Show Us Your Purse

■ Who? Calvert Collins, reporter for 8 News Now

■ Location: 8 News Now newsroom

■ Handbag: Michael Kors bag with chain detailing

■ Are handbags status symbols? For some people, yes. For me, it has to be functional, sturdy and have lots of pockets because I carry my life in it.

■ What does this bag say about you? I'd like to think it says "she's organized, sophisticated and a little flashy." I am from Texas, after all.

■ What's the most important item you've carried in your bag? My IFB (interrupted feedback), otherwise known as an earpiece. It's how we reporters stand out in the middle of nowhere and can hear the newscast the anchors toss to us.

■ What's the strangest item you've carried in your bag? My cats. When I lived in Nebraska a few years ago, I had two kittens, but my apartment didn't allow pets. Occasionally, I'd have to sneak them in and out of my apartment building in my purse to take them to the vet. Fortunately, no animals were hurt in the breaking of that rule, and I moved into an apartment that did allow animals.

■ Tell us about the first special bag you owned. I'll never forget when my mom gave me a beautiful silver Kate Spade tote for Christmas. It was the first expensive bag I'd ever had and I took great care of it. Until I foolishly took it to a painting class and spilled acrylic paint on one side. That taught me!

■ Knockoffs: Love 'em or hate 'em? Good ones: Love 'em! If you can't tell, then they're worth every penny of that $29. Bad ones, no thanks.

■ Image is ... part of our self-confidence. Most people only see what's projected on the outside, but in its truest form, image should mirror how we feel on the inside.

■ What's in your bag? Estee Lauder gold lame cosmetic bag, 8 News Now ID badge, Bath & Body Works Shea Cashmere hand cream in Black Amethyst, Reporter's Notebook, Two iPhones (one is personal, the other is for work), Comb (yes, I still use one),  IFB (can't leave home without it).