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.

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!