Handbags: The Truth About What We Hoard In Them
Our handbags are full of rubbish- it’s official. New research has confirmed what most of us have suspected for years.
Other than the usual suspects, such as purses and keys, there were a few unusual objects in the handbag mix, like detachable car CD players and screwdrivers for repairing glasses.
Despite this, 92% of these items weren’t seen as being useful by the 1,300 women surveyed and over half of respondents (57%) admitted they only use 1-5 of those items on a regular basis.
The same five items were also voted the most useful: purse, keys, phone, pack of tissues and a pen and notebook – all of which featured higher than makeup- in the survey carried out by Kleenex.
TV psychologist Anjula Mutanda comments: “This research shows that whilst we recognise that we don’t need all these things cluttering up our handbags we do still tend to cling on to objects “just in case” – we are nurturers by nature and therefore prepare accordingly. All we really need though is just five essential items, as identified in the research, that will actually have a use on a day-to-day basis when we are out and about
“What is interesting, however, is that it’s clear from the research that today’s women are demanding both fashion and function from their handbags and the products they put in them. That suggests that we’re unwilling to compromise – basically we want it all in one handbag fix: stylish must-haves that are also useful.”
This notion is confirmed by the fact that over half (51%) of women said they wouldn’t buy something just because it looks good and a further 1 in 5 said that they liked to buy things that look stylish.
Anjula’s top tips on de-cluttering your handbag:
* Choose a bag that fits with your lifestyle and with what you need, nothing much more
* Clear out your handbag when you get in every night to rid it of those unnecessary items – only carry the essentials
* Choose a purse that does the job and no more – you don’t need a brick!
* Kick out unnecessary keys and hefty key chains
* Try weighing your things to see how realistic you are being. If they are too heavy then you could consider using compact versions wherever possible: smaller purses, a smaller notebook, a mini-sized pocket pack of tissues etc
5 Must-Have Accessories for Summer 2009
1. Lightweight Scarf
Scarves have made a comeback in recent months, and as it gets closer to summer, there’s no sign of their popularity dwindling. The July issue of Glamour magazine even suggested a lightweight scarf as a way to update and summer-ize the LBD (little black dress). The magazine also featured two white scarves with black stars on them (the magazine cites that they are from Laila Rowe and Converse One Star at Target) — the scarves look fantastic, but they have been impossible to hunt down on the Internet.
In that case, the scarf can be used as inspiration to make one’s own. Simply find a white scarf or gauze (a large one can be used as a sarong as well) and stamp or block print stars (or any design) on it. A fun, easy summer project!
2. Floppy Hat
A hat isn’t only necessary to protect one’s skin and keep the sun out of one’s eyes, it’s a cute summer accessory. There’s a wide variety of choices, from traditional wide-brim straw hats to colorful, printed fabric hats. For a steal-worthy item, try the Merona Exploded Floppy Hat, available in a black and white floral pattern at Target for only $12.99. The black and white pattern will easily go with summer’s must-have white outfits.
For a designer look, Burberry routinely has a variety of hats, and particularly for summer 2009, Juicy Couture has a $75 cotton floppy hat available in blue or pink. Each features a ribbon bow with Juicy’s signature silver heart charm.
3. Sunglasses
The common question: to purchase an expensive pair of sunglasses or numerous “cheap” pairs? Whatever one decides, the super-oversize sunglasses seem to have taken a break for the moment. Current styles are decidedly more tame (and actually more flattering — the gargantuan-sized lenses always did have a bug effect.)
Bag trends for Spring/Summer 2009
With the huge influence of recession many designers have focused their attention on accessories rather than garments. Jewelry, shoes, handbags of this season are very unusual and bright.
Besides, they are present everywhere, in every single collection, worn with pride and an elegant air by all the top models on the catwalk.
The handbag is no longer considered by designers as a mere accessory that can be included or may be ignored. It has become a fundamental element of a woman’s look. Its mission is not limited to practicality; it is chic and complements a woman’s personality and style.
Trends of this season very much, from highly practical huge totes to tiny eccentric clutches for evening wear. Every woman of fashion will be able to find something that suits her style and taste.
Wide, very comfortable bags in all colors imaginable – beige, white, black, metallic, gold, violet, orange, green, blue, etc. – will be extremely popular this season.
Nina Ricci Delves Into Accessories
When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate,” said Nina Ricci, creative director at Olivier Theyskens.
You have to stay true to what you’re doing, and the house of Nina is about luxury.”
That said, Theyskens continues to plunge forward with an expanded accessories collection, which includes a newly unveiled handbag collection and expanded footwear collection.
The handbag collection, ranging from $1,800 to $2,500, consists of hobos, shoulder bags, totes, and clutches made in luxurious leathers and textures, like the ones seen above.
“We’ve had a propensity toward so much flash the last few years,” said Theyskens, “and I wanted to make something classic with simple hardware. For shoes, Theyskens designed platform pumps and booties adorned with unexpected details. Both collections will be available come Spring.
fabsugar.com
Purple color trends
As you know the purple color is very popular ths winter.
So lets see some interesting thing to wear.
Cotton Purple Tights
Seller: The Purple Store
Purple ankle boots
Jeffrey Campbell – Di High Heel Cuff Bootie
A sleek bootie for a sleek look.
Purple open-toe shoes
Women’s BCBGirls Fernando
Purple dress
Versace Berlin Print Silk Gazar Dress
Marion Cotillard’s Dior Bag Ads
When Dior first announced that their new “Lady Dior” ads would feature the Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard, we couldn’t wait to see what they had in store. Now they’re giving us a preview of the first of four dramatic ads which won’t hit magazines until January. The print campaign, which is meant to evoke a cinematic feel, will feature the actress in a narrative of mystery and romance.
In this first ad, Marion, dressed in Dior S/S 09, poses atop the Eiffel Tower clutching the timeless and classic “Lady Dior” bag. What could be better than the French actress and the Parisian landmark! We can’t wait to see the next three.
Platinum Clutch worth $500,000 seen at the Emmy’s
The Emmy’s are a big deal event and people have different reasons for watching them. The most obvious one is to check out their favourite stars and shows being honored! For me however, the main reason is fashion. Put a bunch of stars on a red carpet and you know you will either witness some amazing creations or some amazing fashion fiascoes.
The 60Th Annual Prime-time Emmy Awards on September 21 featured something of great interest to me. What is that, you curious people ask? The Platinum Clutch designed by Cate Adair. If you are clueless as it who that it, Adair is the costume designer for Desperate Housewives. I must admit the show sucks, but it has some fantastic clothes and accessories for the beautiful women.
The Platinum Clutch costs just over $500,000, but that’s okay as the credit cards that go in it will be worth much much more than that. If you live in New York, check out the super awesome clutch at Kwiat’s new store on Madison Avenue. It is a beautiful clutch studded with diamonds.
Designer Marc Jacobs handbags for Spring-Summer 2009
Spring is all about expressing yourself more freely, and this is naturally reflected in the clothes and accessories we wear as well. Fashion designers, it is only understandable, are not the ones to overlook this – on the contrary, it’s on what they base all their creations.
However, out of the lot, it’s perhaps Marc Jacobs that really asks you to be bolder and more beautiful than ever come this spring, with the newly launched collection of bags plus accessories at New York Fashion week.
Marc Jacobs spring/summer 2009 handbags collection
To start with, as attractive and colorful as this new line might be, it’s not for everybody.
Marc Jacobs has always been a designer for the select few because his limits in terms of creativity are close to non-existent, therefore everything that comes out bearing his signature is audacious beyond imagination.
The same note of boldness characterizes the latest line as well – multi-layered, shiny and almost too flashy for their odd combination of colors, the Marc Jacobs bags are made exclusively for women who are not afraid to have all eyes on them no matter where they go.
And, believe it, that will happen – guaranteed – with one of these totes strapped to one’s shoulder.
Fashion handbags
Single carrying strap
