@mom60. As to what is a bi-ped ATM…
My kids came up with that name for H - their dad - when I started leaving my purse at home and prefaced it by saying ‘dad has his wallet and CC cards so I’ll just leave my bag here’. His wallet is always in his pocket, it’s small and has all the essentials for paying.
One of these times we were heading out and D said ‘hey mom you can leave your purse because we have dad he’s your bi-ped ATM’. Meaning, he’d provide the payment means.
The term stuck.
I have a small crossbody with removable strap that can hold reading glasses, sunglasses, phone, keys, drivers license , credit and debit card. All that stuff stays in the crossbody permanently. The crossbody lives in a medium-large shoulder bag that can also fit a thin cardigan, my wallet and a water bottle, etc. So whenever I go out I either take the crossbody/shoulder bag combo, or just the crossbody if I can get away with it. When we hike, I put the crossbody (sans strap) in my daypack. But I never use a backpack for everyday walking around; I like being able to access my stuff more easily. The shoulder bag can also fit my laptop for the occasions when I need to bring it somewhere.
As I’ve gotten older, my bags have gotten smaller to spare my back and shoulder. Now I carry cross-body bags, unless it’s a more formal occasion. I carry phone, wallet, keys (altho keys go in pants pocket if possible), credit cards, tissues. With the smaller bag I can tell DH that I’m not carrying his stuff when we go out/travel.
I just ordered the Frye Melissa shopper tote. I saw it in Dillard’s and decided to look around online to see if I could find it cheaper somewhere. Frye really manages to price control things, so I did not (in the colors I would have gotten). I ordered directly from Frye. While I love the less expensive Frye tote I got last year (Carson), it doesn’t have any kind of closer and only 1 zipper pocket inside. It’s green and gorgeous, but I view it as an “entry level drug” for me. I’ll still use it. Here’s the Melissa.
https://www.thefryecompany.com/products/melissa-shopper-34db181-42181-cognac
All of these purses are pretty but look way to heavy for me! I can’t stand coach purses which I find especially weighty. I carry an MZ Wallace and now this which is all the rage where I live but I just like it because it’s lightweight and big enough https://www.designerbaga.com/hermes-evelyne-iii-togo-leather-crossbody-bag-red.html
The heaviness is an issue, for sure. By the time I put in extra battery packs and chargers, it gets on up there, besides the weight of the purse itself. I view it as another part of my workout routine! 
It’s all a trade-off. I work long days and I travel, so there is stuff I want to have with me in case I need it.
I’m wondering what people use for a more formal occasion (wedding, evening event, etc.). I have one purse with a chain strap (I really need it to go up on my shoulder to keep my hands free) but it’s old and could be replaced. My problem is that it can’t be tiny because I need it to fit a pair of glasses and my phone. I leave the wallet behind though; just take my ID, a cc and a $20 bill generally.
@mom2and you’re a bad influence, I read your post and bought a little Travelon phone bag. So cute!
@collage1 lately I’ve found a few sites that have a “mini bags” section. (Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, IIRC) The ones I’ve seen tend to come in at around 7" or 8" across by 5" high and from 1" to 4" deep. Zappos also has a size filter in their handbag section.
I just road-tested my new Kate Spade bag, given dimensions are 5.5"h x 7.5"w x 2"d. It holds both a hard eyeglass case and my Samsung Galaxy 9.
For “dressy” occasions where I really don’t want to be carrying a purse, but I need the very basics, I have a small shiny black bag by the person who does the bright fun prints on material - I just can’t of who it is right now. It’s got a long strap, but is maybe 3x4x1 inches in size.
For special events, I have a couple of small evening bags. My favorite is a small black peau d soi bag (oh that’s not spelled right). Just big enough for a phone, small wallet, lipstick and comb. I also have a small silver bag.
For weddings, I have a nice tote, and it can hold my little purse, a change of shoes, and my wrap or sweater. I usually just leave it under my chair. Really, no one cares about it at all.
Wow, the MZ Wallace Large Tribeca Downtown Crossbody I was admiring at Nordstrom.com just yesterday is now sold out.
I guess they really are popular. I won’t order if from someplace that I can’t take it back to a brick and mortar store, so it’s looking more like I will be keeping the Coach bag.
I have few evening bags - cranberry, beige, black (quite a few blacks), and they are my usual go to brands. They are big enough for a credit card organizer, lipsticks, phone, cash and keys. I don’t like bags with gold chains, so I carry it in one hand. It means I do not eat and drink standing up.
My go to fancy bag is black beaded. The handle is just long enough to go over shoulder and cradle in armpit. Small but elegant,and holds the essentials.
This bag use to live in my Moms closet, just as her black Tahitian double strand pearls lived with me. Some things are just classic.
@MomofWildChild - Although I’ve never yearned for a pricey purse, man I can remember REALLLLLY wanting Frye boots in high school. Instead I used my discount when working at Thom McAn to buy leather boots … actually 2 pair - just gave them away last year.
I love Frye boots and have several pairs. They make great stuff!
I do love Frye boots and I do remember my first pair.
I saved and saved to buy Frye boots when I was in college. Loved them!! Had them for about 30 years!
MOWC, I love that Frye tote!
I still love Frye boots and have several pairs.
D just got a cute little Frye bag.
My pair of Frye boots were in the 14 bags that I gave to Charity. Just not necessary for Florida