I have carried a purse since 1992. It all started when my chiropractor told me my wallet was throwing off my spine alignment. I tried a "soft" wallet in a front pocket, but it wasn't very successful. I found a small man's purse in a store in Dallas. Then, on a trip to Italy in 1996, I saw several men carrying a small purse, but larger than the one I was using, with a hand strap. I bought one in Florence. I used it until this year when I went with a small strapped bag (Billingham) so I could also carry my NEX-7 along with a my other paraphenalia. While I am not usually one to care about fashion, I'm told its very chic (and my wife likes it!).