Designer Handbags Planet

I was recently reading an article about Victoria Beckham's style, and one of the things mentioned was her Hermes collection. The article also stated that she pays tens of thousands of dollars for each bag! I guess that's like pocket change for posh spice, but it made me think about the obscene price of these bags and why this is so.

If you look through eBay, the average Hermes Birkin bag costs between $7,000 and $12,000. And this is without any custom-made features! How can this be? It all comes down to craftmanship. Birkin bags are made out of the finest and most exotic leather and precious metal, and they are hand made by craftsmen in France. It actually takes around 48 hours just to make one, so this is why the waiting list is years long.

Typically, the exterior features of a Birkin bag are made out of leather or crocodile skin, but crocodile skin tends to cost way more because the saltwater crocodiles they use aren't easy to come by. The interior lining is manufactured from goat skin that is specially tanned to match the color of the exterior. The signature lock, keys, buckle, and feet studs that adorn the bags are also made with precious metals such as gold or palladium.

Despite the fact that an Hermes Birkin bag is expensive, I would still highly recommend purchasing one because it is one of the few bags that actually appreciates in value over time. Usually, a bag only retains resale value as long as it is considered to be an "it" bag. In this case, you can spend $5,000 on a brand new birkin and expect to resell it for a hefty profit.

Designer handbags, wallets, and luggage are more than just means of storage. They are fashion statements that define one's personal style. A great bag will be the perfect gift this holiday season because they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, so the process of finding the perfect one for your friend or loved one will undoubtedly be an easy and fun process for both you and the recipient.

Whether it's Marc Jacos, Fendi, Chanel, Prada, or Gucci, there are so many different designers with different styles, the options are limitless. This is the truly wonderful thing about accessories. They are the greatest way to allow personal style to stand out and be noticed.

One of the main trends of this season is the use of animal print and animal skin. Everyone from Dolce & Gabbana to Dooney & Bourke has come out with a stunning animal print bag which stands out, but without being tacky. Not to mention, an Hermes crocodile bag is quickly becoming a staple for any fashionista. Another great trend is the use of bold and bright pastel colors. Valentino recently debuted a braided handbag which comes in colors such as fuscia, turqoise, and jade green.

When it comes to wallets, refined elegance is always the way to go. This applies for both men's and women's wallets, because a chic wallet is a good way to show financial status and let the world know how "in vogue" you truly are. Names such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci will never fail you in this department.

When it comes to the world of high fashion and style, a quality handbag can cost you anywhere from the thousands, to the hundreds of thousands. This is why it is so important to make the right decision. More often than not, there is only room in the budget for a couple of these bags, and you do not want to regret such an investment.

A good handbag should not just be looked at as a short-term investment for your wardrobe, but rather a long-term investment for the legacy of your style. Speaking from experience, my grandmother left me dozens of vintage designer bags that are worth much more now than they were in the '70s. This is why it is so important to make the best decision possible. Not only can a quality bag be a great heirloom, it can also be a source of inspiration for your future kin.

One thing to keep in mind while on the hunt for the perfect purse is your body type. If you have a pear-shaped figure, it is best to choose something that draws the observer's eye upward, so the best option is something small with a short strap that can be tucked under the arm. For example, a Chanel chain purse.

If you have a more top-heavy figure, then the opposite is true and you should go for something larger with a longer strap that draws the eye downward. An excellent example would be a Louis Vuitton monogram messenger bag.

Those of you with long, slender frames should opt for a bulkier bag that adds dimension to your body. Miu Miu makes the best slouchy bags out there. If you have a fuller figure, then it would be best to wear a smaller, more subtle bag. Coach, Prada, and Kate Spade specialize in this area.