Category: Uncategorized

Note: Updated for 2024

In my mind — form must always follow function.

This axiom applies even when we are discussing fashion accessories.

I’ve spent most of my working life searching for the handbag  which does not reduce me to a puddle, when searching for something. (Daily life can become so much more challenging when your essential items are in disarray at the bottom of a pit. Travel only emphasizes the problem.) I can only imagine what the person behind me in line must be plotting, as I sift through the ocean that is the interior of my handbag.

Know this — I am cursing my handbag misfortune.

Personal complaints aside, designer handbag sales have dropped precipitously over the years. It is deserved. One reason may be all too obvious — the bags being made just don’t meet the needs of the of those who actually choose to carry them. Pretty handbags simply need to have more substance than being emblazoned with a chic designer’s name.

I’m long over it. They need to do their share of the work. They need to earn their keep. They need to earn our trust.

I have loved and lost quite a few great bags to prolonged wear and tear, which always leaves me with another search for my next “holy grail” bag. This one — which I owned in black, will live in my heart forever — as you could view everything that lived inside at one time. (No digging required.) The straps had ample drop to allow me to sling the bag over my shoulder. (So many of you clicked on the photo, that I’ve identified an updated version here.)

A lost love.

Sigh.

Feeling organized, professional and in control definitely extends to my accessories. Handbags need to really work for their owners. I had a friend who described her handbag search as a grueling “interview process”. I get that. I really do. It’s real.

I posed the “perfect handbag” question to YouTube lifestyle vlogger, Marnie Goldberg. (Find her down-to-earth advice here.)  She shared this, “I think the key is a few pockets — a somewhat structured shape but not too many pockets or you’ll forget where you put everything. It’s hard to say there’s one perfect bag. Everyone has individual preferences.”

Structure, yes! You hit the nail right on the head! I also agree, that each of us has a handbag “soul mate” out there. But like any soul mate, they are not hanging out on the corner for you to discover them. Searching is necessary.

Below you’ll find a few handbags worth considering. They all have what it takes:

• Proper handle drop  for shoulder or back slinging.
• A light or bright lining to avoid “cavernous pit” digging.
• Compartments/pockets for small items. (A divided interior works best, if you can find it.)
• Enough structure (so the purse isn’t too slouchy) for easy “browsing”.

BTW, you should consider a Purse Organizer, if you already have a handbag you love. Find a highly recommended organizer here.

Here are a few suggestions.

What I currently carry:
No regrets with Tory Burch’s , McGraw Triple Compartment Tote in black pebbled leather, shown below, now discontinued (so sorry).

Big plus: All about the compartments that truly function like file drawers.
Another big plus: The leather is thick & tough, so no babying this one.
Minor complaint: The lining is black, so small essential items could hide if not a bright color or in a pocket. (I’ve actually come to hate this over time.)
Another complaint: A bit pricey, although it will last years. I never hesitate buying a good bag second-hand. So, take a look around.

Backpack lovers:
If you love sleek city style, consider this convertable style from Kate Spade .

Love a cross body?
This cross body bag from Everlane has a bit of moxie (and yes, compartments galore): The Mini Studio Bag.
Find it here:

Here’s hoping you find the handbag of your dreams.

Do you own a handbag that really works for you? Please share what you love in comments.

The Tilbury Edit shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect gift. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated – Confucius

I’ve just spent the last 3 days researching the annoying horizontal lines that have appeared on my computer monitor. I completed searches, visited a number of tech sites and read many, many suggestion on forums. I installed the updates that were recommended — and I cursed —  a lot.

Finally, as a last ditch effort, I decided to tighten all of the connections to the computer screen. (Interestingly, this was the very first suggestion I came across, however I immediately dismissed it.)

So — to my complete surprise, no more lines.

Wow.

Really?

Why do we make our lives more difficult by complicating things? Life could be much simpler if we would restrain ourselves from over-analyzing nearly every step of our path.

Think about this for a moment. We might take great advice without debate. We could  say “I’m sorry” to a client or customer or a family member, when things run amuck. We could listen more and talk less. We could say “thank you” more often to our co-workers or spouse. We could make decisions without a committee or meeting (Read about satisficers vs. maximizers here). We could pick up the phone instead of writing yet another email.

We might then have more time for the simple beauty that is everywhere.

I’d say there are at least one hundred ways we might uncomplicate our lives — and improve it as well.

Let’s go for it.

What will you do first?

Read more about it, by clicking on the photo.

Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

Let’s talk turkey about time management.

It’s a sticky problem to tackle. Primarily because it requires being brutally honest with ourselves to get a grip on the issue.

Yes, we all go through periods when work (and life) feel “out of control”. However, there are strategies that might have prevented the lion’s share of that stress. We have to be aware of the sources. And that’s on us.

Where time management is concerned — it seems that we can turn out to be our own worst enemies.

Here are a few points to consider.

1. It’s Your Problem
The bottom line? No one else is going to value your time if you do not. You have to teach others (and yourself) through words and actions, that your time is valuable. That may sound as if I’m characterizing all your of coworkers and clients (or room mates or family members) as disrespectful. It’s not that. They simply have their own lives to worry about and you need to worry about yours. If you feel someone is taking advantage — be honest and let them know you’ve spent as much time as you possibly can to help them. Point them in the right direction for more guidance. Be polite but firm. You’ll find that after you go through this once or twice, the process will become easier.

2. You Have to Cut the Cord
Here’s the thing — a time-management problem is usually not a time issue – it is a task issue. Specifically, you are not sorting through your work life (family life, student life) and deciding which tasks really matter. This is like keeping old shoes in your closet that you really don’t wear, but continue to take up valuable space. Sometimes you have to give useless tasks the old “heave-ho.” Do you compile a report that nobody utilizes? Attend a weekly meeting that isn’t beneficial or necessary? Write the eulogy and cut the cord. It’s up to you. Choose or lose.

3. Playing Favorites is a Must
You hate prioritizing. Of course you do! Everyone does. But, the number one priority to learn to have respect for your own calendar. Just remember that multitasking doesn’t work. Focusing on a single task, without interruption is critical. If you need a release valve in your schedule for tasks that pop up, set up time each Friday (or any plan that works) to connect the dots and tie up loose ends that develop during the week. Tell people politely, “My schedule is tight at the moment, but I’ll have time to explore that on Friday.” During this designated “catch-up time” you can consider requests and communicate responses.

4. Admit It — You’re a Control Freak
I know this excuse: “I don’t like to delegate.” But if you are a manager (or a supervisor or a Mom), the fact is that if you don’t learn how to delegate confidently, you will have trouble moving forward. Why? Because you won’t have the time to become a real leader. Chances are, you don’t trust other people to do the job as you would do it. I know. I’ve heard that excuse as well. But a surefire way to build resentment is to show your staff that you don’t trust them. You have to give up a little control and “mine” some time for the bigger picture.

5. Excuses Won’t Work
If you have a scheduling snafu, remember to ‘fess up as soon as you realize there is a problem. Recently I waited for a scheduled appointment with a specialist. After an hour, a nurse came out to ask if anyone was waiting for Dr “X.” After identifying myself, she let me know it would be at least another hour to see the doctor and asked if I would like to reschedule. They explained that the reason for the delay was that there were late additions to the schedule, but apparently they were on the books before I walked in the door. They didn’t bother to call or text me to offer an option not to wait. If you are running behind or forget a commitment, take ownership as soon as you realize there is a problem. You’ll have a better chance of salvaging the relationship.

Time is a valuable commodity.

Use it wisely.

Read more about it:

Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program. Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from . It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

This post was originally published at Talent Zoo.

I was smart enough to go through any door that opened. – Joan Rivers

We all have misconceptions about what our next great opportunity might look like. We imagine that single phone call — or email — that will somehow change our lives. However, I’m not convinced that these “big breaks” are always movie worthy. I would argue, they may arrive without a validating signal announcing their significance.

Successful people are often asked how they became successful. Many talk about repeated failures and perseverance. (I think we’ve come to expect this). However, if you listen  closely there was a moment — an opportunity that was presented — that was not glamour filled, yet helped lay the groundwork. Rachel Ray drove 9 hours (through a snowstorm with her Mom) to reach the Today Show set with Al Roker. However, this was long after she had developed her idea for 30 minute meals. She first taught her concept at chain of local grocery stores.

That effort comprised her “big break”.

Big breaks may not arrive perfectly packaged with accompanying bows. They are often a single step that may not stand out as “the one”.  (Trust me, I have nothing against dreaming — but opportunities are often not what we imagine them to be.) In reality, they are neither clear or concrete.

Like jazz music that may not have clear “edges”. But, with further exploration they may possess “flow”.  By nature — opportunities require us to explore, invest our time and take measured risks. Career-wise they often offer experiences that round out our skills. (Pursuing side paths, for example allows us to explore opportunities without entirely leaving our current lane. You might even pursue multiple paths.)

Opportunities hold potential — not promise. They lie in experiences, built connections and perfected ideas.

The problem is that we often fail to see them for what they are.

Opportunities come in many packages.

Be sure you open all of them.

Have you ever said no, only to realize it was a missed opportunity?

Read more (click on the photo):

Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program. Her thoughts on work life have appeared in various outlets including Talent Zoo, Forbes, Quartz and The Huffington Post.