Handbag Buying Guide
Like most women you probably consider your handbag to be your most important fashion accessory. I have to agree, but let's face it, your hand bag must also serve a purpose. Your lifestyle, your activities and your budget all help define the right handbag choice for you, and I've assembled some basic information to help you make that choice.
What you should know
Many elements of a handbag, especially a designer handbag, are a matter of personal taste more than utility. Here are some basic design elements you should know about when looking for a good handbag. Of course the term "good" is often relative, and that is definitely the case when it comes to purses. As a matter of personal taste, realize that one element is not necessarily better than another.
Types of handbags
Tote bags are large purses that will carry everything you may need during a typical day. They usually have enough space for cosmetics, a notepad, a novel, sunglasses, a phone, a wallet and more. Totes usually have long straps that can be worn over your shoulder.
A clutch purse is just what it's name implies. It's small enough to hold in your hand, with just enough room to carry the essentials. Some clutch bags come with straps. Most have a variety of pockets arranged for efficient organization of your cell phone, check book, credit cards, etc.
In between are hobo handbags. Most would probably consider these traditional purses. You’ll have room for the essentials plus a couple of extras.
Handbag materials
Your two main choices in handbag materials are leather and fabric. What you need depends on your taste. Leather handbags are usually a little more sturdy and protective than fabric ones. High quality leather is also usually more expensive than fabric.
There is no question that managing to save for just one designer leather bag is about all most of us could achieve but one is really all you need. The secret is to think about what style of bag would suit you best. Whether it's a leather shoulder bag or a leather satchel style makes as big of a difference as the designer you choose. There are plenty of quality leather bags on the market but you just can't get the same impact from those as you can a designer leather bag.
Regarding the leather itself, full grain is best. Full grain leather is the real thing, maintaining the texture and marks of the original hide. It is luxurious, breathable and durable. When a hide is cut for thickness, you end up with top-grain leather and split leather. Top-grain, as the name implies is the upper layer. It looks nearly as good as full grain but is usually sanded and painted. Suede and split leathers are the lower quality, lower layer leathers. They are heavily treated to give the appearance of full grain.
Handbag features
Let's talk functionality. No matter what type of handbag you want, look for a cell phone pocket. You might also want dividers to organize your cash, checkbook and credit cards. Some totes and hobos will have a small mesh interior pocket for makeup. Exterior pockets are nice for holding the things that require quick access, cell phone, sunglasses, etc. Just think about the items you access throughout your normal day and find something with the right arrangement.
This is very important too. Consider how the handbag could limit your movement. The strap length needs to be long enough for you to carry the bag over your shoulder. Many have an adjustable, detachable strap. This can come in handy as your wardrobe changes throughout the year.
Designer handbags
If being fashionable is important to you, you should note the purse’s designer. Depending on your needs, it may be worth it to pay more for some brands than others. Designer handbags are made by some of the most famous fashion designers in the world. They are not only trendsetting, but most often they are also handmade from the best materials.
By making the right choice, your designer handbag will go with all kinds of different outfits. Whether you choose a shoulder bag, a hobo bag, or a clutch purse will depend on your lifestyle. When you do choose right, you will get great service out of your handbag and it will last for many years without going out of style because it's a designer bag. In fact, you can expect to get ten or more years out of it if it's classic design. Suddenly the price of your designer bag doesn't seem so bad does it?
Naturally when you buy a designer bag part of what you pay for is the name itself. What comes with that name is a quality in material and workmanship that you can believe in. Top quality leather, perfect stitching, silk lining, and so much more. You know you deserve to treat yourself, so purchase a designer handbag for yourself.
Designer handbags are so desirable, there are many knockoffs throughout the world, so most true designer handbags will include a card of authenticity. Most also come with a dust bag that helps you protect your handbag when not in use.
How should I care for my handbags?
So you've taken the plunge and spent the money on the latest style of designer handbag. Well, good for you! You will be turning heads all season and beyond, but the last thing you want is to have that beautiful bag ruined through lack of proper care. You’ve got a purse for the ages, the only way to make sure that its beauty lasts is careful preservation. Here are some tips to make sure your leather purse stays fabulous.
The most important thing to do to ensure the life and appearance of your handbag is stay out of situations where it could come to harm. Keep it from the reach of children, don’t take it in the movie theater, and always be sure it is out of harm's way when you go out to dine.
Don’t overload your handbag. Overloading could cause your bag to stretch out of shape. It could also cause stress on the straps, and you don’t want them detaching or fraying prematurely.
Spray your designer handbag with a good leather protector or Scotchguard as soon as you get it. Don’t worry if the spray is expensive; the pricier the better. After all, your new handbag is worth a lot more!
Clean your bag regularly. Most handbags can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Regardess of how careful you are, you will find that dirt, change, and miscelaneous objects end up loose in your bag. These are potentially abrasive and can wear holes in the lining and even in the sides, so make sure you empty your purse out once a week or so, and check to make sure everything is contained inside.
Use a quality leather cleaner on leather bags to remove stains, etc., right away! Just make sure you test it on an area of the bag that won’t be seen, so you can be sure the cleaner won’t cause discoloration. If need be, you can take your handbag to the cleaners. If you purchase a designer handbag, make sure to use the sleeper bag that comes with it as it will protect your bag and keep the dust off.
Whatever the design or cost of your selected handbag, you want to make sure that it lasts the test of time. I can’t stress enough that prevention is the most important form of preservation; everything else you do can be erased in an instant by carelessly storing your designer handbag in a vulnerable spot, or taking it out in inclement weather.
Perhaps you haven’t bought a handbag before. Maybe you are buying one as a gift. Here are a couple more suggestions to help you find the right handbag for the right occasion.
Evening handbags
For a formal occasion where dressing up is called for, a small bag is appropriate. A beaded bag is a great accessory for a formal dress. A delicate clutch is just as appropriate. Choose a designer bag to really make an impression. Designer Handbag Favorites offers you a wide variety of value priced designer handbags.
Everyday handbags
If you want a good handbag for everyday, you cannot go wrong with a canvas tote or a hobo. You’ll find there is room for all the necessities plus a little more. Choose one with a long strap to allow you to carry it on your shoulder and free up your hands.