Tag: bags
What is That in Your Hand?: Reflexions of a Divapreneur
by admin on Mar.27, 2010, under Womens Interest
People ask me all the time how I got into designing hand bags and jewelry. Well, like most things in life, it?s a long story. But the short version is that I was at an exhibition one day when I found myself drawn to a particular stand where hand bags were being sold. What I really liked was the fact that all the bags were made from cloth. You have to remember that at the time, fabric hand bags were only just becoming popular. I ended up buying some of the bags but felt the pricing was a bit low, so to test my theory, I tried to resell a few. I ended up selling all of them with people asking for more. They were really beautiful and each one had a very distinct and unique style. Not long after, I traveled abroad with the hope of continuing to order bags to resell. However, I suddenly found myself up against brick walls that I had never encountered before. Strange vocabulary, like customs, duties, textile quotas, shipping and other similarly dreadful words suddenly crept into my everyday dictionary. I soon realized that my new found ?open door?, had just slammed shut in my face. So I found myself at cross roads, as indeed those of us who call ourselves divapreneurs or entrepreneurs, are also at crossroads ? being whether to give in, or trudge on hopefully as we stand by helplessly watching the world economy throw its tantrums.
But I think it does take a different sort of mindset to be able to look through all this to see some of the positive spin offs of what?s going on. For tough times never come empty handed; they certainly bring with them the negatives, but also the positives, in the form of new opportunities, fresh ideas, etc. When I saw myself standing in front of a shut door with the bags, eventually I chose to rise to the challenge, and rather than just SELL bags, I decided to DESIGN bags. Easier said than done because I didn?t know anything about bags in the first place, and knew even less about designing, but we won?t go there right now, ?cause it?ll mess up my story?
Anyway, that?s the bag thing, but when I first started making jewelry, my personal economy was in such bad shape that it took me seven months to save the $35 I needed to pay for the class. Then it took me another six months of saving before I could buy the tools I needed to actually take the class. I wish I could say it ended there, but it didn?t, because I began by taking a very basic jewelry class that was so badly taught that I had to take it twice before I could figure out what it was about. My first creation was what I called ?the ugly pink and pearl necklace set?. It was so ugly, that I hid it in one of my drawers as soon as I got home. After a few months, common sense prevailed and I figured, it didn?t really make any sense to have taken the class and not do anything with what I had learned. So I wore the necklace set one day and a colleague of mine happened to see it and asked me where I had bought ?that beautiful necklace?. When I told her that I had made it myself, she asked me to show it to her boss, a college professor who also happened to be a jewelry lover. Of course I didn?t, but eventually she did mention it. Not only did her boss like the ugly pink and pearl necklace set, but she immediately placed an order for jewelry and subsequently became my best customer!
Looking back now at how both bag and jewelry evolved, I realize that each began with either a challenge, a problem, or both, and it wasn?t so much the obstacles that had held me back, but the fact that I couldn?t look beyond them to recognize what I had in my hands. I learned a powerful lesson on how important it is to develop a mindset that matches the creativity because if I didn?t think I had something of value to offer, no one else would either and that if I could see it, then I could have it, regardless of the challenges and obstacles. But honestly, what gave me that extra push was also the fact that I would wake up in the mornings with this nagging feeling that I had something in my hands that I wasn?t using. I would look down at my hands, but the more I looked the less I saw, until I got on the internet one day and started researching the work of other artists and designers. I studied their different styles with the hope that this would somehow help me to discover mine. I also tried to learn new techniques and test ideas for designs, for both bags and jewelry.
Everyday I wake up, determined to keep walking, as I keep looking at my hands and wondering what is hidden in them that I haven?t yet recognized. It?s a never ending journey and I?m on mine. What about you?
When to Wear Woven Handbags
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
We are seeing a lot of celebrities wearing woven bags all over Tinseltown today. Are these woven pieces giving Chanel a run for their money? From Jennifer Aniston to Courtney Cox and Lindsay Lohan, woven bags seem to be a great alternative to the pricey luxury bags by which stars are best known for. While yes, Bottega Venetta remains one of the most sought after brands for woven bags, a wide range of other brands which come in more affordable prices are also making its way into the pages of fashion magazines. Find out when and how to wear your woven bags from these expert fashion tips:
1. To the beach. ?Rattan? is one of the most famous materials used in making woven bags. Oftentimes, this material is exported from Asian countries. Woven rattan bags are best for the beach because they are very easy to clean. A quick brushing and dusting off is enough to make it clean and sand free. Since rattan is a material from the tropical countries, woven rattan bags make the perfect fit for the beach. Walk in your favorite sundress, your woven bag and your pinacolada ? that?s life!
2. On a Saturday stroll. ? Most woven bags come in big sizes. While a Saturday stroll is best with smaller sling bags, some women opt for the bigger ones so they can stuff their ?me time? must haves. This includes a good book, their make up kit, ipod and headphones, a scarf and the like. Whether you?re off to a coffee shop to have a good read or to the mall, a spacious bag always makes a good choice.
3. To a date. What do you usually wear to a date? In as much as you?d want to impress your date with a sexy and charming fashion ensemble, you would also want to be as comfortable as you can. Maybe a cute dress paired with flip flops or nicely fitted jeans worn with your favorite girly sneakers will be a good choice. And what bag to use? Bring on your casual woven bag! Woven bags are cute and adorable in a way without looking too fancy. They are the perfect day to day bag which will fit everything that you will need for a date.
4. To school. Backpacks give you the space that you need but let?s admit the fact that these bags are not always very fashionable. They can make you look a bit too boyish. Not only that, backpacks restrict your fashion choice. You cannot wear a backpack if you?re wearing a dress. To make function meet fashion, the next best option for college girls is to use big handbags. Some woven handbags come in big sizes. They are sturdy enough to fit big books.
5. Baby sitting time. There are times when you just want to forget bulky diaper bags. So where do you put all of baby?s stuff? Get a big woven handbag to fit your baby?s needs. Some handbags are spacious enough to fit your and your baby?s needs.
A woven handbag is the right piece to pick especially if you?re looking for the perfect bag which embodies function and fashion class in one.
How To Distinguish An Authentic Handbag From A Replica
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
Handbags are a central part of a woman?s accessory repertoire. How one handles the bag can either make the outfit or break it. With disposable income soaring, it is not uncommon for a woman to own a top of the line handbag. However, there are several women out there who are buying replica versions both unknowingly and knowingly. Some of these women do not care. The ones that do are being taken for a ride. This makes it necessary to know how to discern a real bag from the knock off kind.
THE DIFFERENCE: A knock off or faux handbag will be a knockoff of the original. They even include fake logos. However, a look alike handbag just one that is inspired by the original.
Keep in mind, fake handbags can also have realistic features, such as lampo or ykk zippers, legitimate monogram placement, dust bags, real tags, etc. You may even get a receipt, but these are not real.
If the handbag is a quality one, the handbag can stand up on its own. Authentic bags use high class leather, which is so good, that it is durable enough to stand up on its own weight. Also, the handles wont ever collapse. Knock off bags have a tendency to collapse under their weight.
Always buy from a well known retailer. Never buy on line. This will ensure you get a real bag. The only way to know for sure your handbag is legitimate is to buy directly from designer stores.
Check the handbag for digits. Authentic handbags usually have a control card or control number on the inside. They often have a certificate of authenticity. The number on the tag or control card is supposed to match the number printed on the lining. You should try to register your bag.
Quality does matter, so feel the bag. Authentic bags soft leather or suede. Replicas tend to feel more like plastic. Real leather is heavier as well.
The difference is in the small details. The lining and stitching can help to distinguish faux handbags from real ones. The knock off bags may have thread hanging. Genuine handbags are also often lined with fabric with the brand?s logo or monogram on it.
Knock off handbag stitching may not be completely straight. It could also be a different color. Even the color on the outside of the bag may be a little odd. Real handbags won?t have flaws in the straps. Zippers will match the leather color well. Slick and overly shiny leather is often an indication of a faux bag. Poor stitching is a clear indication of a fake.
Look at the logo. Look especially at the pattern of printed monogram styles. Look for simple spelling mistakes, although the patterns may be the same. Designer bags that have logo linings never run the lettering into the seam lines.
The hardware is important too. On knock offs, the hardware tends to be too big. Always check the placement and distressing of the bags. The trademark nameplate could be oversized on a faux bag.
Learn to Buy Designer Bags With Confidence
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
It can be a hassle buying a designer bag these days. With the proliferation of on line sites selling knock offs as authentic and unscrupulous salespeople, you may get taken for a ride. With the entire designer knock offs being called authentic it s easy to get confused on what constitutes the real thing.
If you see the Chloe python Silverado bag on ioffer, you are told it is 7 star quality and mirror image up front, that s honest salesmanship. There is no issue with knowingly buying a designer knock off. However, you have to be careful doing that as well. Many qualities are available. Many people will sell a knock off for much more than it is worth. Once on i offer, a person offered the same exact bag for two very different prices. When I asked why the same exact bag was being sold for two different prices, the reply was that she had to fix her description. Seemed fishy. How many people had paid before I caught the mistake? Did the retailer refund those customers?
The old sayings, if it s too good to be true it probably is and you get what you pay for hold true. You can be assured that lovely Fendi Spy Bag on that online auction starting at $249.00 is not real. Nobody would offer an authentic Fendi Spy Bag for $249.00!
The most important thing to consider when buying a bag is who you?re buying from. You can rest assured that when purchasing that Prada bag from Nieman Marcus or that Gucci from Bergdorf Goodman, that you re getting an authentic bag. You probably won?t get a deal, however. Check e luxury?s website. Louis Vuitton is one of the actual owners of this website. Go to the coach website for Coach bags. Without worry, authenticity is guaranteed.
Visit E bay?s Community Chat Room before purchasing a bag . There is so much information on how to detect counterfeit bags. Even an E bay powerseller can be offering replica designer bags. When E bay is alerted about a particular seller, it could take some time to investigate. The lengthy amount of time it takes for the investigation allows the seller to sell many counterfeit bags. E bay has shut down dealers who sell counterfeit bags, but even they cannot protect you from all the unscrupulous sellers out there. You need to be very careful when buying online.
Make sure you are not fooled thinking that only authentic designer bags have holograms and serial numbers. People who make a livelihood on knock offs are on their toes. These unscrupulous people keep up with any changes made in authentic bags. Even more importantly, when you see a bag for sale anywhere online or at retail, do you really know what the hologram is supposed to look like? Are you an expert on whether the serial number should be on a separate metal plate or embossed inside the bag? Should the name Gucci also appear, imprinted on the hardware on an authentic bag? You really never know unless you research it.
Bags That Flatter Your Shape and Size
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
Handbags have become a woman?s best friend. Not only are they used to hold everything that we need, from our cell phones to our credit cards, our palm pilots to the papers that will spell the difference between promotion and demotion, they also look stylish. Can you even imagine a world without handbags?
Nowadays, women?s bags are not only ?receptacles? of your prized items but also style statements. Handbags are often used to display moods, individuality, style and class. You may not actually wear a purse like a blouse, skirts, and jeans, there are still shapes and styles of women?s handbags that may be flattering and unflattering to a person?s body type. Regardless whether you believe it, the handbag you carry can actually add on or lessen the weight that you seem to carry. Follow the tips below:
Examine the shape
Select the shape that is opposite to your body size and shape. For example, if you are tall and thin, look for bags that are more on the rounded side. Try a hobo or those that are a bit unstructured. This will complement your figure, while providing some contrast. If you are on the short and heavy side, it is good to carry bags that are tall, rectangular, or those with really well defined shapes. Long and sleek styles counterbalance your more rounded figure. Of course, there is no need to buy bags that are absolutely stick thin or those with really sharp edges. Silhouettes in supple fabrics and leathers are just perfect. Keep in mind to stay away from bags with rounded designs.
Think of the size
The size of your handbag should flatter your size. Though the should be contrasting and complementing, the size should must be in proportion. If you are very tall and big for your age, it would be really weird for you to carry a very tiny handbag. The same goes with a really small person carrying a very big bag. It will just plain odd.
Close fitting ladies handbags, or those that can be fit right under the arm at chest level, can only look wonderful with women who are slim and those who want to emphasize their d
Handbags Are the Classic Cars of the Fashion Set
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
Like the shoes of yesteryear, the must have it accessory that has all the fashionistas are clamouring for are handbags. They want all the latest offerings from popular designers. It is a market that has much in common with the male world of sports cars.
Few fashionable ladies missed it when Sainsbury s sold 20,000 I m not a plastic bag Anya Hind March totes for only a few bucks. Just a few hours later, those same unbleached cotton bags were selling at over 100 bucks. ?Every girl has a handbag,? according to Christie?s employee Monica Turcich, ?and every girl wants one.? Women want exclusive bags that no one else has. This has always been a popular trend.
Like men favored sports cars, most of the newest designer handbags which sell through dealers and auction houses make much less than their original retail price. This means they are losing value the second the initial purchase has taken place. Generally, this is good news for both collector investors and handbag enthusiasts, but there are the exceptions.
This previous December, Christie s sold a red Hermes crocodile skin Kelly bag for $15,800. This purse had only been purchased in 1998. According to Turcich, the Kelly bag is the holy grail of the classic handbag world. She said, Chloe and other more contemporary bags are more driven by what s popular now, but for Hermes and Chanel s quilted bag, these are classics which never go out of style and are always useable. You can get a Kelly bag for $900 and you can resell it for $1,500 $3,000.
Most handbags are being bought to be used, so they are not an investment market in the same way as many other collectables such as Paul Smith, Abercrombie and Fitch, D squared, etc., but again there are parallels to the car market. By investing in a classic bag and looking after it, you are unlikely to lose money, but you may see a steady gain with the added return of enjoying use of the purse.
Hindmarch s I m not a plastic bag purses are probably not going to classic status, since they are mass produced cotton totes, but other handbags from her collections might well do so. Christie s has yet to sell any Hindmarch bags, but Turcich says she wouldn t be surprised at all if they start turning up at auction soon. She says she wouldn t turn them away. Kylie Minogue was pictured carrying a Chloe bracelet bag around a few years ago which sparked a fashion and now we are selling the same thing at auction.
There is one bag in mint condition in the next auction which is estimated at $800 to $1,500 along with another Chloe handbag in the same lot. I think Chloe has started the it bag scene adds Turcich, I don t know how long it will take for them to become classics of their own, but I m sure these will hold their value in five or 10 years time.?
DEAR TEENS WITH BAGS AND DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES. What concealer do you use? How do I get rid of bags?
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Makeup Q & A
My concealer works pretty good but, i swear, the bags are like implanted on my face. How do I get rid of them? It's not really the color as much as it is the shape of bags and the shadows they create.
Answer :————————
Wonderful Handbags for the Purpose of Celebrities
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
In American culture celebrities gain cult like followings. I do not care who you are. You?re probably interested in a certain celebrity. It might be Sarah Jessica Parker or Michelle Obama for ladies. Of course men may be more interested in Tom Hanks or Tom Arnold instead! There is an infatuation with that lifestyle. This is most likely because we like to live vicariously through their lives. Oh, how great would it be to be young, rich, and famous! With the information contained in this article you can become a success. You will come to know about the various handbags that celebrities wear. You would also learn how to get your own, for less.
As we all know, celebrities love big handbags. Just take a look through any magazine and you will see them all carrying big bags. The latest hot new celeb designers include Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins. But what are the greatest names for the large handbags? Come on let me rattle them off Balenciaga, Chloe, Gucc, and Jimmy Choo. But of course these bags costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. You?ll find out more later on how you can afford big handbags.
We should also pay attention to the colors and styles that these handbags come in. It seems as if everyone is using their big handbag for a pop of color. Red, white and blue are popular colors in handbags. Traditional brown leather handbags are classic and understated. There are even little details on these bags including grommets, studs, cut outs, and hardware. As we all know, hardware is huge in the fashion and accessory world. You can t get away from it nowadays.
I m sure you wonder how you can find some handbags wholesale for less. Even though it may appear difficult, it is actually a very simple thing to accomplish. You can either look online or at the mall. There are a few stores which give away big handbags less than the real price. Among these stores are Wet Seal, Forever 21 and Target. Hollywood has inspired Target to produce a line of handbags and accessories modeled after popular celebrities.
Also, you can seek for large bags on the internet. A brief inquiry using the search engine of your choice is all that is required. You will find a multitude of stores that stock large handbags. A few of them are even hauling around these designer bags for less than the original price! But of course, you have to be aware of the ones that may be imitation handbags.
It is usually best to buy bags from someone you can trust. When looking to buy a new handbag, you will find that there are so many places that sell fashionable and popular handbags. All you have to do is walk into your local retail store. Don t overlook any bag, the right one could be hiding in clear sight!
How To Buy Gorgeous Handmade Handbags From Indonesia
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
Cookie cutter fashion handbags are found in abundance. Thousands of them are produced in factories and sold in almost every town. But handmade handbags are delightful, rare finds that any woman can be proud to own. When a handbag is handmade, it is original in many ways. They also reflect the skill and creativity of the maker. Many women in Indonesia hand stitch handbags to make money for their families. Their handbags are beautifully embroidered with stunning designs, yet they usually possess the same or better quality as factory made ones. Finding one takes some thought
Practicality is Key
Before becoming enamored with a certain design, be sure the handbag will meet your everyday needs. Do you need the handbag for work and play? Will you use it every day or only for special evenings out on the town? You should consider how many items you will need to carry in the bag. Hand stitched handbags come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These range from petite to increasingly large travel handbags. Some styles come with shoulder straps while others have hand straps. There are even very small make up carriers.
Selecting a Design and Color for Your Handmade bag
Hand stitched handbags come in a variety of styles and designs. Embroidery is used to create stunning patterns such as diamonds, curved lines, circles, stars, and floral patterns. Indonesian handbags are often uniquely labeled to express the type of design and color on the handbag. Select a style that matches several of your outfits, or that blends well with your body and hairstyle. This will allow the bag and person to create a chic style.
For the spring and summer seasons, there are colors such as red, cream, light blue, or olive. For the fall and winter seasons, colors such as black, dark brown, dark blue, and silver are wonderful selections.
Charity Bags Help Those in Need
Consider this when buying an Indonesian handmade handbag: shop for charity bags (or charity purses). Charity bags are made by Indonesians who desperately need the money for daily food and supplies. There are some businesses in the United States that offer to buy the handbags. They then resell them to Americans or through the Internet. A few companies also train the workers and provide sewing and embroidery supplies to use. An example is the company Laga Handbags (online). They help women who were survivors of the tragic tsunami of 2006 in Sumatra, Indonesia. The women workers of Indonesia are taught skills for a lifetime while providing invaluable services to handbag lovers.
When selecting a company for handmade handbags, do online research to find companies that offer authentic Indonesian handbags, not replicas. The real hand stitched bags are usually priced from $35 up to $150. This depends on the style and size of the bag. Retailers should provide detailed information about how and where the bags are obtained. They should also note where the company is located. Look for companies that are honest about their procedures and policies.
Fashion Handbags One Great Idea For Valentines Day Gift
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Womens Interest
Valentines Day is just a month away. It is not too early to start thinking about buying something special for your favorite woman in your life. Choosing the perfect bag from the wide selection of handbags on the market today is a great way to give that special someone a gift that is both practical and special. Here are some tips on picking out the best purse.
Women regardless of their age or lifestyle like the feeling of being pampered and surrounded in luxury. One of the ways you can provide her with the luxury she craves is to choose from one of the many beautiful styles of leather handbags available on the market today. Leather bags are the epitome of luxury. They look and feel wonderful, and won t wear out after many uses. They always look both stylish and chic and nothing beats the luxurious feel of supple leather.
What is even better is leather handbags come in all different sizes and colors so you will be able to purchase something that suits her style and taste perfectly. Well known names can make your handbag feel even more sumptuous. Imagine the look of surprise on your loved ones face when she finds herself holding a bag made by Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Channel? She will be tickled pink to own one of these big name bags.
Women tend to like handbags that are big enough to carry everything they need. They like handbags that are functional, comfortable to carry and look classy yet casual. It is actually quite easy to find a bag with all of these features. It s harder to find one that has all of these elements and looks stylish. One of these bags may be the right one for you.
Hobo bags have all the characteristics that a woman could want. They are easy enough to be casual and sophisticated enough to be stylish. Almost all the handbag manufacturers make some kind of hobo bag. Hence, it will be very easy to find one in your price range.
The title says it all, tote bags, used to tote around everything you need. Tote bags used in confined for days at the beach, but women carry them everywhere, because the room to love and love the style and comfort they provide.
Clutch bags are ideal when you want a small evening bag. These awkward bags come in a variety of styles that go with both the short little dinner dress or this long evening gown. These bags run from simply looking for pearls or complex designs engraved.
A matching wallet or cosmetics pouch goes great with big bags. Matching purse sets are a nice gift that let you get rid of worn out wallets. Handbags and purses are a great Valentine s gift that any woman will enjoy. Find out the right choice based on the information what you have, such as personal favorite color and handbag style, or even brand name. A right selected handbag is definitely a great gift idea.