We can all easily resolve to be a little nicer

We can all easily resolve to be a little nicer, healthier, less of a drunk, more organized or {insert New Year’s Resolution You’ll Likely Break Here}. But it’s KEEPING on the successful path of those goals… that’s the hard part. When assessing what you intend to resolve in 2011, add in a few of these handbag objectives.
And then repeat after me:  I Will Take Better Care of My Handbags!

Taking care of your satchels and shoulder bags has to start with an audit of your accessory collection: is everything in good shape? Do you have loose or broken straps, zippers or seams on your purses that can be repaired? Has your leather hobo surface seen brighter days? Is your collection outdated or short an evening bag?

Start first by making a few piles with your currently-owned accessories, separated by: donate, toss or keep. Donate or discard old purses that cannot be salvaged by a visit to the luggage and shoe repair shop (you did know these awesome local business cobblers fixed handbags, right?!). Also, make a list of items missing.

GIVE AWAY purses (to charity or friends) that are in good shape but are perhaps out of style, too small/large for your use — or those that you NEVER carry. replica bags Someone else (a younger sibling, niece, costume shop or charity) could resell or pass along a bag in good condition. Do not donate garbage accessories.

KEEP items in your closet that are in good condition, regularly used or even ones that could be revitalized by a little cleaning. Some of that conditioning and buffing can be done at home, with special leather, suede or fabric cleaners, but other materials could benefit from a little professional help. Never throw a handbag into a washing machine, unless ALL constructed materials are cotton.

THROW AWAY purses with heavy staining, cracked leather or exteriors cannot be patched (and promise to next time take better care of your replacement!) or broken straps that cannot be rebuilt. Consult with a leather professional, if you are unsure — even ripped linings can oftentimes be replaced.

BUY new purses that not only fit today’s trends, but will serve a purpose. Do you need a large daily-use bag? Something cross-body for sight-seeing or regular touristy adventures (think: free hands!)? Do you need a black evening bag (everybody does)?

Last, but certainly not least, resolve to maintain your handbags: clean with a soft cloth, only use cleaning agents meant for your fabrics or materials after each use, store properly and protect the interior of your purses by using included pouches, zippered pockets or removable makeup bags. More about interior upkeep in my next post! What would you include on your handbag care tips 2011 resolutions list? Happy New Year from iFashionHandbags!Dec 29, 2010 by mel
                 
New Year’s Eve is a holiday that we ladies like to completely dress up for the seemingly endless calendar full of cocktail parties that are sure to ensue. You not only need to fit a specific dress code for each, but be sure that you pack your night full of accessories accordingly. replica bags So many evening bags give me little room to work with. I’m no different than the rest of you planning-everything-in-advance fashionistas, of course. Additionally, I like to “bling” out my ensemble — even if I’m wearing just a LBD.

For accessories? I’m carrying a purse in gold or silver (to match the rest of my jewelry selection) or something sequined or glittered — and it HAS to be one that will carry my necessities. This year, I would opt for the Over Sized Eva Ostrich Clutch in gold to match my champagne-hued knee-length gown and that is large enough to carry my party supplies (and perhaps a noisemaker or two).

Bash for Gold!

I love that when I’m tired of carrying this clutch around, I can utilize the included extended chain strap to wear across my body. Because at the midnight toast, it’s all about hands-free action: one used to hold my champagne flute and the other to rope in my date for that swoony midnight kiss. *wink*

But depending on the dress code for your event (or establishment), I would also recommend the silver, sequin-licious Lori Braided Drawstring Handbag or any of the seven (!!!) colors of the flower-adorned Emily Metallic Mesh Flower Tote (my favorite being the electric blue).

For relaxed, casual affairs, you can’t go wrong with a studded clutch like the Patricia.

Bowed, Studded: Ready to Party!

For evening wear, it’s all about the clutch. Don’t be “that guy” who attends a lively, crowded party with your giant daily-use purse on your shoulder!

Which purse will you be carrying to your NYE soiree? Dec 20, 2010 by mel  

 

The Maria Fancy Ostrich Bow Tote.Which will it be for you this season: satchel or tote? Or something else?Dec 18, 2010 by mel
                 
I received one of the BEST stocking stuffer gifts last year — a clutch! Also, at a White Elephant Party a few years ago with my girls, I received another small handbag. I think small purses and evening bags are sold at a great price point to add a little something extra to a Christmas stocking. Can you believe that those two presents are probably the most used?replica bags If you’re a purse lover, than I’m sure you’re with me. Check out our collection of various styles in our online shop.

A final thought before I sign off for the weekend: The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama is giving away one of our handbags. Check out her giveaway  for instructions on how to enter and win a new purse (deadline: December 29) valued up to $60! That would make for a nice after-Christmas gift to yourself, no?

You have less than a week until Christmas. I HOPE you have your shopping done. I’m on to the wrapping portion of the holiday season. More spiked hot chocolate, please!Dec 16, 2010 by mel
                 
Gone are the days where I lugged around a large handbag merely for fashion reasons. And as seen by the contents of my purse below, I require something large enough to fit all this and more:
So much STUFF!
Not pictured: my iPhone and its charger (which were used to take this picture).

It’s obvious that I’m more than prepared for cold and flu season what with my tissues, anti-bacterial wipes, anti-bacterial gel, sore throat candies (and lotion from all the hand-washing)… and I’m sure I have an Advil or two in the make-up bag. I also regularly stash my umbrella, hat and gloves (and sometimes, scarf) in my purse, if I’ll be wandering around doing errands or shopping for a while (why do stores keep everything so uncomfortably warm when they know you’ll be layering up?). So I need something BIG — to carry personal items, work things (I often carry a small notebook with me too) and, obviously, my collection of lip-glosses and chapsticks.

iFashionHandbags has five fantastic-ly LARGE purses in the shop that are perfect for a girl-on-the-go — and who needs to carry everything with her.

Oh, handbags. I need to stop collecting you. When asked what MY favorite item is on the site, of course, I have to select a few — for different occasions and situations and such.

If I had to select JUST ONE favorite bag, it would definitely be the Melanie Ruffles Satchel.

I’m just a sucker for a haute satchel. And the combination of ruffles and dual visible zippers makes me swoon. But more than just being “cute”, the Melanie Ruffles handbag is versatile in pairing with both with work and casual wear and also makes for a great weekender while running errands (it holds so much!). This bag sincerely gets so many compliments when you carry it.

For dressier occasions (which for me is typically a tailored pair of designer jeans and an amazing top), I opt for carrying something like the Over Sized Eleanor Patent Leather Studs Evening Bag in dark blue.

I would definitely carry this purse in the hot pink too, say, if wearing all black, to make my total outfit pop. And it goes without saying, the white version will have a place with my summer wardrobe (yes, I think it’s totally OK to own the same purse in multiple colors — when it works, it works!). More than anything, I love that you can carry it in multiple ways — and that for an evening purse, there is room for more than just a lipstick and ID!

For cocktail parties (not just happy hours and nights out with the ladies), The Oversized Kim Double Clutch works with any Little Black Dress.

And since professional attire is sometimes required, my daily bag choice would be the Helen Locket Satchel Handbag.

No question, this black carryall is structured and crafted well to hold all my day-at-the-office accessories — and anything that I might pick up or require to be transported throughout my 9-5. All while matching a collection of pant suits. I like the touch of dark brown in the exterior material, so it pairs well with whatever color mood I’m feeling in the a.m.

Check out the online boutique! And tell us what your favorite handbag is.Dec 07, 2010 by mel

iFashionHandbags has a handbag for everyone on your holiday list — boss, coworker, friends, siblings, mom — perfect for any Christmas gift exchange or even a Secret Santa.replica bags With a savings of up to 50% off on ALL store items, you’ll be able to shop for friends or family that were naughty OR nice. I have a few suggestions to complete your shopping early:

For the chic business professional living in cold weather climates, having a sturdy, comfortable purse is a must-have accessory item to carry your planner, smart phone, daily items and make-up bag. Check out our collection of contemporary satchels and totes that will hold everything from office to happy hour. I would recommend the Helen Locket Satchel Handbag, Elizabeth Signature Bamboo Tote or the Lorraine Solid Smart Tote (in an amazing blue shade). My favorite? The Sophia Concatenate Satchel in orange. *swoon*

For the stylish fashionista, floppy hobos in bright colors (yes, even for winter!) with metal or fringe embellishments are incredibly versatile and in tune with this season’s (and next) handbag trends. With that person in mind, purchase the Kath Rock Star Hobo, Lisa Woven Hobo (I like the pink) or the Rita Printed Bucket Hobo (think, gray). Cool, fashionable and unique.

For the traditionalist, black is elegant, classic and can even add a little edge to a conservative female. Structured purses with simple adornments and well-crafted materials, like genuine leather, such as our Anteprima Nueve Genuine Leather Bucket Bag or the Denise Tote (also all leather) will be a perfect accompaniment for someone requesting an everyday bag.

If you have a pre-teen or young adult (or shopping for a child’s friend) on your list, a printed clutch would be quite thoughtful and useful for that age group. Check out the five patterns,replica bags prints and colors of the Rita Printed Evening Bag (don’t let the “evening” in the name fool you; it’s a definite versatile bag). AND it’s a great price on a beginner purse. Let the fashionista-in-training strut her designer ways!Who is on your holiday list, and what is on YOUR wish list? Who can we help you shop for?