Miu Miu Bags – From Our Favorite Designer

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Rob

Miu Miu Bags

The biggest rage in handbags right now is Miu Miu bags.  Miu Miu is a brand from Prada, and reportedly, Miu Miu is the nickname that has been bestowed on Miuccia Prada by friends and family.  Each Miu Miu bag is defined by its signature bow, which can be found on various spots depending on which bag you purchase.

Miu Miu bags are not for the faint of heart, as they cost a pretty penny to own.  But just like other famous-maker bags, like Coach or Louis Vuitton bags for example, Miu Miu bags seem to have an almost cult-like following and their owners seem to drool over anything Miu Miu.  If you are a fan of Prada, you will likely love Miu Miu bags, which makes purchasing one a good investment.

When choosing from the various Miu Miu bags on the market, keep the following tips in mind to care for your bag and make it last for a long time.

  • Miu Miu bags require a substantial investment.  Plan to care for your bag by keeping it clean and avoiding dirt and stains.  Handle the bag with clean hands.
  • Choose a darker colored bag when possible, especially if you plan to take the bag along when eating out or where it can become soiled.
  • Place your Miu Miu bag on a chair instead of the floor at the office, movies, or other places.
  • Choose a smaller bag to insert inside your Miu Miu bag that will hold things that can stain the interior of the bag, like pens, snacks, or makeup.  This will not be hard with a Miu Miu coffer bag.  They are huge.
  • All Miu Miu bags will come with instructions for care, and most will recommend that you spot clean the bag using a soft, damp rag.  On leather Miu Miu bags, you can use a leather cleaner (check manufacturer’s recommendations first). Always test a small and inconspicuous area of the bag for color-fastness first.
  • When in doubt, take your bag to a professional for cleaning.
  • Store your Miu Miu in the cloth dust bag that was packaged with it.  You can also store it in a pillow case or bubble wrap.  Avoid wrapping it in tissue paper during storage as this can attract moths.
  • For Miu Miu bags with chain handles, store the handle inside the bag so that it does not scratch the exterior.  Make sure the straps and buckles are loose enough that the metal will not mar the leather during storage.

Follow these simple steps with your Miu Miu designer handbag, and it will last stay in the same great condition that you bought it in for years to come.

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Gold Clutch Bag – A Hot Accessory!

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Rob

Gold Clutch Bag

One of the hottest fashion accessories on the runway and likely in your favorite department store is the gold clutch bag.  The gold clutch bag exudes opulence and elegance, and carrying a bag like this makes you a show stopper.  The gold clutch bag need not be limited in its use to formal occasions and black tie dinners.  A strong and confident woman can “pull off” carrying a gold clutch bag any time of day.  Gold is a brilliant hue that will give a sense of regal sophistication to your entire outfit, whether you’re heading to the mall or going to the boardroom for an important meeting.

When shopping for a gold clutch bag, you will need to make the following considerations:

  • Size.  There are various sizes of gold clutch bags on the market. Some are very small and made for carrying just the basics, like your driver’s license, credit cards, cash, and maybe a tube of lipstick or a cell phone.  Others are bigger and can accommodate more items.  Choose the size that you are most comfortable carrying, and that will easily hold all of the things that you normally carry with you.
  • Material in bag’s construction.  When choosing your gold clutch bag, determine which material you like best. While leather is a classic choice that has tons of great qualities, there are also alternatives to leather, like “pleather”, for example, and high qualify leather replicas like vinyl that are nearly indistinguishable with just the human eye.  There are also gold clutch bags available in canvas and cloth materials that are easy to care for.
  • Price and quality.  While it is always good to go for the best quality possible when choosing a purse, price and quality do not always go hand in hand.  And while you should purchase the best quality you can afford, determine if you will be using the bag enough to justify spending a lot on the bag. Gold is a fashionable color, but it may be too impractical for everyday use.  Many people carry their gold clutch bags only when they go “out” to the club or bar, or some “big event”.  Others are confident in their style and have the personality to match the color – and are comfortable carrying a gold clutch every day.  Bottom line – if you’ll only carry it once a month or twice a year, you can go for a lower quality bag that is attractive and gives you that fashionable edge while still being affordable.
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A Flat Wallet Maintains A Suit’s Lines

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Rob

Flat Wallets

Flat wallets are the hottest new fashion accessory on the market, and there seems to be an endless number of colors, patterns, fabrics, and designs available.  Flat wallets are not only chic and handy, they are also much more svelte and easy to carry than a traditional styled woman’s wallet.  Let’s look at what you should consider when purchasing flat wallets:

  • Size. Most standard-sized flat wallets are designed to be slightly bigger than a checkbook and are flat so that they don’t take up much room in your purse or bag.  This type of wallet is also available in smaller sizes that are meant for only holding your I.D., credit cards, and maybe some cash.  There are also larger flat wallets that are more like organizers that will hold everything from your money to your address book and cell phone.
  • Color. Flat wallets come in nearly any color or print that you can think of, and are perfect for accessorizing to coordinate with your purse or bag.  You should consider, however, that if you’re carrying a zebra or animal print bag that a floral print flat wallet may not be a good choice.  For printed purses and bags, choose a solid colored flat wallet that coordinates with or accentuates the print of the bag.  For solid bags, you can basically choose nearly any print that catches your eye.  As a rule of thumb, flat wallets in black or tan will coordinate well with anything.  And after all, flat wallets can be inexpensive, so you can purchase more than one if need be.
  • Material used for construction. When purchasing flat wallets, you should consider what type of material is used in the wallet’s construction.  Those wallets made from genuine leather will definitely be more durable than those made from plastic or thin fabric.  You should also pay attention to the hardware that the wallet is constructed with.  Look for durable clasps and magnets that will ensure that the wallet will hold up to all of the opening and closing that it will need to do.  Check out the wallet’s interior to make sure that it is sewn well and put together in a fashion that will make it last for a long time.
  • Price tag. And last of all, nearly any purchase boils down to price.  Luckily, there are flat wallets in a myriad of price ranges, so finding one to fit your budget, whether you’re looking for a designer wallet or a less expensive version, is not a problem.
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Belt Bag, Fanny Pack, Useful Whatever You Call It!

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Rob

Belt Bag

A belt bag, which is also known as a fanny pack, is a must-have accessory for any busy woman’s wardrobe (and they’re also made for men).  This bag is basically a purse that is attached to a belt that is worn about the waist, hence the alternate name, waist belt bag.  The belt bag is particularly popular with tourists because it is a good way to keep their money, I.D. and credit cards handy without needing to lug around a big purse or bag.  And the design of the belt bag makes it safer to carry than a wallet because the person wearing it is more aware of it being there – which makes it hard for someone in a large crowd to “pick” someone’s pocket.

But the belt bag is not limited to tourists only, but is perfect for anyone, male or female, who is active and needs a smart bag for carrying their must-haves.  From runners and other athletes to moms trying to keep up with kids in a busy shopping mall, the design of the belt bag makes it a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.  The belt bag is also ideal for taking on a camping or hiking expedition.

When selecting a belt bag, take the following into consideration:

  • Size. There are different sizes of belt bags on the market, so choosing the right one for the things that you will be carrying is important.  As a general rule, you should buy a bag that is large enough to hold your I.D., credit cards, and money.  If you’re buying the bag for traveling, you might want to consider buying one that is a bit larger and that has padded sections for your camera and cell phone.  This makes it easier to carry everything while you’re busy seeing the sights.
  • Waist measurements.  Not all belt bag options can be worn by all people.  Make sure that the bag you choose will fit around your waist.  There are extenders available.  There are also some versions of the belt bag that slide onto an existing belt and therefore do not come with a strap.
  • Color.  You can find belt bags in a plethora of colors, but it is usually the best idea to go with a neutral color that will coordinate with most of the clothing that you might own.  Typically, black and tan will match nearly anything that you might wear.
  • Quality.  When shopping for your belt bag, be sure to think about quality before making your purchase.  Leather belt bags typically have a higher quality than vinyl.  Inspect the bag, inside and out, for quality stitching and that zipper pulls and buttons are all functional.  It is worth paying a bit more for a belt bag that will last for years.
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A Gold Clutch Bag at a Great Price

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Rob


Diamante Gold Clutch


Handbags are the most significant accessory of a woman’s outfit in any season. Handbag designs seem to improve and look even better each season. Maybe that’s just the change in fashion as time goes by. However, it is said that certain fashionable items, like gold and silver clutch bags never go out of style. A clutch bag is a small silver bag or any color which does not have a handle. It is designed to be carried by “clutching” it in one’s hand. They are usually carried for formal evening parties and dinners, but metallic clutches have made their way into casual wear as well. Women need some sort of bag to carry their possessions, mainly because designer female attire does not come with much storage. Woman need a place for their makeup, cell phone, money, cards, etc. A large handbag just looks silly matched against an elegant evening gown, and so, small and stylish clutches are the finest way to go.

Clutch handbags not only have a stylish and modernized look, but they are of the perfect size to bring all those little essentials. The fascination by women over the years with clutch handbags as a fashion statement is that they are the final addition on an outfit. Last, after the hair styling is complete, the dress is on, and all of the makeup is applied, comes the clutch. It is the crowning jewel of the outfit. Whether it is metallic gold, silver or bronze, or even black, the clutch bag is the final addition to an outfit and it must be a masterpiece. Of course, because of the allure of its metal, gold clutch bags are the classic choice. Yet, your choice need not be expensive. Here are a couple of fine, moderately priced designer clutch wallets:

  • Melie Bianco gold clutch - Melie Bianco
    is an inexpensive choice in the handbag market. By using super-soft faux leathers, superior quality hardware  and linings, these bags is a luxury for every woman. Their handbags are a good mixture of excellent quality and good price. They are known for being sophisticated, and fun. Take the stylish gold clutch shown here. It really goes with almost any outfit and it does come with other color choices, you can match a clutch with all of your outfits.
  • Franchi HandbagsGold Clutch Franchi Handbag
    are another inexpensive choice. Franco started his own line of accessories in 1995, looking to provide women with high quality handbags at a reasonable price. The company, “Franchi Accessories” produced day and evening collections with their beginnings in Italy and the company is a huge success today. Franco’s philosophical view in design is that each collection of affordable handbags should “perfectly reflect the attitudes and trends of the season.” Today you can see his philosophy continuing to show itself in all of his collections and lines.

Designer handbags, with their exclusive style and striking quality of materials, are a top way to make your fashion statement. A great tip for an eye-catching style is to use a bright clutch with a black outfit or dress. This is where the metallic shades work so well. A gold clutch bag just glistens next to that black evening dress. On the other hand, black clutch bags go well with those brightly colored, vivid formal outfits, providing a low-key contrast to the vivid colors.

You truly don’t have to spend a lot of that hard earned “lira” to have that elegant look, day or night. A silver or gold clutch bag is always an active, usable and fantastic part of women’s wardrobe. They provide such a strong visual effect for the money spent, they are worth every dime. So, try any of the inexpensive, fabulous and trendy gold clutch bags mentioned here. You really won’t have to break the bank.

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Miu Miu Bags – How to Purchase with Confidence

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Rob
MiuMiuHawaii50

EXCLUSIVE Hawaii Miu Miu Bag

Prada

If the devil wears Prada, then who wears Miu Miu? Paris Hilton, that’s who. When Miu Miu opened it’s the doors in Hawaii, they  celebrated with a limited edition Hawaii Exclusive bag. Hawaii was the 50th state that they were in, so they offered only 50 of those exclusive bags. As you can guess, Paris Hilton ended up with one of these rare shoulder bags. Word has it that Japanese enthusiasts paid up to $15,000 for this top handbag. Owning a Miu Miu wallet or bag is a very enviable position to be in. They are some of the most highly demanded items in the fashion industry. These bags set the fashion pace for the industry, propelling it forward. Not only are the Miu Miu’s timeless and classy, these bags and wallets are more than an accessory. They are truly an investment. By guaranteeing that your handbags are authentic Miu Miu designer handbags, you can be assured of their quality and value going into the future.

The place from where you are looking to purchase your Miu Miu bag can be a main indicator of its validity. “Jenny’s Jumping Discount Store” just doesn’t seem like a place that would have thousand dollar bags anywhere in there discount inventory. So use common sense and rely on the words of wisdom, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” An authenticity card or store receipt is meaningless when it comes to guaranteeing authenticity. Also, look for other products, if the store has another line of accessories, such as Miu Miu shoes or sunglasses, the odds are much better that it is a legitimate place to shop.  If you are considering buying Miu Miu bags from an online site or a site that offers bidding, try to find out how many handbags are for sale. If possible, read the satisfaction surveys of prior clients. If your vendor has fifty or even a dozen of the same line for sale, raise the red flag. Better yet, see if the site has recommendations for reputable sources. Even then, be on the lookout for phishing scams. One of the most reputable online sites for the true fashionista is Bluefly.com. It does carry many of the new Miu Miu handbags.

If you have the Miu Miu handbag that you are interested in in your possession, then you can do more evaluation. Look at the physical details of the Miu Miu bags that you want to validate. Take them to one of their stores (they are now in all 50 US states!) where you can get professional help. Use a bag at the store for comparison. Compare the details or validate information;

  • stitching color and width
  • identification tags placement
  • Serial numbers – compare number and placement.
  • Lining alignment and quality
  • Dust bag similarity
  • Model number release date
  • Color and size of bag

For much of this information, you are best off going to a local Miu Miu store and talking to a salesperson or customer service rep at the store. From what I can see, the Miu Miu website does not have customer service info on it. You can get information about the current different varieties of the handbags you might want to buy by looking on the Bluefly.com website. All current size, style and color varieties of the Miu Miu Bags are recorded and accessible for viewing after entering the section for handbags.

Many of the these bags sell out quickly. Take for instance the black leather handbags of Miu Miu in the New arrivals section of Bluefly.com. As of this writing, two out of the three bags offered are sold out.

MiuMiuSoldOut

New Miu Miu Bags Sold out Fast at Bluefly

Do not feel desperate just because the bag you want is sold out. If you see it elsewhere, take your time and do your proper research to validate its authenticity. Better to miss a purchase than to get scammed out of a thousand dollars. If you follow the rules set out here, you should do just fine. If you can not find the Miu Miu that you want, be patient or find another high quality designer. D&G bags are a good substitute.   Just remember to apply the same rules for purchasing your D&G bag as for the Miu Miu or for that matter, any high end designer handbag that you are thinking of buying. You’ll end up with a great investment rather than a financial and fashion flop.

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The Small Purse – A Woman’s Perspective

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Rob

A small purse is a woman’s companion and a perfect thing to carry her accessories in. It is my favorite as it can be elegantly carried in hands, and goes well with any dress or time. Small purses, like a clutch, add glamor to your outlook and compliment every fashion style. It does not matter if it is a daytime lunch with friends or an evening party, a clutch purse will always looks trendy and classic. And there are many options to choose from. You either can select a crystal-jeweled one for a fancy evening event or can opt a color-beaded one for a casual outing.

In addition to compact, easy to handle and stylish. No matter what is the occasion or what you are wearing, small purses will suit you. It is certainly a chic and an essential accessory that every woman must have in her closet. Not only do these purses come in various sizes and shapes, but also, have different styles. Among the most commonly used are the clutches. Personally, clutches are being fashionable, small purse is also convenient to hold and have several benefits. Unlike the hassle with most big designer handbags of carrying them on shoulders,  a small purse is easy to carry and does not cause any inconvenience. Moreover, if you do not like holding purses in your hands, you can go for small shoulder purse that comes with fancy chains or versatile straps, and can be put on the shoulders and still look good. The best thing about small purses is that you never lose anything or do not spend time to cleaning it. You can easily locate your cell phone or car keys in it. But being small does not mean that such purses do not have any utility. In fact, I have a small black purse that can hold all my important things like credit cards, cash, cell phone, lipstick, keys, etc., even though it’s size is not bigger than a normal wallet.

A small purse can be used in isolation or along with other handbags. If you have an expensive designer handbag that you want to take, but would like have the small pursue as well to keep you important things in, then you can get yourself a small leather pursue for such purpose. It looks modish and never goes out of fashion.

However, when it comes to buying a small purse, it is always suggested to get the right price for your buy. Michael Kors carries some terrific small designer handbags. However, if you do not want to spend a large amount of money on a well known designer purse, which may cost you somewhere around $99 to $600, you can find a good bargain at your local departmental store. Try the clearance sale and you might end up finding a perfect piece at a good price. Look for deals in magazines and the internet. You can even buy it online through one of the many online stores, which offer great discounts. Just remember to pick a purse that suits your style.

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“Bag” That Look For Less or How to "Score" Really Cheap Designer Handbags

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Rob

You are shopping at your local department store with your preteen daughter for some back-to-school shopping.  As you start wandering towards the handbags department, a  handbag catches your eye.  You make a bee line for it, admired the supple leather, and tentatively looked at the price tag.  Crestfallen, you reached for your daughter and walk away.  You think to yourself: “there is no way I’m paying $1,641 for a handbag especially in this economic crunch.”  If it makes you feel better, you are not alone.  The excellent news is there is no reason for women like you to resort to replicas.  There is a way to “bag” that designer look for less and still get that pride of ownership feeling.

If you’re looking for cheap designer handbags that would make substantial fashion staples, here is a list of designer steals that might interest you:

Hermes Birkin (Splurge) vs. Michael Kors Hamilton Tote (Steal)

The Hermes Birkin certainly lives up to its reputation as it pertains to its exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship.  We love it for its fabulous design, roomy interior and elegance.  Considered to be one of the world’s most expensive handbags, a brand new Birkin bag starts at around $9,000 and can cost up to $37,000 for a crocodile-skin featuring a diamond-encrusted hardware.  Most everybody agrees that this kind of price tag is just ridiculous.  So for an alternative, check out Michael Kors’ Hamilton Tote which roughly sells for $268.  The Hamilton Tote closely resembles the stunning Birkin and comes in an assortment of colors such as black, indigo, oasis, vanilla, walnut, purple and sand python.

Chanel 2.55 Reissue (Splurge) vs. Marc Jacobs’ Quilted Bags (Steal)

The Chanel 2.55 is an iconic classic with charismatic appeal.  Its distinguished features include a quilted design, burgundy lining, zippered interior compartment, back outside flap and a double chain shoulder strap. A Chanel 2.55 is at a price range of  $1,700 to $2,500.  If you’re not ready to make this kind of costly purchase, check out designer Marc Jacobs for his superb selection of quilted bags particularly, The Large Single Shoulder Bag selling at $625.  Some vintage shoulder bags are also worth checking out on Ebay including Anne Klein quilted purses that came out in the 80’s and inexpensively priced at around $20.

Mulberry Bayswater Bag (Splurge) vs. Nine West’s Bow Dacious Satchel (Steal)

Mulberry is located in England. They are a British fashion house known for its luxury leather goods.  One of its bestsellers is the Mulberry Bayswater which is a favorite of supermodel Kate Moss.  The Bayswater starts at $995.  If you like its unpretentious and sophisticated look, a relatively cheaper look-a-like, Nine West’s Bow Dacious Satchel, might be for you.  It is truly reasonably priced at only $99.

Thomas Wylde Santa Cruz (Splurge) vs. Melie Bianco’s Fringe Hobo (Steal)

The designer behind Thomas Wylde is British model-turned-designer Paula Thomas.  Her handbags are generally known for their daring rock n’ roll style.  One of its most popular handbags has been spotted on the arm of Halle Berry, the Thomas Wylde Santa Cruz bag.  The Santa Cruz bag features distressed leather, silver chain handles and tassels with skull detailing.  If you have been admiring this handbag in tan and looking for a real deal on designer handbags that resemble the rocker chic design, check out Melie Bianco’s Fringe Hobo which only sells for around $41.

The above are just some examples of fabulous steals that are available in the market, and that’s not all of it.  Another option that is worth checking out is your local Target’s handbags sale department.  Yes, that’s right, Target.  Target, with its ability to buy cheap designer handbags wholesale, has been bringing household designer names into our homes for some time now.  Their designer fashion program allows us to afford imported, cheap designer handbags from China, from India, from Pakistan and from Indonesia at extremely affordable prices.  Their collaborations for designer handbags have included:  Rafe, Botkier, Anna Sui, Loeffler Randal, Gryson and its newest addition, Mulberry which will debut on October 10.  These fantastic, inexpensive designer handbags are usually available at a price range of $20 to $50.

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Finding the Best Designer Handbags Sale

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Rob

Women everywhere go gaga over the latest must-have designer handbags. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford them.  Owning one is understandably, not a priority for many women.  To save money, there are replicas and knockoffs to consider.  However, just saying the words “replica” or “knock off” out loud does not give someone a sense of excitement and confidence that the words “real” or “authentic” do.  On the other hand, finding cheap designer handbags is a girls dream.  After reading this article,  you should have some sense as to where to go to find real, authentic handbags for sale.

Designer handbags exude the desirable qualities of style and elegance.  Another quality that is sought after is its exclusivity.  In the purchase of a designer handbag, women delight in the exclusivity of its make, design and superior quality.  By exclusivity alone, these top designer brands command steep prices.  So no, you will not find brand new designer handbags on sale. For instance, you won’t see a Chanel flap anywhere online at a deeply discounted price but you might find a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags sale.  So how do you know?  In all the confusion, there are a few options that you could consider when in search for a good deal on designer handbags.

If you’re looking to buy an authentic designer handbag, you may want to consider checking out the various outlet stores around the U.S.  For the best possible outlet store experience, try the Prime Outlets that are located all over the U.S. such as the ones in Orlando, Jeffersonville, Williamsburg, Pismo Beach and Queenstown, to name a few.  Some of the top brands that you will find in these outlet stores are: Burberry, Gucci, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Cole Haan and Michael Kors.  Be sure to check out stores like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Neiman Marcus Last Call which also carry brands like Betsey Johnson, Botkier and L.A.M.B.  You might even be able to find B Makowsky handbags on sale.  These outlet stores offer designer items including handbags on a discounted price.  You should also consider signing up for newsletters on websites as they regularly send out specials.

Another option for finding bargains on designer handbags is looking into mid-level brands such as Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, and the like.  These type of brands customarily run a handbag sale so there should be no reason for budget-conscious women to resort to cheaply made replicas of the top designer brands.  These mid-level brands offer the same trendy styles and decent quality which most women will appreciate.  The great thing about mid-level designers is that you can also find them at a handbags sale in discount stores like TJMaxx, Marshalls and Ross.  These stores offer handbags on sale at significantly discounted rates.  These stores are able to give good deals on trendy items because they are often from last season.

There is always that thrill and satisfaction in getting a great bargain at a handbags sale for  fashion conscious women.  Always keep in mind though that while owning designer handbags are terrific, a great sense of self, style and confidence also count.

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The Rise of Designer Shoulder Bags

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Rob

This Article is a brief history of the evolution of designer shoulder bags.

Purses have been around since Biblical times.  There are ancient hieroglyphics that depict men with leather pouches around their waist.  Although the term “handbag” did not exist until the mid nineteenth century, purses of antiquity were used mainly by men to carry coins or valuables.  The bible itself identifies Judas Iscariot as the lone apostle who carried a money bag.  The popularity of Shoulder bags for women really began in the early twentieth century.  World War II brought a meteoric rise in the use of these bags.  Shoulder handbags came back into style in the 1970s and have been going strong ever since.

The genesis of the modern handbag really begins with the arrival of trains in the nineteenth century.  The trains heralded the arrival of a new type of carrying bag, the handbag.  It is during this time-frame that Hermes bags and Louis Vuitton were founded.  Louis Vuitton was a luggage packer while Thierry Hermes was a harness and saddle maker.   Both men were visionaries who created quality products to fill a market niches in a changing society.  By the time the twentieth century rolled along, handbags had become much more than hand-held luggage.   Women had choices between dotty bags (small satchel-like bags), beaded bags (the 1920′s Art Deco movement incorporated geometric shapes and strong colors) and jeweled bags.  The 1920s marked the introduction of colors and patterns to handbags.  Ancient Egyptian and exotic county (India and China mostly) representations were very popular.  During this time, shoulder bags were not yet in the mainstream.  But they did get their start during this period.  Leather shoulder bags were used by couriers, mostly in the military.  The practicality of the leather shoulder bag led to expanded use in World War II.

With more women in the workplace, women’s shoulder bags came into their own during World War II.  After the war, there popularity dwindled a bit until their resurgence in the 1970’s.  This resurgence of shoulder handbags was led by Gucci.  Gucci’s Jackie O shoulder bag, made famous by Jackie Kennedy, became an icon of the times.  The 1980s saw the introduction of quilted leather style shoulder designer handbags.  Today the designer shoulder bag has morphed into a number of product lines including: hobos, totes and slings.   Although multiple colors and styles are selling well, the black shoulder bag has become one of the most popular, with designer brands Fendi and Prada leading the way.

Designer shoulder bags have come a long way from the handbags used for train travel in the nineteenth century.  These designer handbags are the perfect example of function and fashion coming together to provide fashion conscious women great looking solutions.  They’ve provided us with the designer names that we’re all familiar with today; Hermes Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Prada and more.  The only thing left to ask is: What’s next?

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Replica Handbags Vs. Authentic Handbags: Which Is Right for You?

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Rob

The word fake is a notably strong and negative word for a four letter word.  When used to describe a person, it is often malicious and hurtful.  Nobody wants to be called fake.  Interestingly, in the world of fashion and designer handbags, there is a market demand for such items.  These items are often called “replicas” or “knock offs”.  But why get a replica handbag and who would pay for an exorbitantly priced designer handbags?

The Pros and Cons of Replica Bags

Replica bags are generally considered to be a close copy or imitation of popular high-end designer handbags.  They are often made to resemble bags of original design, features, stamps and marks of an established brand.  Unfortunately, replicas do not necessarily translate into great quality.  Details such as stitching, hardware, material and lining are often the first to suffer.  For instance, if you want to identify authentic Fendi handbags, you would look for even stitching and thread coloring that matches the fabric.  Taking this into consideration, some think of replica bags as disposable items since they are not known for their durability.  On the other hand, replica bags are known for their pocket-friendly price, practicality and availability.  These three factors when taken into account, work well with trends.  Because trends are often fickle and temporary, an owner of replica bags can afford to go with the current trends.

The Pros and Cons of  Owning an Authentic Handbag

Who wouldn’t want the real deal? The primary issue concerning the purchase of genuine, authentic handbags is the steep price.  A covetable authentic handbag is easily worth thousands of dollars.  Most women are not willing to fork over a staggering amount of hard earned money just to own the latest “it” bag.  Nevertheless, the upside of owning one is the pride of ownership and the many years of merit to enjoy it.  An authentic designer handbag also makes a great heirloom.  Whether it’s resale or sentimental value you’re after, an authentic designer bag makes a good investment.

Be an Educated Shopper

The most important thing to consider when making the decision between buying replicas vs. buying authentic designer handbags is knowing what you’re paying for.  There is nothing worse than being duped into paying a dear price for a high-quality replica.  Yes, there is such thing.  In fact, replica bag makers are getting very good at their illegitimate craft.  Authenticity marks, holograms and paperwork are now also closely being simulated that it usually takes a discerning eye to recognize the real deal.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you are making an informed decision and one that reflects your individuality.  Authentic handbags don’t come cheap. For instance, you’ll never find a Louis Vuitton at a handbags sale.  Don’t be easily influenced by advertisements, celebrities, and trends.  Instead, go with a bag that best suits your personality and means.

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Designer Handbags: Are They Worth the Investment?

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Rob

Designer Handbags

Most men would sneer at the idea of designer handbags being looked at as a financial investment.  But ask any refined and sophisticated woman who knows her Gucci’s from her Balenciaga’s, and you will receive a resounding “yes, a treasured handbag is an investment”.


$11,800 Gucci Boston Satchel

The fact of the matter is, most designer handbags are just like cars or jewelry as they have resale value.  If properly cared for, they usually retain a high percentage of their original value.  Unlike a pre-loved clothing item, bags are more depreciation-proof compared to a pair of pants or a dress.  The logic behind this point is better explained when we look at a bag as a fashion accessory.  Bags, to be particular, are carried, not worn.  Whether they are clutches or shoulder bags, they are not worn directly on the body.

Buying designer handbags can be a sound investment that transcends time.  Better yet, stumbling across one of these handbags in the attic or finding cheap designer handbags while attending an estate sale is every girl’s dream.  The bags’ age could be anywhere from recently purchased to decades-old yet  still be worth a hefty sum of money. Additionally, limited edition purses are worth so much more.  Depending on the designer label and materials used, a bag can cost upwards to well over a grand for a top designer handbag.  Some designer’s handbags’ price tags are so astronomically high that they are worth as much as a monthly mortgage for a lavish home.  When favored by a high-profile celebrity, a bag is suddenly more appealing.  In which case, the bag has a serious chance at being sold quickly and could easily get competitive bids if put up for auction.

Because almost any of these luxury handbags exudes quality and classy appeal, they pair well with most outfits.  These handbags are in general versatile and can work with the most casual outfit or the fanciest of dresses.  If bought in natural colors like black, gold, khaki or brown, you are likely to get the best deal out of your money as it goes well with most outfits.   The best part is that discount designer handbags are commonplace, with many outlet stores and websites having close-outs or a handbags sale.

The designer’s name and brand are at times reason enough to drive consumers to make the purchase.  Top designers like Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton have become household names.  Brand recognition also transcends biological data such as age, ethnicity, religion, and gender.  Essential elements like stitching, impeccable lines and detailing are always evident in well-made, authentic designer handbags.

The bottom line is designer handbags are worth every penny because time, care and meticulous craftsmanship  are put into them.  If these are not enough reasons for you, trust that if you for some reason decide to sell or swap it, you can expect to receive a fair value for it.

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