Handbag Trend: the flap close purse

May 24, 2011 by mel

Oh, how in love I am with satchels and shoulder bags this spring! And I’m not even a go-the-office kind of gal — a likely spot to find this ubiquitous professional handbag. Professional just got a lot hotter this spring, with several new styles of flap-close purses in our new arrivals section. You will definitely find something to carry with you to your next business lunch, important interview or happy hour date. Easy access to all your important personal items, as well as your company card because you’ll be able to pick up the check with these amazing prices.

Meet Mary:

Unexpected for workplace casual, but perfectly suited for weekend errands (regardless if you’re on the clock). Don’t work too hard. And you won’t look like you’re trying hard either.

Day-time with Debra:

Show ‘em who’s REALLY boss. You, of course. With this chic handbag (and gorgeous chain strap) on your shoulder.

Making Plans with Melissa:

Classic. With a Twist. Did somebody say “happy hour”? Meant for the woman who works as hard as she plays. And always looks good doing it.

Just me… and Joyce:

The epitome of femininity — that’s surely the beginning of carrying handbags, right? You’ll find your heart with this purse. And we promise, she’ll love you right back.

Take a look at our new arrivals. And tell us your favorite style in the comments!

If I were a bag, I’d be…

May 20, 2011 by mel

Did you know: your personality and handbag choice are directly related

In the article “Your Handbag, Your Self“, celebrity stylist and designer Rachel Zoe claims that what you carry “is an absolute indicator of who they are and what [your] style is.” The article goes on to discuss how everything about a bag — including its exterior details — “reveals clues about its owner.”

As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of… well, HUGE bags. But I don’t consider myself a hoarder. At least, not anything outside of accessories.

*sigh* It says I’m “not focused”… isn’t that the truth for most creative types?

That said, I usually plan my bags for a) what I’m wearing that day; b) where I’ll be going and c) if there’s the potential of a “plan b.” Which I suppose puts me in between “party girl” mode (listed below) and above-mentioned hoarder. I have MANY purses in my collection that reflect a variety of personalities. And most times, it depends on my mood and my outfit choice. I’ve even been known to carry a canvas tote AS my handbag because I’ll be out shopping and running too many errands to think about carrying a second (or third) bag (that would label me as an “upwardly mobile do-gooder, FYI). The phrase “a little crunchy” cracks me up; I have ZERO clue what that means even.

Some of the additional personality classifications include:
The Early Adopter – purse owner that is “cutting edge” and knowledgeable of trends (or might even make her own)
Party Girl – wears an adjustable messenger bag; prepared for anything that comes at her
Pantsuit Exec – looking fashion-forward, while wanting to be “taken seriously”
The Eternal Prepster – conservative, practical and “secretly relishes the status symbol”
Upwardly Mobile Do-Gooder – “a little crunchy, but brand aware”

How would you tag yourself? Do you think these categories are correct? Do you fall somewhere in between as well?

The fit of a handbag

May 16, 2011 by mel

How a handbag “fits” can be broken into two categories:

1. How it fits your body shape/type

2. And how it fits into your wardrobe

For decades, stylists have recommended a purse sit right under the armpit for a “perfect” fit. As we’re all well aware, where our armpit is, is different with the many body shapes of women. Also, I found that sometimes a purse directly underneath my arm (on my small, athletic frame) is uncomfortable. Especially for long periods of time.

The straps of handled bags are becoming longer and longer (with the exception of satchels, where just the bag itself is growing in size). And with clutches, handles are practically non-existent in new collections (I love carrying a small, flat purse in my hands — it’s so chic!). While this fashion rule still applies for shoulder bags (albeit not conclusively), for clutches, satchels or hobos, you might reconsider this law of the fashionistas based on your own style statement and preferences. I LOVE a large bag, and so long as it doesn’t completely overwhelm my outfit choice or my small frame, I want to carry a purse almost as long as my torso. And it has to be a huge punch of color. On that same note, I am currently coveting the look of a chain strap messenger with small purse dimensions.

Again, it depends on my outfit choice for the day, but I typically adopt a mantra of: chic, simple outfit = large, colorful bag; busy, colorful and layered outfit = small, almost inconspicuous purse. Just the same, if the look I’m opting for is classic, I will pair my smaller satchels or cross-body bags with my business attire or special event wardrobe.

So, how do you determine the proper fit of your handbag — for both your shape AND your wardrobe needs?

New spring-worthy handbag arrivals!

May 05, 2011 by mel

I’m always super excited when new handbags hit the shop — especially when I’m thinking of all the ways to incorporate the purses in with my look AND planning outfits around my favorite accessory. This new collection is no different, with chic, trendy options that will most certainly get compliments. And a lot of necessary attention. What I love best, is a good majority of these handbags are multi-seasonal (and exceptionally gorgeous for spring). Which, if you ask me, is a great investment.

Plus, check out those awesome prices!

There are several new styles, including bucket bags, satchels, flap bags and messengers — and as with the rest of our fabulous merchandise, most of these purses are sold in various complementary color schemes. That makes for over 15 different accessories in our new handbags section!

Today, say hello to Cheryl, Ashley and Joyce — the colorful personalities in the bunch! The three of these ladies are a good sampling of what’s to come (oh, and there’s SO many more!).

Cheryl Dou Bucket comes in pink, blue and brown.

Ashley CZ Heart Locket Flap handbag makes a subdued statement in shades peach, pink and yellow.

And the Joyce Ostrich Satchel is a classic stunner in black, red and brown.

Which new arrival is your favorite?

May Handbag Trends: what the magazines say

May 02, 2011 by mel

Oh, the vicious trend cycle. Just as quickly as “animal prints” is the go-to spring style statement, a colorful purse makes its own voice heard.

Flipping through several high-profile magazines this weekend, fashion has recycled looks from several decades. The most popular this season being 60s, 70s and (still horrifyingly) the 80s. What I love most about the first two is the option of brights and prints. The 80s? I wish someone would lock that decade up for eternity in a dark, back closet somewhere. I would definitely suggest a number of vintage-inspired purses, like these handbags — satchels to match your polished 70s apparel; slouchy hobos to pair with your printed 60s-wear. If you MUST adhere to closet trends that reflect any year between 1980 through 1989, opt for a minimal messenger or canvas cross-body with your “grunge” emphasis. And… please, tell me it’s only a phase.

One of my personal favorite trends that seems to grace nearly EVERY fashion mag right now is the satchel. What can I say: the 70s were definitely my decade! The satchel is chic, structured, roomy and just seems to fit my personal style with such ease.

If you decide to embrace the 1960s, the hobo is ubiquitous — you can embrace your inner beach goddess, then go sashay down a runway. Point being: incredibly versatile, “comfy” and sleek with a variety of clothing choices. Additionally, patterns have found their way into accessories, just as much as clothing — and it’s not JUST about the jungle theme (although those animal print handbags are still hot from last year!), but stripes, embossed facades and woven textures add to the diversity of style choices. Keep within one section of the color wheel, and mixing patterns is OK (just don’t do more than 2. Ever).

I love a mixture of patterns and colors together, and iFashionHandbags has a few accessories that will fit perfectly with those wardrobe choices (and on your shoulder).

Remember, style and era matching is every bit as important as “fit.” Handbags are no different. Stay tuned for next blog post for tips on finding your perfect purse.

New blog I love: Advanced Style

Apr 29, 2011 by mel

Love, love, LOVE this blog: Advanced Style.

For more in depth: this post, in particular. Check out that handbag! It’s so classic and chic. And totally reminds me of one of our new handbags: the Debra Flap Shoulder Bag.

Photo from Advanced Style.

What are you reading this Friday?

Royal Handbags: Kate Middleton, blue purses and more!

Apr 26, 2011 by mel

Oh, we’re all caught up in Royal Wedding fever, that’s for sure. And the soon-to-be-princess has a certain penchant for gorgeous handbags:

Which is your favorite?

Did you know that Kate Middleton used to be an accessory buyer? Her style is seemingly so simple, with sincere devotion to clean, straight lines — and nothing too modern or trendy (or “sexy” — although, I suppose that is all relative to each person). She emphasizes her personal style by a few over-sized or statement pieces (in this case, purses). For high-society events, she dons the occasional hat, but you will nearly always see her with a standard handheld clutch.

But with the mere mention of “royal,” we can’t help but think of these beautiful blue handbags for spring and summer.

The Elizabeth Signature Tote not only has such a “regal” sounding name, but it’s royal-ly perfect, no?

This high-quality leatherette handbag is so awesome. Its ringed-attached double handles, accented with faux bamboo makes this so perfect for, like, whatever! I just love the silver hardware and dangly leatherette and bamboo tassel from the front – I know, right? A gnarly dual-directional, visible surface zipper opens to a large main compartment or something.

Totes are a definite highlight of the year, with hobos going to the back of the closet (until fall). And chain-strapped messenger bags are the must have trend for those on style watch.

How will you carry the Elizabeth Signature Tote this season?

An Extremely “Purse-onal” Close-up

Apr 22, 2011 by mel

I love, love, LOVE this recently published blog post compilation over at MIMI+MEG: Up Close and Purse-onal, which features close-ups of some of best fashion bloggers from around the Web — with their purses, of course.

It’s like handbags works of (colorful) art!

Do you follow any of these style bloggers? Which online fashionista would you recommending adding to regular reading?

Bonus points for referring those with exceptional taste in the handbag department.

Diary of my favorite bag…

Apr 19, 2011 by mel

I used to be much more into designer hoopla and pompousness. Until a $400 bag fell apart on me mere months after purchase. Granted, it might have been “warranted” against these defects (with the option to send in for repair), but I wonder sometimes why, as women, we buy into the “luxury” model of accessories. If something — say a bag or a necklace — is unique, I want that more often than the desire to wear a name brand (and I always take off obnoxious tags or charms that indicate where my bag may be from). I suspect, perhaps, as I’ve planned a new shopping budget and taken on new financial responsibilities (read: saving cash), I no longer care where or from whom my bag came.

Designer inspired bags often come in the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship that the designer labels do — but I don’t like, purchase or promote designer RIP OFF bags. At all. I mean, if you don’t have the money to purchase the real deal, then why does your closet have to circumvent around a “fake” label. There is no shame in not owning every $1,000 handbag that a celebrity carries. Find your own style statement and consider your own financial means when shopping. Seriously. (OK, end rant)

As for name brand bags: OK, maybe it’s not some unheard-of, rare duck feathers adornments or prized calf leathers of a small Italian village, but as far as I’m concerned, purses have a shelf life of a couple years regardless of their origins. Especially if they are intended to fit into the latest trends. I cannot justify spending hundreds of dollars on a handbag that will be “out of season” next year. Granted, I will invest a BIT more money on, say, a beaded evening bag that will be paired with my black tie wardrobe pieces or the daily use, ubiquitous dark brown leather handbag that matches, well everything in my closet.

Budget-friendly bags have a place in every accessory room (and credit card statement) because of their inherent nature that you’ll carry a few times or for only a couple seasons, then either hang it up for longer than you need to keep it, donate it or store for future trends that will inevitably return. If you’re like me, you own multiple bags like this. In fact, I change out my handbag regularly — almost every other day — so I like to keep a variety of sizes, colors, materials, patterns and strap lengths. You know: bright-colored purses on dreary days and sequined clutches for happy hours and nights out.

Thoughts on designer vs. designer inspired?

How do you store or display your handbags?

Apr 15, 2011 by mel

The Blonde Salad answered the question, “How do I keep my bags?” And yes, her designer shoe and handbag collection is quite impressive.

But the question does remain, readers: how do you store your handbags within your own closet?

I have several bags myself, so I incorporated a few organizational techniques to prevent my closet from being overwhelmed by accessories.

Here are a few tips:

*Use hooks! (I bought some closet-organizing appropriate sets from IKEA). Not only does this method really help maintain the shape of the bag, you will protect the handles too (especially important for shoulder bags and satchels). I love that I had an extra wall in my closet, to sort of put my purses on display. Plus, I’m horrible at remembering what I have, so being able to visually see all my bags, makes for easier pairing with my daily wardrobe.

*Find cubbies and/or DIY shelves (available in nearly all home improvement stores and big-box places, like Target). I find this to be a great way to stack flat purses, like clutches and evening bags and smaller shoulder bags. Some of my skinny totes fare well in the manner too, using the available shelves (flattest on the bottom, then storing upwards). Also, these stackable cubes are sincerely cheap to purchase, and they effectively utilize the greatest amount of space. I then use the top open shelf for my large, bulky hobos (and store my Pashminas and scarves on the bottom, tiny space of the cubby, that you can see in that photo above).

*If your purse includes packaging, like a sac or a box, KEEP IT! I learned the hard way, but stacking boxes is SO MUCH EASIER for handbags to sit still in one place (too late for my purses, but I do this with my shoes now). And those soft pouches or bags around the purse itself will protect its exterior. In addition, take a photo and tape to the outside of the box, so you remember what’s inside.

Do you have any organizational tips for storing accessories — and most importantly, handbags?