How To Find The Perfect Handbag

Photo courtesy of Elaine Turner Handbags

By Mary Olaya

Let's be honest. These days there are hundreds of handbag styles to choose from. So as a consumer, where do you begin? Do you follow the fashion experts? Does the latest It handbag necessarily mean you must have that bag this season? Do you choose one that compliments your figure and works well with your wardrobe? Or do you choose quality with an affordable price tag?

Well, the answer is Yes - for all of the above. But there are also other factors to consider too.

Trying on a handbag is just as important as trying on clothes. Where your handbag rests will actually draw the most attention. If someone is glammed up, the first detail others will notice is accessories, most likely your handbag. A handbag can make or break your look.

The most important factor to consider when choosing the right handbag for your body type is Size and Shape. That choice is more difficult for tiny and shorter ladies.

Small and classic handbag shapes generally work best. Focus on smaller handbag that fit tightly and comfortably underneath your shoulder. It's all about proportion. Stay away from large, rectangular shapes. Small shoulder handbags are a great alternative. They work perfectly with figure proportions and add length to the body and arms. More defined round shapes, such as the gaucho & silverado styles, work too.

Also consider the handles and their positioning. The handle drop should not have too much. A handbag that sits below your hips will make you appear shorter. If you need a sling/messenger bag, be sure the shoulder strap is adjustable and let the bag rest near your hips and no lower. Avoid oversized, bulky bags unless you need an overnight or weekender. Big sizes will not flatter your shape.

Another perfect alternative is clutches. Go for different colours and styles. Clutches are versatile during the day and will carry all your necessities in the evening.

There are also limitations for taller ladies. Although they have a height advantage, some styles still won't work. If you're tall or slim, your long limbs work well for more rectangular and square structured shapes, such as motorcycle and paddington styles.

If you're not already a fan of oversized bags, get cracking. Oversized handbag are definitely - In. Fashion has embraced the oversized trend in handbags and clothing lately. What's the best tip? It's what our parents told us for years. Less is more. So consider a bag that's not too oversized. Don't go over the top. Go for box styles or rectangular shapes. The biggest blunder many make with these styles is practicality. Never carry an oversized bag empty. Oversized bags look flat and empty with just your wallet and keys inside. Use these bags as a useful shopping tote. Now, that's just plain easy.

Never let an oversized shoulder bag sit pass your hips. Straps should be short or adjustable. Not only will the bag look better, but its weight won't put pressure on your lower back. It's important for you to move comfortably and easily.

Let the handbag speak for itself. Do the inside compartments hold all your necessary essentials? Do you like its style and overall look? In the end, you have to be happy. After all, a handbag should be a girl's best accessory, not a burden.

So You Love Handbags?

ELAINE TURNER designer handbags Danielle Tiki Floral
large tote bag designer purse.

from BagFancy

A few things to consider before shopping

So you really like handbags. Okay, maybe you love them. That much is clear.

But now what? Picking a handbag isn't rocket science, but there are some things to think about when shopping. Some are questions of what you want in a bag, while other considerations are much more practical. Thinking through these can make a difference between being happy with your purchase or leaving your new bag sitting in your closet collecting dust.

Style
You're browsing, and you spot a bag that you're absolutely in love with. Sitting on the rack (or calling to you from your computer screen), it's the cutest thing you've ever seen!

But unless you're going to hang it on the wall of your apartment for your guests to admire, you'll want to ask yourself this question:

What is this bag going to look like on me? Remember that a bag is only one piece of the puzzle - it should ideally match an outfit or your wardrobe (not just color, but also style and attitude). So before buying, mentally cruise your closet and try to think of what you would wear while carrying that bag.

Image is everything!!! When considering handbags/outfits, look at the image you are trying to project. Whether you're going for cute, sexy, cool, chic, conservative, etc. think of how the bag will help you pull off the image. Remember, everyone is unique and some styles don't work for everyone. Also, not all styles work for every occasion. Generally you will shop with specific kinds of activities or events in mind - and of course a formal night out is not going to be the same as a day of running errands. You might eventually want to develop a rotating repertoire of different styles for different occasions.

Finally, consider your body shape and size. Handbags come in many different shapes and colors along with style, so make sure to pick one that is flattering for you. Take a look at a guide to matching body and handbag shape before picking (see Links at bottom of article).

Carrying Capacity
All right, so you've found a handbag that looks great on you. But it is a bag, after all, and you just might also want to put stuff in it.

How much will you be able to fit in your potential bag? Also, what are you going to put in it? Along with the overall size of the bag, give some thought to things like compartments and accessibility.

Comfort
Another question: how easy will it be to carry? How big is the bag, and what kind of handle does it have? Depending on where you're going and whether you have a place to put your bag, you might end up holding it for a while.

You're going to look great with your new handbag. You might as well be comfortable too!

Price
From the infrequent buyer to the shopaholic, we all eventually ask ourselves: How much should I spend? What is this bag worth to me? "Worth" is not just a matter of a dollar value, but also of what it does for you when you have it. Will you be happy that you spent the money and bought it? Is it worth giving up lunch for a week to own that cute bag? Is it worth giving up the extra week's lunch for the matching shoes you now need? Whether you spend thousands of dollars on a Hermes Kelly Bag or $8 on a tote bag from Target, if it was worth it to you, then as Bob Barker says… the price is right.

In the end…
Shopping for a bag should be fun. That's what it's all about, isn't it? But if you take a little extra time to consider whether the style, carry capacity, comfort level, and price all suit you - you can end up being that much happier with your choice.

And hey… Informed shopping can be that much more enjoyable anyway!

Handbags and Feng Shui

ELAINE TURNER designer handbags Hunter saddle leather designer purse

By Silvana Rosati-capizzano

Here are some tips help you stay organized and function at optimum levels:

Make sure your handbag is clean, neat and organized.

A smaller handbag that can be worn across your chest, freeing up both your hands will make for an easier shopping trip as well.

What does your handbag look like? Messy, stained, filled with receipts, lists, candy wrappers, endless "to do" lists, old lipsticks, cosmetics, toiletries, heaps of memorabilia, money just thrown in?

Often our handbag become a sea of junk. A lot of us invest a good amount of money in our handbags. We love them, we carry them with pride - but what we carry, is often much more than we need. We often don't give it a thought until it is overflowing with so much stuff that it creates shoulder and neck pain. A messy, heavy handbag is very inauspicious. It causes us stress when we constantly have to dig to find anything. It blocks wealth energy and bogs us down figuratively, physically and literally.

Be reasonable about what and how much you carry.

Make it a habit to clean it out once a week.

To attract wealth energy, also keep a clean, neat, and organized wallet. Coins, bills and cards in their correct space.

Keep lists in an easy access area. When you have completed that days "to do's", throw it out your list.

A clean purse is very auspicious and attracts wealth energy.

A red handbag carry's energized, yang chi. By placing three chinese coins tied together with a red string inside will attract money. If you know a wealthy person, ask them for a bill of money to carry inside your purse. This will carry increased wealth energy inside your handbag .

Help all that money going out this season to find it's way back in.

What ever handbag you fancy, keep it clean, neat, light and organized.