These are the latest handbag trends and styles:

1. Big - Handbags used to be fairly small and you could barely fit all the things you needed in them but the lately the style is the bigger the better. When I say big handbags I mean handbags that look like overnight bags. Big handbags are not only in style because of the way they look but also because they are very practical and you can fit a large amount of stuff in one bag. You can even fit your lunch it in when you go to work. Big handbags are also available with little handbags to go inside or on their own. The smaller versions are great for bars and parties.
   
2. Colors - Traditionally blacks, browns and beiges were practically the only color deemed suitable for handbags. Well, that has completely changed over the past few years and handbags are now all about colors. For spring, turquoises and greens are the most popular. For fall it’s all about the oranges and reds and for winter it’s whites and blues. Black is still classic and very much acceptable, but colors add more personality and flare to your outfit.
   
3. Fruit Prints - If you keep up on the latest trends and styles then you will not be surprised to hear that fruit prints are in high demand right now. Many celebrities like Janet Jackson, Hilary Duff and Christina Milian have been seen sporting these prints and the trend has only seen the first glimpse of what is expected to come. Cherries are the most popular fruit prints on the market however apples, strawberries, peaches and many other forms of fruit have also made their mark on many handbag designs.
   
4. Multiple Prints - Multiple prints were popular a couple decades ago and are coming back into style as we speak. Multiple prints means a mix of any two (or more) prints, like a zebra print mixed with a leopard print. Individuals who are confident in themselves and who like to be noticed will opt for these types of handbags over all others.
   
5. Accessories - A handbag is an accessory in itself, however there are many ways to accessorize handbags as well. Handbags with jewels, buckles, zippers and other added details are very popular right now. Diamonds and other metallic detailing are in high demand as well, possibly from the hype which celebrities create over these types of handbags. A handbag can be easily “spruced up” by adding a few cool accessories.

Now that you know the latest trends and styles, picking out a handbag will be easy. Just remember it’s not all about what’s on the inside of the handbag, it’s how the handbag looks on the outside that counts.

Also See:  Coach Handbags

About the Author

Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com - a site that offers information about designer purses, leather purses, coach purses and more.

Choose the category which best reflects your body type:

Tall and Thin

If you are long and lean, you will be able to get away with almost any form of handbag. Clutches, oversized handbags and shoulder bags will suit you fantastically, but the size of the bag needs to be considered. Oversized, large bags are going to look best on you, whereas smaller ones are going to make you look even taller than you already are. If you want to purchase a smaller handbag, make sure it fits snugly under your shoulders.

Short and Plump

Shorter girls need to pay very careful attention to the types of handbags they choose. Smaller bags tend to look best since larger ones will overpower you and make you look even shorter. Shorter purses (especially those which fit tightly against your body) will create height and make you look taller than you really are.

Curvy

If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass figure you will want to accentuate your waistline. In order to do this, you will need to find a bag which hits just above the waist. This style and length is going to be most flattering. Medium sized bags work best to enhance your already gorgeous body type.

Plus Size

If you’re plus size you will definitely want to stay away from small bags, which tend to make you look bigger than you are. Bags with short straps should also be avoided. Try a style which is larger and slightly wider than normal sizes since they will make you appear smaller.

The type of handbag you choose will not only depend on your body type, but also on the outfit you’re wearing and what you are doing. Choose your handbags according to how you feel that day and what you think looks best on you. One handbag is never enough, so make sure you have a number to choose from. You wouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday, so why carry the same handbag?

Also See:  Coach Handbags

About the Author

Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com - a site that offers information about handbags, Louis Vuitton handbags, coach handbags and more.

What purse style would work best with your figure?

Never mind the current fashion: your handbag should first of all complement your figure. A tiny purse on a largish woman looks a bit silly. But even though large bags are in fashion now, don’t go overboard, otherwise the bag will distract attention from your person. See examples of how to match purses to your figure.

If you are slim and tall, go for a round or square shaped purse. If you are not very tall, a bottle shaped handbag would look best. And, of course, a not very large backpack works perfectly for any figure.

Most handbags have adjustable handles, so make use of them. Large bags should never hang at the level of your hips: if necessary shorten the handle, so the bag comes to your waist line. And if you wear a backpack, it should not hang down over your backside: adjust the handles so it is just above your waist. This looks better, doesn’t put as much pressure on your lower back, and forces you to keep a good posture.

What color should you choose?

These days handbags are very colorful. Of course, this means that you can no longer have just one bag that would go with any outfit you wear. However, if you wear a lot of blue, orange or green, a matching color purse would make your outfit complete. Fruit prints are currently ‘in’, with the most popular being cherries, peaches and apples.

As far as prints go, a plain, one-color handbag is more practical as it is easier to match with your clothes. However, if you wear a single-colored dress, adding a bright, multicolored handbag might be a good idea.

Also each season of the year favors different handbag colors. All greens are very popular in spring, while red and orange are often seen in autumn. Winter favorites are white and all shades of blue.

And, of course, black is still a classic, which goes with any outfit. Brown handbags, too, are still popular although they are not very practical: a brown bag would only work with brown or beige clothing.

What are most fashionable purse materials?

Leather is always a classic, and it works for any situation and with any outfit. However, other purse materials are fashionable now. Fabric bags can look very stylish, as well as a mix of fabric and leather. Straw bags are simple, and create a great look for the summer. Moreover, since straw looks very natural, it works well with a summer outfit of any color.

Also See: Coach Handbags

About the Author
Tanya Turner is a fashion expert and a founder of http://www.allpurses.info/, where you can find fashion advice and tips about purses and handbags styles

You probably didn’t know that a purse can flatten your curves almost as much as the right pair of pants or shirt. Now that we have your attention read on to determine your shape and what type purse you should carry.

Try to choose a purse shape that is the opposite of your body type. While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. If you are tall and thin, look for the large sloppy bags that lay against you to compliment your figure. If you’re short and voluptuous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek.

Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

Take a look at the five basic body shapes and find the best purse for your shape:

* Narrow Top/Full Bottom

If you have full hips or tummy and small top, draw the eye up with accessories. You should carry a bag with short straps that fits snug under your arm.

* Full Top/Narrow Bottom

If the fullness you carry on top is unwanted (some do pay for it, you know) turn the area into a “no man’s land”. Nothing should cause the eye to linger so draw the eye downwards by carrying long slouching bags.

* Hour Glass

If you got it girl, flaunt it! This shape best describes a woman who is balanced on top and bottom with a defined waist and is considered the ideal body shape. You can carry off anything–lucky lady!!

* Narrow/Top to Bottom

If you are naturally thin, you have always faced the challenges that come with dressing this body shape. If you are unnaturally thin — by choice — you probably, prefer to show it off. The key is to add dimension to your profile. Don’t choose a bag that will hug the body too much. Think unstructured, bulky type purses. Try anything with horizontal detail in the patterns.

* WIDE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your purse should be. For this body type, shape and color is important. Colors should be muted, monochromatic is best and prints should be kept to a minimum. Draw the eye to the top or center of the torso with a mid-length strap.

Now you know the right purse for you! Always remember to try on the bag–just like you would clothing and shoes. Remember that where the purse touches your body, that part of your body is accentuated. For example, if the purse is under your arm against your breast, the eye is drawn up to the bag.

So take the time to look for the right purse for you–it’s not always the same purse that your best friend carries. A purse should not only carry your personal belongings, it should add to your style and looks.

Also See:  Coach Handbags

About the Author

Ernie and Mary Helen Sanders are current retailers of purses for the last 3 years. They spend numerous hours researching trends and styles for women. Visit their site for more information on what purses to buy and wear at http://www.igotyourbag.com You can find more information such as this at http://www.igotyourbag.com/index.asp?PageAction

I have young children but I am past the diaper bag stage. I still tend to carry the medium to larger size bag when the kids are around because I always get the “here mom, carry this” where-ever we go. Drives you crazy doesn’t it!! On the other hand, I’m tired of the big thing so I like the smaller size bags to feel feminine again. They are so handy especially on those ladies night out or those rare dates with my husband. Did I say rare! We like to look good and not be overpowered by our purse.

That brings us into those small handbags. I found so many women to my surprise like to carry them. It dawned on me that we live in a very professional and busy world. We girl’s need to carry the basics at all times and that little purse fits the need. We live such busy lifestyles and are always on the go. We don’t want anything big and clunky in the way to slow us down any more than we need to be. If you are carrying a briefcase, portfolios, or your laptop, as well or other business items, you definitely don’t need another large item. They also come in handy in fabric for business travelers. Compact for the suitcase but look great for the dinners and business meetings. Now, those super small evening bags I just haven’t figured it out why anyone bothers. You can maybe fit your lipstick in them if you are lucky. I guess it is all in the look. I am the practical type so I don’t get it! There are plenty of reasonably sized evening bags that look great. Now ladies, I must say that too many of you buy the little handbags when you should not. I’ve seen them so crammed with stuff that they look distorted. Break down and buy a larger bag. It will look much neater and we will see the great handbag you’re carrying and not a mess.

Gone are the days of the moms carrying the huge bag with everything in it including the kitchen sink. You know, the one’s carrying the first aid kit, sewing kit, scissors etc. just as my mom does. Oh, and they need lots of pockets for all that stuff so they have a harder time finding the keys because they don’t know which pocket it’s in this time. My mom’s a seasoned grandmother and I guess she feels she still needs to carry everything. “Just in case!” There are plenty of our mothers/grandmothers out there that you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have women buy the cute nice size handbag and then the huge one for their mom. Do you fall into this huge bag syndrome?

Speaking of moms, let us not forget the dedicated new moms of the world. I honor all of you because I’ve been there done that. These are the women who give up their handbags altogether for the diaper bag. You carry so much around for the kids that you just stuff your wallet in the diaper bag. There’s no time for yourself so the lipstick is definitely dropped from the contents of what you carry. Occasionally you try to take back your womanly status and carry a purse but realize fast what a hassle. What we give up for those little blessings! Diaper bags have changed so much over the years. There are so many incredible looking diaper bags that really don’t look like a diaper bag. They are useful, because that’s important, but great looking.

That brings us to the younger set, oh to be young again. Teenagers and young adults have a mind of their own and a definite taste of their own. They are coming into themselves of who they are and what they want from life. It better be a very in and stylish handbag. Don’t dare buy a handbag for them unless they’ve seen it and asked for it. Guarantied you’ll be returning it after you’ve given it to them. They definitely like the smaller cute stylish ones. Not too fancy or stand-outish types but very in. No large one’s that might make them feel old or like a mom, not ready for it. The college set will carry the larger bag only for books in school. They appeal to the feminine side instead of the backpacks.

I ask you, where do you fall in the world of handbag size? Or are you like me and like them all and got to have them all. I guess you can call it the handbag fetish! We talked about size; let’s look next time for my next article on what’s out there and there is plenty out there.

Also See: Coach Handbags

About the Author

Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of Alexi specializing in customed designed handbags. A successful retail business, has currently moved her boutique to the web. Visit her website at http://www.AlexiHandbags.com.

Wait a second! Will you also be confidence when carrying your branded leather handbags in dirty condition and not treated well? Do you know that if you own leather handbags, you must treat it properly? You going to have a long lasting handbags if you willing to do that. Well, at least you have one leather bags for your everyday life. .

Leather handbags can match with what ever you wear. What ever your outfit is, leather handbags help pull together almost any outfit. No wonder why you must own at least one leather handbags for an emergency. Because there is no other style of handbags that perfectly fits for so many different level of formality, except leather handbags.

Okay, having at least one leather handbag is important, so now it’s time for you to know how to treat and clean these leather handbags. But before going there, you must know that leather is a very difficult surface to clean. They stain easily although leather is tough and long lasting.

Well, here are some tips on how to treat and clean your leather handbags. Check it out!

- Using soft white damp cloth, wipe down your leather handbag softly

- Use leather cleaner after you wipe with clothe. If you feel satisfied then treat it with a conditioner to restore its luster and replace the leather’s natural oils.

- Always test leather cleaner to on an inconspicuous area of your leather hand bag before using.

- If the leather has become discolored, there are available leather sprays that can restore color to the handbag. Simply match the color as close as possible to the original.

- Don’t try cleaners, solvents and other usually normal cleaning solutions on leather. It is by nature a very porous material and often cannot be completely restored.

If you follow that tips you probably only need one leather handbag in life. Hmmm… hopefully you are not boring with only one handbag. If you do, and want more leather handbags, just check through the Internet.

Also See: Coach Handbags

About the Author

Rose Anne affectionate on bags, handbags, luggage, etc has made her into bags reviewer. Her experiences on bags can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of bags. Visit her Website http://www.mybagsguide.com. You can also visit MyBootsGuide.com at http://www.myhandbagsguide.com

#1 A Pretty Dress In summer, that dress can be worn on its own. In autumn and winter, you can layer it with your tops, jackets and so much more for the latest autumn winter look. A girl could use a few chic new dresses that would never go out of style. Silk chiffon dresses look stunning on their own in summer yet layer very well in winter. A great buy regardless the season.

#2 A Gorgeous Handbag Spring, summer, autumn or winter. That bag would take you through it all. Make sure it is a great designer bag. Something you are proud to carry. One that make you the envy of the competition. Fendi Handbags are classics that you would be proud to carry, year in, year out. Prada bags and accessories are what dreams are made of. Actually, my dream wardrobe would be filled with Prada… if I could only afford that. Oh well.

#3 High heel shoes High heel shoes never go out of style. High heels, at least 3 inches high, make your walk sexy. When you wear such high heels, you sashay rather than plod around. Your walk becomes sexier. More diva like. Manolo Blaniks are ideal. Jimmy Choos are not bad either.

#4 Beautiful lingerie Your sexy secret. The beautifully sexy lingerie you are wearing under your possibly prim looking clothes. None of that Bridget Jones granny style knickers for you. Go for something a lot more sensual. La Perla lingerie would be wonderful.

#5 Diamond Stud Earrings Whether you are going to a red carpet function, or just lounging around at home entertaining a very special guest, diamond stud earrings would subtly light your face beautifully. Go for the real thing. As large as you can afford. Diamond stud earrings are timeless and go with just about anything. They are an investment that not only can last you for life, you can hand your earrings down to your grandchildren as a family heirloom. It is an investment that becomes your legacy.

#6 Jeans Not just any pair of jeans. Go for the designer jeans that grace the butts of the likes of J.Lo. Jeans that supermodels wear on their days off. Cameron Diaz looks absolutely gorgeous in Blue Cult jeans. There seem to be millions of brands where jeans are concerned, but a few stand out from the crowd. Miss Sixty Jeans are hip, rock and roll style jeans, for the cool crowd.

#7 Your signature perfume Every girl should have a signature perfume that is her personal scent. Layer your perfume by using it in your shower, body moisturizer and spritzing a little on your pulse points after your shower.

With these 7 essentials, you can easily have that gorgeous image every day of the year.

Also See: Coach Handbags

About the Author

The writer is the webmaster of Cheap Designer Clothes where you can find designer brand clothing and accessories at relatively low prices.

The calmness and inner peace you attained through the process of creating your own handbag changes to happy pride as you display this unique work of art to friends and family and bask in their words of praise for your talent and dedication. You now have a physical reminder in the form of your bag that you are special and talented with a gift of creation. Look at your new handbag and remember the calmness you felt when you were in the midst of evolving this piece of fabric into a special work of art and know that you can carry this peace with you always.

Also See:  Coach Purses

About the Author

Henrietta is a handbag designer and specializes in handbag history. Her informational site can be found at http://henriettashandbags.com

 

Unlike clothing, the handbag is an accessory that stands out from your body figure. This is why the shape of the handbag can have such a powerful visual impact. When shopping for one, try to get the exact opposite of what your body type is. If you are short try to get a taller handbag that will enhance your vertical look. Not only will the vertical handbag make you look taller but it will also help you look slimmer, since it directs the viewer’s eyes on the vertical rather than on the horizontal. On the other hand, if you are tall and thin, you might want to get a rounder handbag.

There are several handbag types that you can choose from. Hobo bags are popular shoulder bags that offer a nice round shape and a lot of interior room. Satchels are large handled bags that offer a lot of room but are less elegant. On the opposite side you will find the clutch bag, which is very small and fancy, mostly used for evening wear and other special occasions.

The duffle bag takes us back to the larger sized category, while the field bag is sportier and is a flap top shoulder bag. Hermes style bags are structured in shape and they have select closures that are intentionally visible. Tote handbags are highly popular. They have handles or straps, depending on the model, and are open top bags. Messenger style bags are mostly shoulder bags and are usually worn across the body. Among other popular handbag styles, you will find the cigar box, which is a hard cover bag and the pouch, which is a small and soft covered bag.

The other thing to consider is the size of the handbag. If you are small and thin, try not to carry around huge bags that will look disproportionate to your body. On the other hand, if you have a few extra pounds, you might not want to stress that with a bag that is barely visible and seems more like a toy rather than a real handbag. The length of the handles is also important - medium sized handles work best in all cases. In general, long handles and a vertically oriented handbag make you look slimmer.

There is one other final element for you to consider: Will this handbag suit your lifestyle? Do not get an elegant and fragile bag if you are used to carrying a lot of stuff in it and going through subway traffic everyday. Make the choice that will complement your life style in the best way and make the most out of enjoying your shopping experience.

Also See:  Coach Purses

About the Author

George Anderson has a good understanding of handbags, especially designer handbags and how important they are to a woman’s presentation.

They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don’t forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?

Let’s start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they’ll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don’t recommend carrying one of these handbags.

Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.

Now don’t forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don’t make a roar, these are the most tame out there of all three.

Sequence, metallic and faux fur, get them while they are hot!

Also See: Coach Handbags

About the Author

Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.alexihandbags.com/ an online custom handbag boutique. Her designs were originally shown in exclusive art shows and trunk shows in people’s homes and customer demand brought forth the website. She enjoys reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children.