| To carry or not to carry? Is it the essential | | | | that the bag hits your hip or below. An oversized |
| accessory, or the optional necessity? Surely the | | | | low-slung bag can make even the most dainty |
| fashion-forward girl can't stash all her must-haves | | | | woman come off as dumpy, causing her posture |
| in her hands or pockets. The latter adds bulk and | | | | to tilt and stride to break. Control your bag (and |
| the former, well it's just impractical. So when you | | | | your look) don't let it control you. |
| decide to carry a handbag, be as meticulous | | | | Now that you've identified a style and size range, |
| about its selection as you are with your wardrobe. | | | | seek out structure. Joules Look for a defined |
| When making your choice, think style, size, | | | | shape that will hold even when filled to capacity. |
| structure, and season. | | | | Most often good structure can only be found with |
| There are times when the situation warrants | | | | good material and even better construction. So |
| form over fashion, but with the plethora of | | | | the quality aspect can take care of itself. Another |
| inexpensive options at the like there's no reason | | | | feature to focus on is expandable elements such |
| to sacrifice and carry an old, unseemly bag. Even | | | | as buckles and other fasteners. Detaching these |
| the wishy-washy types with no apparent personal | | | | features provides more room, but at the cost of |
| style can make a nice impression with the right | | | | style and structure. Resist the urge to pack in all |
| bag. | | | | in and keep the fasteners intact for a more |
| First, don't think your handbag has to match your | | | | organized appearance. Otherwise, your purse |
| outfit. As is the case with shoes, you should use | | | | literally starts to resemble a bag straight from |
| your handbag to render contrast. For example, a | | | | your favorite neighborhood grocery. |
| red or tan soft briefcase adds just a touch of flair | | | | Last but not least, be mindful of the seasons. |
| a black or navy suit. A nice black clutch brings | | | | Joules Gilets Don't cling to that colorful canvas |
| polish to a bright print ensemble. Conversely, a | | | | tote in the dead of winter. Put away to the suede |
| fashionable Burberry tote works well with almost | | | | saddle bag when the flowers start to bloom in |
| any solid. | | | | spring. You wouldn't floss your corduroy in July, so |
| The possibilities are endless, so you can set your | | | | don't carry your heaviest leather satchel while |
| own limitations. The only hardfast statute is casual | | | | wearing your linens. Remember to be smart when |
| bag with casual dress formal bag with formal | | | | storing your handbags. If possible, place them is a |
| dress, etc. If you prefer to carry the same | | | | breathable dust bag for protection, so when to |
| handbag most of the time, choose a neutral go | | | | seasons change again you're ready to go in one |
| with a bag that represents your own unique style | | | | minute flat! |
| or experiment with color and texture without | | | | Now back to good ol' fashioned fashion sense. |
| breaking the rules for your body type. So really | | | | Stand in the mirror and do a sanity check. Is your |
| the choice is yours! | | | | handbag an asset to your style? Does it |
| Regardless of style, the size of a bag should | | | | overpower your outfit and more importantly, |
| never overwhelm your frame. This means that | | | | you? Ino time, the handbag rules will become |
| taller ladies can carry most any size, while petites | | | | second nature and who knows…. You may |
| should stick with the smaller fare. The same logic | | | | just morph into a collector or handbag |
| applies to straps - straps should not be so long | | | | connoisseur. Happy Toting! |