I know purse organizers have been around for ages, but I always associated them with gimmicky informercials and never really gave them much thought! I was finally fed up however with some of the struggles that come along with my roomy tote bags, such as:
– Lack of organizational pockets = always digging for something. Nearly missed out on a selfie op with Giada de Laurentiis at the airport because my phone was buried! I literally dumped out the contents of my bag and rummaged furiously as she waited patiently … love her
– Open top = non-secured valuables.
– Difficulty of transfer. I like to switch amongst my bags, but as a result, often forget necessities in the prior bag.
– Non-protected interior. Some of my totes are lined in canvas, which is prone to stains from food, drinks, or pen ink accidents.
Yes yes, I’m sure purse organizers were invented decades ago for these exact reasons. It took me long enough, but I finally jumped on the bandwagon and ordered a few to try!
I’m an Amazon Prime addict so ordered all mine from there, but these brands may be available elsewhere too. With inserts, be sure to check the measurements listed online against your handbag and don’t just go off the s/m/l labels. Here are three I found avail. in a “large” size, which FYI was not very large:
Left: Purse to Go organizer in jumbo, $27 (comes in extra jumbo w/ zipper)
Weight: 4.5 oz
This seemed of decent quality, but note all the pockets were on the inside and there is no handle strap. It would work if you don’t need a ton of pockets for different things. This brand’s “jumbo” size was smaller than the other brands’ “large” size.
Center: Born to Accessorize purse organizer in large, $35
Weight: 11 oz
This was the notably best quality and sturdiest-feeling organizer. Lots of varying-sized pockets and compartments all around, with two zippered ones on the interior. The zipper and material quality felt durable and easy to wipe clean. I thought this one would be perfect as a diaper tote bag insert!
Right: Periea purse organizer liner in large, $13 (comes in extra large)
Weight: 4 oz
This was the lightest weight insert, but on the flip side was much flimsier and doesn’t stand upright by itself unlike the other two options. It is also super affordable but you get what you pay for. It has two large zippered compartments, plus smaller pockets along the outer.
Here’s how my two favorites out of the three look inside my Goyard St Louis totes in the smaller PM size, which is very similar in size to the popular Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM. In hindsight I wish I had ordered an “extra large” organizer to see how it fits in comparison.
Here’s how an insert looks on its own filled up, with my 11″ Macbook air inside. An organizer was super helpful when traveling since I didn’t have to dig around for my passport, phone charger, wipes, etc, plus being able to transfer everything from different purses in one swoop of the arm was a big bonus!
As another size reference, here’s the Periea large insert inside my Ann Taylor gallery tote:
In summary, I ended up keeping the Periea insert because it had the pockets I needed at the lightest weight. It does flop over sometimes when not filled, due to the flimsier material, and is not as tall as I’d ideally like. I would definitely recommend the Born to Accessorize organizer for its better quality and more durable structure, if you don’t mind a few extra ounces in weight.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite purse gadgets or organization tips!
What do you recommend for a diaper bag?
Do you have a favorite diaper bag or book bag ? I’m searching for one that’s good for our petite bodies. Thanks in advance!
Recently I bought an organizer from an Etsy seller called Splendida Borsa. The organizer is described as a waterproof, so it has a bottom with a layer of plastic cover that should work to prevent pen stains, dirt stains and even make up of perfume stains. Til now I like the red color that I got for my Neverfull MM. Kind of expensive but think it'll work. It's a stiff one and gives a beautiful squared shape to my purse. I have another from Divide and Conquer, but that was expensive, really expensive compared to this one. Let's see
I just ordered an felt organizer from the original club on etsy, similar like the Samorga ones, but no shipping cotsts for peopele in Europe. So curious to receive it and to finally jump on the organizer bandwagon. I'm sure I'll be ordering for my other bags very soon…. Love your travel outfit in this post 🙂
http://www.Cocktails-and-glamour.blogspot.com
I've got a love hate relationship with purse organizers, either love it as I can find everything really easy or I end up just throwing everything in my bag then it ends up a mess anyway lol.
BTW love this outfit it looks so cozy for travel and I've included it in an article here
http://www.lisavillaume.com/2016/05/spring-outfits-bank-weekend
Lisa x
Hi Sarah & Jessica (below) – I don't have the madewell transport tote so can't speak to that unfortunately! I do remember they are very roomy totes, so I think you would definitely need an XL size or bigger for a purse organizer.
I rotate my closet out seasonally and do under-bed and over-the-closet storage for clothes that are not in season. I also donate things that I don't wear anymore or give to my family members…I'm a hoarder so it's hard to let go of things, but if you haven't reached for something in a year I think it's safe to donate!
Mine fits inside my le pliage (both the Longchamp bag and the organizer inserts are soft and pliable, unlike a plastic base shaper, so the measurements don't have to be exact to fit) however I think the organizer is actually too small. The Longchamp totes come up higher and the organizer only comes up halfway inside.
Wow, this is such a great post – I never knew about purse inserts so thanks so much for the introduction. I will have to get my hands on one soon D:
http://www.deasynoel.com
Was just going to ask this myself! I looked at the measurements, but the large periea seemed too long (length) for a le pliage?
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote: 12 ¼"W x 11 ¾"H x 7 ½"D. (Interior capacity: large.)
Periea insert:
SMALL: H5.5 x L8.5 x D1-3.5in
MEDIUM: H6.5 x L11 x D1-5in
LARGE: H8.1 x L 13.2 x D1-7in (Each size sold separately)
Haha that's kind of adorable. I started using purse organizers after I signed up for Ipsy and all of a sudden, I had all these random bags that I had no use for. So in reality, it's not really a purse organizer but more like purse bags. But they work so well in keeping everything in different compartments. I hate when everything is jumbled around my bag!
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Spring Lookbook
I live out of my tote bags & I share the same exact problems! The organizer sounds like such a great idea. Do you think any of these would fit nicely into the Madewell Transport tote bags?
Love your blog btw!
I need one of them….does this one work for madewell transport tote?
I need to get one of these, I'm always losing things in my bag, and scrabbling around trying to find them – especially the key fob to get into my office!
These are awesome and totally useful! I really need to get one of these, so that I don't have to keep rummaging around in my purse!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
This is a really good idea especially when travelling. Thanks Jean!
I've never thought about getting an organizer either, though I've probably spent way too much time digging around in my bags as well. Love how thorough your reviews were, and I'm a huge fan of Amazon Prime as well!
Angelina Is | Bloglovin'
I also love the organizers from Divide and Conquer on Etsy. I love the one I got for my LV Neverfull. She custom makes them with high quality fabric, I picked red fabric and it matches my bag's red interior perfectly. I also bought an inexpensive organizer from Amazon and like it much less.
Great and really useful idea!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Thanks for the tips to organize my purse. It would be great if you give us some insights into how you organize your extensive wardrobe. How do you organize all of your clothes, shoes and accessories to keep all of your great purchases and options readily available season after season. I also have an extensive wardrobe but have a hard time keeping up with all my great find season after season. And how do you know its time to get rid of certain items?
I look forward to your posts. Thanks!
I have one that is at least half the size of that for my everyday purse. I do not remember where I bought it, but possibly from eBay or one of those luggage stores. It has finally started to fall apart and I am actually looking for a new handbag, but I will definitely be getting another organiser. As once I got into the routine of putting everything in the same place, I didn't have to remember where it was!
I did not know such a thing existed. My life has changed!
I've never tried using a purse organizer to be honest! And I definitely need to. I love carrying totes since I can just throw everything in there, but I can never find whatever I throw in there ^^'' Great post! x Alona
gentleconfusion.blogspot.com
I've never used a purse organizer before, but I really should- my tote is like a landfill. For some reason I've always been against them, and I have no idea why, but they are such a good idea!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Great post! Thanks for sharing x
Jill
Jill D Blog
I'm definitely going to order the Periea for my work tote! The price is wonderful. It's the little things like this that make a big difference! Thank you!
Amy | amylately.wordpress.com
This would be really useful for those big totes without any pockets! I really want one now, thanks for sharing!
Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com
Two years ago my wallet was stolen out of my tote that has a single snap closing. So this is a big issue for me.
I've been avoiding totes ever since but I think I'll try one of these inserts and see if it works for me.
this is awesome, this would definitely save me some time digging around the back!
Fash 'n' fudge
Fash 'n' fudge
http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com
Looks so useful, love the product!
Great article! I had the same problem and made my own purse organizer. I modified several diy purse organizers to fit my needs. They are so helpful.
I would recommend a handbag organiser from http://pursen.net I've had mine for several years and I use it almost daily. They are very durable and they come in cute designs.
I should get this! My bag are always a mess!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I have a Samorga insert for my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM and it's great. It's made of soft but sturdy felt and protects everything and gives shape to your bag. They are made for specific bags so you know it will fit. The delivery took about 3 weeks from Korea to the UK but well worth waiting for. I also use pochettes and make up bags inside to keep similar items together, it saves so much time and frustration when you can't find things.
https://www.lifeinplaycompany.com/collections/organizer
I don't own one but have seen reviews and posts. Looks pretty good to me!
Hi! I was wondering if you have any information or measurements regarding how the periea large bag insert you have would fit in the longchamp large le pliage tote? Or are any of the totes you own comparable in size to the large le pliage? Thanks!
Amazing, thanks for sharing!
xx
Xin
http://xincerely.blogspot.com
I use an insert for my Cuyana tote to be used as a diaper bag. It's been really helpful! I also have a couple of Truffle clear clutches. I finally used one in another tote bag on a recent trip and it was super helpful! I could easily locate it in my tote and it was nice to be able to see everything in the clutch since it's clear. I liked it so much, I want to get another one!
Okay I am sold! I need a purse organizer for my never full and totes now.
xoxo
Serein
http://sereinwu.com
Those linings are such a great idea! I didn't even know they existed. I've always used pouches but this seems much more practical and simpler to switch between bags. Thanks for the tip!
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Try maitai collection. She has beautiful inserts made in France. She also does horn scarf rings and scarf tying tutorials.
wow I need an organizer too:P
Shall We Sasa
Check out etsy seller DivideandConquer she has the best purse organizers! I got 2, one for the Michael Kors medium sutton bag and one for a Kate Spade tote.
I bought the same organizer (the one you kept) on ebay for about $5 a few years ago, although shipping was from China so it may have taken a couple weeks to arrive. It looks exactly the same based on your photos! I also measured it (after searching for about 5-10 minutes because I had no idea where I shoved it oops) and it's 11" as well. Just a tip for anyone who wants to save a few extra dollars.
I really only find myself using it when I travel! I try not to carry too many things for everyday life. 🙂