My Clear Bag: An All-Access Pass

I love my clear bag. The terms “security theater” and “security culture” didn’t mean much to me before the last few years and a new job. In the good old days before people started setting off bombs everywhere you could carry around any bag and be confident of gaining access to any building or venue. The worst you ever had to endure was a cursory search of your bag, when a bored security guard would glance in and sheepishly push a few things around, trying to see if you had sticks of dynamite in there.

Today, it’s all different. Getting around is frustrating, because everywhere you go you’re stopped and told that you can only bring clear handbags inside. My workplace, event venues, museums – they all have strict workplace policies regarding clear handbags, and so naturally I invested in a cool clear tote bag  to solve my security dilemma. And you know what? My clear bag is more than just a cute accessory or something to hold all my stuff. My clear bag is an all-access pass to the city. I’m lovin’ it.

I Take My Clear Bag Everywhere I Go

Now, armed with my clear bag, I no longer have to call ahead to ask about security measures when I have a meeting in a downtown skyscraper. With my clear bag I no longer have to worry about what I’ll do with my phone and other essentials if I have to check my purse in the lobby when I attend a play or a concert. I don’t have to think in the morning about what bag to bring to work, and I don’t have to worry that I’ll have trouble getting into any building anywhere in town. I just breeze in and out, because my clear bag is compliant with all security measures. As more and more employers and sporting events implement clear bag policies, the power of my clear bag grows and grows.

Style

And again, I confess: I love my clear bag.

I thought at first that this was one of those “things used to be better” moments as we slowly give up the stuff we love in order to be a little more “safe” (whatever that means). And that may still be true at the heart of it (after all, forcing the stylish young ladies of the world to carry clear bags won’t solve world terrorism), but I’ve come to love my clear bag as a style choice. Even if they announced tomorrow the cancellation of “security theater” I’d still carry this little baby.

Why? Reason one: It goes with everything. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing, my clear bag works. Reason two: It holds everything (and I mean everything) and makes finding my stuff easy. The first time your phone rings at night and you can spot it instantly, glowing in your bag, you know what true control over your life feels like. And finally, it’s durable and easy to clean and so I’ll never lose a bag to spilled wine again. Dresses, yes – about once a month at my current rate. But never another bag.

So, my clear bag has won my heart. And I will be forever grateful.