This purse is fairly large. That's not a problem because I could easily carry a couple of books or a note pad. The hardware, however, is really large and clunky. On one hand it makes the purse minorly unwieldy to set down, while on the other hand I feel safer in parking lots knowing my purse could do some real damage. Take your pick. I do like the color and shape. Will keep but mostly because I'm tired of shopping for the "perfect" purse.