Welcome Xenia!
The fact that you thought of those questions and then sought answers rules out stupidity!
You just discovered the problem with off-body carry, whether it is a woman's purse or a man's dayplanner, or even a jacket pocket where the jacket might get removed in the course of the day.
QKShooter's suggestion of looping the purse strap around your leg is a good one - I do the same with my laptop bag. There's still a slight problem here though - it's technically possible for someone, even a mischevious child, to access your firearm without your seeing it.
And, purses present the same dilemma shoulder holsters do; the muzzle is constantly pointing at things you don't want it to. Since your hand is not on it, it's an acceptable risk, but it still gives me the creeps.
One other option that works well for a lot of women is a
Thunderwear or
Smartcarry holster.
They can be drawn from at least as fast as a purse, although if you're wearing a one piece dress you'll put on a bit of a show.
As a woman, you have more challenges to carrying than us boys do, but don't let that deter you. Be armed and be safe!
Also, if you haven't already, pay a visit to
www.corneredcat.com. She has a lot of great CCW information, specifically from the distaff perspective.
Joe