How To Find The Perfect Handbag

By Mary Olaya

Let's be honest. These days there are hundreds of handbag styles to choose from. So as a consumer, where do you begin? Do you follow the fashion experts? Does the latest It handbag necessarily mean you must have that bag this season? Do you choose one that compliments your figure and works well with your wardrobe? Or do you choose quality with an affordable price tag? Well, the answer is Yes - for all of the above. But there are also other factors to consider too.

Trying on a handbag is just as important as trying on clothes. Where your handbag rests will actually draw the most attention. If someone is glammed up, the first detail others will notice is accessories, most likely your handbag . A handbag can make or break your look. The most important factor to consider when choosing the right handbag for your body type is Size and Shape. That choice is more difficult for tiny and shorter ladies.

Small and classic handbag shapes generally work best. Focus on smaller handbags that fit tightly and comfortably underneath your shoulder. It's all about proportion. Stay away from large, rectangular shapes. Small shoulder handbags are a great alternative. They work perfectly with figure proportions and add length to the body and arms. More defined round shapes, such as the gaucho & silverado styles, work too.

Also consider the handles and their positioning. The handle drop should not have too much. A handbag that sits below your hips will make you appear shorter. If you need a sling/messenger bag, be sure the shoulder strap is adjustable and let the bag rest near your hips and no lower. Avoid oversized, bulky bags unless you need an overnight or weekender. Big sizes will not flatter your shape.

Another perfect alternative is clutches. Go for different colours and styles. Clutches are versatile during the day and will carry all your necessities in the evening. There are also limitations for taller ladies. Although they have a height advantage, some styles still won't work. If you're tall or slim, your long limbs work well for more rectangular and square structured shapes, such as motorcycle and paddington styles.

If you're not already a fan of oversized bags, get cracking. Oversized handbags are definitely - In. Fashion has embraced the oversized trend in handbags and clothing lately. What's the best tip? It's what our parents told us for years. Less is more. So consider a bag that's not too oversized. Don't go over the top. Go for box styles or rectangular shapes. The biggest blunder many make with these styles is practicality. Never carry an oversized bag empty. Oversized bags look flat and empty with just your wallet and keys inside. Use these bags as a useful shopping tote. Now, that's just plain easy.

Never let an oversized shoulder bag sit pass your hips. Straps should be short or adjustable. Not only will the bag look better, but its weight won't put pressure on your lower back. It's important for you to move comfortably and easily. Let the handbag speak for itself. Do the inside compartments hold all your necessary essentials? Do you like its style and overall look? In the end, you have to be happy. After all, a handbag should be a girl's best accessory, not a burden.

Melie Bianco Sneak Preview

Gearing up for new arrivals is what we are all about. Stay tuned to the Melie Bianco Handbags Blog for the latest news and the best deals online for handbags. The bags pictured below were featured in fashion magazines. See the bag, then see the magazine article. You can carry the bag used by other stylish fashionistas worldwide.

Melie Bianca uses a synthetic leather in all the designer handbags. The bags are made with details used by all the high end handbag designers. The best thing about Melie Bianco is you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to own a designer purse. Melie Bianco handbags sell for around $50 - $70 each! Save this link and check back often for new arrivals online at the best prices you can find!

When we see a new handbag, we'll post it here. We'll even give you the best deal online when you are ready to get it for yourself. Just let us know. Click here to see.

Marie Claire love Melie Bianco almost as much as us! Take a peak. See the chain clutch! Wow! You can get it here soon.

Modern contemporary geometric clutch. Very 21st Century. Very chic! Coming soon. Melie Bianco takes the best from the best and delivers to you a reasonably priced handbag with lots of design and style.

If you are looking for a new handbag and don't want to spend a huge amount of money, check out the Melie Bianco handbag collection. Melie Bianco makes her bags from synthetic leather material and it's easy to keep clean.

The Hobo Bag

Melie Bianco designs Hobo Handbags in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Textures and patterns are big this season.
Shop for Melie Bianco handbags online.

from BagFancy

One of the popular trends this season is "go big"... go Hobo!

The Beauty of the Hobo Bag
The classic definition of the hobo bag is a large crescent-shaped shoulder bag. Lately though, the term "hobo" has been used to describe any large bag which hangs from your shoulder and has a main compartment closure (unlike the "tote" which is normally open top). Hobo bags are popping up in the bright colors of the season, the classic colors, animal prints, adorned with dangling sequins... you name it!

Not only are we offered fantastic prints, patterns, and styles to choose from, but the hobo bag is roomy and comfortable! We no longer need to leave anything at home and we won't struggle to carry it about - finally fashion and practicality are hand-in-hand. It doesn't get much better!

Too Much of a Good Thing...
OK, so you do have to remember one thing - the hobo bag IS big! A crazy pattern or bright color is sure to get you noticed - but it might distract the eye from your trendy new dress, or your nice new hair style, or your perfect makeup. Opt for a more classic solid color for your hobo bag if you are wearing bright colors or want to highlight something specific - it won't battle for attention. And vice versa, use a fun hobo bag to add some dazzle to an otherwise subdued look.

Another note of caution if you are a small-framed woman - some of the very large hobo bags may make you look even smaller or may make the hobo bag look extra big and disproportionate. As with all accessories, choose a bag which will complement you and your style!

Have fun with the hobo trend this year! I know I am happy to toss my PDA, wallet, bottled water, dog treats, gum, iPod, and keys all in to one bag AND still be in fashion!

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Seventeen Magazine features the hottest styles and designers with prices perfect for your budget. If you are looking for a designer handbag will loads of visibility and press, you've chosen the right place. Melie Bianco has been seen in just about every major fashion magazine and television show available. Visit Melie Bianco to see your next popular handbag!

Melie Bianco Handbags - FREE SHIPPING

Melie Bianco Handbags - FREE SHIPPING & NO SALES TAX

Starting today and ending the end of March, 2008, place an order for any Melie Bianco Handbag and receive free ground FEDEX shipping anywhere within the lower USA States. Use coupon code MELIEFREE during checkout.

Use coupon code MELIEFREE during checkout.

Click Here to place an order.
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Melie Bianco’s motto is “Affordable Luxury”. Melie Bianco understands that any fashionable girl wants to feel great about her look, especially her handbag without going broke! The handbags are made of premium synthetic leather that is buttery soft. Melie Bianco’s styles are inspired from the fashion runways to the latest of what the celebrities are carrying!

This offer can't be combined with any other discount or offer. It can't be applied to a prior puchase. The coupon code must be presented at the time of purchase. Order form must include the coupon code. Adjustments are not made once an order is placed.Use coupon code MELIEFREE during checkout. Shop Melie Bianco Handbags online & save! Free Shipping & NO Sales Tax Worldwide!

5 More Things To Consider When Purchasing A Designer Handbag

by Bridget Wright

I ran across this site that gave 5 things to consider when purchasing a designer handbag. Well, just to add my .02 to it, I came up with 5 MORE things to consider…blah…blah…blah.

1. Does it look great with EVERY and ANYthing you wear? This is important, especially for women who don’t like to change purses everytime they wear an outfit. If the purse is versatile, it’s a definite plus for me.

2. Is there an exchange for return policy? Again, important if you’re not 100% sure if you’re going to like the bag, for whatever reason. Tastes do wane for certain styles. You want to be happy with your purcahse, right? With a return policy, the retailer is saying, “We’re not happy until you are happy!”

3. Is the label or the bag manufacturer in a prominent place on the bag? Enough said.

4. Can it be ordered, purchased and returned all online? The convenience of ordering online can be wonderful for any situation and also offers the comfort and privacy AND time you need to really make good selections before investing so much money.

5. Do any of your friends have one just like it? If they do, go to the next choice, right?

These to me are very, very important considerations to examine when you’re about to make a big purchase like a designer handbag. Consider and weigh ALL options, but just make sure you’re happy, really happy with the bag that you do choose!

Miu Miu Takes Macau - DesignersLA Takes Melie Bianco!

DesignersLA Takes Melie Bianco!

from Women's Wear Daily

MACAU — The seas were choppy and chilly winds were blowing as guests boarded the chartered ferry from Hong Kong, but no one seemed to mind the weather when they arrived in Macau to see that Miu Miu had pulled out all of the stops for a fashion show and public relations exercise the likes of which this city had never seen before.

MIU MIU designer handbag black leather plisse tote RN0505 designer purse

Nearly 300 guests were invited to witness a first (and last) of its kind event when Miu Miu presented its spring collection in the Wynn Theater. It was the first production in the theater, as well as the last (casino owner Steve Wynn decided just weeks ago to remove the red velvet banquettes and tear down the stage in favor of additional private gambling rooms). Using innovative choreography and clever video projections, models paraded across the stage in Miu Miu's latest — eliciting delighted exclamations from the crowd of celebrities, socialites and press. And the whoops kept coming as dancers from Paris' famed Crazy House cabaret took the stage in an eye-popping finale.

Sebastian Suhl, chief executive officer of Prada Asia Pacific, said the idea behind the event was simply to promote Miu Miu. "This is only the second large event we have done for Miu Miu. The first was to open the store in The Landmark [in Hong Kong] in December '06. We wanted to do something that fits the collection for the spring-summer season and we wanted to do something special — and obviously location is very important. No other luxury brand has done anything in Macau — in at least five or six years and maybe even longer than that," said Suhl.

Although Miu Miu doesn't yet have a store in Macau, there were 25 million reasons for holding the party here. The enclave, once a sleepy Portuguese colony, is now better known as Las Vegas East, with a spate of major hotel-casino openings and a tremendous surge in visitors, mostly from Mainland China. The number of visitors reached 25 million last year and is expected to reach 40 million by 2010.

It's no surprise, then, that Miu Miu will have a store here by the middle of the year. "The [Asia-Pacific] business has grown tremendously, and it's sizeable," said Suhl. "Based on that and on the strength of the brand generally, what we're doing is aggressively expanding. The first expansion will be in Macau, with Miu Miu taking the current Prada store at Wynn," he said, noting that Prada will move to a location three times larger, also in Wynn. "Prada will have the largest location in Wynn," said Suhl, who is eager to take advantage of additional floor space. "We can bring in categories like ready-to-wear and men's wear and do shoes properly."

Currently, Miu Miu has eight locations in the region — four in Hong Kong, two in Taipei, one in Singapore and one in Jakarta — and Suhl is preparing to roll out the brand to new markets, including South Korea, Australia and possibly Kuala Lumpur. China is also in the cards. "The challenge for China for any brand is not only finding the right hardware and the right landlord, but also finding the right locations. There are many, many projects going on right now in China and we're evaluating all of them for both brands. Miu Miu is definitely not forgotten in China — you'll see Miu Miu stores there as well as in Korea," said Suhl.

He added that Miu Miu also is likely to expand its presence in Singapore and Taiwan. In most cases, Prada is either already in a market Miu Miu plans to enter or has concrete plans to enter it as well. This year, the Prada brand will open its second Kuala Lumpur location at the new Pavilion shopping mall. Still, Suhl insists Prada is not used to test markets before Miu Miu opens its own shops. "In Asia, customers and the press have understood that Miu Miu is a brand on its own. Part of that is the new concept we launched. Hong Kong is a great case in point. We have four really prime locations that are performing far beyond our expectations — ours and the landlords'," he said.

Any expansion, however, demands cash, which makes the much-anticipated, thrice-delayed launch of Prada Group's initial public offering that much more compelling. Prada Group spokesman Tomaso Galli said plans are moving ahead, albeit with an eye on the market. "In 2008 there are two windows of opportunity — the earliest one is in June-July and the other is in October-November," said Galli. "We said that, when we get closer to the date, we would evaluate if one of those two windows presents a good opportunity. So, we still haven't set a specific time for the IPO; it very much depends on market conditions."

While he declined to be more specific about timing, it's clear the group would like to go ahead in order to raise capital for its future growth in countries like China. "It's a good opportunity to take advantage of the momentum that all of our brands are having — obviously, if we want to further this expansion and development, we will need resources, and an IPO would give us resources to really invest even more than what we do now," said Galli. "But we're not forced to do it if the markets are in such a situation that it wouldn't be advisable. We're under no pressure at all."

Industry sources valued Prada at an estimated 4 billion to 5 billion euros, or $5.91 billion to $7.39 billion, at current exchange.

When pressed to evaluate market conditions, Galli replied: "The good thing is that, just as all of the optimism two months ago was too early, all the pessimism now is also too early. We'll see what happens in the next two months. Well go on, we'll do the work and we'll see," he said.

5 Things to Consider Before Shopping for Your Designer Handbag

from The Purse Village

1 *How much do you want to spend?

designer handbags have no limits for the pricing so its very important to fix a budget in mind and stick with it. We can opt for the designer range of precvious season as it will give you affordable pricing.

2 *Whats your style?

Classic, edgy, simple, choose what style fits you best. Your style should match your current wardrobe style. If you can purchse only selected pieces from the designer range go for the more classy range as new trend go out of style very fast.


3 *Which designer brand is right for you?

Every designer brand have there own style of designing so its very important to make up in mind. Wether you want your handbag to be simple ,trendy, or edgy. Basic style of the company should be followed properly.

4 *What Colour?

This is a very important question as, sometimes we purchase colours looking good in the store but get sick of it after a week or two. Always prefer colour you always like to wear. Colour choice should also be done according to the outfits one have.

5 *Where will you purchase your designer handbag from?

You should be aware of the best place you can purchse your handbag from. Many people prefer the safety of buying handbags in the designers store, this guarantees authenticity and you wont get sold a cheap fake. But there are other online stores selling authentic designer handbags. Person should choose wisely.

Los Angeles Designer Melie Bianco at DesignersLA

Melie Bianco's mission is to provide chic affordable handbags.

Melie Bianco aims to bring affordable luxury to the handbag market by using super-soft faux leathers, quality linings and hardwares. At Melie Bianco we do not sacrifice price for craftmanship. That is why Melie Bianco products are known for their "butter soft" faux leathers.

Melie Bianco is proud to offer the lastest styles from the runways to our fashionable customers, while keeping in mind a reasonable budget.

Located in Los Angeles, Melie Bianco follows the celebrities and knows what's hot. Her designs are in just about every fashion magazine on the shelf. And, you've probably seen Melie Bianco's designer handbags on the Today Show, NBC Today Show, Fox Good Day New York, and many more live broadcast presentations.

Melie Bianco handbags have been featured in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Self Magazine, Life & Style, Accessories, People StyleWatch, Travel & Leisure, Cosmo Girl, Seventeen, Woman's World, Lucky, Glamorous Magazine, Apparel News, I Brands, Madesico, Woman's Day, Honey Girl, OK Weekly, and many more publications.

Melie Bianco takes what's hip and edgey and makes it even better. Her sleek styles and contemporary designs are multi-functional, comfortable and most of all affordable. You don't have to break the piggy bank to own a Melie Bianco designer handbag. We love the new collections she offers with each changing season. DesignersLA is proud to welcome the gorgeous and beautiful colorful edgey styles from Melie Bianco.

NBC Today Show'd me this.....

If you missed the Today Show, don't worry. We're bringing the real thing to you right here, right now. Melie Bianco in your face cute and affordable. Click the picture above and take a look at the hottest designer handbag of the season. And, it is only $66! Oh, yeah! You read that correctly. The Melie Bianco handbag above is a merely $66! Nope, not $666, it's $66!

If you've been looking for a new purse lately you'll know the prices of designer handbags are astronomical! But, Melie Bianco keeps her prices perfect for anyone to own a new handbag. Her styles are modern and contemporary. She takes the best from the best and makes her handbags really and truly affordable. We believe they are for "vegan" lovers, too. Man-made materials are used to create a soft leather-like purse.

If you like a big bag or small, Melie Bianco handbags are the answer to your designer fashion accessory addiction. And, the next time you are flipping through channels and grab the Today Show, maybe you'll see a fabulous Melie Bianco purse being talked about by some of the best news casters on T.V.

Speical Delivery

from Women's Wear Daily
By Kavita Daswani

Although accessories designers are newly embracing a more toned-down aesthetic, the category is still sparkling. Vendors across the board are citing impressive sales figures for the year past and the year going forward. Many agree that a change in consumer spending habits has led to the category’s success. More customers are willing to splurge on both luxury and one-of-a-kind looks. In addition to vendors pulling out all the stops in their product assortments, they also are focusing on customer service, in hopes of meeting deliveries closer to season.

IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

According to some vendors, consumers may have more disposable income these days for fashion items and accessories, primarily because they save money elsewhere. This is translating into a new emphasis on luxury in the market. “People are buying a lot at stores like Costco, so that frees up more income to trade up,” said Mitchell Handler, director of sales and marketing North America for Francesco Biasia, an Italian handbag line that Handler described as “for the consumer who wants to trade up to a higher-quality, fashionable, luxurious product.” Handler said 2004 was “a record year,” with sales that were close to 30 percent over 2003, which also was a record year.

“2005 will be better,” he said. “There might be a slowdown somewhat in the rate of increase, but there will still be an increase.” The collection wholesales for between $90 and $135, and is currently in about 600 doors across the country. “We’re really focused on the bridge price,” he said. The company also has focused on signature details to make the brand more attractive, including adding proprietary hardware for its newest collections, with all linings and rivets registered, licensed and trademarked.

“The idea was to create a Francesco Biasia consolidated image,” Handler said. “Other brands have some direct identification with their image, and we were looking for that. Our focus has been to create a personality for the name that can be found easily in the product.” Initial response to the new styles, according to Handler, has been encouraging. The line recently was unveiled at New York market week, and, said Handler, “there wasn’t a customer who didn’t purchase. That was a resounding vote of confidence.”

PERSONALITY CONTEST

Accessories producers echoed Handler’s take on the turn toward luxury, but added that the trend is not only affecting price, but also design. The trick to boosting sales, they agreed, is not in appealing to the mass market, but in going in the opposite direction and providing almost couture-like accessories that consumers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. “The major shift we’ve seen is that people are now looking for something unique,” said Judy Jansen, owner and founder of jewelry maker J. Jansen Designs in Costa Mesa, Calif. “You’ll either have the customer who wants 10 things for $1, or they’ll pay for a quality piece. It’s almost like there’s no in between.”

Jansen’s pieces are sometimes made from scratch out of blowtorched metals, and are embellished with mother-of-pearl, Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones. In addition to necklaces, earrings and watches, she also offers cell phone holders and a small collection of bags, all of which range in price at wholesale from $30 to $185. Response to the collection has been so strong this year that Jansen is expecting sales figures to double in 2005 over last year. “All the importers are trying to compete with each other and a lot of the products are mass produced. There is the customer who wants that, but then there is also the customer who is willing to pay whatever it takes to get something uniquely different,” Jansen explained. “I think we’ll be seeing a major upswing in that end of the market.”

William Bianco, operating officer of L.A. bag maker Melie Bianco, agreed. “It’s not just about the price anymore,” he said. “If you cater to a trendy customer and boutique, then it becomes more about defining yourself.” His label’s line of fabric and velvet bags, which wholesale for between $15 and $18, have found a growing market, he said. “Business is increasing. People seem happy to shop and spend.” Michelle Cravens, founder and owner of Yorba Linda, Calif.-based Michelle Monroe, a belt maker, also said the current buzzwords in the market are “unique and unusual.”

“People are being more selective about what they’re buying right now,” she said. “They’re looking for something unique.” For her line, that translates into rhinestone-studded belts, but the stones are in her own design and all the leathers used are Italian. Most of the belts sell for $85 to $95 at wholesale, with the more exclusive ones going for $150. “People look at them, see they’re something different and then might decide to try a few. That’s how the business will grow,” Cravens said. Felicia Goldberg, designer and owner of Jewelry by Felicia, based in Morganville, N.J., described sales at a January trade show as phenomenal. “Things have just been excellent,” she said. Like many other vendors, she admitted the biggest challenge is “coming up with new things to keep it exciting.”

“Product development is the major challenge,” she said. “The most important thing is to change all the time. You can’t stay stagnant, because if you stay stagnant, you lose.” Goldberg also has opted to cover all her bases by making jewelry ranging in price at wholesale from $10 to $85. She’s decided to go with what she describes as “the girly girl” route for spring, with heavily encrusted chokers and long earrings in crystal and enamel. She said she also has had an enthusiastic response to a new line of organic jewelry made from natural materials such as shell and wood. “All vendors seem to be saying the same thing, that business is good if you provide something different,” Goldberg said. “Accessories can make or break an outfit, and people are finally learning that.”

FULL SERVICE

Companies also are rolling out the red carpet to retailers in a bid to boost sales. This includes having the merchandise on hand so that they are able to efficiently take and ship orders. “We want to focus on customer service and inventory. That seems to be where you can keep the customer,” said Karla Willis, marketing and sales manager of Hat Stack Jeanne Simmons Accessories, a maker of hats based in Vista, Calif.

Willis said 2004 proved to be a strong year for the company, and she is looking forward to more of the same this year with a collection that includes hats made from classic tweeds and accented with ribbons and bright colors. “Everybody tends to have the same sort of thing, or eventually will,” she said, “so what makes a difference is being able to ship the goods out on time.”

For more information about Melie Bianco handbags online, click here.