What Everyone Should Know About Handbags
by Sian Thomas
A handbag is a word that brings up numerous images. Depending on the era you most relate too, handbags may illicit memories of the stylish trend associated with your favorite handbag. Yes, everyone has a favorite: sometimes two or three. A good handbag will withstand the test of time. A good handbag can be proudly passed from a grandmother to her excited granddaughter.
Perhaps the versatility of the handbag is the deciding factor in its durability; however, durability has many factors. The majority of fashionable and versatile handbags are designed and created in leather. Even leather is not completely cut-and-dry. There are many types of leather, each with its own characteristics: ostrich, rawhide, lamb, deer, moose, alligator, and swine just to name a few good examples. The process in which the leather is processed, treated, cured, and eventually shaped is extremely important to the life of the handbag. Obviously, many of the handbag designers are going to use a higher quality of leather depending on the potential price tag to the consumer.
Of course, the actual design of the handbag is essential to the life of the handbag as well. The compartments of a handbag are a vitally important feature to any handbag. However, some people like many compartments, some like only a few: some like big compartments, some like small. Handbag designers try to keep the variety of their potential consumers in mind. One thing is certain about the design of the handbag: all handbags are potentially unique. All handbags offer the individual user a sense of uniqueness and style. Handbags are an invaluable accessory to anyone's wardrobe: yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Price is an important consideration to many people purchasing a handbag. Finding a reasonable and acceptable price is often daunting and something straight out of a spy movie. Finding a Mulberry handbag for $29 on the street corner may seem exceptionally wonderful. However, you must ask yourself: do you honestly believe that a Mulberry handbag for $29 is an authentic Mulberry handbag? Many people sell imitation handbags -often referred to as "knock-offs". If a handbag looks like a name brand handbag, has the name brand tag, and is a steal... proceed with extreme caution. Owning a knock-off brand is illegal in most countries. Now keep in mind that many people purchase replica handbags. These handbags do not claim to be the original brand at all, but closely replicated facsimiles. Of course, the replica handbags are not going to be the same quality of the name brand. Remember: you get what you pay for.
Deciding to purchase a handbag is filled with options, options, and more options. Do not feel overwhelmed. Be aware of what you want before you begin. Know the price range you are looking for. Know the options you just cannot live without. Then buy exactly what you want and need. A good handbag will offer the owner many important factors: versatility, reliability, functionality, and all of this while remaining stylish, trendy, and afforable.
How To Tell The Difference Between A Fake And Real Handbag
by Kevin Nobleman
Buying your handbags on the Internet can sometimes be very risky because you won't have the opportunity of confirming it is a fake or not before placing your order.
But despite all the risks of buying handbags on the Internet, you can still make a safe choice if you take note of the following guidelines to buying handbags on the Internet:
1. Make sure you buy your handbag on the Internet only from dealers that are authorized and registered. There are a dozen and one online sellers of handbags, but don't rush into buying from just anyone, until you can confirm that they are genuine.
You can check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to confirm whether the dealer is recognized or not, before placing your order. This simply act can help you protect your money from fraudster handbag dealers.
2. Before playing your order for a handbag on the Internet, check the contact details of the online dealer. If there is no contact details or if it leads to a box office, then be wary of such dealer. It shows that they are hiding something.
3. Don't be quick to order for a handbag on the Internet with your credit card. Many online stores are actually fraudsters whose primary purpose is to steal your personal details, such as credit card information and other personal details.
Ever heard of identify theft? This is one of the ways in which these thieves get your details. So, before you place your order via credit card, check to make sure the online dealer has a secure credit card payment system in place. If they don't, then it will safe for you not to order with credit card.
Just doing the above will help you make a better handbag buying decision on the Internet.
Fashion- Choosing the right handbag
by Angela Tyler
To carry or not to carry? Is it the essential accessory, or the optional necessity? Surely the fashion-forward girl can't stash all her must-haves in her hands or pockets. The latter adds bulk and the former, well it's just impractical. So when you decide to carry a handbag, be as meticulous about its selection as you are with your wardrobe. When making your choice, think style, size, structure, and season.
There are times when the situation warrants form over fashion, but with the plethora of inexpensive options at the like there's no reason to sacrifice and carry an old, unseemly bag. Even the wishy-washy types with no apparent personal style can make a nice impression with the right bag.
First, don't think your handbag has to match your outfit. As is the case with shoes, you should use your handbag to render contrast. For example, a red or tan soft briefcase adds just a touch of flair a black or navy suit. A nice black clutch brings polish to a bright print ensemble. Conversely, a fashionable Burberry tote works well with almost any solid.
The possibilities are endless, so you can set your own limitations. The only hardfast statute is casual bag with casual dress formal bag with formal dress, etc. If you prefer to carry the same handbag most of the time, choose a neutral go with a bag that represents your own unique style or experiment with color and texture without breaking the rules for your body type. So really the choice is yours!
Regardless of style, the size of a bag should never overwhelm your frame. This means that taller ladies can carry most any size, while petites should stick with the smaller fare. The same logic applies to straps - straps should not be so long that the bag hits your hip or below. An oversized low-slung bag can make even the most dainty woman come off as dumpy, causing her posture to tilt and stride to break. Control your bag (and your look) don't let it control you.
Now that you've identified a style and size range, seek out structure. Look for a defined shape that will hold even when filled to capacity. Most often good structure can only be found with good material and even better construction. So the quality aspect can take care of itself. Another feature to focus on is expandable elements such as buckles and other fasteners. Detaching these features provides more room, but at the cost of style and structure. Resist the urge to pack in all in and keep the fasteners intact for a more organized appearance. Otherwise, your purse literally starts to resemble a bag straight from your favorite neighborhood grocery.
Last but not least, be mindful of the seasons. Don't cling to that colorful canvas tote in the dead of winter. Put away to the suede saddle bag when the flowers start to bloom in spring. You wouldn't floss your corduroy in July, so don't carry your heaviest leather satchel while wearing your linens. Remember to be smart when storing your handbags. If possible, place them is a breathable dust bag for protection, so when to seasons change again you're ready to go in one minute flat!
Now back to good ol' fashioned fashion sense. Stand in the mirror and do a sanity check. Is your handbag an asset to your style? Does it overpower your outfit and more importantly, you? Ino time, the handbag rules will become second nature and who knows.... You may just morph into a collector or handbag connoisseur. Happy Toting!
The 5 S's of Handbag Selection
by Hazel Anaka
Are you one of those women overwhelmed by the sheer, staggering number of handbag choices? Do you long for the simpler decisions of your grandma's day? For the days when her choice was the black leather frame handbag---think Golden Girls' Sophia's ever-present purse dangling from her forearm. Or would grandma pick her white patent leather summer purse? Or maybe a woven wicker number for the hazy, crazy summer days of the 1950s and 60s? Aaah the simple life.
Life in the twenty-first century is not short of choices, rigid rules, fashionista do's and don'ts, instant experts and armchair critics. Many women are unable to act because of decisional paralysis. We've grown to rely on the fashion industry stamp of approval to tell us what we like, what we want, and where to get it. Unless it's included in fashion magazine full page ads or top ten lists we're just not sure if it's right for us. If it bears a designer insignia or is favored by the hottest celebrities we want it. At the very least we crave the approval of family and friends. We've given up control.
In yet one more take on how to pick the perfect purse consider the following five tongue-in-cheek handbag design personality types. By pigeon-holing er defining your personality preferences you too will be able to take back control of your design destiny and buy just the right purse for you and live happily ever after. Honest. One. Are you a woman who appreciates fine lines, defined edges, art for the sake of art? Do you gravitate to sleek furniture and streamlined accessories? Aim for a "Sculptural Silhouette." Look for handbag designs that are structured, yet beautiful enough to display on a bookcase or table in your home. Designs that make you gasp in awe.
Two. If the words minimalist, uncontrived, and smart define your design sensibility in clothing and home decor think "Savvy Simplicity." You want to combine practicality and common sense with clean, simple designs. You don't want or need umpteen pockets in your purse. You frown at embellishments like tassels and grommets and pleating and buckles. Understated elegance is your watchword.
Three. Confident, refined, possessing worldly experience in matters of fashion and culture are words that define you. You know how to carry yourself and handle any situation that presents itself. You personify "Sleek Sophistication." You gravitate to those handbags constructed of luxury leathers, fine finishes and attention to detail. You understand that often less truly is more.
Four. You are the woman who's most likely to turn heads. You're well put together and not afraid to bend the rules. Your motto is: "it's better to ask forgiveness than request permission." Your style is "Stunningly Seductive." In the language of purse design that means sexy fabrics and finishes like lace, sequins and beads. Your handbag selection could reflect the rock chick vibe or the fun, funky exuberance of youth.
Five. You are the woman who expects good value for your dollar. You've earned everything you have and you will not settle for less than the best. You expect, no, demand reliability, functionality, enduring, affordable quality. And you're not willing to forgo fashion forward style to get it. This handbag design personality type is "Stylishly Substantial." Organizer purses with multiple pockets, attached key chains and coin purses are features you appreciate. With your hectic, multi-role life you need a handbag that works for you. Whether you need to pack some files or some baby wipes this purse will accommodate your wishes. You opt for classic designs.
Unless you're willing to go through life with one basic black bag it's time to have some fun with making your own fashion accessory decisions. Take note of what you love on others but trust your own good sense. Expect value for money and don't settle for less. Assess your needs---do you need a bag to take you from home to work and back again? Or do you want a glitzy little number for a hot night out? Or perhaps a fun and funky tote for the Saturday mall crawl? Take back your control and experience the power of purses.
