| Stretching the Dollar: How to Get the Most Out of | | | | that may go out of style in a few months. |
| Your Wardrobe with Accessories | | | | Jack of All Trades |
| The fashion scene has changed-affected by the | | | | Multi-functional handbags also are a good buy right |
| recession designers, retailers and consumers have | | | | now. Double duty totes hold your laptop or beach |
| shifted priorities. But that doesn't mean people have | | | | reading material during the day or your going-out |
| stopped shopping. In fact, accessories, especially luxury | | | | essentials at night. Designer backpacks, drawstring |
| handbags, have come more into focus. Brands like | | | | handbags and women's laptop bags are all popular for |
| Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel appear | | | | students, travelers, moms and career women. |
| relatively unscathed by the economic climate. Instead | | | | Choosing the Right Handbag |
| of buying trendy clothes that quickly go out of fashion, | | | | While consumers are shopping less, they're making |
| consumers are turning to accessories to get more | | | | each purchase count. If you're going to invest in a |
| mileage out of their wardrobes. Handbags, unlike most | | | | handbag, you want it to last. First, look for high-quality, |
| clothes and shoes, can last a lifetime. For example, a | | | | durable materials-structured leather handbags that |
| designer handbag made by Hampton & Co., | | | | have been treated will endure the best. Soft leather |
| becomes an heirloom piece to pass on for | | | | looks beautiful at first but gets dirty easily and suede |
| generations. What's more, one good handbag is really | | | | handbags can get dingy. For your everyday bag, |
| all you need for every day use, so women are | | | | choose one that's durable and purchase less |
| choosing wisely and opting for investment handbags | | | | expensive, novelty clutches and purses for occasional |
| that will last a good while. | | | | events. |
| Handbag Trends | | | | Caring for Your Designer Handbag |
| So what are the most popular luxury handbags styles | | | | You can help retain your bag's luster by protecting it |
| in the recession era? Comfortable, durable and | | | | from moisture, makeup, food and oil-based products. |
| versatile handbags are the most in demand. Oversized | | | | When you first get your handbag, treat it with a leather |
| leather and structured handbags easily | | | | protector, which will help to deter stains from settling in. |
| accommodates all of your belongings and are perfect | | | | Make sure that you read the label on any cleaning or |
| for work, school or a day at the mall. Handbags by | | | | protecting agent before using it on your leather |
| Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs fall into | | | | handbag to ensure that it will not damage the type of |
| this category, with a variety of luxury handbags to | | | | leather used to make your bag. It's also a good idea to |
| choose from. A handbag instantly transforms a plain | | | | store your bag in a protective sleeve or felt or satin |
| black dress from a one-trick pony into several | | | | bag to prevent scratches and other damage. |
| different looks. Scarves and inexpensive jewelry also | | | | Handbags are a great way to express your individual |
| create additional style options. Leather handbags in | | | | style and get more out of your wardrobe-and there |
| bright colors add interest to an outfit without being | | | | are a lot to choose from. Happy shopping! |
| overwhelming or forcing you to commit to bold clothes | | | | |