Handbag.LifeTips.com

Transcription

1 Handbag.LifeTips.com

2 Category: Authentic Handbags Subcategory: Authentic Handbag Tip: Buy Your Handbag From The Source You've probably seen many designer handbags for much cheaper than the usual retail price, whether on Ebay or through a private seller. While the low prices are extremely appealing, how will you know if the handbag is authentic or not? There are many things you can look at to determine that the handbag is authentic depending on the bag, but the only way to be 100% sure your bag is real is to buy the handbag from the source. If you're really dying for the latest Gucci purse, go to a Gucci store or by the bag from Gucci's website. You may have to spend a bit more, but at least you'll know your handbag is the real deal. Tip: Conduct the Smell Test on Leather Bags To make sure that the leather handbag you want to buy is authentic, you can conduct the smell test on it. You probably know how a brand new leather jacket smells, or a new car with leather seats; your bag should smell similar. If the handbag you're considering is made out of pleather or another synthetic leather, it won't have the fresh new leather smell. You should not be paying premium, designer prices for a bag that is made of fake leather. So, if your leather handbag doesn't have that new leather smell then it probably isn't authentic. Tip: For Authentic Handbags You Will Be Paying Designer Prices Belisi.com Tip: Although everyone likes getting a deal, you need to remember that for authentic handbags, you're probably going to have to pay high designer prices. Keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are shopping online and see an amazing deal, you should be extra careful. Look at the designer store where your handbag was made and see how much they're selling it for. Is it a handbag that ever goes on clearance? If so, then you probably can find a good deal on it. However, if the bag you're looking at never goes on sale at its own retailer and you find it for significantly less somewhere else, it's probably not authentic. Authentic designer handbags are expensive and it's very rare that you will be able to find an amazing deal on one. Category: Designer Handbags Subcategory: Designer Handbags

3 Tip: Dooney and Bourke Handbags Belisi.com Tip: Dooney and Bourke handbags have been growing in popularity in recent years. The bright colors and patterns have recently made them all the rage with younger teenagers as well as with older women. One of Dooney and Bourke's most popular handbag patterns is "hearts." The black or white bags are adorned with crayon like drawings of brightly colored hearts. Aside from the fun playful bags, Dooney and Bourke also has many more sophisticated lines of luxury handbags, including the all weather leather line and suede line. If you love Louis Vuitton bags you will probably also like Dooney and Burke's as some of the patterns and styles are similar. No matter your age or purse preference, you can find something that suits you perfectly from Dooney and Bourke. With prices ranging from $40-$625, the Dooney and Bourke brand is known in the market as affordable luxury. Tip: Gucci Handbags Gucci handbags were first produced in 1921 in Florence, Italy by Guccio Gucci. The brand took off as it attracted international consumers looking for equestrian inspired bags. One of Gucci's most famous bags, the bamboo bag, was produced during the 1940's when traditional materials used to create handbags were in shortage. You can often recognize a Gucci bag by the trademark green-red-green web derived from the saddle girth or the interlocking double "G" logo. Gucci has been given a mark of sophistication due to the many celebrities who choose Gucci as their handbags of choice. Because she was often seen wearing it, Jackie Kennedy caused one bag to become known as the "Jackie O" shoulder bag. Gucci handbags are perfect if you're going for a high class, luxury look. Tip: Louis Vuitton Handbags Belisi.com Tip: In 1854, Louis Vuitton began his career by manufacturing trunks in Paris, and soon after began making various handbags and pieces of luggage. In 1867, the Louis Vuitton name gained international fame by winning a bronze medal at the World's Fair and then a gold medal at the 1889 Fair. You can give credit to the Louis Vuitton brand for creating what is actually the first designer label; their signature "LV" monogram was created in 1896 by Vuitton's grandson in order to prevent the already widespread copying and selling of faux bags. These days Louis Vuitton handbags are some of the most popular designer bags. You can recognize the signature Louis Vuitton bag as a chestnut brown bag adorned in beige "LV" monograms; the bags come in all different shapes and sizes from wristlets to suitcases. A Louis Vuitton handbag is perfect for you if you're looking for an expensive, high quality handbag well loved by many celebrities and models. Category: Discount Handbags

4 Subcategory: Discount Handbags Tip: Buying Handbags at Off Price Retailers Belisi.com Tip: Off price retail stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshall's offer a large selection of purses at greatly reduced prices. The handbags are usually last season's models but many of them are classics and don't go out of style. In general, you won't find a whole lot of high end designer bags, but occasionally you can discover a hidden gem. Sometimes these handbag stores actually carry Dooney and Burke as well as Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tumi. Aside from handbags, they usually have a nice selection of luggage and briefcase type bags. A good piece of advice is to try multiple off price stores. Even if you don't necessarily find a handbag that you like at one TJ Maxx, the TJ Maxx in the next town over will have a completely different selection. Tip: Look For Coupons and Special Sales at Department Stores Belisi.com Tip: Most high end department stores have designer handbags. Many of them carry everything from Coach to Louise Vuitton and even Prada and Gucci. Department stores also send out a lot of coupons to their customers. Next time you receive a coupon for a department store, consider putting it toward a new purse. Make sure you check the small print on the coupons as there are times when designer handbags are not included in the offers. For another money saving technique in department stores, consider opening a credit card account with the store when you are purchasing your handbag. Often, when you open a charge, the store gives you a certain percentage off your entire purchase. Lastly, department stores seem to have much better handbag sales than even the handbag stores do. Sometimes at Macy's, for instance, all Guess bags are 30% off. They always have a large selection of Coach handbags on sale or clearance as well. Go to the store and browse the purses to find the sales as they will not often announce them on their websites. Tip: Shopping at Handbag Outlets Belisi.com Tip: Some people only want the latest and currently most fashionable handbags. Others just want a high quality designer bag that suits their tastes. If you don't need the newly released designer handbags then you should consider shopping at handbag outlets. Many high end designers, including Coach, have outlets filled with last season's styles of their purses. The prices of the handbags are greatly reduced, sometimes up to 50%-70% what they were originally sold for. Also remember to check the outlets for handbag designers who manufacture clothing as well; their clothing outlets usually have some of last season's bags as well. If you want to spend less on a designer handbag and don't mind having one of last season's styles then you should definitely check out the outlets. Check online to find the outlets closest to you.

5 Tip: You Don't Have To Buy High End Designer Handbags A nice handbag doesn't necessarily have to have the designer tag on it. In fact, you can get a very nice handbag that isn't exactly considered high end. So, if you don't have a lot of money to spend on your new bag, don't fret. Go to your local department store or even Wal-mart and Target stores and you will be able to find many purses for low prices. Though you may not have heard of all the brands, they still have many nice looking, quality purses. The bonus with buying "no name" handbags is that you can buy more than one! Category: Handbag Accessories Subcategory: Handbag Accessories Tip: Cell Phone Case Cell phones are extremely fragile, yet most people merely throw their phone in their handbag after talking on it. Being thrown in with everything else in the bag can cause your phone to become scratched and damaged. In order to protect your cell phone when traveling with it, you should have a cell phone case. Cell phone cases come in many different styles and you can choose the one that's best for you. Some cases hug the phone so that you can flip the phone open and closed without taking it out of the case. Some cases are meant for the phone to slide in and out when you wish to use it. Since cell phone companies know how easy it is for phones to get damaged, they often give you a case when you purchase your phone. However, if you're looking for something a little more fun to show off your own personal style, you may have to purchase your own. You will definitely be able to find a case perfect for you if you look at cases made by designers such as Cole Haan and Juicy Couture. If you're looking for something with a little more bling, you can even get a case studded with Swarovski crystals. Tip: Eyeglass Case If you're carrying your eyeglasses or sunglasses in your handbag, you should always keep them in a case so they don't get damaged or scratched. Many times your glasses will come with a case at the time of purchase, but if desired, you can buy a case that expresses your personality better than the one you get from the optometrist. But first you should always ask your optometrist if he or she can show you a selection of the cases the store has in stock. Often times, they will let you pick out the case you want; and many of them have designer's names written on them. If these still don't strike your fancy, many gift and museum shops sell fun and quirky eyeglass cases for relatively low prices. Remember, if you wear contacts, you should always carry around an extra case and solution for them in your eyeglass case.

6 Tip: Handbag Flashlights How many times have you rummaged around in your handbag looking for your keys, a pack of gum, or your cell phone? Sometimes your purse probably looks like a black hole, and no matter how hard you search, you can't find a thing. Whether it's a dark night and you're looking for your car keys, the inside fabric in your purse is too dark, or you just have far too much junk stashed in your purse you can definitely benefit from a handbag flashlight. Some purses actually come with a light built in; whenever you open your bag, the light turns on. If your purse doesn't have this feature, you can buy a separate light specially designed for your purse. Etravelergear.com has a cute lipstick shaped one, but for one that can clip onto the strap of your purse, check out the extra bright mini flashlights at Tip: Handbag Keychains To personalize your handbags and set them apart from everyone else's, you can add keychains to your bag. Many people prefer to add one sophisticated keychain; you can find some very classy, but slightly expensive ones at Coach.com. Aside from cute dogs and animals, they also have a keychain for each letter of the alphabet so you can add your first initial to your handbag. Some people fully adorn their handbags with keychains, buying many of them while on vacation to new places so everyone can see where you've been. Whatever you choose to do, a keychain can make your handbag fit completely with your personality. Tip: Handbag Matching Wallets Wallets serve many various purposes for different people. If you can't afford the designer handbag you've been dying for, you can probably get the same or a similar pattern in a wallet style for a much cheaper price. Or you can simply add to your collection by purchasing a wallet to use in conjunction with your bag. Wallets can serve to show off more of your fashion sense or they can be extremely functional. A lot of people love the Magic Wallet which you may have seen advertised on television. The Magic Wallet actually organizes your receipts and papers for you; you place them in the wallet, open and close it, and your papers will be bound to the wallet by the wallet's elastics. Not only is it handy to carry around but you can also entertain your friends by showing them the wallet's magic. Tip: Handbag Scarves Do you love the sleek new leather of your new handbag but are sick of carrying the same bag everyday? Does your handbag simply lack character? Or do you just want to match your bag to your outfit each day? In any case, handbag scarves are the perfect idea for you. You can buy regular scarves at many different retailers at a large range of prices. You can buy cheap scarves at discount stores or more expensive ones at

7 designer stores. You can buy solid colors or crazy, bold patterns. Tie the scarf to the straps of your handbag and your bag is instantly transformed. Can't afford a Coach handbag? Buy a Coach scarf, tie it to your bag, and your purse will seem brand new. Buy multiple scarves to give your handbag a new look every day. Category: Handbag Materials Subcategory: Handbag Materials Tip: Faux Fur Adorned Handbags Faux fur trim or decoration can make a typically boring handbag into a hot, trendy purse. Fur trimmed bags are perfect for the winter months but should definitely be avoided once the weather begins to get warm. The great thing about faux fur is that unless it's white, it usually doesn't get stained or appear dirty. However, you will want to try your best to avoid getting caught in the rain with faux fur on your bag as it can get wet and smelly. To care for the faux fur on your bag: If the fur does get wet, leave the handbag in an open space with plenty of ventilation to dry. Do not place it directly in front of heat.to keep your faux fur in good condition you can brush it with a normal hairbrush. Make sure you brush it in the direction of the fur.try to avoid too much friction against the faux fur as you do not want it to wear away.if you do have a noticeable stain on the faux fur on your handbag, take it to a professional cleaner as you may end up making the stain worse. Tip: Knit Handbags Knit handbags are perfect for people of all ages. Not usually the best purse option for a formal event, knit handbags are great for an afternoon of shopping or for traveling. One of the best things about knit handbags is that many people actually choose to make the purses themselves. Some complicated looking knit purses are actually quite simple to make. You can go to any craft stores and find the patterns and other materials so that you can easily knit your own purse. A search on the Internet will also give you a lot of advice on how to knit your own bag. However, if you'd rather purchase a knit handbag than make it on your own, there are plenty of great ones you can buy. Always read the tags on your bag before washing. Some knit handbags are okay to go in the washing machine but some require that you hand wash them. When in doubt, hand wash your knit handbag or bring it to the dry cleaner. You should never put your knit handbag in the dryer as this may cause shrinkage. Tip: Leather Handbags Leather is one of the most popular materials with which handbags are made. Because leather can be quite expensive, many people consider having a leather handbag a

8 status symbol. If you want your leather bag to last a lifetime, you must be certain to take proper care of it. To care for your leather handbag: Try to keep your purse in its dustbag as this will prevent the bag from getting dusty or from having any type of liquid spill on it.using a leather conditioner on your bag a few times a year will help it remain durable and shiny. This will also prevent the leather from cracking.if you spill any type of oil or grease on your leather purse, try grinding up blackboard chalk and sprinkling it over the stain. Leave the chalk on the stain for 24 hours before brushing it away.avoid using any shoe polishes or waxes when cleaning your leather handbag.when in doubt, take your handbag to a professional cleaner as you don't want to cause damage to your bag. Tip: Plastic Handbags Plastic handbags are perfect for anyone looking for a fun, casual look. First popular in the 1940's and 50's, they can have a cute retro look and they can also be great for a fun children's handbag. Plastic purses won't usually help you dress up an outfit so if you're going to a formal event you will probably want to choose an option other than plastic. Not just for functional purposes, some people actually choose to collect plastic handbags as they often have fun retro designs or cartoon characters on them. Plastic handbags can be bought at an extremely low price, but if you want a real vintage plastic bag, you'll need to be willing to shell out a bit more. Sometimes adorned with fake fur or feathers, mini plastic totes are the perfect favor for a child's birthday party. The best thing about plastic handbags is how easy they are to care for. Simply wipe the bag with a wet cloth and a gentle cleaner. Tip: Straw Handbags Straw handbags are perfect for anyone looking for a casual, summer look. Since straw is not an expensive material, these handbags are usually very affordable. However, you should be prepared to pay more for a straw bag with a designer label. Although straw purses can be used year round, they are more appropriate for the summer months. Some types of straw bags are very fragile and should be treated extremely carefully. To care for your straw handbag: Always keep it in its dustbag when not in use. Straw can easily weather with age so you definitely want to protect it from the elements. Take special care that the straw doesn't begin to unravel.clean your straw bag carefully with a damp cloth. Category: Handbag Styles Subcategory: Handbag Styles Tip: Backpacks Backpacks can be used for many different activities, and various brands and styles are

9 good for different purposes. Children and teens generally use backpacks at school to lug their books around. L.L. Bean backpacks are extremely popular for school-age kids; they come in many sizes and colors and also offer the option of getting one's initials embroidered on the bag. These days, many adventurers use backpacks for their outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, and camping. The North Face brand offers a large variety of functional backpacks for use in the outdoors. The North Face breaks their backpacks into various categories including: expedition and technical, backpacking, performance, and daypacks. Each backpack has varying amounts of padding and a different number of straps, pockets, bungees, water bottle pockets, etc. Do a lot of research before buying a backpack and depending on your needs, you will be able to find the one that's perfect for you. Tip: Choosing Handbag Size Belisi.com Tip: Many times, the biggest determining factor people use when deciding what handbag styles to buy is the size of the bags. There's nothing worse than having a purse that isn't big enough for your needs. At the same time, nobody wants to carry around a huge, empty bag. A lot of people with bags too large for their needs end up filling them with stuff the don't really need, which results in not being able to find what they really need in their bag full of junk. Before purchasing a handbag, determine what items you know you will always be carrying around with you. See how big of a bag you need to hold your necessities and then go up a little bit in size so you have room for the unexpected or extras you may find you need some days. Don't forget that there may be times when you want a handbag that's bigger or smaller. It's always a good idea to have a small, black bag for weddings and other special occasions when you don't want to lug a big bag around. And if you're traveling or going to the beach, you may want to use a larger bag. It's always a smart idea to have a few different styles and sizes of handbags available so you have one to fit your every need. Tip: Cinch Sack Bags Cinch sack bags are generally used by athletes to carry their belongings and equipment around. They are sometimes referred to as sack bags or equipments bags. The bags are usually manufactured out of nylon, and are shaped like sacks with a drawstring closer. Two thin straps on each side of the bag are used to carry the bag over your shoulders, backpack style. These Cinch sack bags are great because they are extremely lightweight and allow you to leave the big gym bag at home when going to play sports. Soccer players love them because a soccer ball can fit easily in the bag. Companies like Nike and Adidas have designed many cinch sack bags with their logos on them. Now you can find them with pro sports teams logos, designer names, and more. If you are on or are coaching an athletic team, you may want to consider purchasing each of the players cinch sack bags screen printed with your team's logo.

10 Tip: Kelly Bags Belisi.com Tip: Everyone who's anyone would love to have a Kelly Bag. The only problem is, you may have a difficult time affording one and you may have to spend a long time waiting for one. The Kelly Bag, named after actress and princess, Grace Kelly, is manufactured by Hermes and is one of the most sought after satchel handbags of all time. In fact, you may have to be added to a waiting list for up to two years before receiving a bag and you may have to dish out $5,000 for the small bag or $50,000 for the larger version. Even with a two year wait, even the waiting list closes at times to allow the company to catch up on their back orders. So, the Kelly Bag may be a bag that remains in your dreams, but it's always fun to dream. Tip: Tote Bag Belisi.com Tip: Tote bags are one of the most popular types of handbags due to their versatility. They can be fancy or casual and you should buy one depending on your own personal needs. The tote bag is generally a large, square shaped bag with two long straps designed so you can tote your stuff around with you. When people think of tote bags, they often picture canvas totes that are very casual. Oftentimes businesses and charitable organizations design their own tote bags for clients and employees so when the bag is carried around, the company's name is advertised to all passing by. This is a good, cheap form of advertisement as a plain canvas tote bag is usually pretty cheap. Designer companies such as Polo Ralph Lauren also design canvas totes with their logos on them. However, tote bags can be made out of any material from leather to suede and more. Tote usually refers to the large, square shape of the bag. Most purse designers who make bags in various styles would also make a tote style bag. If you need a handbag large enough to carry all your belongings, you should strongly consider a tote bag. Category: Handbag Trends Subcategory: Handbag Trends Tip: Designing and Making Your Own Handbags One of the hottest trends in handbags is designing and making your own. While everyone wants the hottest designer bag, lately it seems even more cool to own a bag that nobody else has. Whether you go to a store like 1154 Lill Studio and choose the style and fabric and have them sew it for you, or you make your entire bag from scratch, the bag is one that is made just for you. While having the latest, most expensive new Gucci bag is always a trend, having your own personally designed bag is the nest best thing. If you want to show a friend how well you know them, consider designing a bag especially for them.

11 Tip: Men and Their Manbags A huge trends in handbags these days are called manbags. A manbag is a handbag carried around by a man. While many men consider carrying a handbag to be too metro-sexual, some men are realizing it's not fair they have to carry everything around in their pockets while women always get to carry bags. Some men also want to participate in the designer accessory buying that women have always been privy to. To avoid teasing from other men, if you are considering buying a manbag, you should probably purchase one that is specially made for men. Many high-end designers actually do have their own men's lines. For instance, Coach makes everything from men's totes to leather duffles. If you desperately want a manbag but are worried about what the other men will say, start with something a little more manly like a messenger bag or leather briefcase. And carry something manly in your bag like a laptop or your little black book. Once you're comfortable with this, you can buy the Louis Vuitton tote bag you've been eyeing! Category: Leather Handbags Subcategory: Leather Handbag Tip: Getting Stains Out of Your Leather Handbag There are many different substances that can stain your leather handbag and cause potentially permanent damage. If you follow this advice, you will have a better chance of getting rid of the stain before it permanently sets. For best results, treat the stain as soon as you possibly can. If the stain is stubborn and won't come out, you're best bet is to take your handbag to a leather-cleaning professional. For: Water stains- allow the bag to dry naturally, keeping it away from artificial heat sources. If needed, condition bag with leather conditioner.gum- place ice cubes in a plastic baggie and rub the gum with the wrapped ice; this should harden the gum and allow you to easily remove it. If gum remains on the bag after trying this, heat the gum with a hairdryer on a low setting and rub the gum off with a cloth.salt stains- make a mixture three parts vinegar to one part water and rub solution on stain with a cloth.ink- a difficult stain to remove, but sometimes spraying the ink stain with a bit of hair spray and then wiping it off with a cloth will do the job.discoloration in general- purchase a leather spray that matches the leather color of your handbag and use it to re-store color. Tip: Making Your Own Leather Handbag Instead of paying a fortune for a leather handbag that anyone else can buy, why not learn to make your own original? If you're already handy with a sewing machine, making your own bag shouldn't be a problem for you. First, you need to decide what you want your handbag to look like. You can find many leather handbag patterns at craft stores or

12 even by doing on online search. You can also go to a craft store or an online store to buy pieces of leather. Many stores sell leather from all different animals in all different texture in colors. Some even sell glow in the dark leather! You will want to make sure you have an extra sharp needle that will cut through the leather easily and 100% polyester sewing thread as opposed to any type of cotton thread. Wax chalk will also be useful for marking the leather. Once you have your pattern and supplies, you're ready to sew your leather handbag just as you would with any other fabric. Tip: Real Leather or Pleather? Maybe you're looking to purchase a leather bag but know that you can't afford one. Or maybe you don't want to buy a real leather bag because of your beliefs against animal cruelty. Whatever the case, many people buy bags made from pleather, a synthetic leather that's actually made from plastic. Pleather is lighter than leather making pleather handbags easier to carry around than those made of leather. To an undiscerning eye, a pleather handbag may even look like a genuine leather handbag. Like leather, there are also different types of pleather. Most people believe that the best pleather is made from polyurethane because it is washable and can be dry cleaned. Though some people look down upon it, pleather is a great alternative to real, genuine leather. Tip: Waterproofing Your Leather Handbag Belisi.com Tip: If you're going to be using your Italian leather handbag often, you never know when you could get caught out in the rain. It would be a smart move for you to waterproof your handbag so that the leather doesn't get damaged. Before you treat the bag, you must know a little bit about what kind of leather your bag is made from as this will make a difference in what kind of treatment you use. Make sure you don't use a heavy silicone wax or spray on a light, delicate leather. You should always perform a spot check on your bag in order to make certain the treatment won't discolor or damage your handbag. Treat a small, preferably hidden patch of the leather, let it sit over night, and see how it looks in the morning. Before applying treatment to your bag, clean the leather with a soft cloth. If you're using a wax to waterproof your bag, you can brush it on with a cloth or brush. Apply evenly to bag, making sure you pay special attention to the bag's stitching. If you're using a spray to treat your bag, hold the can about six inches away from the bag and make sure you spray it evenly. Allow your handbag to dry overnight. Although your leather handbag has been waterproofed, you should still try your best not to get caught with it out in the rain as water is never good for leather. Category: Manufacturing Handbags Subcategory: Manufacturing Handbags

13 Tip: Handbags Manufactured in France You will find that many high-end designer handbags are manufactured in France. Some of these designer brands include Dior, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel. The reason so many high-end designer handbags are manufactured in France is mainly because of all of the high-end designers that come from France. Many people even refer to France as the fashion capital of the world. While it's true that Italy may have the finest leather, France has the best fashion designers who manufacture beautiful, extremely luxurious and expensive handbags. Tip: Handbags Manufactured in the United States You may find that designer handbags maufactured in the United States are, while still high-end, are slightly cheaper than handbags manufactured in Europe. Some of the designers manufactured in the United States inclue Coach, Dooney and Burke, and Kate Spade. While handbags in theunited States are generally cheaper than those made in Europe, many are still considered high-end designer brands. Handbags manufactured in the United States are a great, affordable alternative to the ultra-prestigious bags found in Europe. Tip: Italian Beauty, Manufactured in the U.S. Belisi.com Tip: When you think designer handbags, chances are you think of Italy. Italy designs some of the most high-end designer handbags in the world. Some of the designer handbags manufactured in Italy include Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana. One of the reasons Italy is so well known for their high-end designer handbags is because of their booming fine leather industry. If you want a fine Italian handbag that is made in the U.S., consider a Belisi bag. It has the beauty and sophistication of a handbag manufactured in Italy, but is made in Palm Beach, FL. Category: Returning Handbags Subcategory: Returning Handbags Tip: Always Save Your Receipt From Handbag Purchases Belisi.com Tip: It is extremely important for you to always save your receipt when making a handbag purchase. Try to keep all your receipts organized in an easy-to-find place so you can find the right one when you need it. While you may think you have the perfect handbag, you never know how you will feel when you are going out with your new coat on and realize the handbag doesn't match at all. Even if you are sure you want to keep your handbag, what happens if you use it a few times and the threads start to unravel or the bag forms a rip? If you have your receipt, you can bring the bag back to the handbag boutique you bought it from and prove how long you've had it for. In any

14 case, it can never hurt to save all your handbag receipts in a safe place. Tip: Check the Return Policy When Purchasing Handbags on Ebay Before you purchase a handbag on Ebay, you should always check the seller's return policy. Consider what will happen if the bag arrives and you realize you don't like it, or if the seller misrepresents the bag in the item description. Some Ebay sellers will tell you all sales are 100% final and there are absolutely no returns. It would be wise to stay away from these sellers, as there are many things that could go wrong with your handbag purchase. Even if you have absolutely no intentions of returning the bag, it's always nice to have the option open just in case. Many sellers will have a time frame in which you can return an item. Pay attention to this time line to make sure the seller will accept your return or exchange. It never hurts for you to the seller to clarify their return policy before you bid on an item. Remember, you could be spending a lot of money on a handbag and you don't want to be stuck with one that you aren't absolutely in love with. Tip: Don't Abuse Retailers' Return Policies Although you may be tempted, you should try your best not to abuse retailers' return policies. Abusing return policies may cause the prices of handbags to rise in the future and may also cause retailers to make their return policies stricter. Some people will buy handbags at discount stores and try to return them at department stores or other retailers. Some even purchase fake designer handbags and attempt to pass them off as real handbags while making returns. Remember, the sales associates at designer handbag retailers are generally very knowledgeable about the product and will be able to determine a fake when they see one. When purchasing handbags on Ebay, some buyers decide they don't like the bag, damage it, and then claim the bag arrived damaged. Doing so causes seller/buyer trust on Ebay to lessen and makes it more difficult for everyone to conduct honest sales. Always follow the store or individual's return policy in order to get the most success out of your return. Tip: Instead of Returning Handbag, Regift! Belisi.com Tip: If you buy a handbag and later decide you want to return it or are given a gift of a handbag that's not your style, consider your other options before bringing it back to the store. Do you have a friend or family member who would enjoy the purse fashion? Instead of going through the hassle of returning and possibly losing money through the return, it may be a better idea for you to re-gift the handbag. Just because the handbag might not be your style or doesn't match your wardrobe, doesn't mean someone you know won't get enjoyment out of it. And you will save some stress during the holiday season when you already have some of your gifts ready to go. If the handbag was a gift to you, chances are you won't have the receipt, which means you will potentially get less money for its return than it's worth. Especially if you are going to

15 lose money on your return, consider saving the handbag and re-gifting it. If you don't know anyone who would be pleased to receive your handbag as a gift, consider putting it on Ebay and trying to make some money back on it. Tip: Keep Tags on Handbag Up Until Use Sometimes when you buy a new handbag, the first thing you want to do when you get home is rip the tags off and try the purse on in front of the mirror. However, it is a good idea to keep the tags on the bag right up until you are going to walk out the door with it. Many things could happen from the time you purchase the purse until you use it for the first time. You could find a handbag you like better, find the bag for a better price, change your mind about the bag, etc. In any case, it is best to be safe, keep the tags on the bag, and keep the option of returning the purse should you choose to do so. Even when you do decide to cut the tags off and begin using your purse, you should still save them in a safe place. In case you do need to return the purse, it is better to have the tags unattached than to not have the tags at all. Tip: Take Advantage of Price Adjustments Have you ever bought an expensive handbag only to return to the store a week later and find out the handbag you just bought is on sale? You don't have to be upset when this happens; in many cases there is something you can do. Find out if the store offers price adjustments and bring your handbag back with the receipt as soon as possible. Often times stores will honor you the sale price on the bag as long as you made the purchase within two weeks prior to the sale. If the salesperson says no to a price adjustment, you can tell them you want to return the item, and in many cases they will choose to honor the sale price to you rather than to lose your sale altogether. You can also get price adjustments on handbags purchased online. Try calling customer service if you see a handbag go on sale within two weeks of purchasing it online and see if they will honor the sale. Category: Sharing Handbags Subcategory: Sharing Handbags Tip: Be a Good Handbag Samaritan Belisi.com Tip: Does one of your friends use the same handbag day in and day out, season after season? Does she use a straw handbag in the winter or a fir-trimmed bag in the summer? If you know someone with these "purse problems," you may be able to help. Start by offering your friend the use of one of your handbags. Let them know you have a bag that would look great with their outfit and you'd love to let them use it. Maybe your friend doesn't have a lot of money to be buying new purses and could

16 greatly benefit from using yours. Or maybe she just doesn't realize how much fun it is to own and use a variety of purses. By letting your friend borrow your purses, you could be opening up a whole new world of women's handbags for her. And soon enough, she may own enough purses to let you start borrowing some! In any case, you can always feel good about being a good handbag samaritan. Tip: Borrowing Handbags Through Websites Belisi.com Tip: If you know you need a clutch purse for a special occasion but will never use it again or if you merely enjoy changing purses up every month, you should consider joining a purse borrowing website. Sites like BagBorrowOrSteal.com allow you to pay a fee to borrow a purse for a week, a month, or longer. You must sign up and pay a membership fee in order to utilize the site. Then you pay a weekly or monthly fee to borrow each bag you choose. Fees vary depending on the price level of the bag. When you're ready to return the handbag, simply put it in the pre-paid UPS labeled box and drop it at a UPS location. For the first three months of your membership, you can borrow up to three bags at a time. After three months, you can borrow up to five, selecting from any of the over 100 brands ranging from Prada to Coach to Juicy Couture. If you borrow a bag and fall in love with it, take advantage of the site's "steal" option allowing you the opportunity to buy the bag at a somewhat reduced price. Tip: Don't Leave Your Handbags Unattended When you go out with your handbag, no matter where you are, never leave it unattended. Many people are trusting with their bags, but the truth is, your bag is never really safe. While you don't want to have one of your own purses stolen, when you are borrowing a friend's purse, you need to be extra careful about keeping it safe. When you go out to a bar, you should keep your purse with you at all times. Because it can be a pain to dance and socialize with a big purse, you may want to consider using a wristlet or something small and easier to carry around with you. Even if you are at a close friend's party, you should keep your purse with you at all times. There could be people you don't know or trust at the party and you don't want to take any chances. When you have a beautiful designer purse, people will take more interest in it; not only wanting the money and valuables you have inside, but the handbag in general. Tip: Handbag Sharing Etiquette When a friend lets you borrow a handbag, you need to be extra careful with it. Only put in the bag what you need to be carrying around to avoid clutter. There are certain items you should avoid putting in your friends purse such as gum, candy, or pens. This is because there is a large potential for messes to be made with these items; gums can get stuck to bag, candies can melt, and pens can explode. If you do have an accident with your friend's handbag, you should tell them about it immediately. Even if you think you can get the stain or mess out, in the cleaning process you could actually end up

17 doing more harm to the bad. Your friend may have a certain technique she uses or a favorite professional cleaner who she would rather bring her handbag to. If you have permanently damaged your friend's handbag, you must offer them the money to replace it. Even if your friend's handbag isn't made by a high end designer, it could still be their favorite purse and you need to treat it as carefully as possible. Also, be considerate when you're sharing and don't constantly be asking to borrow your friend's purse. Once in a while is all right, but your friend will begin to get annoyed if you always have one of their purses and don't offer to share your own. Tip: Have a Holiday Handbag Making Party In a manner similar to secret Santa, a great idea to bring friends together and to celebrate the holidays is to have a purse making party. Before the party, everyone should draw a name from a hat. Each person them must design a purse for the person whose name they draw. Go to any of the stores that allow you to design your own purses and let the purse making begin. The most exciting part of the party is knowing that everyone is making a purse for someone at the party, but not knowing who. A purse making party works best for groups of friends who know each other extremely well. It's perfect for friends who want to spend the same amount on their holiday presents and also want to spend some close time together. Tip: Sharing Your Handbag Collection with a Friend Belisi.com Tip: One of the reasons handbags are so much fun is that you can match them to every outfit you wear. However, it can get frustrating when you can't find the perfect matching handbag for a new outfit. Because they can be expensive, you might consider asking a friend to share. You can swap handbags with each other, essentially doubling your choices. If you're allowing a friend to borrow one of your expensive designer purses, make sure it is someone you trust to properly care for the bag. Come up with some rules ahead of time, for instance, what will happen if one of you damages or loses a bag? When borrowing a friend's bag, take special care with it keeping in mind how you would feel if someone damaged your handbag. Category: Vintage Handbags Subcategory: Vintage Handbags Tip: Cleaning Vintage Beaded Box Handbags Vintage beaded box handbags were made popular in the 1940s due to the scarcity of metals and other materials used to make purse frames. These beaded box handbags are extremely susceptible to becoming dirty but are actually relatively easy to clean. One thing to remember is that because the bag has a hard cardboard base, you should

18 never soak your box handbag in water or to spray water directly on the bag. The best way you can clean your bag is to fill a cup with water and a couple drops of mild soap. Then lightly brush the bag with a toothbrush dipped into the solution. Brush the bad in the direction of the bead work. This brushing should lift off any dust on your vintage bag and allow the bead work to shine. Let the handbag air dry and store in a cool, dry place when not using. Never store your vintage handbag in plastic as it always needs to be able to breathe. Tip: Uses For Vintage Carpetbags One of the most popular vintage handbags is the carpetbag. Popular in the mid to late 1800s, carpetbags, made out of old carpets, were one of the cheapest handbags around. If carpetbags are already familiar to you, it may be be in part due to the movie Mary Poppins, in which Mary herself was usually carrying one. However, men, including Sir Walter Raleigh and Abe Lincoln also carried carpet bags. Carpetbags are also sometimes referred to as valise bags or tapestry bags. A carpetbag would be perfect for you if you are looking for a vintage bag to carry your knitting supplies, your work supplies, or your clothes and cosmetics for an overnight trip. These bags mostly still function how they were intended to; as travel bags. While they don't necessarily have the designer, high fashion names to them, carpetbags are true vintage handbags. Tip: When to Use a Vintage Handbag Belisi.com Tip: Vintage handbags can be extremely stylish and unique accessories, however, many people do not choose to use a vintage handbag as their everyday purse. There are many reasons for this. First of all vintage bags are often smaller than regular bags, so rather than using them every day, the bags make great evening bags or special occasion bags. Also, many vintage handbags are constructed out of delicate materials such as silk and beads and could be easily damaged. The bags probably won't stand up to the normal wear and tear of everyday use bags. If you want a vintage handbag you can use as your daily handbag, look into buying a vintage handbag look-alike; it will cost you less money and won't be manufactured with such valuable materials as true originals.