greg

The device the previous poster mentioned is called a purse hook. It is an indispensable item in my wife's purse on trips and also at home. It comes in several different models.

The most compact one is this. It works on thinner tables. Don't get cheap ones. The hinges freeze or just fall apart.
http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Foldabl...rds=purse+hook

For thicker tables, this model works better:
http://www.amazon.com/Tapp-Collectio...rds=purse+hook

Little bulkier, but can also be used in a restroom if there is no hook is this model. I also use this to hang my day pack on the partition but not on the door where someone can reach over from outside and grab and go. A sample image shows this type of application (but on the door where I would advise against.)
http://www.amazon.com/Clipa-Handbag-...rds=purse+hook

Christina

I don't think a purse hook is any more secure than hanging your purse on your chair, it's the same thing, hanging there in each reach of anyone.

Not sure I'd want to be in any restaurant with thieves crawling around the floor, I would think that would be rather unusual (why would a restaurant allow that?). I think a lot of purse thefts occur in the outside terrace area of places.

I have never been in a restaurant with a stool for your purse, either, although I have been in some (in US and in France, I think), where they sort of bring this stand with hooks next to your table. It has to be a place with a lot of space.

I don't understand anyone who sticks things in their bra other than their own body. How could you even do that, your bra is supposed to fit closely not have extra space in it, and if you did stick something in there, it might get smelly and sweaty plus it would make you have lumps in weird places and you'd look really odd if you were wearing any kind of knit top or Tshirt or something like that.

lowcountrycarol

I just had lunch with a friend who used the "hook" thing that attaches to the table. Hers appeared to just "dangle" off the edge of the table with the pocketbook caught in the hook. What would prevent someone from dashing by the table and grabbing a pocketbook if one uses this system? While the purse was off the floor it did not look very secure to me.

Patty

I have only been in one restaurant that provided a purse stool. I only use a purse hook when sitting indoors at restaurants where it would be very difficult for anyone to just wander in.

nytraveler

Even that is risky. Well-dressed thieves often wander into the breakfast rooms of larger upscale hotels and simply walk off with purses (or pull wallets from purses) that are left on tables while guests are at the buffet.

You should NEVER let go of your purse in any public place - including small stores.

Pegontheroad

We were having dinner in a restaurant in La Boqueria in Barcelona when a man we thought was a waiter came to our table and asked how our dinner was. Sort of an outdoor restaurant within the huge marketplace.

I think my sister must have had her purse on the floor beside her chair, though she says it was on her lap. Anyway, the man made off with it, and we didn't realize what had happened until I saw him leave the restaurant.

That day was the only time she ever game me her debit card and passport to put in my money belt, so she lost nothing but the camera she had in her purse. Another reason I always use a money belt.

I now put my purse where I can feel it at all times. I was in a train (again in Barcelona) which was going to Montserrat. I had put my purse on the floor between my leg and the wall of the train, so that I could feel it at all times. When I felt the purse handle move, I realized that the woman sitting across from me was attempting to steal my purse. I then put it behind my legs--between my legs and the seat. The woman and her companion left the train right after that.

Occasionally I loop it around my chair leg, away from traffic if I'm in an outdoor restaurant.

Pegontheroad

P.S. I never keep big bucks or my passport in my purse. Only small amounts of money and odds and ends. I do keep my camera in there though.

aliced

I always travel w/ tiny fabric clutch/wristlet which goes on top of table. My husband can carry the map in his Scottevest along with all else. If seated on banquette, it might go on my lap. I would never put my purses on the floor. Lipstick, phone & roomkey w/ hotel i.d. is all I'd carry.

Patty

I wasn't thinking of most hotel breakfast rooms which are too public or a buffet. I wouldn't use a purse hook in those situations. I was thinking of higher end restaurants where it would be difficult (though admittedly not impossible) to access the dining area without checking in with staff first.

sgobowinski

Christina - I don't think it looks weird at all - the opposite actually. In fact, a small wallet tucked into your skirt with just the top sticking out looks much nicer than the "bag lady" look or things shoved in pockets. When I'm in a dress I put it under my left strap. No lumps or bumps!

lincasanova

I use the purse hook and it is hooked in front of me with the purse hanging in front of my lap, so to speak.