Handbags for Day and Night

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chained clutchDaytime handbags can look like almost anything. They don’t even have to “go” with your outfit, since they can be a standalone piece of your wardrobe. Nighttime handbags should be smaller, but no less attractive then your day purse. Most women only need a few things when they go out: keys, cell phone, credit cards, cash, and lip gloss. These can easily fit inside a small clutch.  Check out the sections below for the newest day-and-night handbag trends of 2011.

Daytime Handbags

The satchel is usually carried in the crook of your elbow instead of over the shoulder. Some women prefer these handbags, but the strap has to be soft and comfortable. These bags shouldn’t hold pounds and pounds of items, but they are perfect for a day at the beach or out to lunch. Look for unique prints, hardware, and bright colors for this season. Jessica Simpson’s Flamenco Satchel is one such purse that encompasses every trend. Cole Haan is also really popular among celebrities.

The hobo bag seems to come back in style every few years. It’s really convenient as a carry-all for any occasion. It can look slouchy and wrinkly while holding a ton of stuff. Tassels are a huge trend this year, along with animal prints.

Messenger bags are a staple among students. They can hold heavy items like books, but still look chic. Even guys can carry the messenger bag! Purchase a patent leather messenger bag for more sophistication.

Nighttime Handbags

A chained clutch is all you need to complete a hot nighttime outfit. It can also go with you to a wedding reception or party. Slinky gold or silver chains add a touch of class, so look for these details. Python prints are trendy right now for handbags, and they look expensive even if they’re not! Versace’s Nappa Leather Chain Clutch retails for just under $1,000, or you can spend less on the DKNY French Grain Clutch for less than $200.

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How to Take Care of Leather Handbags

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leather handbat e1320291577666Handbags obviously endure a great deal of wear and tear. They are slung around, dropped, hung on hooks, and stretched out. They are exposed to the elements every day. If you have an expensive designer handbag that you use often, you will need to learn how to take care of it to maintain its appearance. Leather handbags require special care, but they can last for many years if they receive lots of TLC.

First, figure out what type of fabric your handbag is made out of. Suede is very hard to clean, while cow’s leather is easiest. Lambskin is in-between. Next, go to a leather shop or handbag store and purchase the type of cleaner for the handbag. They should sell something called “leather conditioner” that you use to waterproof the handbag. Follow the directions on the packaging to waterproof and soften the leather. You should do this as soon as possible after you purchase the handbag. Deerskin leather, however, does not require waterproofing.

Use the correct type of cleaner for your material. Deerskin or cow’s skin leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild dish soap when needed. Do not submerge the purse in water. If you have a suede handbag, buy a “suede eraser” to remove stains and scuffs. Don’t use harsh cleaning products on suede, or you may damage the texture.

Keep your handbag off the ground. Either keep it under your arm or slung around a chair. These are safer places than setting it down on a dirty floor, bar, or table. When you’re not using your purse, store it in the closet. You don’t need to wrap it in anything. It’s especially important to keep it away from sunlight, which can fade and damage the leather over time. If you are not going to use the purse for a long time, stuff tissue paper inside it to keep its shape.

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Tips for Buying Designer Handbags Online

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iStock 000013729082XSmallIf you like to shop online, you have undoubtedly come across ads for handbags. Many of these online retailers are simply replica sellers. They take a genuine designer handbag and try to copy everything about it. Most of the time, these replicas are cheap copies that can’t compare to the real deal. You can, however, find good deals on websites like eBay, which has a policy against selling knock-off purses.

Find out what type of handbag is trendy right now if you like to have the latest accessories. There are entire fashion blogs dedicated to naming the hottest handbag trends. Celebrities are another endless source of fashion advice.

When you’re bidding on a handbag on eBay, check other listings to see what the same item sells for. Place your bid in this range to get the best deal. Always put in your best and highest bid upfront so you won’t have to constantly check the listing for higher bids. If someone bids higher, then you know that it wasn’t a good deal for you.

Don’t be afraid of bidding on used handbags. Many women buy the latest handbag and discover that it doesn’t really suit their style or storage needs. There are also special cleaning products available that can erase any scuffs or marks on a used handbag.

Do some research on the online seller before bidding. Check on their reviews, testimonials, websites, and other products. If they look suspicious, you can report them to the eBay managers.

Use a credit card that has a consumer-protection policy against fraudulent purchases. PayPal offers debit and credit cards that have this type of online protection. PayPal also integrates into eBay seamlessly for fast purchases.

Ask for a tracking number and insurance if you’re buying an expensive designer purse. It helps you in dispute cases if the seller doesn’t deliver as promised.

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Louis Vuitton Handbags: Fake Vs. Genuine

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louis vuitton handbag e1320291904885Of all the knock-off purse brands, Louis Vuitton probably has the most. Since the purses are so expensive, women are drawn to ads that promise authentic handbags at a fraction of the price. The only problem is that the purses tend to fall apart after just a month or two. In most cases, they are easily spotted as a knock-off. Protect yourself and your money by learning how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton purse.

1. Go to the Louis Vuitton website and look at the handbags. They should match up with the ones offered on another website. Some replica makers will make up patterns and models, so make sure they exist first. It should have the same number of pockets and zippers. If you can, try to look at a genuine Louis Vuitton dustbag, too.

2. Look at the stitching of the Louis Vuitton handbag. They should be perfectly even, with no loose threads found anywhere. Check the straps for even stitching as well.

3. Look at the LV monogram and spelling and compare it to the ones on the official website. The letters should be straight and even and shouldn’t get cut off between the seams.

4. The piping between the seams of the handbag should be made of leather, not plastic. You can tell it’s plastic if you run a fingernail along it and it frays easily.

5. If it’s advertised as brand-new, the price should be slightly lower than the one listed on the official LV website. Louis Vuitton handbags advertised for under $100 aren’t authentic if they are new.

6. Check the metal buckles and zippers for even color. There should be no flecks of silver, bubbles or uneven metal parts anywhere on the handbag.

7. Write down the serial number listed in the bag and check with an official LV reseller to make sure it’s a real number.

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Brightly Colored Handbags for Warm Weather

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bright colors e1320292280235The spring and summer months bring to mind visions of greenery, bright flowers, and sunshine. A colorful handbag is the perfect complement to a new spring or summer outfit. The hot colors for this year include fuchsia, chartreuse, shades of orange and peach, and purple hues. Even if your outfit is a neutral or dark color, your bright purse will liven up any ensemble.

Proenza Schouler Bottle Green PS1 Satchel

This handbag incorporates every trend right now. It’s green, has alligator print, and silver buckles. You can carry it using the little top strap or use the longer shoulder strap. You’re going to have to hunt for a sale price on eBay, however, because it will cost you about $14,500 on the Proenza Schouler website.

Tory Burch Bucket Bag

It’s orange, it has a drawstring, and it can hold all your goodies. What more could you ask for? The unique orange-red color is very European and not at all garish. It costs about $450 on the official website, but you can find better deals elsewhere.

Jill Sander Market Bag

Dare to wear fuchsia? You will once you see this adorable, bright, fuchsia, leather handbag. There aren’t any tassels, buckles, or textures on this purse, because the color alone is all you need. It retails for just under $900.

Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Canteen

If your style is more low-key, and you want something that will blend in at the grocery store or backyard barbecue, then this little number will suit you just fine. It’s a basic, woven-straw handbag with some neon yellow trim that’s not too bright. It only costs about $148 on the Marc Jacobs website. This handbag lets you try out the bright-color trend without attracting too much attention. When the trend is over, you won’t feel too sad since you spent less than $200 on it!

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