Turn the clock back 60 or so years and you’ll likely have a fashion flashback: Pencil skirts, swing coats, chunky high heels. This is the season of ‘40s-inspired style: sexy, demure and polished.

What you won’t see with this look is the beloved leather satchel, our mobile home on the run. Clutches, born of necessity during material shortages of World War II, have made a creative comeback.

What’s a big-bag gal to do?

After all, we carry so many essential items just to get through each day. Allure magazine in its September issue reports our bags average 67 items that weigh in at 3.4 pounds.

No wonder purse organizers have become another necessary accessory.

So what's in your bag?

Kelley Styring, a market researcher, delved into 100 purses for her study of women and their daily survival kits. The result: “In Your Purse: Archaeology of the American Handbag,” a book that chronicles her “dig.”

She found what we all know is there but ironically protect with our lives. (What man would risk going there after learning his lesson from Mom?) Beyond our wallet and cash, we have coupons, receipts, sentimental ticket stubs - constant reminders of our busy lives.

(Check out this entertaining video interview with Styring.)

My bag, or “the black hole” as it’s known in our household, is prepared for most emergencies – from dental to mental. (Who knows when you’ll need an emergency ration of chocolate to make it through the day?) Add the mini-umbrella, large zippered wallet, notebook, lint brush, cell phone, glasses, sunglasses, keys, tissues, Altoids, camera, a small bag bulging with cosmetics, maybe the hubby's wallet and keys, and it weighs more than my firstborn - a whopping 6.7 pounds.

An everyday clutch? Out of the question.

But maybe, just maybe, it might fit in the black hole.

Want to try a clutch on the cheap? Your best bet might be a vintage bag. I wandered down to Encore on Congress Street today and found clutches to fit every wardrobe. A few worth noting:

Vintage Ferragamo, $99.99

A touch of red, $29.99

Classic in taupe, $19.99

Gray envelope, $8.99

Black velvet, $11.99

Thin tricks

We all think we know what makes us look leaner (besides more exercise and fewer indulgences). V-necks are good for busty babes, black is slimming and too-tight jeans can create an anything-but-edible muffin top.

Check out this quick slide show, courtesy of Oprah.

Great tips, common sense.

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