Tips on Buying a Stylish Handbag

Handbags are popular all over the world. They hold your most valuable essentials as you go from one destination to next. Many people choose to wear stylish handbags, because it helps them feel like a million bucks. Also, people choose to wear a variety of handbags for many occasions. Most people feel a sense of pride when wearing a stylish handbag. They come in a variety of designs, shapes and colors. Most of the well-known designers produce handbags that replicate the current trends in the fashion world. Fortunately, you can buy a stylish handbag within your budget, although some of the popular handbags can cost as much as $2,000.

Stylish handbag tip: Choose durability

Choose durability over cheap fabrics. Whether you are choosing to purchase an authentic designer handbag or one that resembles a designer bag, be sure to check the materials, zippers and seams. Resilient and durable handbags can last much longer than handbags that appear to be worn out or shabby. Cheap fabrics can get dingy quickly and become torn within a short timeframe. Many of the popular handbags are leather handbags, quilted handbags, suede bags and many more.

Ascertain your budget and the price range that you are willing to pay for your stylish handbag. Determining your budget also helps you to determine where you will begin shopping for your handbag. There are many retail stores that carry stylish handbags for affordable prices. Also, you may opt to purchase your handbag from the manufacturer’s store, website or a designer outlet.

Handbag tip: Determine the purpose

Determine the purpose for purchasing a handbag. Are you choosing to buy an everyday handbag, a work handbag, an evening handbag or for a specific occasion? Because there are many variations, colors and shapes of handbags, it is important to choose one that compliments your wardrobe. Additionally, some handbags look better during certain seasons. Some manufacturers design their handbags to be worn during the spring and summer months as well as the fall and winter months. Certain colors can be worn year round, while some colors only look good during the summer months.

If you are choosing to buy a stylish handbag that’s within the current fashion trends, it is important to research the popular handbags. Many fashion magazines and other fashion resources display the popular wardrobe fashions. There are tote bags, clutch bags, hobo bags and more. The cyclical changes in the fashion trends of handbags typically revolve around the changes in colors and shapes of the bags.

Remember to choose a stylish handbag that replicates your unique personality. If you make your selection based only on the current fashion trends without including what you personally like, you may not be able to relish the full benefit of having a stylish handbag. When selecting a stylish handbag that fits your personality, you will automatically be drawn to what you like over what appears uninteresting to you. If the most popular style of handbags does not appeal to your unique tastes in fashion, your personal style can give you a greater sense of joy and fulfillment.

"Your personal style can give you a greater sense of joy and fulfillment."

 Dunya is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She is currently working as a copywriter for Handbags Australia. She enjoys writing articles and guides on topics ranging from fashion to travel.

Dazzle this season with these ideas hot from the UK

Sparkle your way through this festive season with our hottest jewellery looks this winter. We have compiled a shortlist of the UK’s most desirable styles for an effortlessly chic look.

Shabby chic is trending big time in the UK and is all over the magazines and TV at the moment. Think rustic old keys and unusual objects on a string of pearls, vintage inspired bracelets with quirky charms and handmade earrings that all offer that something special and different from the norm. Best of all, these items are proving to be very popular shabby chic gifts amongst women of all ages. Mix the distressed look with clean lines, such as a simple tea dress, for the maximum impact.

Mixing gold and silver is the ultimate fashion no no, right? Think again! Gold and silver showcases an eclectic look and oozes glamour.  Team gold and silver rings, earrings, necklaces, bangles, whatever you can think of, don’t be scared to mix it up! With this look you need to keep the outfit simple, slip on your favourite LBD and really let the jewellery do the talking.

Shabby Chic Swirl Necklace

Forget patterns and prints, this season it’s all about the masculine look, a versatile style that will transition effortlessly between day and night. Scrape back your hair and invest in a country heritage cravat and team with your favourite brogues for the office and really work the masculine vibe. Then, simply slip into those skyscraper heels for post work drinks for a more feminine edge. Don’t forget your scarlet red lipstick…

The winner though, has to be the shabby chic look as it optimises everything that is popular in the UK right now. The distressed, worn and handmade look can be so individual and offers and timeless quality and quirky charm. Online jewelry store Rustic Disguise has found this look to be the most popular with individual pieces from designer Heather Shaw flying off the shelves.

Let us know below what your top picks are for 2012…

Fashion and Function at Work

Anybody that has a successful career can tell you that in order to succeed at your job; you need to appear confident at whatever it is that you do.  If you are confident, people will trust you and feel confident that you know what you are doing. One great way to boost your confidence is by wearing up to date and fashionable clothing on the job.  If you look really good and sophisticated, your clients or consumers will think of you with high regards and trust that you know what you are doing.  What you wear is not everything, but it can take you really far.

Cherokee Mock Wrap Medical Scrubs

Put extra care and effort in to how you dress every day. There are many jobs that require a uniform. If you are involved in the medical industry then you are required to wear medicals scrubs to work every day. Even with a uniform, make sure to put some extra effort into getting the most up to date medical scrubs out there. Choose your uniform from a company such as Cherokee Medical Scrubs that offers up to date scrubs. Wearing cheap and ill-fitting scrubs will make you look unprofessional.  No longer do nurses sport the white caps and jackets that look like bags.  There are now so many choices of fashionable styles and designs that are up to date, slenderizing and let your function at your best.

Uniforms do make it a bit easier for you in some ways.  You don’t have the overwhelming feeling every season of starting from scratch.  That is why it’s a great idea for you to get some classic basics that can be mixed and matched.  A black blazer, can be worn over a simple sweater of any color, creating a whole new look each and every time that is sophisticated and professional.  A great pair of tailored pants will take you a long way as well. Choose some great accessories such as belts, fashion jewelry and a few pairs of shoes and boots and your all set.

Aside for buying up to date styles, you want to keep comfort and function in mind too.  You need clothing that will allow you do get the job done well.  For instance, if you are on your feet a whole day, you don’t want to find yourself in a pair of three inch heels, or you will pay for it at the end of the day.  If you are working with children, stay away from dry clean only outfits.  There are so many styles to choose from, opt for something that you will look great in and feel comfortable in as well.

One last thing to keep in mind is while you want to look great you will want to make a good impression as well.  You will want to adhere to your companies standards. Keep your employer in mind when you chose what to wear into the office. You are coming to work, so wear something appropriate for work.  Don’t wear something to provocative that will make heads spin having the reverse effect.   You work hard, and want to be successful; dressing right will assist you in doing just that.

Liz Taylor is a fashion consultant for MedicalScrubsCollections.com.  With years of experience in the clothing industry she has assisted in implementing higher standards of fashion for the Medical Scrubs  uniforms as well as the workplace at large.

Image credit to MedicalScrubsCollections.com

Mother of the Bride Outfit: Some Food for Thought

If you are the mother of a bride, then you might find yourself in a difficult situation with finding the right outfit. Mother of the bride outfits are fortunately provided by many designers and retailers so there is plenty to look at. If you are still unsure of type of style you are going to be wearing, have a read through this post.

Before choosing your style, make sure that you consult with your daughter first as she will have the “final say.” If your daughter has decided that there will be a dress code in terms of colour then this need to be taken into consideration. It is also important to wait with buying your outfit, until your daughter has bought the dress she likes. This will avoid a completely different style of clothing for both the mother and daughter, and will keep everything coherent.

Purple mini flower shift dress

Bramble shimmer shantung jacket

An example of something you could be wearing at your daughter’s wedding is this beautiful purple mini flower shift dress. It features a stunning laser cut satin flowers around the neck, all with bead centres. The dress has a back zip and would be perfect to wear to a wedding, or to any other special occasion. This bramble shimmer shantung jacket with a gentle grown on the neckline would fit perfectly to wear over the dress. It has ¾ sleeves and satin piping with a grosgrain bramble rosette that covers the hook.

When you purchase your outfit, make sure that it is not too tight. Many women buy a size smaller (as they believe it looks better) but find themselves feeling uncomfortable during the wedding, as it is simply too small. It is always better to stick to your own size of to even buy a size larger as the wedding is a special but also long day, so feeling comfortable should be prioritized. Happy shopping!

Finding the Right Jeans for Your Body Shape

Everyone loves wearing jeans - they're comfortable and go with everything. If you find a pair of jeans or a style that works for you and your body shape, you may wear them every day. Most women own numerous pairs of jeans, but everyone has that favorite pair that fits perfectly and is the pair they grab again and again. Today we're going to discuss how to find the right jeans for your particular body shape. Not every pair of jeans looks great on everyone. Some people can wear skinny jeans and look incredible, while a trouser style is better for other women. You usually have to try on many pairs of jeans to find the fit and style that's right for you.

The skinny jean is a relatively new style of jean. Basically, they are tight jeans that are slimly cut down through the entire leg. A skinny jean shows pretty much every lump and curve, so skinny jeans are best worn by thin, tall women with thin pins, including thin thighs. Skinny jeans look best on women with slim hips. So, if you are tall, thin, and athletic with narrow pins and hips, then the skinny jean should look amazing on you.

Most of us are not built like that. If you are curvier with larger hips, you should go for straight leg jeans that go straight down from the widest point of the hips to the ground. These jeans should not only be straight leg, but also be cut widely through the leg line. If you are curvy and wear jeans that are tight around your wide hips and then are tight through the pins, you will look very outbalanced. If your jeans are tight around your pins, it will make your hips look even wider in comparison. So, try on straight leg jeans or a trouser style jean if this is your body shape.

As far as the right rise for a pair of jeans, younger women who are thin should wear a low rise jean. This is a modern style and minimizes the appearance of your rear and stomach. No one should be wearing high rise jeans that go up as high as or higher than your navel. These are sometimes called mommy jeans and make the stomach and rear look larger than normal. If you are in your thirties or more, you should go for a mid-rise jean. This will not only help cover your curvier figure better, but will still minimize your stomach and rear end. Basically, you want to cover enough of the body to look appropriate without resorting to mom jeans that will make your stomach and back view look larger than they actually are.

Mitchell Gavillion, a graduate of Art Center College of Design is passionate about fashion, lifestyle and fitness writing. Mitchell has also written about online shopping tips & advice and even music. Some of his online shopping tips were featured on the Savoo Blog, an online saving site & blog.

Wardrobe Cluster – What To Buy

By: Daria Akhten

Legend has it that European women only buy about three clothing pieces per season. How do they do this? And more importantly, what is already in their wardrobe to buy just a few trends every year?

Every season, new styles emerge interspersed with well-established trends. Women with a complete wardrobe can purchase as little as one or two pieces of the trendiest items for the season. For me, this not only eliminates unnecessary expense as I rush to buy everything in sight, but it also allows for creativity. You can really establish your personal style when going through the clothes you already have, and seeing how they can be worn this season.

A traditional wardrobe cluster consists of pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of looks. It must include:

Tops:
- jackets in solid colors
- dress shirts
- sweaters
- casual tops, like tanks and tees

Bottoms:
- dress slacks or skirts
- denim
- pants or skirts in bright colors or patterns

Dresses:
- evening dress
- day dress

Outerwear:
- coat, jacket, or trench coat (depending on climate)

Accessories:
- neutral color shoes and matching belts
- handbags
- various occasion jewelry

The trick is to create the wardrobe using garments made of excellent fabrics, and perfect construction. This way, it can be ensured that these pieces will last a long time. Once that is done, you can buy just the garments necessary to spice up your wardrobe.

There are several designers known for creating classic wardrobe staples. Carolina Herrera epitomizes class and elegance, and you can never find a better blouse than one of hers. Yves Saint Laurent is known for setting the standard in women’s’ fashion. Any piece from his collection is a great addition to a wardrobe. Of course, the most famous designer known for her jackets and suits is Chanel. If the clothing is out of your budget, go for a scarf or a pair of earrings to complete your looks.

It is important to understand how certain elements of an ensemble can change it completely. A blouse tucked in or out can make a big difference in an outfit. Having five tops and five bottoms instantly gives you twenty-five distinct looks. Changing the layering of these items allows for even more versatility. Accessories go a long way as well. A dress can be worn with a belt for a daytime look, with a statement necklace for a nighttime look. A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes can change any outfit from day to night, instantly.

Once your wardrobe cluster is complete, it becomes very easy to see what you need. When shopping, stay away from impulse buys, and choose garments that can be worn year round. Most importantly, have fun with it. Deciding on a personal style and look for yourself can be a great experience!

The Look 4 Less - SAG Awards

The Look 4 Less: Hilary Swank at the SAG Awards

When it comes to award shows, actresses are always dressed to impress. They are covered in sparkling diamonds, decked out in stunning dresses, and caressed in expensive shoes. And sometimes they even get to keep some of these pieces, which they attained for free.

Unfortunately, we all can't live the glamorous life of a movie star. And when it comes to clothes for an event, we have to dress ourselves and not rely on a celebrity stylist. But if you can't wrap yourself in celebrity style, then the next best thing is to get the designer look for less.

At the 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards, actresses like Mila Kunis, Lea Michelle and Hilary Swank donned themselves in dashing ensembles. Here's a chance for you to recreate Hilary's style with the look for less.

Hilary Swank SAG Dress

Hilary Swank was a best-actress nominee for "Conviction" and she definitely wore her one-shoulder blush Versace gown with both style and conviction.
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/ … l#20905858

The Dress:
Channel Hilary's Versace blush gown with this one-shoulder evening gown by JS Collection. The color is great for spring and the Grecian look will never go out of style. Find this piece at edressme.com http://www.edressme.com/one-shoulder-ev … 58367.html for $396.

SAG Edressme Dress

The Jewels

Top off your look with a beautiful golden clutch like this show stopper from Nordstrom for a mere $78. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tasha-mesh- … HcjDNA1gIg. The shimmery clutch is the perfect accessory for the Grecian-style dress. Full of iridescent sequins, the Tasha Mesh Covered Sequin Box Clutch also comes with chain straps so you can wear it in versatile ways.

Gold Clutch

 You don't have to be a superstar actress to shine and gleam in a stunning gown. The Grecian look is great for any occasion and works for any body type. Get this look for less and be inspired by your inner celeb.

Cheryl V. is a fashion journalist who is the founder of Oh to Be a Muse, a fashion, beauty, style and review blog that inspires the inner muse in every woman. Follow her blog to get the latest fashion tips and tricks!
Blog: http://ohtobeamuse.com
Twitter: @OhtoBeaMuse

3 Fun Holiday Handbag Gift Ideas

Christmas Handbang Gift Ideas

Why are we talking about Christmas gift ideas and handbags at the beginning of November? Well, that's because the holidays are just around the corner! That's why! Come on, what does every Black Friday bargain shopping, America woman love? Deals and holiday sales! That and Christmas gifts of course. So, whether you are spoiling yourself early this year or shopping for the lady you love... check out these fun gift ideas!

The bags:

1. Juicy Couture Terry Heart Tassel Crossbody Messenger Swing Bag Purse
2. Dooney & Bourke Signature New Quilt Large Tassel Zip Top Bag
3. COACH Signature Hampton Hobo Shoulder Bag Purse

The Juicy Couture - Terry Heart Tassel Crossbody Messenger Swing Bag

This is a great little bag. Juicy Couture is a solid player in the handbag game, and have done really well with mastering both style and practicality. This little crossbody features exterior zip pockets. Also a convenient interior zip and cell phone pocket. A very fun and different holiday gift idea for the one you love (even if the one you love is yourself)!

Juicy Couture Crossbody Messenger

Dooney & Bourke - Signature New Quilt Large Tassel Zip Top Bag

Dooney & Bourke does stylish and classic chic really, really well. Dooney is a smart company, in the sense that it has the vision to design their bags with a timeless feel and high quality materials. These handbags hold up well over time, and in large part due to the quality of their craftsmanship. A great pick if you're looking for a Christmas gift for your girlfriend.

D&B Large Tassel Zip Top

COACH - Signature Hampton Hobo Shoulder Bag Purse

Coach is a one word description that defines a dignified and quality handbag. The great thing about the Coach line is that every girl wants one, and yet it is diverse enough in its design, so that not every girl has to have the same one! This signature Hampton Hobo bag has the classic Coach signature. Some of the accent pieces that adorn this purse are Silvertone Hardware and Jacquard fabric lining.

Coach Signature Hampton Hobo Handbag