A fine leather handbag is a classic and stylish accessory. While exact trends in color and style vary from year to year, a leather bag never goes out of style. However, as with any other fashion accessory, it is important to find the size and shape that will work best for your particular body type. The wrong handbag can actually accentuate flaws, drawing attention to your trouble spots. The right bag, however, will fit your body and create a fabulous polish for your look.

The key to properly fitting a handbag is proportion. The bag should neither overwhelm your frame, nor get lost against it. Tall, thin women need handbags that are large enough to balance their height, while shorter women should choose smaller bags that are more proportionate to their size. It is also important to note where the handbag hits your body. The bag will draw attention, so avoid a bag that hits your trouble spots. Following are some general guidelines for women of differing body types.

The tall and thin body type has the most leeway in handbag selection. Avoid tiny bags, as they will make you appear even taller, but otherwise you are able to carry almost any size. It is wise to avoid the very largest satchels and totes, as they may weigh you down on one side. Large backpacks, however, are fine.

Bright colors and patterns will work well, so do not be afraid of trendy accessories. Remember to maintain balance through your entire look, but remember that it is no longer necessary to entirely match all of your accessories.

Balance is the key, so smaller women should stick with smaller handbags. As long as the bag is small, bright colors and patterns will work for you. However, should you require an oversized satchel or tote, use the smallest size possible and keep the colors neutral. Beige or brown, or even black, will help to minimize the handbag’s look. Small backpacks work particularly well for petite women.

For women with a large bosom or hips, strap length is more important than handbag size. It is best to choose a bag that will hit your body away from your trouble area. Large-chested women should select handbags with long straps, while those with a pear shape need short bags that fit closely under the arm.

Women who are carrying extra pounds throughout their bodies should stay away from both exceptionally small and extremely large handbags. Select a medium sized bag that is wider than it is tall, with medium length straps. Again, remember to balance the handbag against your body.

As with any other accessory, it is best to try on several handbags. Even if you want to order a bag online, it is wise to use the dimensions given to compare the handbag to one that you already own. Finally, use the above guidelines as a starting point, but try several bags in order to determine what you like. Remember that the bag that makes you feel the best is truly the best bag for you.

Gale Boone is the founder of eLuxe Bags. For more information about fine leather handbags, visit http://www.eluxebags.com/

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A quality leather handbag is a long term investment. With proper care the bag may last a lifetime. Therefore, it is important to take the time to find the quality leather handbag that will truly suit your needs both now and in the future. Leather handbags are available in so many styles, types and finishes that it is possible to discover a combination that is uniquely “you.”

Every type of quality leather handbag has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some women find that the best option is to amass a collection of varying bags that are suited to specific purposes. Other women opt for one middle-of-the-road leather handbag that will work for many different situations. This guide will assist you in discovering which bags are best for each purpose, so that you are able to make informed purchasing decisions.

Multi-purpose leather handbags called totes were originally designed to carry large purchases. As society has become progressively busier, totes have become the bag of choice for many women. This type of bag is large, strong and dependable and is ideally suited to busy career women and moms. Since the bag is so large, a tote is generally not the best option for extremely petite women except when transporting bulky items.

If you are a student or traveler, a sturdy leather backpack is almost a requirement for success. Backpacks have shed their utilitarian image however, and are now a fashion staple. The major advantage of a backpack is that the backpack leaves the hands free for other tasks. Leather backpacks are generally superior to fabric backpacks due to the heft and durability of the leather material.

A medium sized leather satchel is a much better choice than a large tote for smaller women. Constructed with a sturdy frame that holds its shape well, a satchel is capable of carrying large and bulky items without much danger of ripping or tearing. The satchel is particularly suited to women who want to combine the carrying ability of a backpack with the look and feel of a traditional purse.

Conventional hobo bags are constructed of soft leather or suede and are made without a frame structure. These bags are still available and are especially suited to bohemian or “hippie” outfits. This season’s leather hobo bags are made with an internal frame and more closely resemble small satchels than traditional hobo bags.

The leather briefcase is considered a status symbol throughout many societies. Briefcases have also begun to make inroads as a substitute for purses in social settings, particularly in conservative settings. A briefcase works well with business attire, but is not the best choice as the main substitute for a purse.

The quality leather handbag is timeless and traditional. The trend of the moment is the tiny handheld clutch purse, although handbags continue to be available in many sizes and styles. A shoulder or wrist strap is highly recommended if the handbag will be carried in any but the most formal of settings. Small handbags work well for any body type and may be dressed up or down depending on the wearer’s outfit. Be certain to check strap length to ensure that the handbag hits your body at a flattering point.

Leather handbags are designed in a dizzying array of styles and types. Understanding the options that are available to you will assist you in making the perfect selection. Ultimately the choice is yours. If you find a quality leather handbag that feels right to you then that bag is the best choice for you.

Gale Boone is the founder of eLuxe Bags. For more information about quality leather handbags, visit http://www.eluxebags.com

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Luxury leather handbags are an extremely popular fashion accessory. Consequently, the market is flooded with leather bags of every description. Unscrupulous retailers attempt to capitalize on the fame of certain designers, creating logos that are very close to the original. Fake leather is common, as is shoddy workmanship and poor design. Even among genuine leather products, quality varies dramatically. Even price is not necessarily indicative of quality. How should one go about determining quality? How can you know whether a handbag is worth the price?

The first step is, of course, to decide on your budget and what factors are important to you. Unless price is truly no object, you may need to choose between a lower-end designer handbag and a higher-end product without the designer label. Be especially careful of designer labels on inexpensive handbags, which may be reproductions or fakes. Real designer bags usually have the designer’s name embedded somewhere hidden deep inside the bag. If you can, try to see a handbag that is definitively made by that designer, perhaps in a showroom, before purchasing from a questionable source. Compare the questionable bag to the original to be sure that you are satisfied with the authenticity.

Beyond designer labels, a number of other factors should be considered before purchasing a leather handbag. Check the structural integrity of the bag. Your handbag should be able to easily support its own weight, without leaning or collapsing. Also check the strength and stitch patterns of the seams. You want to be sure that the seams will not unravel from the weight of the leather.

Style and beauty are subjective qualities, so you will need to develop an eye for your own style. Be sure that the handbag is pleasing to your eye. Better quality bags will include hidden zippers or snaps and upgraded pull tabs. Nothing ruins the line of a leather handbag more easily than a cheap plastic zipper showing through. Open and close the zipper and snaps a few times, checking for ease of movement and no snagging.

Remember that when you carry the handbag, it will generally be full or close to it. Be certain that the bag has enough weight and structure to comfortably support the items you will carry, without straining or losing its shape. If you are uncertain whether a handbag will really hold everything you need to carry, consider the next larger size or a different design.

Determine the type of leather from which the handbag is constructed, and decide whether that type of leather will best suit your needs. Very high end bags are often made of calfskin, which is extremely soft and supple. However, calfskin is also more prone to damage than some other leathers and may not be appropriate for everyday use.

Your luxury leather handbag is a long term investment; with proper care it will serve you for many years. It is therefore worth the effort and expense to choose a high quality handbag. Whether or not to go with a designer label is a decision that only you can make, but quality will make the difference between a long-lasting product of which you can be truly proud and a cheap imitation that will last only a few months.

Gale Boone is the founder of eLuxe Bags. For more information about luxury leather handbags, visit www.eluxebags.com

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Fine leather handbags are the height of fashion this season. From shocking red clutch purses to basic black carryalls the variety is larger than ever, making it easy to find a bag that will suit your individual style. However leather is expensive and you may wonder whether a fine leather handbag is worth the investment. Presented here are the top ten reasons to purchase a genuine leather handbag.

1) Timelessness - High quality leather goods never go out of style. Unlike many trends in fashion accessories a leather handbag will be just as appropriate in ten years as it is today. A leather bag can be considered an investment in a lifetime of memories.

2) Durability - A well constructed leather handbag can last indefinitely. With proper care, your leather handbag can become an heirloom item. Small rips or unraveling seams can often be repaired by a leather specialist, but there is no substitute for quality.

3) Luxury - An excellent leather handbag does not have to be inordinately expensive. Yet the feeling you will get from using your special bag is priceless. Leather bags can add an instant polish and glamour to any outfit.

4) Flexibility – A fine leather handbag can be dressed up or down. While absolutely correct with a nice dress, a leather bag can also add a bit of sophistication to jeans and a sweater. A mid-range leather handbag can actually save you money when compared to purchasing separate bags for dressy and casual looks.

5) Status - As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make yours count by instantly conveying a sense of style and elegance. Those “in the know” can recognize a quality fine leather handbag at a glance which adds automatic status points to a first meeting.

6) Fashion Statement - Leather handbags are deeply embedded in world culture as a sign of sophistication and glamour. A leather bag can bring you into the world of fashion and couture.

7) Trend – Fine leather handbags are exceptionally popular on this year’s runways. While leather will never go out of style, there has never been a better time to enter the market. Spring 2007 offers an endless array of textures, colors, and styles, allowing you to make a lasting investment in the handbag of your dreams.

Value - As a high quality product, leather retains its monetary value year after year. Your leather handbag will never decrease in value and its value may even increase over time as it attains vintage status.

9) Functionality - Not only is a fine leather handbag stylish but it is also quite useable. Unlike a cloth bag which may rip or lose its shape under heavy use, leather handbags are strong and designed to support a reasonable amount of weight. Although care must be taken not to scratch or discolor the surface of the leather the material is heavy duty and not prone to easy destruction.

10) Originality – Although fine leather handbags are stylish and trendy, the endless combination of styles, colors and trim options available ensure that your bag will be unlike anyone else’s. The fact that your handbag is leather will keep the bag trendy and current but your own personal stamp will shine through.

There are many reasons to invest in one of this season’s fine leather handbags. Blending style, form and function with an endless variety of finishing touches, a leather bag is a true investment. Take care of your handbag and it will serve you well for years to come.

Gale Boone is the founder of eLuxe Bags. For more information about fine leather handbags, visit http://www.eluxebags.com

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Women are apparently hardwired to enjoy accessories. From the time we are children, we love playing dress-up with our mothers’ clothes and jewelry. In our teens we frequent the accessories store at the mall, buying everything from hair scrunchies to plastic earrings. As we become adults our tastes become more sophisticated and we learn to appreciate true quality. Nonetheless, we never lose our appetite for accessories. While jewelry and other accessories are always appreciated, a luxury leather handbag is in many ways an even better gift.

Giving a luxury leather handbag as a present shows class and sophistication. Many people in today’s world are woefully unaware of quality goods, particularly in products more esoteric than diamonds and pearls. Giving a woman a luxury leather handbag shows knowledge of the long lasting value of the item as well as an appreciation of its beauty.

A luxury leather handbag is a long term investment. Quality leather products never go out of style and with proper care are highly durable. Long after other presents have fallen apart or become passe, a leather handbag will continue to bring pleasure to the recipient.

While luxury leather handbags are available in many trendy styles and colors, a classic bag in a neutral tone is always appropriate. A leather handbag does not have to fit the recipient’s body as a clothing item or even a ring must. For these reasons, it is relatively simple for the giver to choose the appropriate leather handbag.

Luxury leather handbags have long been considered status symbols and are especially trendy this year. Giving a leather handbag as a gift shows knowledge of both current and classic trends. The gift also sends the message to the recipient that you find her deserving of a stylish high fashion present.

Luxury leather handbags are available in many different varieties from formal to casual. Whether the intended recipient is sporty and energetic or reserved and conservative, a leather handbag exists that will be right for her. Try a backpack for an athletic woman, a tote or carryall for a practical woman with a busy life or an elegant clutch purse for someone who loves to dress up.

Before selecting a luxury leather handbag for the woman of your choice, try to get a feeling for her lifestyle and interests. Many women love to follow the latest trends and would most appreciate a bag with modern styling and lots of zippers and other attachments. Other women have a more classical fashion sense and would prefer an understated bag in a neutral tone. Still others prefer the glamorous “Hollywood” look and would most love a bag in a retro design.

Luxury leather handbags need not be extremely expensive. While designer label bags can be quite pricey, it is possible to purchase a high quality luxury leather handbag without the famous label at a fraction of the price. Be certain to shop at a reputable handbag dealer, which can be as easy as shopping at your favorite online handbag store.

If your take the time to learn just a bit about leather handbags, you will be able to make an informed selection. A luxury leather handbag is a simple, reasonably priced, timeless investment in the woman of your choice. A luxury leather handbag is truly a gift that she will cherish always.

Gale Boone is the founder of eLuxe Bags. For more information about luxury leather handbags, visit www.eluxebags.com

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