A purse is not just a purse

Not all handbags are created equal – some are classics, some are trendy, some are practical, some are simply arm candy. "Carried Away: All About Bags," a book published by The Vandome Press with Hermès Paris, includes a lexicon of bags. Among the entries:

Accordeon. A lady's bag made of two or three pouches side by side, fastened to each other by stitching, snaps or slide fasteners to allow expansion or contraction of the bag, according to its desired capacity.

Baguette. A small, long, narrow bag with a shoulder strap, carried under the arm. A descendant of bags elongated to carry oblong items.

Balantine. Based on the Greek word for purse, "balantion." A type of purse made of leather, fabric or metal, suspended from a long cord, which may be wound around the wrist or the arm. The balantine swings back and forth at knee height as you walk.

Pompadour. Small pouch of velvet or lace, worn hanging from a cord and used to carry smelling salts, a handkerchief, a notebook or money. It was made fashionable in the 18th century by the Marquise de Pompadour.

Pouchette, also called a clutch. Diminutive of poche, meaning pocket from the Frankish word pokka. A small lady's bag with neither handle nor shoulder strap.

Reticule, also called string bag, mesh bag or net bag. From the Latin word "reticulum." A string bag carried in antiquity as a container for provisions or tools.

Sac à dos, or rucksack or backpack. A bag worn on the back, usually held in place by two buckled straps and closed by a drawstring, which is sometimes concealed under a flap.

Sac Seau or bucket bag. A woman's carry-all bag, cylindrical or flared, with a stiff base. Usually open, but sometimes closed by a flap with a loop to protect against prying eyes. Inspired by fire buckets, the earliest of which were leather.

Serviette, attaché case or briefcase. From Latin servire, which means to be a slave. A rectangular bag with a flap secured by one or more clasps, bellows to separate interior compartments, and with or without handles.