Designer Handbags Tips

Leather is not only strong and durable, it is also beautiful and versatile, making it the optimal material for luxury handbags. Made from animal skin that goes through a chemical tanning process, it can come in a classic black or brown, or can be produced into a more trendy style such as patent, quilted, or colored leather. Most importantly, your leather handbag will last for years, making any purchase well worth it. Here are a few designer lines that feature a great collection of leather handbags.

• For an everyday option, look into Jimmy Choo handbags. The collection includes mostly black and brown leathers, with simple styles of all shapes and sizes.
• If you’re looking for a more exclusive style, try a patent leather, which is made with a high-gloss finish. You can truly make a statement by purchasing such a fashionable accessory, such as a Valentino handbag. They come in shiny leather with bright colors and loud features such as large bows and embellishments.
• Shopping for a Fendi bag will bring you to a variety of styles and colors of leather options. Any leather enthusiast will find a designer handbag that fits their needs.

Although strong, leather requires a certain level of treatment, so be sure to do some research as to how to care for your specific bag. Regular care will help your handbag last for years to come.

Today, Louis Vuitton is synonymous with wealth and luxury. Its infamous monogram design can be spotted on wallets, trunks, backpacks, and most notably, the Louis Vuitton handbags. When you own a Louis Vuitton item, it’s far more than a material object, but a piece of history from one of the most storied brands in fashion. Let’s take a look at the rich history that is Louis Vuitton.

• In 1854, Louis Vuitton opened a store in Paris where he offered custom luggage for the wealthy. He designed the first flat-topped trunk and soon began making trunks for Napolean III’s wife, Empress Eugenie. The association of his goods with individuals of high-class and power enabled the public to classify Vuitton’s custom products as prestigious.
• When Vuitton passed away in 1892, the company was taken over by his son Georges, who was responsible for their direction into the field of handbags, which the company is primarily known for today. In addition, it was also Georges who created the Louis Vuitton “LV” logo and Monogram Canvas in 1896 to prevent the high number of counterfeit goods.
• Gaston-Louis Vuitton took control of the company following his father’s passing in 1936 and took the Louis Vuitton Corporation to greater heights. They opened their first stores in Tokyo and Osaka in the late 1970s, in which these stores accounted for nearly half of the company’s revenue in the 80s.
• Today, Louis Vuitton is part of the Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) conglomerate and has over 130 stores worldwide. In addition to continuing their leather goods, Louis Vuitton now offers an array of clothing and accessories.

When deciding on your new handbag, nothing says “classic” like Chanel. Celebrating its 100th Anniversary this season, Chanel has been a consistent leader in the fashion industry with luxury collections of apparel, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes. Let’s take a look back at the past century and note some of Chanel’s most famous moments in fashion history.

• Founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1909, the line began as a small sportswear boutique in Paris. Her styles were known and loved for their simplicity, which was important during the World War I era.
• Named after her lucky number, Chanel No. 5 perfume was released in 1921, and is still popular to this day as its floral scent represents luxury. It was featured in advertisements with Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, which perhaps confirmed its position on top of the fashion world.
• In the late 1950’s, Chanel began designing her handbag line, featuring the most popular “flap bag,” a small, simple handbag with her signature chain strap and quilted leather.
• “Coco” Chanel passed away in 1971, however her style still continues to have a vast influence on the fashion world and the brand still maintains its classic and luxurious status. Your personal collection cannot truly be complete without one of Chanel’s signature handbags.

Celebrities often decide to test their fame in the fashion realm by releasing a designer clothing line of their own. The success of these lines is not always guaranteed, though a few have come out with some impressive collections that feature eye-catching handbags. Here are a few celebrities who have proved that their talents go beyond the entertainment industry.

• L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani – Named after her debut rock album entitled “Love, Angel, Music, Baby,” Gwen Stefani designed an edgy, multi-culturally-inspired fashion line that is one of the most well-liked among the celebrity collections. Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B handbags are loud with bold designs and are sure to make a statement.
• Rocawear by Jay-Z – Owned and designed by popular hip hop artist known as “Jay-Z,” Rocawear is an urban-inspired fashion line that has been quite successful in the industry. Though mostly known for its apparel, Rocawear also has a trendy collection of handbags featuring elaborate patterns and hardware, complete with its prominent “R” logo.
• Jessica Simpson Collection – Jessica Simpson designed a line of handbags with something for everyone. This collection features simple leathers, brightly colored leathers and some fun vibrant prints, offering a bag for every occasion. Carrying a new Jessica Simpson handbag may bring out the country singer in you.

While high end designer handbags are fashionable, desirable, and made with quality, they are anything but affordable for the common consumer. To achieve a style-conscious look while taking your wallet into consideration, you may want to look into designer diffusion lines. These are secondary fashion lines made by designers that feature more reasonable prices while still having a fashion forward label. Here are a few lines that have maintained their value despite dropping the price.

• D&G by Dolce & Gabbana - This line features a younger, more urban style and is a great alternative to the original Dolce & Gabbana handbags. As one of the most successful and popular diffusion lines, Dolce & Gabanna did not compromise style or quality while designing this line.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs - Another successful diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs rivals its namesake in popularity. It offers styles for everyday wear, and a great line of functional handbags.
• Versace Jeans by Versace - For pieces that will go great with your Versace handbag, shop Versace Jeans for more affordable options. Clothing with an ultra high end label such as Versace is guaranteed to be well made and highly esteemed.

These days, it is difficult to justify purchasing a Valentino handbag that can cost more than your weekly income. However, if you just can’t wait to achieve the same look as your favorite celebrity, try looking into designer inspired bags. This is a better option than fake replica bags as they do not attempt to wear a counterfeit label, but instead imitate the popular style and shape of the latest collections. Here are a few ways to help you find the best inspired handbags.

• Shop for the “type” of handbag you’re looking for, rather than the brand. For example, many designers currently have a “hobo” style, such as the “Beale” line of Jimmy Choo handbags. Carrying a large, slouchy hobo bag of any brand will give you a fashionable edge.
• Try looking at generic brands sold at department stores. These collections often attempt to replicate the latest styles at a much more affordable price.
• You don’t need to compromise the quality of your handbag. You should be able to find options that still feature quality leathers and canvases, but you won’t have to pay for the expensive label.

Designer handbags often come along with quite the price tag. If you’re looking to justify the purchase of a new handbag, perhaps you should consider a classic design that will remain fashionable for years to come. Here are a few traditional styles that will always be considered valuable accessories.

• Large Shoulder Bag - For everyday use, it is most convenient to always have a large “carry-all” handbag with a comfortable shoulder strap. The Valentino handbag line will give you a selection of options.
• Evening Bag - For nighttime affairs, it is important to have a reliable bag to carry your necessities while still looking elegant. A clutch is a common choice, though you may want to consider a more convenient wristlet style which has a small strap for your wrist. Coach wristlets come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so choose a simple one that can be used for any occasion.
• Business Case - A working woman should never be without a fashionable briefcase that can carry portfolios, documents or a laptop. By choosing a simple, classic style, your bag will be both professional and timeless.

Logos are often the most recognizable feature of a designer handbag. Most designers have some variation of a signature print, which may feature a repeated logo, such as Louis Vuitton, or a large prominent logo, such as Chanel. Here is a look at some of the most famous logos of today’s most popular handbag designers.

• Dolce & Gabbana Handbags - A very popular version of the logo is made of their initials: D&G. The design is simple and clear, and the initials of D&G have truly come to represent the designer in the fashion world. It is usually on the handbag in a form of a metal emblem or dangling charm.
• Fendi Bags - Fendi focuses on the initial “F”, and creates a recognizable rectangular image formed by two facing F’s in opposite directions. They use this image very prominently on their bags, particularly in the buckles or other hardware.
• Chanel Handbags - Perhaps the hallmark of classic designer handbags, a Chanel purse normally features a large logo of simple, interlocking Cs. The logo is either centered or off to the side, wrapping around the bag.
• Gucci Handbags - Gucci is a classic example of a designer with a traditional canvas bag featuring a repeated print of its logo. Two interlocking Gs are neatly placed on the main surface of the bag in a grid like fashion.

While leather is a popular handbag choice because of its quality and durability, perhaps you are looking for a bag with a little more style and flair. Embossed leather is a great option, as it is leather that is stamped with a pattern or design to create a different look. Often these designs replicate animal prints, such as crocodile or ostrich, or feature an artsy design such as a floral print. Here are a few benefits and tips for purchasing a bag made of embossed leather.

• Because the leather is stamped with a design, you won’t have to deal with taking care of a more delicate smooth leather bag. It can hide scratches and marks well which will prevent your bag from looking worn and overused.
• Animal print can give your bag an exotic look, which is sure to make a statement. Crocodile and ostrich leathers are considered to be sophisticated and classic, while a zebra or snake print can be more youthful and fun.
• Choosing embossed leather for your handbag is a way to make it stand out from other leather bags without having to opt for a bright color or eccentric shape. A textured black appearance or a brown floral print will be versatile enough for everyday, but won’t blend in as just an ordinary bag.

Designer bags are often very coveted items, and because of their popularity, some manufacturers have produced imitation bags that replicate the styles of more expensive originals. Counterfeit creations have gotten so advanced that it is often difficult to detect the difference between the real and the fake. Although it is tempting to look for deals on your favorite Versace handbags, here are a few tips to ensure you are getting the genuine handbag you’re paying for.

• Check the craftsmanship of the bag. There should be no flaws in the stitching, seams, or hardware (zippers, buckles, etc).
• The material should be strong and durable. Leather should be soft and flexible.
• Check the logos. Names and letters should be clear and spelled correctly.
• Look for a documentation of authenticity, whether it is a certificate or label on the bag. For example, a real Fendi bag will have a metal ID tag on the inside with an engraved logo and ID number.
• Be careful with purchasing designer bags online. It is hard to tell when you cannot see and touch the bag, so evaluate the website and the seller, their return policy, and be sure to read user reviews if available.
• Do your research and be realistic. If the deal you are getting is “too good to be true,” it probably isn’t a true designer handbag.

Most women love to accessorize their dresses with coordinating handbags. Wouldn’t it be so much better if the coordinating purses were designer handbags like Louis Vuitton or Alviero Martini handbag. Unfortunately it is not economically feasible for most women to have a huge collection of purses that will match all their clothes. The designer handbag rental services provide a remedy for this situation. For a monthly or annual subscription, they allow their members to choose a handbag and to keep it for as long as they wish.

So is renting a designer handbag a better alternative for you than buying one? The answer is subject to many factors, namely

• Your economical condition

Do you have a fetish for designer handbags but not the means to own all those wonderful purses that you desire? Then renting the handbags would make sense. Suppose you rent a Cole Haan handbag and fall in love with it, the rental owners will allow you to buy it at a quoted price that is dependant on the age, state and popularity of the piece. Alternatively you could buy them at a discount from consignment stores.

• Your outlook

If you feel that every time you carry a purse, it simply HAS to be a different designer handbag, one that coordinates with your clothes and is of the latest trend, then renting designer handbag is the solution that is ideal for you. On the other hand, if you were a lady who takes great pride in owning such purses then buying a designer handbag would make more sense.

• Occasion

If you want a designer handbag to coordinate with a dress that you will wear only once, then go ahead and rent it. Buying an expensive purse for a one-time use seems quite frivolous.

Whether buying a designer handbag is better than renting it, is a very subjective matter that needs to be assessed by you, as per your financial position and outlook.

A stylish handbag is a great way to make a fashion statement. A handbag is a great accessory that can dress up any outfit. How do you find the right handbag for your outfit? Do you pay high prices for the perfect handbag? There are many people who are die-hard brand conscious and designer handbags are made for them. Others may be happy choosing a less expensive and less popular brand.

But there is always a concern as to whether the designer handbags are truly worth the price. These bags are definitely worth every penny you spend on them. They don’t just have superior quality which makes them last longer but they also add loads to your style quotient. However, not all designer handbags have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many designer labels that aren’t too pricey yet give you the same feel as carrying Gucci or Prada. Here are a couple of handbag brands that are affordable and extremely glamorous:

• Michael Kors handbag: Michael Kors handbags have gained quite a lot of popularity in recent times. They are not just loved by regular women with an eye for style but are also a favorite among celebrities. They are available in different styles including clutch, hobo or tote. While the price tag remains lower than high end brands, a Michael Kors handbag has always been high on quality.
• BCBG handbag: A BCBG handbag is one of the finest purses available on the market today. Its popularity has reached the levels of Prada, Chanel and even Gucci. They aren’t too expensive but give you that edge when dressing for your day.

Designer handbags are every woman’s pride. Grab your piece of vanity at www.become.com.