How to Buy a Designer Handbag

6 Tips to Buy the Designer Handbag of your Dreams

Buying a new designer handbag is no easy feat.

Each season the glam gods and goddesses from Mount Fashion Olympus dispense the must-have list of designer bags for the faithful fashion followers.

Here’s why: Fashion editors from Milan to New York agree that the first step to great style is not pricey runway outfits—it is the purchase of a sumptuous and well-made accessory (like a handbag) will make or break your style profile.

Whether you have your heart set on buying a diamond-encrusted Louis Vuitton bag or Chanel’s latest quilted purse confection, here’s how to buy a handbag that fits your lifestyle, is compatible with your existing wardrobe and will never go out of style.

Best designer handbags to buy:

• A clutch or small going out handbag
• A straw tote or beach bag
• A tote for casual occasions
• A briefcase
• A sophisticated shoulder bag for daytime
• A medium size purse for everyday wear
• An evening bag
• A classic designer handbag: think Louis Vuitton Speedy or Chanel 2.55.

Step 1 - Purse size matters.

A contrast in purse size creates problems in dressing your silhouette. You want a handbag that enhances your frame, instead of magnifying your body flaws.

An oversized handbag will overwhelm a small frame and make a petite woman look shorter. In contrast, a small purse on a plus size frame will make a large woman look larger.

Step 2 - Slimming handbags do exist

A purse should be proportional to your figure and size. Handbags made of soft materials: cotton or suede handbags for example are more flattering to a petite or slim frame, than stiff or angular leather bags that cannot hug or conform to a woman’s body.

In contrast, a plus sized woman must avoid bags that are too rounded, soft or floppy, since these bags appear to expand a woman’s girth instead of minimizing it.

Step 3 - Examine skins, hardware and leather for cheap handbag clues.

A quality designer handbag has brass, silver or nickel hardware, pockets that open and close easily, and stitching that is even.

Authentic handbags constructed of the finest materials are not immune to damage, but will hide scratches better than cheaper leather or man-made materials. Leather combined with other materials (also known as reconstituted) looks cheap, cracks easily, and feels rough to the skin. Avoid these replica designer handbags at all costs.

Step 4 - Get functional. Buy a handbag with compartments.

Select a purse with easy access. It is important for accessories to look amazing and be fully functional. For all the things that you will need on hand: keys, cell phone, wallet, makeup bag, sunglasses, lipstick and other essentials, buy a designer handbag that is stylish, well designed and practical.

For inside protection, choose rayon, faille or vinyl linings in dark colors, to hide unexpected stains and spills.

Step 5 - Beware of shoulder straps

A handbag with longer straps will draw attention to your hips. A bag that hangs too low skims the body and brings the eye down, causing the wearer to look shorter. A large bag worn across the body will also bring attention to the hips.

A shoulder strap must fall between the bust and the top of you hips to flatter the body best. A huge tote with a skinny strap will cut into your shoulder, and be hard to carry.

Step 6 - Avoid back strain and slanting shoulders

Big bags are always fashionable, but the extra weight of a large purse can strain your back. Carrying an oversized handbag over your shoulder, can harm your posture and make one shoulder lower than the other for many years.

While handbags for women first entered the accessory lexicon in 1900s, purse collectors and enthusiasts know that a designer handbag is a timeless and ultimately chic addition to the well-dressed woman’s wardrobe.

Mechele Pellebon reports on fashionable finds, designer bag trends and deals for the modern wardrobe. From the urban sophisticate living the glamorous life to the mom who wants to pamper herself with a special purchase,  she’lll help you find a handbag that will be a treasured addition to your collection and that you will wear and love forever.

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Tags: buy a designer bag, Buy a Designer Handbag, designer bags, designer bags online

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 18th, 2009 at 1:59 pm and is filed under Designer Handbags. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.