When It Comes To Bags, How Big Is Too Big?

Oversize bags are nothing new. Everyone from the pint-sized Olson twins to women of a more normal stature have been hauling their extra large totes around for years. So the question isn't one of fashion but rather one of health–is your bag literally breaking your back?

According to both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, giving in to this fashion trend can cause everything from the obvious shoulder pain to strange side effects like headaches and rare form of tendonitis. But we're really not clear on a suitable alternative method of transporting all the crap we need to get through a normal day. Our list of must-haves includes a magazine for the subway, a water bottle, an iPod, a wallet so stuffed with receipts and change it probably weighs in at more than the bag itself, hand cream, and possibly even an extra pair of shoes (yes, we'll admit that we do the commute in comfy boots and save the stilettos for the office). The girls at Fashionista agree–trading in the big bag for a chiropractor-approved purse seems impossible.

What do you think? Do you need a large bag to get through your day? Do you know how to keep that oversized tote organized? Let us know what size your purse is in the comments and take a look at a few of the large ones we particularly adore.

1) Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Faridah Tote (was $398, now $298): Get this great bag on sale now at Neiman Marcus. Buy quickly, though, because the sale ends on January 12.

2) The best selling Tory Burch Metallic North/South Tote ($425) offers plenty of room to stow whatever you need for your day.

3) The crinkled patent leather of an oversized Goldenbleu Uma Tote2008-01-09 (was $725, now $539) looks even more appealing now that the price has fallen by $200.