I have to jump in here with a plug for my new favorite purse. I have carried in Coronado Leather and Galco purses. Both of them great quality purses and good holsters. But my new favorite purse is from Gun Tote'n Mamas.
They are a new company and the quality is so great for the price that they are having a hard time meeting demand. They do have several styles, all of them with wire-reinforced straps. I have the
Raven because I was looking for a smaller bag than my
Galco Paige bag. Price for the Galco - $279, Gun Tote'n Mamas - $79.
The Raven bag has an adjustable strap, more than long enough to go across the body and fall at a comfortable area for quick access. The leather is buttery soft, and it has more pockets that I can figure out what to do with. It has become my new favorite bag.
A couple of things you need to know about purse carry. First off, you cannot access the gun as quickly as from a traditional holster. With practice, you can get that down to a reasonable time, but it DOES take practice. Second, your purse is an attractive target for thieves. You CANNOT carry it casually. You MUST keep it close to your body and keep a hand on it at all times. It is no longer "just" a purse. If someone takes it from you, they have your gun.
So, with all that - yes, I do carry in a purse frequently. I still think belly band is the most secure method, but it doesn't always work with what I wear. And I can almost always carry a purse.