or shoulder-to-shoulder, with the continually changing trends and fashions .

With a plethora of designs, materials and sizes available, most women have a handbag to suit almost every occasion.

But a woman's quest for the perfect handbag should be taken very seriously, especially if you are the one sharing a bank account with her. You could even buy a car for the price of certain designer handbags. Yet, for every designer handbag, there is a woman ready to buy.

With the average bag weighing 5lbs - that's the equivalent of carrying around 5 bags of sugar - chiropractors warn that heavy bags cause back pain and can even lead to painful injuries. The recent trend for the oversized, designer 'It' bags hasn't helped this concern. The must-have tote allows women to cram even more into their handbags; essentially carrying their life on their shoulders.

But what really is inside? Well, guaranteed finds are: a bulging purse, complete with bank cards, credit cards, business cards and receipts as well some money; a mobile phone keys, Makeup kit with lipstick, mirror along with some face powder, hand sanitizer and some tissues.

Some women will have additions of Notebooks, phone and laptop charger, iPod, a change of jewellery, umbrella and shawl!

When a woman is going out at night she carries a small clutch bag  with a set of keys, emergency money lip-gloss and a phone  this is mainly because she will be out for just a few hours.

The stress endured by the material and straps of a heavily laden bag as it swings freely from the shoulder is considerable. But most women seem to believe it is worth the hustle!