What Everyone Ought to Know about Hand Bags
December 7, 2010 by Arash Mazinani
Filed under All Content, Ladies, Style Tips, Wardrobe Staples
I’m surprised I’ve not wrote anything about handbags in the past. After all it is one accessory that almost every woman owns and probably uses everyday. The thing that triggered this post was my recent shopping trip with my girlfriend. She was hinting at a new bag for christmas so we decided to check out what was on offer. There really is a huge variety out for everyone no matter what your budget. While you may dream of a Hermes Birkin Bag, the reality maybe your a few grand short. But don’t let that put you off owning a fabulous hang bag.
Even if you’re not a hand bag person there is no denying it’s practicality. I’m betting you can’t live with out some sort of bag to carry everything around with you. Just because it is practical doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. Remember this is another opportunity for you to express your personality and up your game in the style stakes. So have some fun with it.
- Versatility is key. If you can afford to have a few different bags that you can wear with different outfits that’s great. But not everyone has that luxury so if you’re wanting to stick with one bag and get the most out of it black or brown will go pretty much everything. If you fancy something a little bit different, metallics and skins will offer the same versatility with a twist.
- If your bag is always chock a block full then invest in a larger bag. Bags that are overstuffed just look sloppy.
- Make sure your bag is in relative to your size. It may sound a little silly but if you’re petite a huge oversized bag will drown you. On the other hand if you’re tall or broad a tiny bag will look strange.
- Choose your fabric wisely, if you can afford an exotic skin or patent leather then thats fine. If not your bag should be of decent quality in leather. You can pick up leather bags on the high street for an affordable price. When your bad has had it’s day don’t cling onto it if it’s got holes in or the leather has worn then it’s time for a new one.
- One point to consider with shoulder bags is that they will rub against your side. Depending on the type of fabric you’re wearing it may cause pilling. They can also make you look shorter.
- Remember bags can be used as a statement piece and can have a huge impact on your overall appearance. Therefore neglecting your bag can result in a bag that ages or worse, cheapens your look. It should have the opposite effect and be the difference between an average or stylish look.
Let me know what you think by commenting below.
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I LOVE this post about handbags…. they are one of my recent obsessions as I am in the market for a new one! As Xmas is quickly approaching, I am hoping that I don’t break my bank trying to find my perfect winter handbag. I just love the overall look in the second picture- it looks absolutely fabulous with her leatherette pants!
Any suggestions for finding a bag that will last through the winter to spring transition?
Love the post!
xx
Kate
thetrendytimes.blogspot.com
I’d pick a well structured medium sized back with a good sturdy top handle in leather. Colour wise one of those I mentioned in the post. If you can get one in a classic shape like Miss Palmero’s Birkin then it’ll last you years.
Another excellent post Mr Mazinani!!
I am a handbag girl, but I like the whoppers that fit everything and the kitchen sink in!
For me, it is the most important accessory, and I would always recommend that you buy the best that you can afford. I find it is always worth waiting for the sales to buy a good quality handbag, it is an investment buy, and as with everything you get what you pay for.
Should you get bored and If you look after your bag/bags and keep them in tip top condition they do have a re- sale value, and you can use the money and treat yourself again!
No mention here of man bags, are you a fan??
Yeah I am a fan of man bags. I have an everyday leather patchwork one from all saints which the zips have just fallen off. I’m a bit disappointed as I thought it’d have last me a lot longer. If you want to get a designer bag in the sales you need to be really well prepared. Get there early and also expect to put up a fight, I’ve seen women almost through punches and people with bags up their arms at sale time. Great advice though Colette.
I agree with all the points! very good article!
http://verychiclist.blogspot.com/
i love buying bas! however, i feel that it gets more and more difficult. or maybe it is because i get more and more complicated
sometimes i feel like spending a lot of money for a bag, but then it has to be a timeless piece. otherwise i also have some crazy bags 
A very interesting/useful read! I really liked the points you’ve put forth.
I have a question – I know very little about fashion and fabrics and I don’t want to buy an expensive leather bag at the moment. How do I know which faux-leather to choose based on texture, feel, colour, etc? Is there any way I can ensure that the fabric looks good and not completely fake/cheap?
http://cyniqueen.blogspot.com/
Really there is no substitute for leather you can pick up leather bags on the high street from around £70 and they’ll last you a considerable amount of time. It maybe worth waiting until January when the sales start to see if you can get a discount on one. You can easily spend £50 on a bag made from plastic and they’re not really worth it. I’d stick to plain coloured one in black or brown rather than anything too bright or in a skin. They always look obviously not leather, patent maybe a good option although it maybe prone to cracking.
Great post! I love my Zara vintage looking messanger bag. It’s brown and is accordian inside, also a good medium size. The best thing it’s sturdy! This was my winter bag purchase a month or so ago. I have been looking online for a little bag for New Years Eve and something that I can even use afterwards. Honestly for the price I would rather buy another Zara bag then a Forever21 or H&M. Zara bags are MUCH sturdier then both companies, I would rather put a few extra bucks into buying a well made bag then something that will fall apart in a month or so. There’s this one Zara bag that I have been eyeing up and I did a price match between the Zara bag and a Forever21 bag I liked and for an extra $5 I can just get the Zara bag. I think doing price checks and figuring out what would be worth it in the end is very important.
http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/
What a great post!! I also keep hinting to my bf that I’d like/need a new purse so it seems perhaps the next step is to print out this and “accidentally” leave it on his desk!
Great post! Funny you should put this up, though as I was working on a bag post myself. It’s not along the same line though, just discussing about investment vs so-called “disposable” bags.
I really like the fact that you pointed out the pilling. A lot of people don’t even know or take that into consideration!
Thanks for the handbag advice..I love how you included how some can make a person look shorter. I am already extremely short so I do not need anything making me look less tall!
I am also sad to hear that you no longer have a Borders where you are located. I live for magazines and hate living somewhere that I don’t have access to new and interesting ones. Right now I am I don’t have a good book store where I live so whenever I am somewhere that does I stock up on all the fun mags I can find!
Happy Holidays
Great advice/tips/guidance. Handbags are an essential item yet I find so many women struggle finding the right bag, my mom included. I am going to pass your advice on to her. Hopefully she will take your words of wisdom. Because she never listens to me:)
-Madeleine
I’ve gotta admit as the trends have changed so has my style towards bags, I am now a big bag girl and as it’s got bigger I have got a tendancy to carry more to fill it…….. I am actually turning in to my nan and have found a variety of things in it that should never venture out the house like my phone charger and my entire make-up bag!! lol I have now caused myself a problem because in the day I am used to carrying my life but when I go clubbing I really find it difficult to fit everything in to a pea sized clutch
please help!!! lol
x
This is such a great post, and so relevant as I’m about to buy a more expensive handbag and I keep on confusing myself with what style/requirements suit me best! I’m more of a shoe person, so buying a pair of shoes is not a big deal since I have more options at home. But a handbag on the other hand, I feel as though I need to get it just right! For me it’s all about fitting everything I need in my daily life, as well as being timeless.
Great post, and so true about matching your bag to your size. I’m petite and often find that I have to leave some of my favourite styles on the shelf as they swamp me. I have to admit I was nevr so addicted to handbags as I am now.