• Across body bag - A style of bag that has longer straps for it to be placed over your head and shoulder so it sits across your body. It enables you to carry a bag whilst keeping both hands free.
  
  
• Grab bags - These are great styles for when you are on the move. They are large enough to contain all your essentials and small enough to carry around all day everyday. Simply grab and go!
  
  
• Occasion/Evening bags - Small and compact they are ideal for any special occasion. Made in luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk they can be plain, beaded or exquisitely detailed. Clutch bags are the most common occasion/evening bags. Clutches have no straps or handles and can be carried in your hand or tucked under your arm.
  
  
• Purses & wallets - Available in different sizes purses and wallets are designed to keep together all your money and coins and can feature special compartments for creditcards.
  
  
• Shopper bags - Shopper bags are large but stylish. They are a great shopping accessory and have a top-handle with a zip or button closure to keep your shopping safe.
  
  
• Shoulder bags - These styles are great for everyday use. Available with a single strap or double strap just carry it comfortably over your shoulder.
  
  
• Tote bags - The popular tote bag has short to medium straps so that you can carry it easily in your hands. The top is open so that you can shove in your gym kit or those important documents right at the last minute.
  
  

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How to select a handbag that accentuates your physique

If your body type is overly abundant from the waist down, then the best strategy for you is to select a small purse with a short strap. This type tucks in nicely under the arm, draws the observer’s eye upward, and doesn’t add any to the lower half.

If your body type is generously endowed on the upper half, then a larger bag with a longer strap that takes the attention away from your bosom will do nicely. For the thin and sleek body, a large, floppy type of bag will add a little something to your look. Any bulky type of handbag will also help to add a new dimension. For the well endowed everywhere body frame, a smaller bag with a hint of color or a subtle pattern may do the trick. You may want to use a purse that has a short to medium length strap. This way, you can focus the attention to the upper half of your body rather than the full view.

For that perfect hourglass body (and yes, wouldn’t I love to have one of those), you have a multitude of choices. Anything goes for this woman, as long as it goes with the outfit! By Susan M. Keenan

Buying handbags for your boutique isn't just a matter of finding what's hot. You want happy customers - this means you need to buy handbags which can put up with the requirements of a gal's busy day, while conveniently carrying around everything she needs. Here are some things you should consider when selecting handbags to sell to your boutique customers:

The quality of the material - The bag should be made of strong material. If it looks like material that will tear easily, you're probably better off crossing it off your list.

PVC - Imitation leather may be cheaper, but it's not necessarily the way to go. If you are considering carrying a bag that includes PVC in its materials, ask yourself whether your customers would be willing to pay for imitation leather. Here at li and sun, all our wholesale handbags are made of strong material, we dont use cheap PVC material.


Seam strength - Examine the seams closely do they look like they will rip under a large load? Maybe this isn't a bag you want to sell

Hardware - Look at the clasps, zippers, and other hardware elements incorporated into the bag. Do metal clasps look like they will tarnish? Do zippers look like they might break after a good pull? Again, maybe this is a bag to steer clear of

Compartments and pockets - Take a good look at the inside of the bag. Does it include pockets and storage compartments? This makes a bag much more than a fashion statement, but also a practical item which your customer will be more likely to buy.

Colours - Think of what is currently in style when you take a look at a bag. Do the colours of the bag fit the season? Remember, a bag is part of a woman's wardrobe Also, do the colors look like they might run because that is definitely not good for business

Shelf life - No, shelf life is not just for food it is something you should consider when ordering items for your shop. Is the handbag you are considering simply a fad, or is it a lasting trend? Lasting trends translate into more sales, and of course into customer loyalty (i.e. the bag wears out, your customer returns in search of another). By Susan M. Keenan

Even for a low price one can look extravagant, and accessories like a handbag are the Cherie on the top. When it comes to buying wholesale handbags on-line you always want to get the lowest price possible, and some websites can be a bit tricky. Mostly all websites have a minimum purchase, they will not sell anything to you unless your order is the minimum amount or more. Websites that won't show you the prices unless you have a login account can have good prices but they will continuously send you spam E-mails to your registered E-mail address. Here at li and sun, you dont have to register as a member to view all our fantastic prices so that both ourselves and our customers can get on with running our businesses as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible

Tips:
Don't make an account just to view prices of a product you will get spammed

Buying products in packs may save you money but then you get stuck with the same bag in many colors but you will get the quantity the company sells to you and not how many you would like.

How to Select a Purse

1. Select the occasion. Will you take this purse to work every day, or are you looking for an evening bag you will use only once or twice? Work styles are usually functional, practical and stylish. Day styles for casual purposes are often natural-looking, including basket-weaves, florals, patterns and designs. Evening purses can be elegant, shiny, metallic and flashy.
2. Decide on a budget. Set a price range and stick to it. Look at sales items if your budget is limited.
3. Decide on a color. Is it for work? If so, a more subdued color and style is probably most suitable. Classic neutrals like black, beige, navy or even red are good office choices. Is it for going out at night? If so, you probably have more freedom to choose a color, shape or pattern that attracts more attention. Is it for the beach or for parties? Bright colors and pinks are good for spring and summer.
4. Decide what size it needs to be. Is it a purse or a tote? If you are going to keep it in a desk drawer at work, how much space will you have? What do you want to keep in it? Sometimes, a smaller purse is better, since it will hold all your essentials without bogging you down with stuff you don't need.
5. Consider alternative materials. You don't necessarily have to go with a traditional leather style. Look at bags made of fabric or natural fibers, and perhaps consider a washable purse.
6. Decide how long you will use this purse. Is it just for this season? If so, you may want to opt for the cheap but trendy route, such as the accessories departments of budget clothing chains or variety stores. If it's a purse you want to keep for a year or more, go to a department store and look for something sturdy but stylish from a reputable brand. You may want to take your budget into consideration when you decide this.
7. Consult the opinion of a friend or salesperson. If you aren't sure what will best meet your needs, ask others for input. If you just want some further inspiration, take a look at some magazines or even online.

How to Wash a Handbag

A handbag is one of the things that we tend to forget to wash or clean often, if never. So how can you clean your handbag without damaging it? It's actually a lot easier than you think, and it can be done with something that you may already have on-hand.

Begin by emptying the handbag and turning out all pockets. Take a lint roller, or wrap your hand in tape, and remove any debris from the inside of the handbag.Once all debris is removed, inspect the inside of the handbag for stains and/or marks. If you have stains or marks try using an alcohol-free baby wipe first. If this does not remove the stain then lightly spray a dry clothe with Windex and pat the stain, never rub.Clean the remainder of the inside and the outside of the handbag with the alcohol-free baby wipes. If your bag is leather, you may want to follow up with a good leather cleaner in order to keep the leather in good condition By Faith Lawless

How to Reattach a Broken Handbag Strap

Determine the type of material the bag is made out of. Leather bags are more difficult to repair yourself, but cloth bags can easily be fixed with a needle and thread. Get metal fixtures from a crafts store if the straps are attached using metal rings. Most crafts stores have a section with these rings. Reattach a cloth strap by fitting the strap back into place. Take care to make sure the strap is the right length. Pin it into place and sew it down. While it may not look perfect, handsewing a strap in place is a quick and easy fix. Repair a thin leather strap with a heavy duty needle and thread. It is tough work on the fingers, but is the simplest way to reattach any strap. Consider removing the entire strap and fitting the handbag for new straps. This could be a good opportunity to revamp your handbag to have longer or shorter straps, cloth or ribbon straps, wooden handles, or other decorative touches. Fix unmanageably heavy leather handbags (or just leather straps) at a shoe repair shop. Shoe repairmen have the equipment to deal with any kind of leather repair, not just shoes, and are a great asset for handbag repairs. By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

How to fix a stuck zipper

Stop zipping as soon as you feel something is caught. Examine the zipper to locate the problem. The inner lining may be caught, so check the inside of the garment or sleeping bag. Gently pull the lining away from the zipper. Tug lightly if necessary. Pull at the lining, not at the zipper. Pulling the zipper tab up or down will worsen the problem. If any teeth became separated as you removed the lining, push them back into place. Run your fingers along the length of the zipper and push the lining away from the zipper to prevent future snags. Use a little force to pull the zipper to the bottom. Then rezip, making sure to avoid the lining as you go. If your handbags' zips has broken, it is still connected one side but has come off the other side, turn the bag inside out so you can see the underside of the zipper. Take the zipper to the beginning, the is a small plastic stop that stops the zipper from going any farther. cut the stop off, take the zipper off and try to put it back together, just like you would be zippering up a jacket.
By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

How to Repair a Purse or Handbag

Clean and remove stains. Spots and stains on vinyl or patent leather can be easily removed by applying baking soda to a damp cloth and rubbing it gently over the spot. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the entire purse and buff thoroughly. It should take the stain right out. For heavier leather, use saddle soap for cleaning it. For finer leather, try a commercial leather cleaner and conditioner that you can commonly find at a shoe store. For dark marks on light leather, use a simple pencil eraser. You can even use a basic gum eraser to take out any spots on suede. Remove scratches. If you discover scratches on your leather purse, don't panic. They can be easily remedied. Take some soft, creamy shoe polish and buff it thoroughly over the scratches. Use this technique only for scratches, never for regular cleaning since the polish may come off on your skin or clothes. Repair tears and holes. A tear in a purse doesn't mean you need to rush right out and buy a new one. For vinyl purses, find a vinyl repair kit at any hardware store. Simply apply a matching vinyl patch to the purse with glue. For leather purses, find a patch of leather from a craft store, or even an old purse or glove. Scrape the edges thin with a razor blade to keep them from forming a ridge. Spread contact cement around the edges of the tear and apply the patch. Rub with a soft cloth after the cement has dried. For suede purses, cut an exact patch so the edges meet exactly and apply it on the wrong side. Then brush the suede to hide the tear. By:SueanneD

Guide in Choosing the Best Handbag for You

Since most women always keep their eyes on hot styles and designs of handbags, they became more focused on following these latest fashion trends without considering if the handbags will suit their figure. Perhaps, this is one of the most common mistakes that they make. Instead of buying the right handbag that matches their body type, they go after with its brand, styles and designs just to be in step with the hottest trend in fashion.

We all know that trendy styles of handbags, most especially if these are designer handbags are very tempting to buy even though they don't suit your figure. But this attitude is not an ideal way to make your outfit looks stand out. Keeping up on the latest fashion is not just enough to make you shine. Always remember that anything you wear must have some coordination and balance with your body. For some women who are fashion enthusiasts, choosing and matching handbags are just simple but for others who are not, it's not just as easy.

Here are some basic guide lines to help you out in choosing the best handbag for you:

1. Select the Right Size of Handbag

Knowing the right size of a handbag for your body type should be the first thing to consider before buying it. This will help you find the most appropriate handbag that would look best for you. Just keep in mind that no matter how stylish and elegant a handbag that you carry, it will be unfashionable if it doesn't set off with your figure.

Most fashion experts suggest that if you're short and petite, it's best to choose small handbags to work well with your outfit. This is because selecting big handbags will make you look smaller. On the other hand, if you're tall and slim, you must avoid these small bags. You can rely to use for some mid size, bulky and large handbags because these sizes will be best suit for your stature.

2. Pick out the suitable shape of Handbag

Choosing the best shape of handbag for your figure is another preference before purchasing it. Always bear in mind that carrying a handbag that is proportioned with your body shape is the best way to look stylish and fashionable because it really helps to change and enhance your overall look.

The best tip to achieve this is to make sure that your choice of handbag shape is the opposite of your body type. So if you're slim and tall, you should choose rounded bag to best match your look. However, if you have a shorter physique, tall and rectangular bag is suitable for you to make you look elevated.

3. Choose Colour that Complements most of your Outfit

After you have selected the right size and shape of a handbag that best suit to you, it's now time to choose for its color. Matching up the color of handbag to your outfit and shoes is an ideal way to have a fashionable style. Try to buy a colorful handbag that has dominant colors that will match most of your clothes. But to be more practical, you can also go for a plain handbag with just one color. It's most recommended to take neutral color handbags since they are popular choice. Black is a neutral color so you can never go wrong in selecting it because it always comes in style and fashion. You can also harmonize it with any color of your outfit. Brown and white colors are also advisable to use because you can also match them with most of your clothes.

4. Set off Handbag According to Occasion

And finally, it's really important that you know what will be the purpose of a handbag. To be practical, you must put some considerations on its functions because every occasion, place and season calls for different styles and designs of handbags. Just be sure that you're chosen handbag complements to a specific place or occasion and there's no doubt that you'll achieve the stylish outfit you most desire.

Now that you're familiar with some basic tips in choosing a handbag that looks well with your figure, you can now enjoy your shopping in some handbag stores and boutiques. But if you're a time savvy customer who doesn't have enough time in going out to mall, you can find some online shopping sites for your convenience and visit their designer handbag section for your wider selections of different sizes, shapes and styles of handbags that will make you shine above the rest. By: Lhancel Kurt

The history of handbags

Handbags are a staple of every womans wardrobe these days and most women have a number of handbags to co-ordinate with different outfits. In fact, according to one, the average 30 year old Englishwoman owns 21 handbags and buys a new one every 3 months!

We regularly admire handbags, totes, clutches and purses in shops and magazines, but have you ever wondered about the history of handbags? When were handbags invented and how did they come about?

Its hard to pinpoint an exact date for when handbags came about, but its fair to say handbags aren't a modern invention-many Egyptian hieroglyphs even depict early versions of the handbag.

By the 1400s both men and women were using handbags and the handbag started to be valued as being stylish as well as practical. Handbags became fashion items and accordingly they became increasingly decorative and ornamental, with embroidery and gold used to embellish the handbags. By the 16th century it was normal for handbags to be made from everyday materials such as cloth and leather.

Handbags disappeared from view for a while as women began to prefer to wear their handbag pouches under their skirts. Breeches became popular for men, and as they had built-in pockets men didn't need to carry handbags around.

Following the French Revolution it came to be fashionable for women to wear delicate clothing with tight skirts and blouse. This meant women had to bring their handbags out into the open again.

Handbags became especially popular with the advent of the hobble skirt. Because such skirts were so restrictive, handbags were a necessity and large handbags with long chains or strings were especially fashionable.

The actual term handbag didn't come into use until the 1900s. Handbag had previously been used to refer mainly to mens handheld luggage and these bags inspired new styles of handbags for women, with locks, compartments and complicated fastenings.

From the 1920s onwards clothes became skimpier and more lightweight, and so the handbag became an indispensable part of any womans wardrobe. Handbags became a practical necessity and a style choice.

In the 40s, due to the war effort materials such as metal frames, zips and leather were in short supply so manufacturers began to experiment with materials such as plastic and wood to make handbags.

There are a wide range of handbag choices these days, with handbags available in every shape and size. Celebrities set trends with their choice of handbags and the prices range from a few pounds up to the thousands.

The development of new materials has further diversified the handbag market. Leather is still a popular handbag choice, but there are also waterproof bags, delicate silk evening bags, and trendy plastic clutches.

Handbags or man bags as they are known are also becoming popular again for men. Messenger bags and satchel styles are particularly trendy.

Designer bags are popular, as are cheaper copies of them. As the handbag is so popular these days and such a fashion staple, handbag designs are likely to become even more unusual and imaginative in the future.

Handbag Trends for Spring / Summer 2009

By Gill Hart

Whether its a chain-strap shoulder bag, a quilted tote or a woven clutch purse, the spring and summer season brings out the best in bold colors, tempting textures and chunky chains.

Update your outfits with the best in spring summer looks, from a zesty orange chain bag or a summery quilted purse.

Chain Bags

If there is one classic look that is timeless this season its the chain bag. From chunky plastic chains adorning Pradas colorful patent bags to Chanels sophisticated brading. From Moschino to Marc Jacobs, and Lanvin to Fendi, these iconic designers have joined the chain gang this spring. Anya Hindmarsh's classy cream shoulder bag with chain strap is the perfect partner to a summer outfit.

Black and White Bags

Easy leather bags in black and white with simple accents and classic styling were ripe on the spring runways. Chanels signature spring pieces are monochrome quilted bags with braided chain straps – classy, versatile and timeless. Other black and white options include sophisticated yet sporty bags from Badgley Mischka and playful patterned clutch purses with prints and polka dots from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Anna Sui.

Bold Colours for 2009

Buttercup, orange tangerine and coral shades, and cobalt blue offer the best in bold color palettes, designed to brighten up even the dullest of spring days. Gucci’s bright New Jackie Large bag with bamboo detailed tassels. will definitely stand out in the crowd and Pradas solid color patent bags are a trendy but timeless investment.

Oversized Clutches and Totes

If you want more than lipstick, keys and a mobile with you at all times, get a carry-all ovesized clutch. A sleek modern style works just as well in the daytime, as well as after dark. This season it can be found in spring-like woven fabrics and summery straw. Oversized slouchy totes are still a firm favorite, not least for their statement style, and the fact that their gigantic proportions make the wearer look thinner by comparison.

Fringed Bags

If you want to embrace the fringing trend in 2009 then buying a fringed bag is your best bet. Totes and messenger styles lend themselves well to this trend and can be worked for day or night. Go for neutral tones like tan, brown, beige and black for a longer-lasting investment.

Quilted Purses

Whether its Chanel quilted chain bag in this seasons zesty orange or Marc Jacobs gorgeous quilted totes, quilted are oh-so-hot right now. Lanvins gorgeous leather cream team bag with double chain strap (Net-a-Porter) is sure to be a winner, ticking two trend boxes in one. Check out the Marc Jacobs Bronze Kristina Quilted Shoulder Bag or Juicy Coutures Leather Mini Bag with cute gold charms, both from Saks.

Ruched Bags

Ruffles and ruching are a strong look not only on dresses and tops but on bags too from the runways of Miu Miu to Moschino. For extra chic theres Valentino Ruches Hobo in black (Saks $1,695), which is expertly crafted in butter-soft leather ruffled tiers.

Woven bags

Spring and summer also means textures with multicolored raffia straw bags and woven fabric clutches. They are featured in the spring collections of almost all designers from Miu Miu to Kate Spade. Anya Hindmarsh's woven straw Faustine clutch is classy and summery.

Soft Leather Day Bags

Choose great textures in grab-and-go scrunchy butter-soft leather for urban-luxe edge. Find them studded, tassled, frilled or scalloped. For extra style points go for one of this seasons strong juicy colors to give simple outfits a directional edge.

Whatever trend you embrace this coming season, a handbag is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to update your wardrobe for spring summer 2009. A purse is less likely to date and will always fit! Investing in an on-trend bag will instantly give a new lift to an old outfit.

Treat Yourself to a Gorgeous Handbag for the New Season

Colour Trends for S/S 09

This spring and summer, designers have welcomed in the season with a collection that is bold, bright and colorful. This season is going to welcome in a new palette of colors for our wardrobes in earthy hues. Clothing designers have fallen in love with reds, browns and golds and some are adding emerald green and purple to the mix. Although red, yellow and purple are the key statement colors for the season, there are a variety of shades and tones to compliment any outfit or occasion. So, if you are thinking of buying a handbag for spring or summer, here's what to look for: Earthy tones - like brown and gold Firey tones - like reds, yellows and oranges Statement colours - Grape purple and emerald green Bold colours - like acid yellow and pillar-box red

Size Does Matter

Right now, the bigger the handbag the better, which is going to be great for those women who need to mix style with functionality. A great number of the handbags that have been seen so far on the London, New York and Paris catwalks have been oversized, multi-pocketed and easy to carry - a small victory for convenience! You will find yourself spoilt for choice as shelves will be filled with slouchy leather grab bags, large totes, functional shoppers and book bags Although we love a bag for all eventualities, the clutch bag still hasn't lost its place as a staple item for eveningwear. Many designers have created a small, more compact handbag for carrying the most essential of essentials, maybe not more than a rolled up note and a lipstick! A clutch bag is a great opportunity to have a go at wearing those bright statement colors that I mentioned earlier. If you are a bit hesitant about buying a huge, acid yellow bag, but want to stay on trend, teaming a small clutch bag with a pair of heels in a matching color is a more subtle way of showing that you're in the know as far as fashion is concerned. Photo courtesy : pursepage.com

Handbag Materials for Spring/Summer 2009

The materials of the upcoming season's handbags are earthy and natural. Leather, suede and raffia will play a big part in casual accessories. Taking the bohemian look even further is the use of old-style embellishments, such as weaving, tassels, fringing and beads. Reptile leathers will also be a big hit this season which will compliment the safari style animal prints of Fall/Winter 2008.

Photo courtesy : pursepage.com

Designer Handbag Focus: Coach Miranda Printed Python Satchel

Eva Longoria, the diminutive "Desperate Housewife", debuted a new hair cut (though not in this pic) as well as a new handbag during her stay in NYC. Those who've followed Mrs. Tony Parker's style evolution over the years are well aware of her love affair with all things Coach. While out and about with her stylist, Robert Verdi, Eva was the picture of winter perfection and her Miranda Printed Python Satchel was the icing on the cake. Though I'm not a huge fan of Coach handbags lately (their are a few exceptions), I will admit that the 'Miranda's' teal, textured python-print leather exterior is a huge tempter for handbag lovers everywhere. The satchel's classic lines are spruced up with a convenient front turn-lock pocket and buckled strap detailing. Additional features include dual top handles, rear zip pocket, top-stitching detail throughout and a fully-lined interior with zip pocket, cell phone pouch, multi-function pockets and keyfob ring clip.
Photo courtesy : pursepage.com

Designer Handbag Focus: Balenciaga Moon bag
By Erin D.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s apparently had a bad week with her scary hospital visit. Still, that didn’t stop her from putting on a brave face and stepping out with an incredibly chic Balenciaga Moon bag with black trim. (Hey, if a fierce Balenciaga purse can’t put you on the road to good health, what can? Kidding!) Gwyneth has always been the picture of fabulous, unfussy style, and this sophisticated, rich leather handbag is a perfect match - it’s trendy but classic-looking, and totally luxe. You can send me to the ‘moon’ anytime.