The Early Show

Don't Let Your Purse Get You Down

By Caitlin Johnson

December 13, 2006 / 9:38 AM EST / CBS

The past few seasons, super-size hangbags has been the hot style.

Celebrities have embraced this trend and American women have followed. With luxury brands rolling out huge bags that can hold an unprecedented amount of items, many women are finding that they are stuffing their bags with all sorts of unnecessary things simply because they can.

It turns out that it may not be so good for your body. Medical experts are seeing an increase in women suffering from neck, back, and shoulder pains mainly due to their super-heavy bags.

For The Early Show Chic on a Shoestring series, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire magazine, Joanna Coles, presented some smaller, but still stylish, alternatives to the giant bag.

The big bag: Derek Lam green Persephone Tote: $2,695
This is an example of an oversized bag. It is more than 17 inches wide and has two zippers on the bottom that expands the bag up to three times its volume.

If you can't give up your big bag, be cautious of what you put inside.
Some women carry their entire make-up bag, but they only need four key items: concealer, lip gloss, blotting papers and hand cream

Clean your bag every night and empty out all the unnecessary things you have accumulated throughout the day.

Smaller bags:

1. BCBG Girls green leather drawstring tote, $158

Hardware is a big trend on fall runways. The bag's tassels and small grommets still provide that look without the heaviness.

The drawstring allows expansion of the bag.

2. Bag: Cole Haan white leather tote, $345

Although this bag is smaller than many of the season's popular bags, it is still the perfect size to use every day.

The front pocket is great for storing cell phones or Blackberrys and the bag is big enough for an agenda and a magazine.

3. Banana Republic brown leather saddle bag, $278

The saddle bag is perfect for running weekend errands.

It has an adjustable strap so the bag can be worn across the body without the strap sliding down the shoulder. The strap also helps disperse the bag's weight.

It has many compartments for organization.

4. Urban Outfitters blue hobo, $38

The hobo style is great to use during the weekend.

The bag is made out of synthetic materials, which makes it extremely light.

The zipper on the bottom allows the bag to expand and create more space.

5. Nine West red suede frame bag with patent details, $70

Frame bags are a big trend for the fall season.

It's made of suede which is lighter than leather.

The frame style brings you from a day at the office to cocktails.