Vivre Boutique .....Find us at www.vivremagazine.com: Choosing the right handbag for your size

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Choosing the right handbag for your size - then splurge without splurging

You probably don't give handbags the same scrutiny you give a pair of jeans: if a handbag is cute or fits your lifestyle then it works. But did you know that a handbag can flatter your shape almost as much as the right pair of jeans? Apply these easy steps to getting bag in proportion to your figure. It can not only knock off pounds visually (no kidding!), it'll polish up your style in a flash.

When you find a handbag for your shape etc etc, , If you want to look like you splurged, try Bag Borrow or Steal What a nifty idea. We'll keep your secrets secret. Try a new handbag every month- Chanel, Gucci, endi etc. Check them out for Chanel jewelry. Look like $10 million and let everyone try and keep up with you.

Shapes
Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type.

If you are tall and thin, look for a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to compliment your figure.

If you're short and voluptous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch). In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be.

Great selection of handbags are available at Handbags from Zappos.com
They are known for shoes, but have a great selection of handbags. its worth checking out.

Anyway, finding the right handbag doesn't mean that you have to carry a hard box around to counterbalance your womanly shape: rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick.

If you are feeling a little PRADA or feeling a little splurge coming on- take a peek! Theres FENDI, ARMANI, BALENCIAGA and lots more.

Some popular shapes:

Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag.

Tote - An open-top bag with straps or handles.

Duffle - Tall shoulderbag, often with a wider opening on top.
Field bag - A flap-top shoulderbag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).

Clutch - A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm.

Satchel- A large, handheld bag.

Baguette - Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.

Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
Cigar Box - A small, boxy, hard bag.
Pouch - A soft, small bag.
Kelly bag - A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures.

Think scale here: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held bag. A petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag. A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near. For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag). Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.