Oversized handbags are much more than a fashion accessory to Australian women; they're a necessity.

A recent survey shows that purses are no longer simply carrying a wallet and keys. They're also home to toothpaste, shaving cream, and other items. Almost 70% of the 1000 Aussies surveyed said they were carrying more in their handbags than ever before.

And women aren't the only ones toting their totes. Man bags are gaining popularity, with around 83% of Aussie blokes regularly carrying one.

"We don't just need the bottle of water, we need the iPod, the mobile, the toiletries, everything," social analyst David Chalke explained, adding that Aussies are becoming "urban nomads."

They might be practical, but we've all heard of the health risks our oversized bags pose. Fashion fan Jessica Atterton says she tries to alternate bags to reduce the risks of stress and strain.

"I swap them depending on what I have to do so I'm not carrying around a massive one all the time," she said.

[Source: The Advertiser]
[Image Source: Ftzdomino/Flickr]

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