Archive for the 'Purse Fashion Tips' Category
Saturday, June 21st, 2008
How to make a handbag with a pair of jeans

It’s amazing how creative people can be these days. Just a few weeks ago i saw a girl carrying a cute little bag. I asked her where she got it and she said that she made it. We got to talking and she started to talk about how she made them by cutting off the pant legs and sewing the bottom shut. Then using the scraps from the pant leg to make the straps, I thought to myself what a resourceful way to recycle an old pair of jeans.
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Mommy Help Me
Mother’s Day is just around the corner….but how do you shop handbags for your mom without her help or knowing it? Here are some handy dandy tips to help you before the big day comes and places where good deals are going down for the special occasion.
Tip 1
Go through your mom’s handbag collections. What kind of handbags does she tend to buy? Simple or more decorative? Hobo or Tote? Is there a brand that she loves and can’t get enough of or maybe need more of?
Tip 2
Choose handbags that have magnetic closures instead of buckles. They are easier to open and close, and lasts a lot longer than the typical buckle.
Tip 3
Pick a classic. If you’re not sure you can always ask a sales associate. There are some bags that are timeless and even though style and fashions come and go, there will always be pieces that are “In”.
Tip 4
Think about the things your mom likes to carry with her in her bag. If she carries a variety of things in addition to what you may think are necessities such as books and make-up, you might want to pick a bag that is more spacious. Does she like all of her things organized? Then compartments maybe the way to go.
Tip 5
Think about weight. If you mom doesn’t carry that much stuff with her, or if you know she has a bad back, opt for bags that are lighter. Lighter bags are usually made of all canvas or soft leather.
Deal 1
RIONI.com is having a 15% off sale off all RIONI items. Just enter the code “vnx34a” when you check out and 15% will automatically be deducted from your order. This offer is good until Mother’s Day.RIONI.com is having a 15% off sale off all RIONI items. Just enter the code “vnx34a” when you check out and 15% will automatically be deducted from your order. This offer is good until Mother’s Day.
Deal 2
Dooney and Bourke is has a printable coupon for $50 off your purchase of $200 or more at any of their seven retail locations. Offer good until 05/12/08. Coupon can be found at http://cps8.britemoon.com/ccps/ui/images/437/content_load/2008-04-22/RET/index.htm?BrCs=437&BrCg=14566452&BrRc=10075681
Deal 3
Sephora is has free shipping over $50, free gift packaging, and free samples for Mother’s Day online.Sephora is has free shipping over $50, free gift packaging, and free samples for Mother’s Day online.
Deal 4
1800flowers.com has selected Mother’s Day flowers for up to 40% off.
Deal 5
Telaflora.com is has $10 off any flower arrangement on the site. Use the promotional code “psgg10d” at check out.
Happy Mother’s Day to All Mothers Out There!
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Backpacks: Geek or Chic?
Everyone has one, but unless you are on the go a lot, not many people need one. Nonetheless, designers have figured out ways to make the dual (sometimes single) strap device that you wear on your back fashionable again. In short, people usually just call it a backpack. The once boring piece used primarily to shuttle school books and classroom accessories is now finding their way back to being excellent fashion accessories. Top designers like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Coach and who could forget Rioni have all made cute backpacks. They have a point, freeing up your arms and shoulders so you can do something else is advantageous over handbags and I am sure not everyone likes to look like a hitch hiker when they are on the go. But, handbags still win my vote; the ability to access all my things quickly is indispensible. So what do you think Geek or Chic?
Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Bow Ties!
The bow tie is like the icing on a cake. Just like how icing makes a cake sweet, a bow tie makes people also look sweet (a trend for both men and women). From tying our shoelaces to using bow ties as a decorative icon on a model’s outfit at a fashion runway, who would have thought that such a simple ribbon would become such a big hit.
Just recently while walking around shops and browsing through magazines, I have been noticing bow ties on everything. For example, I have seen bow ties on hair bands, hair clips, necklaces, belts, men’s tuxedos, and of course, on shoes. Even though bow ties have been around ever since we were toddlers tying that first shoelace, this simple decoration continues to be part of our modern fashion world.
Any sized bow tie will still give any item, a finishing touch of completion. Take a look at women lingerie for example, it is already small as it is but adding bow ties as little details gives the lingerie an extra touch of cuteness and thus making the lingerie more sellable. Most of the time it is used as decoration, but lately it is the main attraction of fashion.
Bow ties are a huge hit in our fashion world. Just earlier today, I was at H&M and one of their handbags only consisted of a large print of a fancy bow tie. You can wear a plain simple dress and just have a big bow tie belt and that outfit alone could make you look fashionable. It really is as simple as that!
Friday, April 4th, 2008
The Olympics in Beijing is coming! What should I bring?

First I would like to say that I am jealous of everyone that is going to the Olympics 2008 in Beijing! But for those who never been there before I have some advice to share. The last time I have been there was about three years ago and my first time was eight years ago. Granted that three years ago China maybe significantly different from what it is now. It’s almost like comparing dog years to human years. The first time I went to China it was bicycles on dirt roads, few places had running water, and they never even heard of a credit card, the last time I went it blew my mind countless Mercedes and BMWs on eight lane highways, five star hotels and restaurants everywhere you look, and yes American Express don’t leave home without it. Anyway back to the topic, here some things you can bring to be prepared:
1. A handbag with zipper closure, even though China is no longer the third world country we once thought it was, poverty and theft is still very much at large. Recommended: Rioni is rather meticulous at making all their handbags with zipper closures.
2. English to Chinese (Simplified) electronic translator, in case you need something you can type it in English and show them the Chinese if they do not understand. Recommended: ECTACO iTRAVL
3. An unlocked, quad band, GSM mobile phone, whew that was a mouthful. These are sometimes called a world phone; make sure you purchase a SIM card immediately when you get to China. Recommended: Motorola Razor this is fairly inexpensive phone with all the listed hardware.
4. Travel sized tissues and toilet paper. Most places in China are not accustomed to using as much tissues napkins as we are. Recommended: Kleenex Pocket Packs
5. Feminine Hygene products, this is important because during my stay I had a very hard time finding a store that carried tampons. Recommended: Tampax Pearl
6. Your passport and ID along with a color copy of your passport and ID; put it separate from you real passport. Recommended: Rioni’s Air Travel Organizer.
7. An extra duffel bag for souvenirs, memorabilia, and gifts. Recommended: A duffel bag, if you want to go fancy, Rioni’s Duffel Bag.
Monday, March 17th, 2008
Hues for the Blues
Blond Hair, blue eyes, and sweeter than apple pie, Three things that will melt the heart of all the guys:

1. Aga&Ania Aquamarine Earrings – March babies will especially get a kick out of this since aquamarine just happens to be the birthstone for the month of March. So snag a pair of these great pair of earrings that uses aquamarine Swarovski crystals to highlight the blues in your eyes.

2. Guess South Beach Dome Satchel – Guess makes a nice blue satchel that makes the perfect “Arm Candy”. The shiny leather is perfect for this and next season. The metallic pastel blue shines like nothing else and will get you looks everywhere you go.

3. Nine West Harman2 – Nine West makes a great pair of shoes that even Elvis wouldn’t mind singing about. Slip on a pair of these beautiful blue stilettos to complete your blue aura.
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Shiny is IN!!!
A few months ago, girls were going bananas for handbags that looked terribly old and raggedy. Like Dennis Rodmans’ constantly changing hair color, fashion is the same exact way. Vintage clothing and accessories which look like they were from the antiquity ages are being sent back in that direction. What’s in right now then? The opposite is in; meaning that the models on the runway are now holding shiny handbags!

Metallics – Metals have always been a beneficial technological development to our society. To our shock, metals now play an important role in our fashion industry too. Shiny metallic handbags are not really made with metal, but rather they are made with either leather or canvas (vinyl). These bags are usually made with a soft-frame structure, allowing the bag to droop and sit naturally on any surface. Both the vinyl and leather are processed with a metallic dye. Upon completion of the dying process, the handbag is then treated and prepped for assembly.

Silver and Gold – These bags are not too bad looking. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind owning that Gucci handbag above. The colors are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant. These bags are also constructed using leather or vinyl and are processed with a solid gold or silver dye. Upon completion of the dying process, a clear gloss coat is applied. From there, it is sent to be prepped for assembly.

Aumbro – These bags are hot! The Aumbro has been the leading winner in our “Fashion Handbags Popularity Contest of 2008.” These purses are individually airbrushed and finished with a clear gloss coat. The fading colors from the airbrush distinguish these bags for being anything than pedestrian. I will let the picture above do the talking. True Beauty!
Saturday, March 8th, 2008
The Different Ways She Holds a Handbag

On Her Arms - The Classic way to hold a handbag is on your arm. Just try not to put too much in your bag, for you may possibly bruise your arm.

On Her Shoulders - Another traditional means of holding purses are on your shoulders. This is good because your hands are free and now you’re able to multi-task and get moving with your fast-paced life.

On Her Shoulders (pushed back) - This is yet another way to hold a handbag on your shoulders. This method is usually used when you are in motion. The drawback is this position is not good in tight spaces.

Wrapped Around Her Wrist - This method are for those ladies who are tired of holding their handbags on their shoulders. Instead you wrap the shoulder strap around your wrist and hold onto the remaining portion of the handbag strap.

On Her Wrist – Now you don’t need to wrap your shoulder bag strap on your wrist! With a wristlet, it simply fits onto your wrist with ease. A wristlet is used commonly for a girl’s night out. Girls usually put fill their wristlet with a cell phone, a camera, a few credit cards, an ID card, and some bills.

In Her Hand - This method is good for smaller handbags. Let’s say you aren’t too tall, holding a large handbag in your hands may cause the bag to drag on the dirty floor.

Across Her Body - This is known as the “body bag” or “messenger bag” style. Wearing a bag with a long shoulder strap across the body is great for travelling. Not only is it convenient, it prevents purse thieves from easily snatching your belongings.

On Her Back - This reminds us of those days we were in school. The advantages of using a backpack are that you feel young again, your hands are free, and the weight of your load is evenly distributed across your back allowing you to carry heavier amounts. However, the disadvantages are that you become an easy target for pickpockets.

Carry In Her Hands – This method is only used when your bag is stuffed and your arms and shoulders are sore. Carrying your handbag in your hands is considered a last resort issue.

On Her Waist – These bags are also known as pouches, fanny packs, or waist bags. They are extremely convenient and great for casual outings.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008
Fur: for Him or for Her?

Last year fur was IN wheather it be real fur or faux fur it was hot! Not to be out done, matching fur handbags and accessories soon followed. Seems as if this year the trend hasn’t lost any steam either. Everywhere I looked there would be someone with fur. No biggie right? Well that depends, you have to draw a line somewhere (I mean come on? Fur Sunglasses?). Right around this time last year I started seeing men wearing the infamous “UGG” boots (Sheepskin Boots with Fur Lining). I didn’t think much about it at the time but this time around it has gotten me thinking. If this catches on for men, fur briefcases and suits won’t be far behind. I love UGG’s don’t get me wrong but I thinking men wearing them is a bit de-masculating (might have made up that word). Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that just a bit too much hair *erhm* I mean fur?
Friday, February 8th, 2008
The Right Bag for Your Body Shape
So our handbags say a lot about our personality, it can give us back problems if we’re not careful, and now there’s the right bag for each body shape. Wow, handbags have a lot more power than we realize on an everyday basis. They can make or break our outfit, show everyone who we are, and reflect if we’re up to date with the latest fashions.
Handbags like clothes can make your body shape look better or worse depending on how you wear them. An important note to remember is where the bag ends and how long the straps are. Where ever your bag ends is automatically where attention is drawn to.
If you’re short and curvy opt for more of a long, sleek, and a rectangular or square looking bag. Choosing a soft fabric or good quality made leather will make it look like you’ve taken off a few pounds.
If you have more of a pear-shaped body, you want to focus more on bags that have shorter straps to shift the focus away from your waist and hips.
If you’re very tall and thin then a droopy rounded hobo styled bag will compliment your body type.
General things to keep in mind is that you want to choose the shape of your bag that is opposite of your body type. So, the more curves you have, the more structure your bag should have-like a clutch for example.
As for scale, how big the bag should depend and be proportional to your size. If you’re a very tall woman, it would look strange for you to be carrying a mini purse as an everyday bag, and for women who are petite, you shouldn’t carry too big of a bag because it will make you look like you’re overwhelmed by the bag.
All in all most women look good with bags that end in mid torso because it flatters the waistline. However, always take into consideration your own lifestyle and usage for the bag aside from style. If you need to carry diapers around then, a vintage bag is not for you.

