Handbags, next to diamonds and maybe shoes, are a woman’s best friend. Not only are they used to hold everything that we hold dear, from our cellular phones to our credit cards, our palm pilots to the papers that will spell the difference between promotion and demotion. Let’s face it, can you imagine a world without the women’s handbag as we know it?

Today, women handbags are not only “receptacles” of your prized possessions but also fashion statements. Handbags are often used to express moods, individuality, style and status. And even though, it is not really worn so close to the body like bloused, skirts and jeans, there are still shapes and styles of women’s handbags that may be flattering and unflattering to a person. Believe it or not, the handbag that you carry can actually add on or lessen the weight that you appear to carry.

Read on and find out just how to choose the perfect shape, size and style of women handbag that will fit your body type and personal style.

Look at the shape.
Choose the shape that is opposite your body type. For instance, if you are tall and thin, look for bags that are more on the rounded side like the hobo or those that are a bit unstructured. This will complement your figure as it would provide a sharp contrast to your body. If on the other hand, you are on the short and heavy side, it is good to carry women handbags that are tall, rectangular or those with really defined shapes. Long and sleek designs will help counterbalance your more rounded figure. Of course, there is no need to buy women handbags that are absolutely reed thin or those with really sharp edges. Silhouettes in soft fabrics and leathers can do the trick. Just remember to stay away from women handbags with rounded designs.

Think of the size
The size of your bag should complement your size. While the shape should be contrasting and complementing, the size should be in proportion. If for example you are quite tall and big for your age, it would be really awkward for you to carry this really small handbag. The same goes with a really petite person while carrying this really big bag. Awkward. Awkward. Awkward.

Closefitting women handbags or those that can be fit right under the arm at breast level can only look great with women who are slim and those who want to emphasize their cleavage. Using these kinds of women handbags are discouraged for people who have big arms and big busts as the short handles tend to emphasize the large sizes. Remember that the length of the handbag or shoulder bag will always accentuate the part it comes near with. If, for instance, the bag hits your bottom half or hip area, then that area of your body will become more focused as the eyes are naturally drawn to it.

Most women look great with handbags and shoulder bags that end in mid-torso as it flatters the waist. To determine if the length of the strap fits you, try it out. If your arm feels cramped, then it is too short. Try out the bag in the mirror and see for yourself if the bag is flattering to you.

Aside from shoes, bags are definitely the Achilles’ heel of every female homo sapien. Women go gaga over any kind of bag, and they even take pains in matching their bags with their shoes.

Buying a bag can be a major decision for every woman even though she may already have a dozen or more in her closet. Women can never have enough of bags.

Those who have money to spend are lucky because they can splurge their money on bags of all shapes, colors and sizes. However, for the budget conscious who are nevertheless smitten with bags, it is wise to decide which bag would fit an already existing wardrobe.

When buying bags, consider where it is going to be used so that you will not be easily swayed into buying any bag that catches your fancy. Ask yourself whether the bag will fit into your existing wardrobe. A wise dressed will always know how to mix and match her wardrobe with her bags, shoes and accessories to make her wardrobe more cost effective. Bags and shoes, when mixed and matched with different dressed, will give a new set of wardrobe to the wise dresser.

Be able to put a ceiling or a price range for your target bag so you will not be tempted into buying anything that costs more than you budget. Except of if the price is already a bargain and it can be mixed and matched to several clothing wear. This characteristic will of course make the price of the bag more cost effective in the long term.

Fashion victims would always look at magazines and follow the newest craze in bag designs and colors. Wise and elegant dressers will always go for the classic look. Going with a classic look will mean your bag will outlast the newest craze and it can be worn anywhere and anytime, for any occasion.

There are however a few rules that would have to be followed by a woman before buying a bag. A petite woman should avoid very big bags as this will tend to make her look more petite than she already is. Bags can also hide body imperfections so be sure to know which body parts you want understated before choosing a bag. If you want to avoid getting attention on your big hips then choose a shoulder bag. If you have big breasts or broad shoulders then a waste bag is for you.

Bags can come in all types like pouch bags, shoulder bags, tote bags, flap bags, evening bags and many others. It can also come in various materials like leather, satin, velvet, denim or nylon. There are as many bag designs and materials depending on the creativity of bag makers.

Bags are welcome gifts for every female. However, being able to buy the right bag for the right person can be difficult considering that each person has different tastes in bags. When doing this, it would be better to ask the person about her preferences in bags. If the person is close to you, then you would have more knowledge about her fashion style and occupation. This way, your gift would not end up at the bottom of her closet.

With so many authentic designer handbags for sale on the market, you will surely be totally spoilt for choice. So how do you exactly choose one that is right and fitting for you? Well, it depends on a few factors actually; the look of the designer handbag, how it can match with your fashion style and one of the most widely ignored factor; your body type. It is important to match the bag according to your body type as well. Most women often overlook this.

You have to avoid targeting the most popular and recent fashion craze when choosing an authentic designer handbag and instead you should try to get one which you will look good with when you wear them and are practical as well. A handbag is a bag and its main purpose is to keep your belongings as well. You don’t want to be carrying your belongings outside your bag would you?

A lot of women make this mistake of purchasing a handbag that is way too big for their body size or way too small for their body size and this could have a negative impact on their whole outlook when they go out to flaunt latest prized purchase only to make a fool out of themselves. You don’t want to be a talking point just because you carry an awkward looking bag.

If you are short, do not pretend to be tall. You should instead choose a bottled-shaped designer handbag or a knapsack which is not that large. With that being said, if you have a model-like figure, tall and slim, you should aim for round or square-shaped handbags. The right shape will fit in with your body size.

The right color for your authentic designer handbag is another important criteria you have to think about. If you need a handbag which can match most of your dresses, you should select a colorful style handbag. Do keep in mind to match the color well with dresses that you own. Before going out shopping for a handbag, try to put on the kind of dresses you’ll want to match with the new handbag.

Most women tend to be more sensible and will go for a plain-colored handbag as this will easily match with anything that you have in the wardrobe. This prevents you from having a headache when you need to go for an outing with a matching handbag.

Do not overlook your budget as well. Some may even opt for replica designer handbags but is it really what you want to blow your money on?

It can look the same and have the same appeal with great prices to boot but certainly you will feel awkward when walking beside a friend who holds an authentic designer handbag. However, if that doesn’t faze you, just go with it.

Not all authentic designer handbags have to be very expensive though. There are many vendors selling them at wholesale prices if you can find them. Remember to also select an affordable authentic designer handbag for your needs. Don’t buy something which you cannot afford and then starve for the whole month.

As we all know that fashion keeps on changing. Accordingly, Bags have also gone through too many changes to suite ever increasing wants of different customers. Fashionable Handbags are commonly used for different versatile usages. But the important fact is that these bags are needed to be stylish and fashionable. This task is beautifully done by Inspiration by presenting the most heart throbbing selective fashionable bags.

The bags have heavy work on different fashion fabric with innovative styles, which contributes in making them more attractive and demanding in the fashion market. Fashion bags are used for many purposes to store personal product
 
When you finally decide to dish out a large amount of cash for a handbag, you’ll want to make sure it’s the real thing you are purchasing and not a cheap knock-off. With the popularity of handbags at the present time, its no wonder so many companies are eager to produce knock-off versions of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags. We want to make sure that you know when you are being ripped off so you can spend your well-earned money on something that is truly authentic. Here are some hints which will help you spot a fake designer handbag when you see one

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you’re tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market

For as long as I can recall, I have been completely obsessed with designer handbags.  I spent the majority of my youth dreaming of the day when I could afford to buy my favorite designer handbags.  Here I am, some ten years later, still looking forward to that day.  While I have been known to skip out on my bills to buy the latest trendy handbag, I have yet to spend more than $1000.00 on an individual bag.  A girl can still dream, can’t she?

I was leafing through some catalogs over the weekend, and I was amazed at how incredibly expensive some of the high-end designer handbags really are.  I knew they were expensive, but I had no clue how very expensive.  Oh…the innocence of youth!  I decided that it would be useful for our legion of faithful readers to have a handy reference of the most expensive designer handbags on the planet.  So here goes…

It has been written about countless times in the press and in the blogosphere, but I simply cannot resist this little gem!  If I had to name an all-time favorite design house, Fendi would be the one.  I don’t know how they manage to do it, but they are consistently able to strike an incredible balance between innovation and classic design in all of their creations.  Fendi designs some of the most exciting handbags in the fashion industry, and the “B.Bag” is one of the most sought-after handbags in the world.  One might think that the $30,000 price tag might be a deterrent, but not for those with the means to support their addiction!

Another bag that has given me far too many sleepless nights is the Hermes “Birkin” bag!  These bags were named after Jane Birkin, the oh-so-fabulous British actress and fashion icon.  These bags are often duplicated, but never truly replicated.  With a price tag of over $20,000, it is easy to understand why they are a favorite of vendors of cheap, imitation handbags.  As you are likely aware, these bags are available by special order only.  Furthermore, the final costs will very much be dependent on the materials and hardware used in their construction.  Wow!  Do I need a Sugar Daddy, or what?

If there was one other bag that creeps into my dreams with any regularity, it would be the “Muse” from Yves Saint Laurent.  It is very much like a traditional bowling bag in shape and design.  The first time I saw her was at Saks on Fifth Ave in NYC, and from that moment I knew one day she would be mine.  If I had my way, I would choose the oh-so-supple white crocodile version.  I cannot think of anything I would rather spend $20,000 on…aside from the “Birkin” bag mentioned above.  Wouldn’t I make the perfect girlfriend?  Wanna go shopping sometime?

Without a doubt, designer handbags are all the rage!  Women seem to collect them the way young boys collect comic books.  Without a doubt, there is a handbag to suit your many styles and moods, from sophisticated and chic to adventurous and playful.  Designer handbags all have unique traits that distinguish one brand from another.  Designers purposely create unique symbols or details to accentuate the differences between themselves and other designers.

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular and best-selling handbag designers.  These bags are known for the high standards of quality and state-of-the-art craftsmanship put into each and every design.  Elegant, but astonishingly innovative, Louis Vuitton guarantees perfection in his multitude of high quality products.  Uniquely branded with a patterned design, Louis Vuitton handbags tower above the competition.

Chanel handbags are well known for their clean lines and top quality materials.  The polished chain and bold brand symbol on every bag sets them apart from their peers. The clean lines and simple femininity of these designs makes them both accessible and functional for everyday use or a night out on the town.  Chanel handbags are known for their classy designs, neutral colors, and their oh-so-popular brand power.  A girl cannot go wrong with Chanel.

Coach handbags are known for their soft, supple, glove-tanned leather.  In recent years, Coach designers have evolved to explore various shapes, styles, and materials without sacrificing the principles of classic design.  At the same time, there is something uniquely American about these wonderful purses.  Coach has developed into an easily-recognizable brand of superior quality handbags.

Burberry handbags are known for their distinctive plaid pattern.  Their handbags come in various sizes and shapes, and there is sure to be one to please even the most distinguishing shopper.  These purses are designed for a woman that is both strong and sophisticated.  Burberry purses have become extremely popular in recent times, especially with younger girls looking to explore more traditional designs.

These are but a few of the designers producing quality merchandise for the masses.  There are as many designers as there are purse styles, but you are sure to be pleased with anything produced by the designers mentioned above.  They are the giants of the fashion industry right now.  With the recent release of their latest designs, you can be the first of your friends to own one.  Happy shopping, ladies!

Everyone wants brand name accessories, especially in the trendy fashion circles.  Many of us have been tempted to buy one of those Louis Vuitton replicas, but we surely wouldn’t want to be seen carrying it around.  I think you all know my stance on replicas and knock-offs.  In my little world, they are simply unacceptable.  Fashion is my life, and the market in replicas undermines the stability of the industry I have grown to love.

For the price conscious shopper, there are other alternatives available.  A number of the major department stores have started to carry designer accessories and handbags, at greatly discounted prices.  While there are some that believe that high fashion is the exclusive domain of the wealthy, it is my opinion that fashion should unite and not divide.  The love of fashion can and will continue to bring people of common interest together.

I recently went upstate for a weekend to visit some friends and family, and I was thrilled to discover a factory outlet for Coach.  I picked up three amazing handbags at very reasonable prices, and I intend to go back sometime soon.  To be honest, I was amazed to see a company like Coach with a discount outlet.  I have spent countless hours exploring their flagship store on Madison Avenue, and from I could tell the outlet store had almost the exact same inventory.  At discounted prices, no less!

Upon returning home, I did some research on sales figures for Coach.  It turns out that the discount outlet I had just visited earns almost as much revenue as the flagship store in NYC.  In 2005 this particular outlet store earned over 20 million dollars, and they are projecting earnings over 25 million for the current year!  These are astounding figures, in my humble opinion.  Why aren’t other designers pursuing the discount market?

My feeling is that is has a lot to do with the elitist attitudes that pervade the fashion industry.  There is a strong feeling, in fashion circles, that discount stores dilute the luxury image that so many designers are trying to cultivate.  While there may be some credence to this argument, I am of the opinion that fashion is for the people.  I would love to see more companies taking the approach that Coach is taking.  Purses for the People, I say!