| Handbag Styles | | | | They can be structured or unstructured and have |
| A handbag is a handbag right? Wrong! There are | | | | shoulder straps or be hand-held. Hand-held satchels |
| many different styles out there. Here's a quick look at | | | | are often referred to as bowler bags, like the and the |
| the most popular styles right now. | | | | Barrel Bag: Like the name implies, a barrel bag is |
| | | | cylindrical and resembles a barrel turned on its side, |
| With the exception of clutches and handheld bags | | | | often with a long, thin shoulder strap. |
| (bags with handles too small or short to be worn over | | | | Flap-enclosure bags: Flap style shoulder bags have a |
| the shoulder), most handbags fit into this category. | | | | flap enclosure that folds over, typically about midway |
| Every woman should have at least one shoulder bag | | | | down the front of the bag, with a clasp, turn-key, snap, |
| in her wardrobe. They're practical (but that doesn't | | | | or other fastener. Check out the Flatiron long shoulder |
| mean that can't be stylish!) and come in handy on | | | | bag. |
| shopping trips, out running errands or for the office. | | | | Cinched and Drawstring bags: The cinched or |
| They free up your hands to carry other items. | | | | drawstring bag is a fun variation of the shoulder bag. |
| Here are examples of shoulder bags: | | | | They gather at the top in place of a flap or zip top. |
| Hobo bags: A crescent-shaped, usually unstructured | | | | The Bulga Brown leather 'Krystal' cinched bag and the |
| bag. But that's not always the case. Modern variations | | | | Christian Dior black lambskin 'Cannage' quilted large |
| include more structured hobo bags, drawstring hobos, | | | | tote are examples. |
| skinny styles, even square hobos and bucket hobos. | | | | Quilted bags: Quilted leather bags are a popular leather |
| Totes: Totes are roomy bags, usually rectangular with | | | | handbag style that incorporates the quilted texture into |
| single or double straps. Totes are available in | | | | fine leather, like the Balenciaga (pictured below) ivory |
| structured and unstructured styles. | | | | quilted goatskin "Matelasse" small bag. |
| Satchels: Satchel bags are typically small to | | | | It can be mind boggling while shopping for a handbag. I |
| medium-sized zip-top bags that usually wider than long. | | | | hope this shoulder bag guide is helpful. Happy shopping! |