Become a Style Expert on Handbags!

How you express your flair through a certain accessory, as
a certain element of your indefinable style, is an
undeniable sign that you're quite comfortable with
self-expression. For many women that certain element is a
handbag. Your handbag reveals what type of person you are.
Your handbag can clearly signify whether you're a busy
mom, a trendy fashionista, a utilitarian multi-tasker or a
classic and stylish woman. Additionally, this drives the
shapes and condition of your handbag. Is it battered and
well-worn? Is the bag in good condition? Is it cloth and
easily maintainable? How large or small is it? My goal is
to let you in on a few secrets to help you become a style
expert on handbags. Namely, how can a signature piece of
your accessory collection complement your signature style!

When selecting a signature handbag, the following steps
should be taken:

1. Flatter your figure. The more curvaceous your shape,
the more structured, i.e. rectangular or square design,
your bag should be. Also, larger bags look better on a
larger women and a smaller bag look best on smaller-framed
woman. A shoulder bag's length will accentuate the part of
the body it hits, i.e. your waist or hips. Large-busted
women should opt for shoulder bags that hit below the bust
to avoid looking top-heavy. The length which flatters most
women is anywhere from her mid-torso to the top of her hip
bone.

2. Complement your lifestyle. The bag has to hold all of
your normal handbag contents (not junk…). You need to have
easy access to your wallet, phone, keys, tissues, and
lipstick and should not have to be bothered with
complicated closures or zippers that jam. If you commute
via a public transit system, look for straps that can be
worn across your chest and avoid big totes that put strain
on your shoulders and neck.

3. Know your signature style. What are the key shapes,
colors and fabrics that make up your undeniable style? The
personality of your handbag should truly be a reflection of
this. I typically recommend sticking with neutral colors
when you add bolder colors to your wardrobe. However, if
you prefer neutral colors for your wardrobe, add a
boldly-colored handbag to your signature style. A
high-quality leather handbag is the best choice for
year-round use since you can count on it for daily use.
You might want to consider adding a fabric or straw bag to
your wardrobe for weekend or warm weather looks.

4. Think return on investment. Before you grab that
trendy and stylish bag, ask yourself how many opportunities
you will have to use it. If you can only think of one
event, put it right back. Or does it look great, but it
looks like it is constructed poorly? Again, put it back on
the shelf. You want to stick with a bag, which will
provide multiple opportunities for use and won't collect
dust on your shelf or be forgotten in a box.

You can easily become a style expert on handbags by
following the steps above. Also, remember that your choice
in handbag should always signify that you're quite
comfortable with your signature style.


About the Author:

Marion Chamberlain is founder of MMC Style
(http://www.mmcstyle.com ), an Internet store for European
fashion accessories sourced from unique and highly-talented
small design shops in Europe. The online store offers
high-quality European fashion jewelry and leather handbags
to those women who want to be unique. MMC Style
(http://www.mmcstyle.com ) European fashion accessories are
truly unique and can't be found in department or chain
stores.