Another woman's bag is private, but we had to ask

Just WHAT do women in Chicago carry in their handbags?

We recently asked a few outside the James R. Thompson Center:

Media supervisor

Dyer, Ind.

What's in her black leather tote bag: Cosmetics bag, leftover Chinese food from lunch, calculator for work, cell phone, wallet, court papers, Metra train ticket, building security pass.

"I actually don't carry a purse; I just carry a [tote] bag. I'm a commuter. I change to a purse and handbag on the weekends."

Maryann Miceli, 52

Store manager, Illinois Artisans Shop

Northwest Side

What's in her black leather Fossil bag: Pencil for Chicago Sun-Times Sudoku, credit and debit cards, checkbook, Natural Ice lip balm, Estee Lauder lipstick, CoverGirl eyeliner, cash, cell phone, keys, business cards, tissue.

"I think my purse says who I am -- very utilitarian and practical. I got it on sale. I have everything I need in the course of my day in my purse."

Keita Cross, 38

Medical social worker

Midlothian

What's in her red leather shoulder bag: Wallet, personal phone book, cosmetics bag, calculator for work, comb and brush, medicine, hand sanitizer, lotion and tissue.

"It's important for my purse to match my shoe color, so I change my purse every day. I'm feminine, but my daughter calls me 'foo-foo' because I've got [so many] purses. Every color, every size."

Liesbeth Erauw, 28

Chemical factory purchaser

Tourist from Ghent, Belgium (near Brussels)

In her suede Prada bag: Digital camera, wallet, map of Chicago, Christian Dior lipstick, keys.

"I like designer bags. [This one] can contain a lot. I don't like the real tiny ones or big ones, so it's in-between."