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| Some days we choose a classic look that has stood the test of time, while other days a more whimsical style feels just right. Maybe you are going to the office or to a girl’s night out on the town. Whatever the occasion, many women find that the perfect handbag can tie it all together. Women carry purses for a variety of reasons. A purse allows us to carry our credit cards, driver’s license, keys, and makeup all together in one easy bag that we can grab and take with us. We also carry them to make a fashion statement. A purse is an accessory that comes in a variety of styles and colors. Most women have more than one purse, and they enjoy switching them out in order to get the look they are searching for. Purses have been a part of fashion history since the 14th century, although they were small pouches carried around the waist back then. Bags were attached to girdles that were attached to the waist. The more jewels that adorned the bags, the richer the person was. In the 18th century, women’s clothing had less under layers, so they began to carry handbags called “reticules.” In the 1920s, it was no longer necessary to have a handbag to perfectly match each outfit, and by the 1950s, designers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton rose in popularity. These designers allowed women to enjoy the practical side of carrying a purse for convenience, as well as the desire to make a personal fashion statement. In 2009, it was difficult to find a conventional purse in most retail stores. Designers focused on bags that were fun and striking such as structured totes with zippers, grommets, studs, and bold adornments that infused a glamorous rocker element to designers’ collections. In 2010, however, classic styles have returned made of natural materials with subtler tones. Natural and subdued tones can complement any color, and can make your outfit stand out instead of just your handbag. When choosing a handbag, how do you know which one is right for you? Consider the size you are comfortable with, whether or not you need compartments, and whether or not you prefer closures that zip or snap. Do you like exterior pockets for easy access to items such as your cell phone? If you take a little time to think through your needs before entering the retail store where you plan to buy a handbag, you will know what to look for and not get swept up in the latest trends. When it comes to the latest trends, cross-body straps have become popular for people who like to wear bags closer to their bodies. Purses from Fossil feature a large front pocket to hold items of importance, as well as being made of shiny vintage leather. Nature-inspired patterns with bursts of color to accompany neutral shades are popular as well. We have also seen perforated leather this season from Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, and Prada. The perforated leather provides a sporty look due to the shape of the handbags, and brought a fresh look to 2010. When you are considering investing in a high-end designer handbag, there are many options as well as price ranges. Louis Vuitton offers the Monogram Multicolore Courtney GM handbag and the popular Monogram Canvas Speedy 25 bag. Coach is another brand associated with quality and luxury. New arrivals for this fall and winter include the Kristin Leather Hobo bag in a choice of four colors, and the new Studded Op Art Alexandra handbag. These are handbags that will cost you now, but will stand the test of time and could be a key part of your wardrobe for many years to come. The replica purse industry has grown in recent years because people have less disposable income and seem to recognize a need for an inexpensive alternative to high-end handbags. You may wonder what sets a replica designer handbag apart from the original. The answer is quality. Manufacturers of replica handbags are careful to notice details of the original while using leather and other materials that leave you with a handbag similar to the original. A growing trend in handbags is the use of recycled materials. Kim White Handbags are made from never-used vintage textiles intended for American cars. Each purse has a tag with the make and year of the fabric, and they come in many colors and styles. Purses made by Tripp Gregson are made from legally obtained traffic signs. The bags have a heavy ball chain and strong vinyl sides, and each bag has a red side and a white side. Ecoist has handbags made from repurposed soda bottle labels. There are four styles of bags that are all part of the Coca-Cola collection. The purses include a detachable wristlet band and a zip top—this is one way to be green and look fabulous at the same time. Of course when you are thinking of your purse, you have to consider the accessories that are inside it as well. There are many whimsical and colorful leather wallets that combine fun and function. If you are looking for a leather wallet and checkbook cover, consider American West and the Color Me Pretty wallet collection. These wallets feature vegetable-tanned leather that is hand-tooled with silver-toned studs. If you want to protect your favorite lipstick, look no further than a lipstick case. Retail stores have vast selections of both lipstick and eyeglasses cases in nearly every color combination and fun, funky patterns. Some retailers will even allow you to personalize a lipstick or eyeglass case for yourself or as a great gift idea with a personal message inside. Purses have been around for centuries and provide function and fashion for women. The difference today is that there are options for every person and budget that allow for functionality as well as fashion. Whether classic, edgy, or environmentally friendly, there are enough options to change your fashion statement as often as you change your clothes. Sources for this story included: www.articleinspector.com and hubpages.com/hub/Handbag-Style-Trends-for-2010. |
The Perfect Handbag |
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