Recently, Bill Cunningham, “On The Street” photographer for the NY Times, did an audio-slideshow on handbag styles of fashionistas in the Big Apple. I was pleased to see that the giant ones are still in style. I have several, and when one of them is slung from my shoulder, it makes me look skinnier. (Hey! It’s better than cigarette smoking!)

Only problem is, I tend to put too much in these giant bags. A couple of weeks ago, I attended an event — OK, it was a funeral — where I stood around with such a bag on my shoulder for several hours.  And guess what? I had a sore back for days afterward.

Of course, this is old news to many people. Two years ago Dr. Richard Whitney, a chiropractor in Naperville, Ill, reported to Echo Magazine that he was seeing problems ranging from numb arms to mild scoliosis caused by carrying large handbags. But some of us, ahem, apparently need reminding.

On a somewhat related note: Someone snapped a picture of me and my husband at the gravesite, and it confirmed a suspicion I’ve had for a long time. My head’s too small for my body. Perhaps carrying a small clutch high under my arm would make my noggin appear larger. Or maybe I should just lose 10 pounds?