The Must-Have Accessory: The Fashion Handbag

By Scott Nichols

Handbags have come a long way in the fashion world. No more just an object that holds a woman’s wallet, makeup and keys, fashion handbags have become a must-have wardrobe accessory. For many women, fashion handbags are as much a part of their wardrobe as their dresses, suits, shirts, blouses, pants, shoes and other clothing items they wear. A fashion handbag contributes to the overall impression of any outfit, and it sends a message about the personality of the person who carries it.

Of course, women do still carry handbags for functional reasons. Women definitely need a place to hold the necessities of life. But fashion has caught up with function. If we are going to carry handbags, we’re going to look good doing it! Fashion handbags have become an important signature accessory for stylish women around the world.

Fashion handbags have become true wardrobe accessories. A stylish woman wouldn’t carry a backpack when walking the red carpet at a formal event, nor would she take a clamshell evening bag on a camping trip. These may be extreme examples, but surely they illustrate how the handbag you carry completes the image you present to the world.

Fashion handbags are available in so many different styles and shapes that it is easy to select a handbag that is perfect for every style, mood and occasion. Maybe you are wearing a fashionable broomstick skirt today. A slouchy shoulder bag might just be the perfect handbag accessory. Maybe you have a job interview. That same slouchy bag might not send the best message. Not only will it not coordinate well with your best interview suit, it doesn’t send a message of organization and competence. A slim briefcase or classic leather bag would be a better choice for this occasion.

Fashion handbags are available in too many styles to list. To name just a few, some of the most popular styles today include: evening bags, hobo style handbags, boxcar handbags, duffel and mini duffel handbags, shoulder bags, wrist bags, and many others. Popular fashion handbag materials include fabric, nylon, leather, crochet, canvas and other textile. Some fashion handbags are decorated with beads, sequins, and appliqués. Some people even carry fashion handbags that are especially designed to allow them to carry their pet with them everywhere they go!

You are sure to be able to find fashion handbags that match your every mood. Changing your handbag to match your mood and attire is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to let your personality shine through to the world.

Why Women Need More Than One Handbag

By Marsha Maung

I’ve had men friends ask me this question loads of times and every time I give them the same answer… “The very same reason why we don’t wear pajamas to work, darling!”

To men, one handbag is enough to suit every occasion. To women, there’s a handbag of different design and color to suit different occasions. This clash of opinion has caused one too many closet-fights as it is. So, here are some reasons why women need more than one handbag.

• Black rules but….we’ll admit this. Black goes with everything…and I mean everything. From yellow casual clothing to grey corporate suits. You can take a black handbag shopping and also the very same black handbag into a meeting. If you want to blend in with the curtains, fine. If you don’t, you need something striking, bold and coordinate with whatever you are wearing.

• Shoulder bags look fashionable and professional but it’s just not right to take a shoulder bag to the beach. It’ll make you look dowdy and bland.

• Satchels are designed for women to carry their essential documents without having to lug around a clumsy ‘luggage’ of stuff everywhere. This works wonders when out shopping.

• The handbag print is also very important. You can carry your fun, funky and colorful handbags out for fun outings. And in the meantime, you can take the more serious ones to corporate functions. Imagine what people will think when you bring a ‘Mickey Mouse’ print handbag to a corporate meeting in China?

• Backpacks and luggage are for traveling, not shopping! It works just the same way and it’s pretty convenient too, we have to add, but it’s just not something you’d want to be seen lugging around.

• The clutch bag, on the other hand, is very convenient and chic but you can’t be carrying it to parties because you can’t exactly hang it over your shoulder. If that’s the case, you run the risk of leaving your handbag behind when it’s time to leave (with a little bit of booze in the blood, it’s not impossible)

• Finally, last but not least, women need different handbags for the very same reason why men like to look at women. In fact, it’s because men appreciate women’s ability to dress up and look nice – why in the world shouldn’t women dress up and look nice? Make perfect sense?

Marsha Maung is a freelance graphic designer and copy writer who works from her home in Selangor, Malaysia. She loves nothing more than blowing bubbles in the park with her 2 kids, Joshua and Jared. She designs apparel and premium items at http://www.allmomstuff.com and is the author of "Raising little magicians", and the popular "The Lance in freelancing"