Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Part 2.1

PART 2.1
In Part 1 of this 2 part series I talked about accessorizing with the camisole, how to pump up that LBD and whether a hat was the best option for you.  In Part 2.1, I hope to uncover the world of accessorizing with bags; Part 2.2 will discuss shoes and Part 2.3 will be left to the world of jewelery and scarves.


Bag Lady
Accessorizing with bags can be simple or complex, it really depends on the look you are trying to achieve.  Bags are the quintessential accessory for women, we travel with them, lug our lives in them, use them as statements or as utility pieces.  They are versatile and practical, stylish and ample, simple and sophisticated.  Bags can either make or break an outfit, so it is essential when out on the hunt for the next great bag that you take some facts into consideration before you select.


There are women who have collections of bags, some to suit every occasion, they have them in every colour, shape and size.  And then there are the rest of us, we get intimidated by bags and stick with what we know and feel comfortable with.  Let's take a moment to break down the top 6 styles of bags and their purpose:


The Hobo: This style of bag is easily identified by its rounded shape.  The hobo is easily carried on your shoulder which fits nicely to your body or in hand if you'd like to carry it.  What's nice about carrying the hobo in hand is that you don't have to worry about the straps being too long which avoids the risk of dragging the bag on the ground.  This style of bag lends itself to the more casual of ensembles, however you can dress up a hobo (LOL) by selecting one with a more luxe look/feel i.e. embellishments or animal skin leather (see example below). 

The Clutch: This style of bag is also easily identified by its lack of strap support.  Some do come with a dainty shoulder strap, but on the whole the clutch is meant to be carried in hand and is typically reserved for evening events.  There is a reincarnation of the clutch known as the wristlet which can be used during the day and taken into the night, this bag is identified by the strap located on the side of the clutch in which you slip your wrist into.  The clutch is not meant to be used on a daily basis as they tend to be smaller and carry less, although, if you are a girl who carries little there is nothing to say that using a casual clutch day-to-day can't be done.  Just be sure that you leave the rhinestones and satin for the evening.

The Shoulder:  Just as its name implies, the shoulder bag is meant to be carried on one's shoulder.  These bags are very versatile and come in versions from day to evening.  They also come in a range of sizes and styles.  The shoulder bag is one of the most popular styles of bag and can easily accommodate all of the things you wish to carry.

The Sling/Crossbody:  This style of bag is meant to be worn across the body.  The straps are longer to accommodate and can be shortened if you wish to wear the bag over your shoulder.  These bags come in a range of sizes, but are narrow in width so as not to protrude too greatly from the body.  This is a casual style and should be reserved for day-to-day activities like running to the local grocer or shop.

The Satchel: This style of bag is typically squat in shape and is meant to be carried in hand but can also be worn on your shoulder if your hands are full with purchases - hopefully more bags!  They come in a variety of styles and colours and can accommodate a large amount of items you need to carry.  They are typically reserved for the day, but if you happen upon one that is a bit dressier there is nothing to say that you can't take this bag into the evening hours if you need to carry more than a lipstick around with you.

The Tote: This style of bag is traditionally open at the top to allow you to toss anything you need into the bag without having to worry about a clasp, zipper or tie.  The tote is a great bag to use when out shopping or going to the beach as it can easily accommodate larger items that may protrude out of the bag i.e. a French baguette.  Totes are casual bags and shouldn't be worn everyday, but nothing is to say that you can't go from your local grocer to the beach in a snap with one of these bad boys!

That is a sneak peek at the 6 most popular styles of bags out there, so the next time you're out looking for a great bag keep this information in mind and select one or two or three that suit you because after all, a lady's handbag is a personal thing.  Just be sure you select the one that fits you and your lifestyle best, this way you know you'll get good use out of it.


Stay tuned for Part 2.2 where I'll talk all about Shoes!


Courtesy of:
Danier
Kate Spade
Aldo
Roots