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Women who can fit their everyday belongings in one pocket are admirable but rare. Most of them need the just-in-case supplies, the spruce-me-up stuff and the how-will-I-survive-without paraphernalia inside of purses. And if they’re going to carry a bag around, it might as well be a reflection of their outfits and personalities.
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Handbags are always evolving, but here are the top nine trends you should look out for when buying your next handbag.
1. What Cell Phone?
Today’s handbags usually have a small pocket for money and another one for a cell phone. However, for security reasons, it’s not always the best idea to have a handbag that looks like it’s carrying its own fanny pack. Instead go for a handbag that makes a cell phone a bit more subtle, such as this one with the front zipper pocket.
2. Spice up Plain Jane Outfits
Photo: Michael Kors
If you’re having one of those black turtleneck and blue jeans kinda days, why not let your purse do all the dressing up for you? Checkerboard patterns and a shiny front bring more attention to the handbag than the Plain Jane apparel.
3. Weigh It out
Photo source: bulimaic
Cloth purses always seem like a good idea until you pack all of your stuff inside. Suddenly that soft, bouncy purse has more points on it than a compass and feels like you’re lugging around a safe deposit box. For purse owners who have a lot of heavy items (ex. collection of credit cards, checkbooks, sunglass case, loose change), go for sturdier purse material (ex. pleather or leather).
4. Poking out of Two Pockets
This goes against the advice of security with cell phones, but there are some items that need to be more accessible. No one wants to be digging in the bottom of their purse for an ID. Or, if you touch something gross, it defeats the purpose to dig around for antibacterial ointment when it’s not on everything inside. Keep items that are regularly used, including mirrors, in the two front pockets located on many of today’s purses.
5. Double the Fun
Photo source: whatdoiwear
Some women love holding their purses on their inside elbows or by hand. Others would be completely irritated by a purse they couldn’t sling over their shoulder. Why not go for both? Even if two handles may look a little busy on the outside, look for detachable purse handles — usually the longer one — that can be zipped inside. Double handles also come in handy when one set of handles is damaged from everyday use.
6. Sliding Handles
Adjustable handles initially may look like bookbag purses, but the perks are well worth it. The handles are usually made of canvas-like material. These slide handles are an alternate, convenient option for purses that don’t give consumers the option of double handles. Whether the purse is slung diagonal over the body, on one shoulder, by hand or by arm, these handles are made with the intention of being able to help consumers do all four.
7. Is That Velcro?
These can be a bit tricky because the purpose of the pockets secured by Velcro are to make sure the items don’t fall out. The problem is once these pockets are used too often, many things get tangled inside of them (ex. loose thread) or start to detach from the purse. Only put things that are rarely used, such as stain wipe removal containers, in these pockets. Fingernail clippers, maps, train schedules and extra earphone buds are all handy things to put in these pockets. They’re small and need to be secured down, but they’re not items that are needed enough to wear out a good pocket from repeated opening and closing.
8. Check out Those Pleats
Yes, they sometimes have the weird texture of a puppy’s ears, but similar to checkerboard patterns, pleated handbags can make an outfit stand out. Avoid trying to match too many colors with a pleated purse. Or, if you’re the type who likes your shoes to match your purse, try nude, black or brown pleated handbags instead. You could also wear those same color outfits when showing off a brightly colored purse. Solid dresses and skirts with small patches of the color also work (ex. an orange, white and blue dress with an orange pleated handbag).
9. Stamp of Approval
Some purses look like they might as well have a doorbell on them with the amount of metal advertising the brand. If it’s a brand you like, then this is probably pretty fun to show off. But one way to downplay the metal stamp on the front of the purse (if you don’t like it there) is to make use of the detachable nametags. Purse companies have done a much better job of making the material and color actually match the purse as opposed to resembling suitcase nametags. Let the identification tag hand free on the front. Loop the nametag handle through one of the purse handles or strap holes.
There are so many trendy options for handbags. What works for one may be a nightmare for the other. But for shoppers who go into boutiques or the accessory section with color, material, pocket location and handle length in mind, handbag shopping will be much easier to do.
Cover photo: Jimmy Choo
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The post Nine Ways to Make Sure Your Designer Purse Steals the Show appeared first on OLENA.