Purses You Can Carry At The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

If you have ever browsed this blog, you know I'm all about gameday style and helping you navigate the wonky world of sporting events.  The purse policy police aren't making it any easier.

Diane von Furstenberg Micro Mini Metallic Crossbody 

The PGA Tour has a new purse policy.  It's limiting.  Here is what you need to know.  Here are some handbag suggestions I offered for the HP Byron Nelson Championship.  Each of those bags will work for this week's Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial, although some of them you might have to squeeze to fit within the 6"x6" size restrictions.

Here are additional bags that are perfect for a PGA tournament:

For help with "What to wear to the game" or golf tournament, check out my "What to Wear to the Game" board on Pinterest. 

Teeing Up the Conversation with Executive Women's Day at the HP Byron Nelson Championship

Irving Mayor: Women can be assertive wo being aggressive. You either know ur stuff or u don't. U have a backbone or u don't. #pgatourwoman

— Lynda Oliver (@ltwoliver) May 13, 2014

I consistently lament the fact there aren't enough women's networking groups in DFW.  From tackling topics ranging from women hating other women in the workplace (that's a book I could write) to working motherhood, there are certain issues that career-focused women face.

The PGA Tour offers an outstanding initiative that gives like-minded working women a chance to connect with its Executive Women's Day.  This two-year old program includes a panel discussion, a behind the scenes tour of the inner workings of a golf tournament and an inspirational keynote address as well as an entire day of networking.

OVERHEARD: Either you stand up for what you believe or you don't. @astellas @PGATOURWoman @thatsportsgirl pic.twitter.com/MruzUpUxy0

— Momentous Institute (@momentous) May 13, 2014

With the HP Byron Nelson Championship teeing off Thursday morning, I moderated an impressive panel on Tuesday at the Four Seasons featuring Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Morgan Stanley Vice President Sallie Behnke, Corgan Interiors Principal Lindsay Wilson and Lockheed Martin Quality and Mission Success Director Robbin Murley.  They shared insight on mistakes they've made in their careers (learn from them and move on), offered advice for returning to the workplace after a hiatus (stay connected via networking) and more.

@PGATOURWoman #pgatourwoman Carla Harris - successful people use everything in their toolbox: intellectual background, experience, network.

— Debbie K Womack (@DKWomack) May 13, 2014

Morgan Stanley Managing Director and National Women's Business Council chairperson Carla Harris offered outstanding career and life lessons in her keynote address.

RT @hpbnc: What an amazing day here at the @hpbnc ... standing ovation for @carlaannharris #inspired #pgatourwoman pic.twitter.com/MxficivboM

— Mallory Beck (@beckisakeeper) May 13, 2014

The PGA Tour offers Executive Women's Days at various tournaments and will do so at The Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial next Tuesday.  I'm excited to moderate the executive panel there for the 2nd straight year.

This initiative will expand to 35 tournaments in 2015.  You can participate in the conversation throughout the golf season by following their account on Twitter and also follow #PGATourWoman.

What is this program's success a testament to?  The need for more opportunities like this for working women.

Shoes to Wear to a PGA Golf Tournament

Are you staring at your closet wondering what to wear to the Nelson this weekend or the Colonial next week? You're not alone.  When the PGA Tour visits north Texas, I am flooded with questions about what to wear to the tournaments, particularly when it comes to shoes.

1 Keds Cork shoe | 2 Stuart Weitzman Rockon Espadrille | 3 Tory Burch Nude Jackie Wedge | 4 Tommy Hilfilger Polo Dress | 5 Cole Haan Hart Wedge Platform | 6 Tory Burch Black Jackie Wedge | 7 TOMS Classic Open Toe Wedge | 8 Tory Burch Dunn Patent Scroll Platform Slide

Tennies are Fine, Leave the Hoochie Shoes at Home
If you don't want to wear tennis shoes, which are fine but something some women want to avoid, you still have options. One thing ISN'T one, though: heels.

Leave the hoochie shoes at home

I see golf tournament newbies teetering in heels after drinking too many margaritas.  Their heels sink into the grass and their shoes get ruined.

Again: avoid heels.

Work a Wedge or a Cute Flat
If tennis shoes aren't your game and you still want a bit of a lift, go with a comfortable wedge shoe or a flat with a tiny bit of a platform.

I buy these at the Tory Burch outlet when they go on sale.

A well-made wedge is comfortable yet stylish.  I have a closet full of Tory Burch wedge slides I stockpile and wear to Rangers games, golf tournaments, Cowboys training camp, college football games and more.

Browse the selection below of cute flats and wedges for inspiration.

Fair Warning: I don't do cheap footwear.  It's bad for your feet and costs you more in the long run.

For more "What to Wear to the Game {or golf tournament}" inspiration, please check out my "What to Wear the Game" board on Pinterest.

Shoes That Work for PGA Golf Tournaments

Purses You Can Carry at the HP Byron Nelson Championship

If you haven't heard, the PGA Tour now has a purse policy.  It's similar to the NFL's in how limiting the size restriction is: 6"x6".  Yep.  The length and height of a dollar bill (which is a perfect six inches).

So if you're heading to the Nelson this week or the Colonial next weekend, here are some options that will work within those guidelines.

Fair warning: there's not much out there.  It's HARD to find items that are functional and stylish.  Trust me: I looked.

Some of the bags featured, like the smart Coach L-Zip wristlet and consignment Louis Vuitton pochettes, can only be purchased online.  If you order now you can get them by this weekend with rush shipping or in plenty of time for the Colonial.

Learn More About the Bags Featured in This Story 

Learn How The PGA Tour's New Bag & Purse Policy Will Affect You

The PGA Tour is taking a page from the NFL and has implemented a new bag and purse policy for 2014 that restricts what patrons can bring into tournaments.

How will this affect you if you're heading to the HP Byron Nelson Championship May 11-18 or Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial May 19-25th?  Well, the policy is a bit more liberal than the NFL's because it allows opaque diaper bags, something the NFL prohibits.

Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette

The PGA Tour's purse restrictions call for tiny bags, though, allowing a bag that is 6"x6" or smaller.  Finding a purse 6 inches (roughly the length of a dollar bill) or smaller is tough. I scoured the internet for bags that work.

A Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette works for just about any purse policy.  It measures at 5.5" wide and 3.7" tall.

Prada Small Zip Saffiano Crossbody Bag

This small Prada crossbody bag is another stylish option.

Let me vent: This screams of another policy designed by a mostly male staff that has no clue about real world problems women face when it comes to carrying our crap.

Here is the actual policy:

For more information visit the PGA Tour's website.

This is Only the Beginning
Expect restrictive bag and purse policies to become to the norm.  Leagues and organizations claim that the policy is primarily for security, citing 2013's Boston Marathon bombing as the impetus for tighter restrictions.

One NFL source told me that these policies simply make the security screening process easier.  Meaning fans can get into the game quicker because bags are easier to check and security screeners have fewer judgement calls to make.

The source indicated he wouldn't be surprised if the NBA and MLB followed suit.

Shop Purses That Fit Within the PGA Tour's Purse Policy