Are Purse Hooks Dorky?

Posted Dec 13th 2008 at 1:00PM by Annie Scott (Subscribe to Annie Scott's posts)

If you haven't seen them on TV or in your local pub yet, a purse hook is a little metal contraption that keeps your purse affixed to any flat surface that has a lip. As you can see at right, the purse hook is somewhat unobtrusive - but do we love it or hate it?

It's smart to keep your purse off the ground. If you live in a city, you've probably heard horror stories about people stealing purses from under chairs and all over the place. According to a restaurant manager friend of ours, the worst place to keep your purse is slung over the back of your chair.

"You won't even know it's gone until you get up to leave, and by then the thief will be out of Best Buy," he says. "We've had several guests robbed that way, especially on the patio."

So. Are you gonna get a purse hook? We haven't. We can't get over our aversion. If you want to see all kinds of purse hooks, try Silverhooks, where you can get them in various colors, animal prints, stars, and fold-up varieties. What do you think?

Tags: bags, handbags, purse, purse hook, purse hooks, PurseHook, PurseHooks, purses, safety, trends

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

pursonally_speaking 12-13-2008 @ 3:02PM

Purse hooks are not a new idea, they're a resurrected gadget from the past, circa 50s. You can find the old ones on eBay, most still in the original packaging, i.e., unused. I've asked ladies of that era if they ever used one and they all said no. lol I guess they never really caught on. I've seen the new ones advertised for the past five, six years now, even in the back of my Martha Stewart Living, but I don't really see many of them being used in public. I still haven't bought one....I don't find I need it. Plus, I think the hook would be damaging to the purse handle (if it were leather), putting a kink in it and possibly over time would lead to crazing/cracking and maybe even breakage.

Kristen 12-13-2008 @ 5:23PM

I'm not as worried about theft where I live, but I cannot even DEAL with the nastiness that ends up on purses that are laid on the floor, and then other times you set them on your table, or kitchen counter ... GROSS. So, I love the idea -- I don't have one yet, but I will. As far as causing damage, I feel like it would be used so infrequently that it wouldn't be a huge deal, and honestly, if my purse were worth so much that I couldn't handle a little kinkage in the strap, I probably would only take it places where I'd be holding it myself, anyway.

NOYB 12-13-2008 @ 11:50PM

You need a new catagory for "Useful" - I like these things, but I wouldn't call them "cool", but they're certainly not "dorky". A paper clip isn't cool or dorky, it's just "useful".

Natascha Shamlian 12-14-2008 @ 3:29PM

Dorky? Or just plain AMAZING? I received my first PurseHook 3 years ago from my sister and let me tell you, I have no idea what I ever did without one. Seriously, I really can't remember! Yes it is true, the first PurseHooks were created in 1906 and have come a long way since then. After using the original PurseHook design, my sister, Nichole and I decided to create something better...much better! So we developed the FUMI! The what? The FUMI, which stands for Fashionable, Unique, Multipurpose, Innovation. The FUMI is a PURSEHOOK, a PURSE ACCESSORY/CHARM, and a BRACELET ALL IN ONE! On top of all that, each FUMI has it's own positive message making it the best feel good product on the market! You have to check it out for yourself at www.theFUMI.com and www.PurseHook.net. Now tell me, is it dorky? I don't think so!

rscjs912 12-14-2008 @ 5:03PM

To pursonally: Purse hooks have been around since the early 1900's. They fell out of favor during the Depression, money was scarce. As for the women of the 1950's everyone I have met loves the purse hook. I happened to have an extra purse hook that I gave to a woman in her 80's. She was so thankful. She proceeded to tell me how all the ladies in her circle (back in the day) loved using the purse hook for their diaper bags.

Once you use a purse hook you are HOOKED!

Susan 12-14-2008 @ 11:43PM

Purse hooks are useful - but some do look 'dorky' or cheap.
By far, the best ones around are made by PursePal. They are beautiful and high quality. Their Jeweled Flower ones are honestly stunning - all set with Swarovski crystals. Plus I love it that they donate a minimum of $5 from each one to a charitable cause. Find at www.purse-pal.com

Beth 12-21-2008 @ 3:36PM

The purse hook is the best. I love not worrying about where to put my purse at a restaurant. There are a lot of different ones out there, but I found that www.SilverHooks.com has the best variety and very reasonable prices!

Robin 12-23-2008 @ 8:13PM

My purse is never placed on the floor, or table. I just leave it on my lap or on my shoulder. Cute idea which has been around for a while but I would probably never use it. would now have to carry something else (no room as it is) and I would feel that my purse would be out of my comfort zone.

mfashion 12-26-2008 @ 7:10PM

one could say that those hooks are dorky but its is always a sign of thinking outside the box. and when i wear a bag, like the one from my fav store la purse and i put lots of stuff in it, then a hook is not a bad idea.