Handbags: From a Simple Animal Pouch to the Finest Designer Creations

The earliest handbags were a simple construction and required a round piece of cloth with a thin strap made from leather and wrapped around the handbag. For the wearer it was convenient for carrying coins and other "things" that were needed. That was way back in the 14th century when they didn't have much nor needed the things we need today.

From the fifties on until today there was a rapid and distinct change in designer handbags. Now we have Louis Vuitton and Hermes and even Chanel bringing out their own very select creations.
Other big names include Prada, Coach, Kate Spade and many others who are making high quality designer handbags.

However, one thing that has not changed much since the beginning of the designer handbag is that they are still used to keep small things such as tissue, hairbrushes as well as items of makeup. And don't forget the perfume. Vera Wang Fragrance is a favorite of many.

Nevertheless, some say its main purpose is to make a bold statement of fashion and it is thus very ornamental and perhaps quite frivolous as well (according to some men). But is it?

There nothing worst that buying a handbag only to find out after a couple of days that you wish you had chosen the brown handbag instead of the black one.

When faced with a store full of handbags it's almost impossible to choose the right handbag. You'd think it would be easy but sometimes it can take hours if there are too many choices. Since choosing the perfect handbag is a critical process here are some tips for narrowing down the choices to just the right handbag.

Choosing for an event

First, make sure you have enough time to choose the right handbag for the right occasion. There's nothing like rushing a purchase and finding the bag is not what you wanted. Think about the event you need the handbag for. A large, gawky handbag with huge straps won't go with that formal dress you just bought.

If possible take the outfit with you when shopping for a handbag and give yourself a lot of time to choose the right handbag. Remember, a bad handbag can make you feel as out of place as a mismatched pair of shoes, or being over or under dressed.

Choosing for Functionality

Buying a handbag and finding out that you can never make your purse light enough to be able to carry can be a frustrating thing to go through. If you have a lot to tow around with you choose a smaller handbag with lots and lots of pockets.

Some Other Tips:

If you want a designer handbag---get a designer handbag. Save up, hock your dog, sell your Lexus, do whatever it takes but be careful not to put yourself in the hole for a handbag. They'll be some more next year and the next year.

Make sure your handbag will be able to be used more than once.

Be careful of the small handbags , you don't want to lose them.

And lastly, be sensible. You want that brown handbag so bad you spent your whole paycheck on it. We've all been there, done that. But it's not a sensible thing to do. It causes all kinds of trouble on the home front.

One of the accidents that always happen to handbags is when a pen leaks or you get ink on the inside or outside of your handbag. There is a neat little trick that will take care of that.

Spray a little hair spray on a washcloth and gently wipe off the ink. It will come right off.

Please don't use nail polish remover. That will remove the color from the handbag.