As with any other fashion essential, women’s handbags come in a dizzying array of styles, shoulder bags, couriers, hoboes, buckets, saddlebags and backpacks. However, one item that has been scorching the runways for some seasons now is the often reviled ‘Clutch’. As the name suggests, they are usually small purses designed to be carried -- or "clutched" -- in the hand. As many variants of metallic clutches come with a detachable chain or leather strap, they can be worn hanging from the shoulder. Even though the clutch has been around since the 19th century, the major resurgence in its fame came during the World War II. The point is that women can indulge their fantasies for an expensive-looking, fun fashion accessory when they use clutch purses.
The clutch purse is a popular option for an evening bag, although with the modern woman's lifestyle requiring her to carry her cell phone, wallet, keys, pens, calculator, PDA, and other assorted necessities, it is not a common purse for every day use. However, the clutch purse can be found in every shape possible. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes such as little square boxes, triangles or heart-shapes, and can often be found covered with brocade, beads or satin. In addition, they may be fastened with tassels, loops, and other fanciful decorations. Leather or vinyl clutches are also available for less formal events when a smaller purse is still desirable.
Out of the multiple styles of clutches available, one of the most popular variants is the Metallic Clutch. The fashion industry has been in the throes of a long lasting love affair with metallics. As the name suggests, the distinctive feature of these clutches is their metallic finish, either in texture, material or color. Owing to the striking glittery effect of the metallic finish, a metallic clutch is the easiest way to add a bit of instant glamour to an evening look. However, you don’t necessarily have to save metallics for the cocktail hour. What these clutches lack in practicality, they make up for in style. With just enough room for some small change and a lipstick these cute clutches are ultra-fashionable arm candy right now. This season's metallic clutch purses are giving oversized handbags a run for their money, with brightly-colored convertibles, hard cases and big, chunky designs. In a quirky variant, some types of metallic clutches are also taking on the shape of metallic crystal balls, making them an exotic option with a neat twist of edgy mystique.
On an average these metallic multi-colored clutches will add that extra zing to any outfit. They can be employed to convert a little black dress or a classic wardrobe piece into an instant stunner, giving it a futuristic look. Or just step out for a day in the sun flaunting a metallic clutch and contrasting fun coloured shades giving you a stylish look that will up the ante alright.
One of the most beautiful and fun accessories available, some designs of metallic clutches this season are:
The colorful dragonfly clutch which is sure to turn heads wherever you go
Next Friday is your big date with the handsome guy from your philosophy class. He's finally asked you out and even though there's five days left to go, you're already selecting the dress that you are going to wear and the shoes to go with it. You're thinking the rose mini dress with matching pumps. Your best friend suggests the black velvet with the slit up the side and silver jewelry to match your silver and black strappy sandals. No matter which outfit you choose, you're going to need a cool and classy evening bag to match. Luckily, there's still time to go shopping.
The perfect evening bag that will accentuate your outfit and allow you to carry everything you need in style is just a few clicks away. You can get the bag you want at the price you can afford through many different online stores.
Here are some of the best bags to choose from:
The Wooden Contrast from Yen Linh will go from casual jeans to a dressy dress. It features a green and champagne exterior silk outer shell, and a hand carved handle that has floral detailing. The interior is satin and has a zippered pouch. The suggested retail price is $56.00.
The Light Pink Metallic from Blue Elegance is large enough to hold everything from your cell phone to your makeup case. Its features striped handles and a yellow stone design on the front. The exterior is made of faux leather and has a zippered pouch. The interior has three compartments and a vinyl like lining. This one normally sells for $68.00 but it is being offered at the discounted price of $61.99.
The Dayton Leather Clutch from Tressje is another large purse that has a suede interior and a beautiful white and gold mesh exterior. It features a wrist strap and has a zipper closure and a small pouch. The normal sales price is $175.00 but it is being offered currently at the discounted price of $160.00.
The Tia in Mandarin Speckle from Offhand Designs is a small but fabulous bag. It features a wrist strap, an interior made of neutral faille with a handy pocket. The exterior shell is made of beautiful vintage brocade. The bag regulary is offered at $32.00 but it is being offered at the discounted price of $29.00.
The Pink Metallic Wristlet from Big Buddha has a carnation colored distressed leather outer shell. It has a top zipper closure and the interior features a pink textile lining. The normal retail price is $96.00, but it is being offered at the discounted price of $85.00
The Small Ball Clasp from Sondra Roberts features a thin metal strap that is detachable. It has a metallic bronze, faux leather outer shell and the interior has three compartments. The regular retail price is $47.00
Before you know it, the big day will be here and you'll want to impress your date with your style.
its not a designer handbag or anything, but it does have gold/silver threading on it, with hearts (about the size on your palm) and in other smaller sizes that are gold or silver, with gold/silver glitter on the hearts. Its in need of a good washing, but i don't want to go to the dry cleaners... and im afraid the glitter will wash off... any tips?
I had to return some hoop earrings because the clasp didn't work and the only thing the right price was a silver metallic purse. I don't see people carrying them any more, but I thought it was cute. I think it would def. be ok for night time/club... what about during the day??
Be extra cautious while buying a vintage purse, because you may not know whether it is really a vintage purse or not. Vintage the word itself says a lot about the classy style of purses I am talking about. As I said you need to check a few things before buying a Vintage coach purse.
As the name suggests, Vintage Coach Purses are classic and most of them are used ones. But this is what makes these purses vintage. Try to look for wear and tear signs because a purse is something you use on regular basis. A little bit of wear and tear is ok, but nobody will like to buy a damaged piece. Please see if the normal wear and tear is not beyond repair and adds style to it apart from being strong enough to be used as a purse.
Do check the metallic parts like buckles an buttons. Even if they look old, they should be in working condition. Try to check the details when you buy vintage coach purse. Normally these details are not available at any local flea market. Go and visit some authorized dealers who have established a name in t he market. Try find out the authenticity of these purses, purchase it only when you are fully satisfied that you are getting a genuine Vintage Coach purse.
However if you have time and access to internet you can always visit some online shops to buy some of the finest vintage Coach purse.
Purse is a very vital accessory for any women or girl. If you ask them then the answer would be that they cannot even imagine about a purse. All the items of convenience or essential and personal items are carried in purse only. Nowadays, backpack purse is gaining popularity day by day. Concept of backpack combines the use of a backpack with the discretion of purse.
What is more? It is suitable for female of any age group. Younger generation has welcomed this idea with open arms. To make it clear, whether its children of two years old or a ninety year old mature women, all are using backpack for their increased convenience and style.
A backpack purse is a purse with qualities of standard backpack that has variant colors and styles to choose from. The only difference is that a backpack purse is usually smaller than the standard backpack. Manufacturers are using various materials such as faux leather, leather, demin etc. to give new meaning to the style of backpack purses.
To add to its looks, various types of decoration material is used to create a backpack purse. Some back purses are decorated using buckles, clasps and metal studs whereas some are garnished with embroidery on the fabric of the backpack purse. Various types of colors are available to suit your needs and requirements. If you are looking for a backpack purse of your choice, there is no reason for not finding one for your needs.
Backpack purse would help you in various ways in your daily life. You would be impressed with its capability to carry your personal items. Teenagers and young girls often do not like to carry those traditional shoulder strap purse and really like the concept of backpack purse. You can even include your school supplies in your backpack purse conveniently.
Backpack purses are designed with various pockets and spaces to store different types of things easily. If you are a career women, then you would have to juggle with briefcases, laptops etc. that makes it difficult for you to carry a shoulder strap purse with you.
Now you can easily opt for a back purse that would meet all your requirements at ease and keeps your hands free. For mothers and grandmothers, a backpack purse is a gift of innovation as now they can easily carry bottle, wipes, diapers etc. for their children easily. You need not to carry separate bag for all these items as they can easily be accommodated in your backpack purse.
Popularity of backpack purse is gradually increasing due to its style, diverse colors, flexibility, unique style and convenience. Backpack purses have proved to be most convenient way to carry your belongings at ease. Moreover, they fulfill all the requirements of a casual or formal accessory.
They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don't forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?
Let's start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they'll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don't recommend carrying one of these handbags.
Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.
Now don't forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don't make a roar, these are the tamest out there of all three.
Sequence, metallic and faux fur, get them while they are hot!
Just got a new White/Metallic Coach Purse, Mostly Fabric. I was thinking about scotch guarding the purse before I use it but im not sure if the scotch guard will ruin the purse. Also I had a problem with my last Coach that it started sagging and didn't stay firm, would it be bad to spray the new one with a starch to keep it firm? or will this ruin it also???
With gadgets getting smaller it's interesting that the hottest trend in handbags is "the bigger the better." Is it our mobile lifestyles-the need to have essentials (i.e., emergency sewing kit, makeup bag, mouthwash, Blackberry, personal hygiene items, cell phones, etc.) within reach at all times? Or, maybe we just want roomier bags (it's always nice knowing that if you need the space, it's there). Whatever the reason, handbags are as big as Texas. Oversized totes, hobo bags and Jackie O bucket and shoulder bags provide enough choices to accommodate business, casual and a night on the town.
"The hottest handbags are big, bigger, biggest," said Susan Sommer, former fashion editor turned fashion and business etiquette coach and founder of Dresszing, a wardrobing and visual communications company "Think oversized. Get to your essentials-wallet, keys, phone, compact and lipgloss-quickly by putting them in a small zippered case tucked inside".
Mary Jo Matsumoto, whose bags have appeared on the arm of A-list stars, chimed in on the big bag phenomenon. "One of the biggest upcoming trends for bags is big, roomy, and black sack-like bags like the ones that Chanel put out this season. Also, oversized doctor's bags are a trend as seen in the Marc Jacobs collection for Louis Vuitton".
Okay, so we get that bags are big. What else is influencing top designers? Fortunately there is a lot of carryover from past seasons-so that metallic gold bag you got last year is back for a repeat performance. Neutral colors are always a safe bet, but with flashier twists, such as patent leather, you can have some fun too.
"The 80s influence are back again in the world of fashion," said Barbara Glass, Image & Wardrobe Consultant, Fashion Editor, and TV Fashion Reporter. "The spring and summer seasons kicked off with oversized straw and colorful canvas totes and the double-strapped pocketed schoolbag look in patent leather to hold your most basic essentials or flip-flops for when those wedge skyscrapers create pain with no relief."
When going out on the town, styles shift away from the gargantuan daytime bags. "For evening, try to simplify your life with one of the new mini bags, clutches or wristlets and find a deserving guy to carry wherever else it can't hold," Glass said. "Lipgloss, keys, breath mints and cab fare should be do the trick. Look for patent leather to be an important fabric in handbags and shoes for fall and winter. It's practical and has a retro influence".
Handbag designer Rebecca Ciccio says stick to the basics for a classic, sophisticated look. "For the fall, earthy colors like chocolate brown and camel are perfect, but black is definitely making a comeback." Metallics are still in favor with designers and consumers, so spice up that black dress or clinging cashmere v-neck with a metallic bag or clutch. "Metallics will show up for fall into holiday, in dark golds, bronze, and taupe, as well as some accent colors like plum and winter white. For play, a clutch in a fun and exotic material".
Matsumoto echoes Ciccio with her prediction about bold metallics and earth tones. "Another big trend that will be emerging as we move quickly from fall to Resort (that season started in November) is tons of silver and gunmetal, especially in day bags," she said. "Plus surprisingly, gray will be emerging as a major color in accessories."
9-5 It's a way to make a living
Listen up working girls. Women's business accessories are no longer dull and drab. With colors and designer details, you can make a style statement with your workbag.
"For work, large bags are still as strong as ever," Ciccio said. "There are many women in the work force who want to have a bag that will fit everything from their wallet and make-up case, to magazines or even a lap top. However, make sure the bags is not too big and over trendy."
Believe it or not, the shelves are lined with colorful bags bearing crocodile prints or leather trimmed tweeds with gorgeous brushed silver hardware, all shaped into the season's must-have accessories. We're not talking about a women's specialty boutique - this is Staples.
Forget the unisex laptop bag - business women now have new choices that go well beyond the basic. Accessories are evolving new styles, finishes, color and fittings to match the best-dressed businesswoman.
Targus offers a pair of stylish business totes, each roomy enough to accommodate a laptop, plus cell phone, business cards and essential papers. The Quilted Messenger Bag shows the softer side of business. The satiny black nylon is criss-crossed with bright magenta stitching with a matching magenta lining. The bag is padded and has plenty of pockets for pens and accessories.
Buxton's Kelly Bag wraps practicality into a leather tote with a clean style. The Kelly Bag features a center zip pocket, a full-zippered main compartment, and a fully padded laptop section. Expandable utility loops, card and cell pockets give the Kelly bag plenty of carrying power. Available in red, dark brown and black.
I'm going to start school shopping in approximately two more weeks. I love to be prepared, and I want to be sure of what I'm looking for, so I made a list of must have items for school in the fall. I'm starting 9th grade, and as a freshman in high school I really want to be fashionable. Ripped jeans and tees that say "HOLLISTER" are not my idea of fashion...
Anyways, what do you think of this list? What other current trends am I missing that would be good to try?
~Plain V-Neck tees
~Patterned/Floral Print Dresses (Mostly considering above the knee. I hate long dresses)
~Thin/Gauzy Sweaters (For slightly cool weather; I live in NJ so the weather is pretty strange up here. It'll be sunny and 90 one day and rainy and 60 the next)
~Fitted Blazers
~Fitted Vests
~Graphic Tees/Tees with Sayings on them
~Button-Ups
~Statement Shoes (mostly ballet flats because high heels scare me!)
~Boots (Uggs, Booties, Western-Style Cowboy Boots)
~Gladiator Sandals
~Flowy, Bohemian-Inspired Tanks
~Plain Tanks
~Zippered Leggings/Metallic Leggings (not the type worn under skirts and dresses...I mean the type actually designed to wear as pants)
~Polo Tops
~Leather Jacket
~Skirts (Above knee, Jean mini's/patterned mini's/floral printed)
~Tote Bag(s)
~Clutch Purse/Wristlet
~Embellished Hair Accessories (Headbands/Hair Clips/Hats)
~Tennis Shoes/Sneakers
~Make-Up in Neutral Tones (Brown, Beige, Subtle Golds and Greys, Light Pinks and Peaches)
~Sequined Anything (Tops/Pants/Shoes/Acessories)
~Pencil Skirts (Above knee of course)
So, what do you think? Do I pretty much have all I need?
All comments and suggestions are appreciated! Thanks so much!
I'm in my mid-teens, and I can't seem to find ones I like in stores. Any suggestions on what stores I should check out?
I want:
- less than $40
*does NOT have metallic or "shiny" fabric
*is NOT "baggy" or "saggy" looking
- Something like Coach, but not too expensive or too "professional"
*has compartments (pockets, dividers, etc) in the bag (hence the "purse" part, not just the wristlet)
- Simple, but cute design
BTW, I don't shop online.
It should be big enough for an iPod Touch, cell phone and collapsable headphones.
We all know time keeping started with the Egyptians around 1500 B.C. There was a lot of innovation and invention between that time and 1524 when one of the first watches was invented in Italy. The piece of watch history that I thought was intriguing was how it evolved from a pocket watch into the timepiece we use today.
Clock technology became small enough to be used in pocket watches in the 16th century. They were big and clunky until the 17th century when design was applied to the pocket watch. Pocket watches were typically worn by the rich upper class. The technology grew smaller and women started wearing wrist watches. The women's wristwatches or wristlets were considered quite feminine and any man's man would not were a wristlet.
This all changed during the Boer war (1899 - 1902). A little trivia fact here this Boer war was actually they second Boer war and these colonies later created the Union of South Africa. Although the British were better trained and had better equipment they needed precise timing to out maneuver the entrenched Boers . Some of the troops began strapping pocket watches to their wrists with leather straps. This allowed them to keep track of time without interfering with combat.
The idea began in the Boer war but caught on in World War I. Watches were manufactured with metal guards that protected the watch face and allowed the wearer to tell time.
And of course what is more masculine than a soldier in combat. When soldiers came back home wearing wrist watches no one was going to make fun of them. Watch manufacturers started producing the wristwatch to fulfill military orders. There you have it from pocket watch to wristwatch.
I got this awesommmmmmmeeeeeee purple purse. It metallic and really shiney. I dont have an outfit for it and I don't really know what will go good with it. What color top/pants/shoes should I wear with it and what kind? Thankssssss so0o0o much.
The color of th purse looks similar to this:
http://flypaper.bluefly.com/images/rebecca_minkoff_purple_tote_blueflys_blog_flypaper.jpg
I would like to know the brand so I can purchase it. Thanks!
