The everyday purse is the one accessory that is used more frequently than almost all others. It's the purse that comes with you every time you leave the house, no matter how often you wear your favorite sneakers or your nicest pair of earrings.
For most women, leaving the house without a purse that holds all of their belongings for the day (or night) is unthinkable. However, from a social aspect, this women's accessory is no longer a luxury but a need. Handbags are the ideal accessory that can completely change the atmosphere of an ensemble, whether it's a wedding, a high-profile formal event, or a simple day out with friends. But even then there IS a way to combine the style and efficiency and discover the right handbag to meet your lifestyle and demands if you don't want to settle for boring things and sacrifice appearances for functionality.
After all, if you're in your early twenties and need a bag that can go from errands to date night, you might choose a completely different purse than if you're a mom with small children or frequently travel. However, no matter what your demands are, handbag expert Emily Blumenthal thinks that quality—"always quality"—is the most important factor to look for in an everyday bag. So, what types of bags should you choose? Well here’s a complete guide explaining that.
Here is what you should look for and things you should keep in mind.
Although it would be ideal to be able to change our purses and handbags according to the occasion, most of us do not have that luxury. In this case, experts recommend investing in a multipurpose handbag, such as a multi-pocket travel side handbag, that can accompany us in a variety of situations and functions. The key is to choose a bag that you can use for a long time.
Keep an eye on the bag's color as well. Start with a piece in traditional colors, such as black, brown, or neutral tones (i.e. cream), or even metallics, which work with just about everything in a woman's wardrobe. White may also go with a variety of ensembles, as opposed to trendy shades that are only in style for a few seasons (at most) and then fade away like shooting stars, leaving you with an armpiece that you will almost certainly never wear again.
It's difficult to resist a vibrant shade of cobalt blue or red, and there's definitely something intriguing about burnt orange hues that provide an appealing, additional punch of color to clothes. Why should you reject temptation in the first place? Sure, neutrals are the safest bet, but you may experiment with color and have fun with it! Just be careful not to go overboard and use too much of one color (for instance, wear the exact same shade outfit). Try pairing a colored bag with anything other than your coat for the most trendy look. When you get dressed, the same tones won't crash.
Colored handbags are very acceptable. Try wearing a red satchel or medallion sidebag with a plain t-shirt and your favorite pair of jeans to quickly elevate a casual appearance.
We understand the importance of finding the right balance in everything we do, from picking the exact white tone for our wedding gown to finding a handbag that is neither too big nor too little for us. As a result, the handbag you choose should be proportional to your size. Find a purse that doesn't get lost when you wear it if you're tall and curvy, for example. Conversely, if you are petite, avoid bags that swallow you whole. "But what about exceptional occasions when we need to carry a little handbag or wristlet?" you might ask. There are formal attire pieces available in a variety of sizes, so you won't have any trouble finding something that flatters you.
Speaking of special occasions, if you're still unsure which type of bag to choose so that you don't have to switch it out for each one, here's a list of four basic styles of handbags and purses to consider to get you through your busy schedules (from work to a wedding) and look oh-so-stylish while remaining comfortable and practical.
When shopping for handbags, always look in the mirror while wearing the bag to see how it looks on you.
Because every woman has a different style, opinions on which form of purse produces a sense of ease while worn vary. As a result, although some of us can't imagine life without our cross-body bag, others find it less comfortable than shoulder bags. Consider your daily to-do list to help you determine what to dress. If you will be carrying a lot of items, it is recommended that you purchase a larger bag so that it does not appear overstuffed (hence, messy). Furthermore, the straps of a bag that isn't large enough to handle the weight you put in it will most likely wear out rapidly, causing you to either buy a new bag or have it fixed by a professional.
Tip: Look for a bag with multiple straps that you can interchange in different ways so you can keep impressing people with your style while avoiding monotony from carrying the same bag over and again.
There are endless methods to accessorize your handbag, from keychains, charms, and jewelry (i.e. hair clips with bejeweled designs or bobby pins with colorful gems) to scarves, fringes, and miniature teddy bears. Do you believe that chains and teddies aren't appropriate for adults? They may be so (although we feel that if you like something, you should do it regardless of what others think - after all, we only live once), but they are very fun and cute, and will definitely give a great flair to your bag!
If you still don't feel comfortable with keychains on your bag, there are elegant tassels (yep, like the ones we see on high-end curtains) that come in a range of colors and metals (the keyrings), giving you plenty of options to personalize your look. Simply place them on the outside edge of an external pocket and you're ready to go!
Keychains are also a terrific way to accessorize your wallet (on the zipper pull) and avoid hunting through your handbag for your keys!
