When it comes to finding the perfect purse, you need to think beyond colour or price tag. You need to find a bag that fits your lifestyle and suits your needs.
Where are you going?
Before you start shopping, think about when and how you will use your purse. Are you looking for an everyday bag that you can carry to your job all the time? If so, a neutral colour and simple style is probably your best bet because it will go with everything in your wardrobe.
Do you lead an active lifestyle? You might need a durable bag with a lot of room, or if you need to go hands-free, a crossbody bag might be your best bet. If it’s a special occasion purse that you crave, then you’ll want a small handbag or a clutch with just enough room for your necessities.
Match your body type
Not every purse is for every person. Curvy women look their best carrying bags that are boxy rather than slouchy and round. And the opposite goes for women with straight figures — they should avoid boxy framed bags and stick to slouchy hobos and soft-body totes. Petite women should ditch the trendy oversized bags as they’ll overwhelm your figure. A purse that is taller than it is wide is a terrific choice for short women, as they’ll make you appear taller. Women who carry extra weight at their waist should select purses with long straps that hit at the hip. If you have a pear-shaped body (larger in the hips and thighs), short-handled satchels are a better bet than bags with longer straps.
Set a price range
Before you start shopping online or at retail shops, set a price range for how much you want to spend. If you are looking for a bag that you are going to carry all the time, be willing to spend a little more for excellent craftsmanship and durability. It’s fine to buy a funky, trendy bag but don’t spend much on it. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a bag you aren’t going to use often or a fad that’s going to fade away before you can blink. Save your money for a classic, high-quality bag rather than buying a cheap bag that won’t last.
Don’t buy fake designer bags
If you are coveting a designer handbag that is too pricey for your budget, don’t buy a fake bag. Counterfeit bags infringe on the rights of the original designers and brands. In many cases, the organisations that create replica bags are illegal enterprises and employ child labour. Fake purses are made from poor quality materials and look cheap and the colours and dyes often bleed or fade. The stitching is usually uneven and the bags often fall apart. If you can’t afford an authentic designer bag, buy a cheaper brand or wait until your favourite designer purse goes on sale.
Handbag trends for spring
Mini crossbody
Small crossbody bags in fresh colours like green and yellow are hot this spring. Check out the Predictable mini crossbody (Nine West, $90) with its chain strap and simple silhouette.
Roomy hobo
Simple bags, like a tan leather hobo, are perfect for springtime. You can carry this Lillian hobo (Saba, $299) wherever you are going.
Bright tote
Add some colour to your wardrobe with a bright tote. This Stardom handbag (Urban Originals, $80) is a fabulous option.
Striped clutch
Ditch the basic black clutch and pick up a striped one in a bold colour combination. You’ll love the red, white and black Brite Side convertible clutch (Nine West, $100) in shiny patent.
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