ABC's of Handbags

There is a little more to handbags than meets the eye. There are hundreds of designers and styles to choose from, and there are purses out there to fit your every need. So how do you know what style to buy?

The Backpack: In the late 1980s handbag designers “embraced a practical object made out of everyday material and turned it into the period’s most coveted status symbol.. Designer backpacks are still popular for their practicality. Quite often you see kids with these bags, or those who travel a lot or need to have everything close at hand because they hold a LOT of stuff!

The Baguette: A popular French loaf-shaped bag made famous by Fendi. It usually has a short shoulder strap and is of small to medium size.In 2007 the Fendi Baguette celebrated it's 10th anniversary. These are cute little bags and perfect for a young girl or if you only need to carry a few things.

The Birkin Bag: The Birkin was created in 1984 by Hermès under guidelines from British-born Jane Birkin, who wanted a bigger, easier-to-handle bag in which to carry her many things. The Birkin is a custom, handmade, highly touted bag made of animal skins and fine material. It carries a sophisticated air.

The Box Bag: Often doubling up as a vanity case, this style was popularized in the 1950s and bags were often made from Lucite. Box bags were named due to their cigar box shape and today this hard cased style can also be found in wood, straw, cane and plastic, but Lucite has re-emerged as a popular material in 2008.

The Bucket: This roomy bag emerged in 1933, providing a popular, fun style which broke with tradition. Based on the shape of a bucket there are variations which can still be found in stores today and are produced mostly in leather.

The Clutch Purse:    The go anywhere rectangular evening bag designed to be held or tucked underneath the arm. Many variations in all sizes and fabrics have emerged over the years. This bag has become just as versatile for daytime as evening wear. This style of purse is a must for a special occasion and only if you just need to carry a few items.

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The Hobo: A soft, large, slouchy (usually crescent shaped) shoulder bag favored by Gucci. Slouchy and comfortable, these don't have a lot of form inside and things can get kind of jumbled up. Buy an organizer for inside your purse if you get one of these.

The Kate Spade Bag:   Categorized by many women as the bag that would go with everything, American designer Kate Spade set about creating handbags which were affordable and fashionable, without being boring. Famous for her box-shaped bags, Kate Spade's bags are made out of soft materials. Kate's bags are absolutely and essential for any accessory  wardrobe and come in tons of cute, coordinating styles.

  

The Kelly Bag: Hermès so named this bag after Hollywood movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who was hardly ever seen separated from her Hermes bag. It’s smart, leather, tailored shape is reminiscent of a briefcase or document case and is a sophisticated, classic style.

The Messenger: The Prada Messenger bag has become a popular fashion item of late. This large, usually soft shoulder bag is based on the traditional messenger bags that couriers or postmen carry. These are also known as cross-body bags.

   

The Murse or Manbag: A man’s purse which is fast becoming a hot fashion item for men owing both to their practicality and street cred. Yeah, you remember the commercial where the man has a 'European shoulder bag'? This is it.

The Pouch: A soft, small bag, often with a drawstring, which was designed to be worn underneath clothing in the early 1900s.Today numerous variations are available and are mainly used as an evening wear accessory. Slouchy and comfortable, these don't have a lot of form inside and things can get kind of jumbled up. Buy an organizer for inside your purse if you get one of these.

Satchel:  A bag with a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel style was inspired by a piece of luggage and can be various sizes such as the doctors bag.

Reticule: The reticule is the mother of modern handbags. It was birthed from necessity and convenience as an alternative way to carry personal items that used to be carried in dress pockets.

The Saddle Bag: Based on the shape of a horse's saddle, this shoulder bag with a long front flap is practical for everyday use. Another perfect cross-body.

The Tote This bag is inspired by a shopping bag, which is sturdy and rectangular with an open top and two strap handles. The inside may have zip compartments.     Usually recognized by their square, large shape, and usually associated with a beach bag, they have evolved into much more that something to carry suntan lotion in!