What is a Designer Handbag Anyway?

The question then becomes: what is a handbag? What is a designer handbag considered to be? Most people in the fashion industry would describe a designer handbag as a handbag, made of any sort of material, that is created by a well known fashion designer. Names of famous fashion designers include:

* Christian Dior

* Gucci

* Coach

* Louis Vuitton

* Jimmy Choo

* Fendi

These are just a few of the very long list of well known fashion designers who create not only beautiful outfits, but also amazing handbags.

What Style?

There are four main styles of handbags that you must know about before you begin your designer handbag shopping expedition.

Over the shoulder - This is the type of bag that most men think of when you say the word "handbag" to them. It's the style of purse that every woman had in the 80's and is worn by being slung over your shoulder.

Over the arm - This style of handbag is worn over the forearm or is held in the hands. It usually features rolled handles for comfort's sake.

Clutch - A clutch handbag is one that is held in the hands and is carried around. It is usually the type of designer handbag that you would find a celebrity who was walking down the red carpet carrying.

Combination - A combination handbag is one that can be more than just one style of bag. For instance you may find a clutch that can be turned into an over the shoulder bag, or a Louis Vuitton replica handbag that can be worn over the arm or over the shoulder.

Price Range

The other thing to know about designer handbags before you go shopping is the price range. In general, designer handbags are just as expensive as anything else you'd find with a designer's label slapped onto it. Designer handbags are often sold at outrageous prices for one reason and one reason only: women pay the price for them. If they didn't, these designers would never charge thousands of dollars for a bag.

Replica designer handbags, however, make it easy to be able to afford any style of handbag you'd like, without having to make such a huge dent in your wallet. The Damier Canvas Hampstead PM is a classic Louis Vuitton handbag that many women adore. The price of it in a boutique, however, is prohibitive, but a replica version will allow you to be able to own the handbag you want without paying a high price.

By Jd Theiss

Handbag Size, We Definitely Know What We Want And Lifestyle Has All To Do With It.

Handbags are very hot these days. They’re everywhere with so many different styles, shapes, colors and embellishments. They’ve seem to become an accessory item like jewelry. You can’t have enough of them and we need them to match the outfit like our jewelry. They have become so much a part of the outfit ensemble. Our lifestyles are forever changing, and with this, so do our handbags. In working in the industry, I have been amazed at how personal a handbag is and how so very different we are in what we choose to carry. Where do you fall with your handbags in what size that you carry?

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.

By Mary Bailis

New Handbag Designs from Gucci

Well, it’s that time of the year again. All of the big design houses are releasing their new designs to the hungry masses, and Gucci is no exception. Unless you have been stranded on a desert isle for the last thirty years, you have undoubtedly heard of Gucci. They have been reigning over the fashion world for a great many years, and not totally without warrant. Gucci makes top quality, stylish apparel and accessories for the distinguishing shopper.

Guccio Gucci founded this fashion empire in Florence, Italy in 1906. Originally, their core business was the production of leather products, particularly saddlery. By 1938, the House of Gucci had grown into a reputable company producing a wide variety of products, and they opened their first retail shop on the Via Condotti in Rome.

Gucci’s new line of handbags for the Fall/Winter 2005/2006 season is yet another spectacular addition to their fine line of designer accessories. My particular favorite from this collection is called “Braided Straps”. It is constructed from the beautiful patterned material Gucci has become so well known for, and is beige, ebony, and white in color. The trim and straps are crafted from fine white leather, and you guess it……the straps are braided! I am utterly in love with this bag.

I have also taken a liking to the “Bardot” model. It is a stunning beauty much like its namesake, Brigitte Bardot. This purse is crafted from warm, supple, dark brown leather with a wonderful pattern embossed into it. The metal clasp is very slick, and appears to be very durable. It comes with an 8 inch shoulder belt, and the trademark Gucci logo is stamped into all of the polished metal hardware.

It is always so difficult for a young lady to choose the perfect purse. We seem to collect them the way boys collect comic books. I have given up on trying to curb my desire for new handbags, and Gucci bags are truly the ones I love most! I quite literally lust after their purses. I love being the envy of ladies everywhere as I strut down the block with my Gucci handbags, pretending that I am a supermodel on the runway. Only Gucci has that effect on me!

By Cathy Feldman

UK Handbags - A Good “Handbagging”

The Handbag sector covers handbags with or without handles and/or shoulder straps, designed to carry everyday personal belongings. Occasional evening bags are also included as handbags. The market can be divided into firstly, traditional real leather handbags, produced from mechanically or chemically processed animal pelts, and secondly, synthetic fabric handbags, constructed mainly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane. Of the former, the highest quality handbags are made of full grain leather and the lowest quality handbags made of white split leather.

It is estimated the UK handbag industry is worth £1 billion and is growing steadily in value. This growth in handbag sales is put down to women regarding handbags as essential, having more than one, co-ordinating them with outfits as fashion accessories and choosing different sizes or styles to suit the occasion..

The UK once had a thriving leather handbag industry centred largely in Southwark, East London and Walsall. However, as with all industries in the UK, decline set in from lack of investment, the arrival of synthetic fabrics and the influx of cheap imports. These days, what is left of the UK handbag industry concentrates on high quality and design. Half of the UK handbag imports from the EU come from Italy, with France and Spain major handbag exporters to the UK. From outside the EU, predictably nearly 90% of handbags come from China, although India exports a significant amount of leather handbags the UK.

The high end of the UK handbag market thrives because buyers realise if looked after, the leather will age well, and buying good quality is a worthwhile investment. Italy is renowned for its fine leather, with Tuscan leather particularly prized. Fashion Houses Gucci and Prada have Tuscan roots.

Current trends within the handbag sector are for handbags to be made of tweed and wool in an imitation of clothing. The Leading supplier of leather for handbags is Pittards, who report a growth in demand for more colourful and textured leather. A continuing trend is the in-corporation of pockets for mobile phones and other electrical gadgets.

By Glyn Barlow

AUTHENTIC COACH LEGACY THOMPSON TOP HANDLE BAG 11373

Product Description

The fashion world is wild for Legacy, and this classy yet functional bag proves why. Vintage leather and iconic details combine to be surprisingly modern. The perfect bag for the professional business ladies. Retail at Coach is $698+tax. Most items will require a signature at the time of delivery. Guaranteed Authentic Coach or TWO TIMES YOUR MONEY BACK.

Product Features

* AUTHENTIC COACH LEGACY THOMPSON COLLECTION TOP HANDLE BAG
* Made of Durable natural cowhide tanned leather in Dark Ink Blue
* Zippered top closure; front convenient flap pocket with magnetic snap closure; exterior back zip pocket
* Two durable 17 inch laced leather handles (6.5 inch drop length); antique brass hardware
* Fully lined interior with iconic legacy satin lining; inside three multifunction pockets