How To Find The Hottest Handbags At The Coolest Prices
Gregg Hall asked:
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.
Caffeinated Content
Hot Handbags
A. Covington asked:
Big is in
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.
Is your handbag still in style?
Caffeinated Content
i already asked this question.but can you help?
*Je'mappelle Colette* asked:
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!
Where can I get a wristlet purse?
(¯`*•.¸♥Berry♥¸.•*´¯) asked:
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.
Photo/Driver's ID would be great 
Caffeinated Content
Pocket Watch To Wrist Watch
Erik Petersen asked:
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.
Caffeinated Content for WordPress
can you help me please.does this sound okay ?
*Je'mappelle Colette* asked:
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!
Do You think that this is a good back to school shopping list?
*Je'mappelle Colette* asked:
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!
Bold and Beautiful Beaded Lanyard Patterns
Phyllis Chapman asked:
Most of us are familiar with what lanyards are but may not be conversant with the term. A lanyard is the cord or strap that is worn around the neck to hold an identification badge, whistle, keys or other small object. It can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist.
When worn around the wrist, a lanyard is often referred to as a "wristlet." Lanyards have become increasingly popular for their ability to keep important objects close at hand while simultaneously keeping hands free.
Lanyards are used to display identification cards as also for carrying cell phones pens and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards come in different materials nylon, rope, polyester, lace, beaded lanyards, custom printed lanyards and decorative lanyards.
Lanyards are used nowadays almost everywhere by businesses, schools, hospitals, at special events, conventions, and in many recreational activities. Lanyards come in various colors and types with different hardware attached at the bottom for holding an ID badge, whistle or the like.
Lanyards are typically made of cord, cotton, nylon or polyester twill. The cord type is the least expensive. The strap-type lanyards can be made of cotton, polytwill or nylon and are often printed with a company or team name, product or logo.
There are a wide variety of lanyards to choose from depending on your preference. Let us consider the popular beaded lanyard patterns. Beaded lanyards are much like jewelry. Colorful and top quality beaded lanyards made for excellent badge holders and eyeglass holders.
TYPECAST: Beaded lanyards can be as simple as inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.
However, other beaded lanyards are quite unique. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.
JEWELS AHOY: Some forms of beaded lanyards are quite unique and take the form of jewelry. They are often designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.
Beaded lanyards made of blue, black or multi-colored beads accented with silver and gold are a special kind, which are quite popular. Exquisite beaded lanyards made of Swarovski crystals or semi-precious beads are available for the discerning wearer. Whatever is your preference you can be sure to get beaded lanyards with a distinctive style to coordinate and complement your attire, and as per your preference.
ART TIME: Beaded lanyards can be artistic like creations with sparkling crystals or colored plastic, or even metallic beaded chains. The two types on beads on a wire make a beautiful impression. Some of the most spectacular types of this combination form a special form of jewel lanyard.
Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings. This is an ultimate in co-ordinated fashion accessories.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE: The most popular variety of beaded lanyards are used to hang glasses around the neck. These lanyards allow the glasses to hang around the neck when not in use. Such neck lanyards are called eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders.
Remember that beaded lanyards are often fragile. They may look elegant, but are not durable. So, when putting your glasses on a beaded lanyard, do check its durability.
Whatever type of beaded lanyard pattern you choose, they are attractive and eye catching and make a fashion statement of a different kind. So choose that beaded lanyard you have always wanted.
Website content
Coach Creed Patch and Serial Number
Ray Sherman asked:
The Coach patch, creed and serial number is the number 1 topic of conversation when the authenticity of a Coach purse is being discussed. Nobody wants to buy a counterfeit bag. Everybody wants to know for sure if their bag is authentic, particularly when buying from an online auction like eBay. But is this mysterious serial number a true indicator? In a word, NO.
First, a true serial number is unique. Finding a Coach patch with an actual unique serial number is next to impossible. Coach hasn't used a true serial number for about 10 years. Sure, the older bags had true serial numbers, but not anymore. The myths , urban legends or simple un-truths surrounding "the patch" have caused many a girl to go into a panicked frenzy of sorts after receiving a bag that had a patch with no numbers or worse yet, no patch at all!
The fact is not all bags have them. Actually, most do not! Nobody really knows for certain what determines Coach's decision to place a leather creed patch with numbers in certain bags but a general rule of thumb is this: If Coach deems the purse a handbag, it will have a leather creed patch with numbers . Items not counting as handbags would include wristlets, mini skinny's, cosmetic pouch bags and other accessories. There will sometimes be leather patches with the creed, but not any numbers in these smaller accessory type products. The numbers, when present, represent the style number and a code of date of manufacture. So you will see the same style number on every bag of that style but you might find some bags with different numbers other than the style numbers. The numbers can also contain letters.
There are more than a few different creeds but the most common ones will read something like these:
THIS IS A COACH BAG. IT WAS HANDCRAFTED IN CHINA FROM THE FINEST MATERIALS TRIMMED WITH GENUINE LEATHER. ITS SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL REFLECT OUR COMMITMENT TO ENDURING QUALITY.
THIS IS A COACH BAG. IT WAS HANDCRAFTED IN CHINA OF COMPLETELY NATURAL SOFT MILLED COWHIDE. THE VARIATIONS IN THE GRAIN ARE CHARACTERISTIC OF NATURAL FULL GRAIN LEATHER.
Most of the leather patches are beautifully embossed. Some of the newer bags have a metallic cursive style writing on them rather than an embossing. Some of the accessory type bags, as mentioned above, will not have any numbers but may still have a creed of sorts, usually a shorter version of the above examples.
Another misconception is that Coach bags are made in the USA and that anything made in China must be fake. This is not true and it's hard to believe so many people believe it. Coach hasn't made bags in the USA for about 10 years and 90% or more of their products are manufactured in China. There are other countries too such as Turkey, Italy, Pakistan, Mexico and India among others. You will almost always see the word China on their creed patches.
The bottom line is that just because a Coach bag is without a leather creed, does not mean it's a knockoff. Most companies manufacturing fake bags would put one in anyways. It might not be the correct style numbers. It might not be leather. It might have words spelled incorrectly. Still, it will likely be there with a fake bag. So don't get too excited by a "no patch" bag. Instead, learn the style number of your bag and if it has a patch, see that it matches the numbers on the creed. Check for incorrect spellings. Make sure the patch is actually leather. To recap, if it's a small pouch bag, cosmetic bag, wristlet or other accessory, it likely shouldn't have one in it anyway. Of course, there are exceptions to this accessories rule, but it's accurate most of the time. Some of the more expensive accessories will have the full creed in them such as limited edition items.
Caffeinated Content
purse questions for all you fashionistas out there?
jennybean7985 asked:
just curious how many purses u ladies own? are they mostly the same brand or are they all different brands? what about color? do u prefer bold bags that make a statement and get attention (bright color, sparkly accessories etc) or do u prefer understated and simple?
personally i have 26 purses including clutches, wristlets, totes etc but i find that i tend to get alot of neutral colored onces so i can match them with anything but im starting to get into bright and bold colored bags (there is a lime green one from Target that i LOVE)
what is ur favorite purse and why?
mine is a Dolce and Gabbana oversize bag that is black leather (sooo soft) and the front is orange, metallic mint green and metallic baby blue pattern... i love it!! it fits all my books and my laptop for school and it looks amazing and suprisingly it matches almost everything without clashing
last but not least where do u store/display ur purses?
Caffeinated Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress
