Bags on a Budget

Always get a designer handbag without spending a fortune!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Buying Authentic Bags Online Doesn’t Need to Be Risky Business If You Do Your Homework

By: Diana Ennen



High fashion makes you look and feel like a million bucks. But often the price tag is too hefty for today’s economy. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and experience, you don’t have to spend big to look great. Even when purchasing online, you can take steps to purchase designer fashions that are authentic and top of the line. Just do your homework and research as much as possible before you make your purchase? Develop relationships with shops that carry your favorite bags and a personal connection with the shop owner. Stop back often and get on their email lists so you keep in touch. Once they know your style, they are more likely to keep you in mind when they add to their collections or offer discounts.

By knowing the signs to look for in purchasing vintage bags online, you also feel more confident that your purchases are authentic. For example, with Chanel, their classic look is hard to miss with their signature interlocking letter Cs, their exquisite stitchery and hardware, and the quality look and feel of the bags.

Here are some additional tips to help you secure the perfect designer bag:
• Do as much research on the handbag you want to purchase as you can. Personally visit high-end stores so you can see the handbag and become familiar with its features. That enables you to easily catch flaws that shout knockoff to an informed buyer.
• Look for design consistency. For example, all Chanel bags have signature styles that goes far beyond their trademark C’s. The font used is very specific and is rarely changed on Chanel Bags. Look closely at the fonts on bags you see in the stores and check to see if they match.
• The bag and stamp will always match the hardware. When a bag has gold hardware the Chanel stamp and bag will always be gold. If it’s silver, they will be silver, and so forth.
• You can also spot obvious design flaws. Check the logo and pay attention to spelling mistakes. Check that the lining and stitching match and also look for uneven stitching. Chanel originals are always very neatly stitched.
• Examine the bag’s zippers. New bags come with Lampo zippers. One side should be engraved "Chanel" and the other should have the Chanel logo. The pull of the zipper should match the rest of the bag and its hardware.
• Chanel bags come with authentic cards, serial numbers, and dust bags. You can even check for authentic with these by knowing what to look for on your bag. For example, the price tags are on white cards. If it is new with a tag, the price tag should be white with Chanel written in black. Fake bags have black price tags.
• The authenticity card is black with a gold rim and white writing. The gold on the card should have NO rainbow hue to it.
• Also, check to make sure the serial numbers match the cards and bag. When shopping online, most shops will let you know whether the card is included. Don’t dismiss a bag simply because it doesn’t have the card included. Not all bags are sold in the resale market with the card, as owners may have misplaced them. However, this in no way devalues a bag. The same goes for sleeper bags. While it is nice to have them, you are really purchasing the bag. Often times you can get a reduced rate on these bags. Just make sure the other features signify an authentic bag.
• In the description take notes of things such as bright shiny colors. Authentic bags will have soft leather or suede. Fakes tend to look and feel more like plastic.
When shopping online and adding to your collection, frequent stores that not only carry your favorite designer bags and shoes, but specialize in them as well. For example, Chanel is by far one of the most recognized handbags today. If you favor Chanel bags and shoes, then shop at stores that carry these fashions as their main products. By specializing in one or two fashions, the shop owners are more than likely to be experts in those fashion lines and will not only be able to offer the finest and latest styles, but carry a full line of accessories to match.

Here are a few more tips to make your online shopping more successful:
• Look for websites that have clear photos of the designer bags and shoes. Check for serial numbers, date codes, etc.
• Pay special attention to how the products are listed. You can get a true feel for a shop owner when you see honesty in their listings.
• Quality sites allow you to contact the owner easily. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get more information on the fashions you want. Shop owners are normally very receptive to this as they too want you to find the perfect bag that meets your individual taste.
• Make sure the website you purchase from has a return policy and check exactly what that return policy includes. Pay with Paypal or a credit card for added protection.
• Get active online and join purse forums and other sites that provide fashion information.
Fortunately, today you can get great deals on the Internet. Whether it is last season’s styles for a few hundred less or a pre-owned bag in pristine condition, for sometimes a few thousand off, online shopping saves time and money.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Fashion Forward 2009: Get Ready to Look Great and Feel Great

By Megan Hazel


Get low price Designer Handbags at eFashionHouse.com

You probably don’t remember who said it, but whoever said that fashion comes full circle every 30 years or so was not too far off. Last season on the runway was reminiscent of the 1970s in both flowing fabric and easy style. We saw much more of the long skirt and much less of the micro mini. Materials like silk and chiffon, which tend to flow and gather, were popular for Spring 2008, and still have some staying power in 2009. However, fabrics like cotton and denim which tend to hold shape and lend themselves to casual styles are making a comeback this year.

If you got rid of a lot of your cotton and denim last season, not to worry; materials such as these remain inexpensive as always to replace! Some things from last season are still popular and can be recycled for this season. Accessories like metallic bags and clutches, as well as sequins and other ‘bling’ items are still quite popular and can still be worn with confidence. Left over from last season and still cute as ever are headbands. Get rid of that pencil skirt from last season, though!

Pairing a sheer shirt over a camisole with denim jeans is still a great casual look that you can pull off yet again, and “dressy sneakers” are another left over hit from 2008 that you can manage to make stretch into this season. It’s always a plus when style and comfort can be combined. Still popular for the young trendsetter are low cut, patterned sneakers with ties that sport the best of brand names.

Brown was the new black a couple years back, and while brown has some staying power, metallic silvers and golds are sticking around from the 2008 season as well as muted grays. New this year is bold nautical type colors such as cobalt blues, yellows, and Kelly greens.

Shoes are always on the forefront of the fashion questions people ask. Animal prints, which were in vogue last year for clothing, are all the rage for shoes in 2009. The pointy-toe pumps which came back last season are now popular in all styles of shoes and boots. Late 2009 promises to provide lots of classic leather looks as far as boots are concerned and the bigger, chunkier heels we saw last year are being exchanged for sleek, classier looks in leather.

Of course, if we are going to talk shoes we must talk shades. Still popular are the Jackie-O style round and dark sunglasses that cover most of your face. Celebrities, of course, brought this trend to the forefront of fashion and it does not look like it is going anywhere anytime soon. Also popular are bright primary colors which, surprisingly, are available even in the larger round and square shapes and not just in sporty styles this year.

Designer denim continues to be the hottest thing around. We all know that True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Buffalo, Seven for all Mankind and Lucky have become standard, almost run-of-the mill designer jeans. Even though they range in cost from $125.00 to $300.00 a pair, they are still the ‘norm’. As for jean style and cut, the zipper-ankle and straight-leg varieties that were popular last year are tossed aside for boyfriend jeans and more casual, comfortable cuts. Expect to see them everywhere this season. For those of you that love the model-skinny jeans, never fear. They are still hot this season, even in the dark wash that was brought back before 2009.

For the last few years, track suits have been popular for everyone from the average teen to the top supermodel to the homemaker shopping at the mall. Juicy Couture is likely still the most popular suit, but this look has expanded in popularity from Juicy to more reasonably priced retailers like Express, to top-of-the line designers like Cynthia Rowley. This season, the look extends to men as well. While warm-ups were always popular for men going to the gym, 2009 shows tracksuits worn by men in a casual yet designer fashion similar to the way women wear them. Gucci is a top designer dressing men in tracksuits this season.

This season proves to be an interesting one for fashion trends and styles. Comfort and style mix nicely, so look forward to looking great and feeling great. Nothing too over-the-top this season to offend, but an eclectic mix of old and new that should satisfy pretty much anyone paying attention and keeping track of the current trends. So, get ready to shop and enjoy some of the comfortable and cool styles 2009 will be all about.

Source Taken: https://www.amazines.com/

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Stunning Ladies Leather Handbags

By sinetawattson

SALE on Designer Handbags at eFashionHouse.com

Handbags have become indispensable part of accessories for contemporary ladies’ fashion. Every woman wants to flash the most attractive and modish bag. They wish for stylish and trendy bags, which are comfy and easy to use too. Leather bags are dominant in this case, with its traditional, aristocratic and lavish make. Most women favor leather bags for their multi purpose and all round approach. Ladies leather bags provide a sophisticated elegant look that harmonizes with a woman's outfit.

Ladies leather handbags come in vast range of modern designs and fashions. The designs change according to customers’ preference and promising fashion trends. Designs also vary as per usages and occasions. There are handbags available for different occasions, like college, parties, office, clubs etc.

There are wide range of designs and categories to choose from. Some of the popular categories of fashion handbags based on shape and size of these bags are:

• Fashion tote bags
• Touch bags,
• Clutch bags,
• Shopping bags,
• Evening bags,
• Shoulder handbags, etc.

Ladies handbags today have become more of an expression of their behavior and personality than merely a utility product. This is the very reason why ladies are more passionate and selective while shopping for handbags.

If a bag has an excellent form, proportion, line, finishing, balance, and fabric then you can say that the bag is outstanding. Handbags are most closely tied to a woman's magnificent personality than any other piece of fashion and an attractive handbag can amazingly add to her overall looks. The perfectly matching handbag is the most important accessory. It expresses what impression you want to create. It does not only represent what you are, but also what you aspires to be.

There are different sizes of bags for different personalities. There are bags that are bigger than a purse but smaller than a briefcase. Such bags are popularly known as fashion tote bag. It is the perfect companion for a female who is always on the move. Fashion tote bags perfectly go with the workingwomen segment.

Ladies leather handbags are more expensive than the bags made of other synthetic materials. Generally, leather designer handbags are renowned for the durability of the leather coated canvas, leather straps, stitching, extraordinary linings, and unique designs. Most of the designer handbags are highly priced. But, there are opportunities to buy discounted designer bags too. Many a times there are discount offers just before festivals.

But, there are several things that you have to be sure before you spend lots of money on even on discount designer handbags. While buying a branded women’s handbag, you should make sure to verify whether it really the original product of that brand. Many times several people create very attractive fashion handbags of low quality by misusing the name of a famous brand. So, when you are going to buy it, be sure about the brand identification.

Source Taken: http://www.getyourcontent.com

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Saturday, December 6, 2008

Miu Miu Geometric Snake Print Bag | Pixelated Checkerboard Print Snake Embossed Shoulder Bag

By bagbunch

Miu Miu, the little sister line to the more recognizable House of Prada, is known for quirky, offbeat, irreverent designs that rival the quality of Prada for a much lower price point. Usually I adore most anything they come up with, and my yearly fashion wishlist is regularly dominated by their styles, but I have to say that I just don't know what they're going for with this one.

The Miu Miu Geometric Snake Bag is a snake-embossed material printed with a pixelated black and red checkerboard print. That's certainly a mouthful, and it looks it. I am always a fan of adventurous texture mixing, but this is taking things a bit far. The pixelated design might be nice against a sleek patent leather, but against the snake embossed material, it gets muddied.

The overdesign of the bag only starts with the print. The dual leather handles that attach to the bag are too think to bring any elegance to the bag, and the removable shoulder strap is too thin to be practical.

To be honest, I might buy this bag at a thrift store for $3.99 to wear with my favorite 80's geo-print sweaters and leggings, but $1,150 seems like a joke. You can get this look for a lot less, and I'm not sure anyone wants it that badly, anyways.

More Features Of The Miu Miu Geometric Snake Print Bag
• 11" x 7" x 2" size
• 13" handle drop on the shoulder strap
• Interior zip pocket

Source Taken: http://www.zimbio.com/

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Friday, November 21, 2008

Hobo Purses, Handbags and Tote Bags are Smart and Comfortable To Carry

By Lynn Donn

Fashionable Handbags Collection - eFashionHouse

Hobo purses, handbags and tote bags are designed to fit snugly around your shoulder, so they’re comfortable to carry around all day, and the rounded shape means you can easily fit everything you need to carry. The hobo purse style is becoming a really hot fashion item, and you’ll be amazed at the wonderful range of purses, tote bags and handbags which are easily available to purchase online.

You’ll find them in luxurious Italian leather and soft, buttery suede, chic and stylish modern designs, cool and casual totes, and unique creations with printed photographs, embroidery, and all kinds of weird and wonderful decorative clasps and closures. You can choose from a plain and simple design, or one which features handy pockets and compartments. Good quality hobo purses and bags range in price from around twenty dollars up to three hundred or so, and they make a wonderful gift for someone special.

Choosing hobo purses, handbags and tote bags.

There is such a vast range to choose from, the hardest thing is knowing where to start. Most people tend to think of hobo purses and handbags and as a casual type of bag, but there are some very stylish and elegant designs which are perfect for business. Nothing makes a big impression quite like an elegantly designed handbag or purse in genuine Italian leather. A suede hobo purse or handbag has a more relaxed, casual feel and looks fantastic with a soft, layered fashion look. If you’re very petite, there are tiny hobo purses, tote bags and handbags which are cute, sexy and stylish, and will suit you perfectly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Top 5 Designer Handbags for Christmas

Christmas is busy enough sometimes without the extra hassle of trying to buy gifts for loved ones. We have come up with the top 5 handbags that you can buy this year, all of which are available on ebay right now!


Christmas SALE - Get Designer Handbags in discounted price at eFashionHouse.com


5. Prada Vela Messenger Bag.


Messenger bags have been a huge hit this year, and this is one of the finest, with its simple, casual design and buckled handles. If you arent sure which bag to buy, The Vela handbag is an excellent place to start.

Prada give this messenger bag a touch of class that is often missing from them. Its an elegant and smart holdall that has plenty of capacity for your belonings and much more. The clasps are placed well to make sure the top flap stays shut and they surround the Prada logo that simply cannot be missed, if you want to show this bag off. This bag is ideal for him and her, and would suit all occasions inluding work or for social events.

More importantly, due to the flexibility of the bag this would make an ideal christmas present and its why the prada vela messenger bag kicks off our top 5 article.

4. Chloe Saskia Bowler


The handbags is handsomely done up in a navy sheepskin, and also features gold-tone hardware with a front double-flap pocket.
This classy bag is beautifully accented with brown top handles, including shoulder straps, and it measures 15 3/10×15×6. The overall look make it sophisticated and a must have for anyone looking for a stylish new handbag.
The front pockets light up the bags general shape, while the subtle curves gives it a nice bohemian attitude, off set with its boxy shape topped with a glossy appeal in the Perspex handle, shoulder strap and brass Chloe tag.

The inside compartment is spacious and plentyful enough to get all of your accessories inside, and is finished off with a beautiful lambskin cloth lining,

3. Yves Saint Laurent Croc Patent Raspail Tote

The Yves Saint Laurent Croc Rasptial bag is a bit out of the ordinary - something that will make anyone feel special in a crowd. This Glossy croc patent leather is so very soft and slouchy its amazing how the material seems so fascinating.

The bag has leather body and straps and feels really good to hold, but with the metal hardware and feet you hardly notice them. Inside the bag the satin lining is like a smooth prison for your belongings, they wont be going anywhere in this bag!

Yves Saint Laurent havent featured much on this site to this day, but this bag is a statement as to why they are such a luxury item to have.


Source Taken: http://www.discount-designerhandbags.com

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Hobo Bags - Bags For the Chic and Fashionable!

By Ujwala Bapat

If you are searching for a bag that is casual, chic, stylish yet spacious, you will find all the characteristics in the hobo bag. Hobo bags are most famous with the young and middle aged women, not just for its design but also for the ability of looking stunning.

How to make a style statement with a hobo bag?

Designer Handbag Looks like A Fashion Spy Bag - eFashionHouse

These bags are famous and there is no wonder therefore that there are many exceptional designers making exceptional handbags in the process. All the designer made bags are beautiful. Many are made in single leather; you will also find bags that are made from two tone leather.

Hobo bags are not the stiffly designed bags, instead these are more like hippies bags, and tend to sag in the middle. These bags made from soft leather can give pretty creases in the middle making it look absolutely attractive. There are different sizes available. You will find some hobo bags gigantic, here you can stuff as much as you want and yet it will have a lot of space.

Some of the most chic designed hobo bags are the bright snakeskin ones. These have intricate design pattern, however, these look a lot more serious than the normal leather bags. Snakeskin bags look most stunning on almost every type of apparel. You will find snakeskin in most unique colors.

These are generally the shoulder bags, the straps are long therefore you do not need to carry them in your hand like you need to do with a tote. This makes these bags utterly comfortable to use. You can carry your hobo bags to outdoors, it will carry all those things you need without you having to stuff it.

Hobo bags are available in designer labels, you will find these bags also in un-branded category. This category would be really affordable. The replica ones would be inexpensive too however, no one can absolutely guarantee the quality of these bags.

Hobo bags are a natural choice of people who want to chic. You will find these bags very interesting for casual outings, outdoor parties. However, try and avoid these bags for formal parties where hand held purses rule.

Online shopping Ultimate shopping destination through some of the most trusted websites on the Internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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