends within the bag; you’re guaranteed success with this bag personality. They are often the caring type, with photos and trinkets hidden within the folds of fabric.

These four categories are only the beginning of the dissection of a woman’s personality according to their bag choice that Eisman conducts. The book is packed with other descriptions, that will surely describe any avid handbag aficionado down to tee. Although handbag decisions are largely due to situation and event, it’s interesting to note the subconscious work at play behind making the final choice between printed or solid clutch.

What do you think your handbag say about your personality? Is it really expressing your personality the way you want it to?