Designers introduced a very much needed bolt of color and positive energy across the Spring 2010 runways after such a somber Fall 2009. Yes, we are in a recession, yes world crisis has us desiring times when things seemed simpler, but we can’t forget to be grateful for today. What better way to celebrate promises of new things to come than with vivid color? For me, Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2010 scuba inspired looks like one below had me most optimistic of things to come.

Though I may not be able to sport the head to toe brights, I can add some shots of optimism to my life with the classic shape of the Kate Spade Tarrytown Maryanne Tote or the amazingly affordable Urban Expressions Scandicci Studded Clutch

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You know, normally, I am a fitted pencil skirt, secretary blouse type, but the Spring 2010 Balmain runways have me craving something else. The Balmain Spring 2010 runways portrayed an urban warrior goddess that has me completely obsessed. My favorite look of the runway is this one below with these second skin cargo pants, ripped tee, lace up combat boots, and trend forward jacket. I keep fantasizing walking into work with a version of this look, minus exposed skin and shredded tee, LOL, but then think about the reality of what a drastic change that would be from my pencil skirt/trouser uniforms.

So, to not alarm my co-workers of multiple personality disorders, any that they don’t know about already, LOL, I think I will incorporate Balmain’s urban warrior goddess into my life with this sumptuous Tylie Malibu Runway Cherie Studded Handbag.

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I am leaving for India in less than a week and feeling very inspired to find an exotic ethnic inspired bag for my travels.  I am from India and if there is one thing we love, we love vibrancy and we love geometric patterns! You see this all over India, patterns in beautiful magentas, crimsons, emerald greens, all types of rich jewel tone vibrant colors. Can’t wait!

Since, I’ll be staying in one of the world’s fashion capitals, Bombay, I plan on shopping the amazing market places for some true treasures like gorgeous tunics, authentic pashminas, and great cuffs.  And, while I am shopping, I gotta look stylish right?  Here are top my picks for my upcoming shopping adventures in India.

The Toss Designs Parker Resort Tote:

 The Echo Reversible Ethnic Tote:

 The Bodhi Geo Clutch:

 The Anuschka Muli Pocket Shopper:

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The perfect handbag not only effortlessly pulls together an outfit but will also function as your trusty personal secretary.  Chic women know picking the right handbag for the outfit, event, and personal style is extremely important.

Five factors you should consider when choosing the perfect handbag:  (1) Right Shape, (2) Personal Style, (3) Outfit, (4) Seasonality, (5) Handbag Material.

Find the Right Shape for the Right Outfit:

Handbag trends come and go but the basic shapes remain relatively unchanged.  The main handbag shapes are the satchel, tote, cross body handbag, hobo, and clutch.

• A Satchel handbag has double handles (usually shorter) and is either carried in your hand or over the shoulder.  Satchels work great with a more uptown look.  Think shift dresses, tweed trousers, dark blue jeans, a great blazer.

• A tote is a medium to large square bag with double handles. This carry-all originated in the 40s and is often referred to as a ‘shopper’.  Totes are so versatile because you can dress them up, dress them down.  Carry a canvas tote in the summer with a pretty sundress and you are beach ready or carry a leather tote to a business interview with a smart suit and you are now career savvy.

• Cross-Body Bags are meant to be worn across the body. They are typically smaller in size with a zip top or flap closure.  We are so happy that this trend is strong right now.  With these economic times, we need a handbag that does double and triple duty for us which is exactly what a cross body bag does.  Wear it as tote, fold it over as a clutch for night, sling it over your shoulder on your city commute.  The possibilities are endless.  Check out our uber chic and versatile The Sak Silverlake Leather Flap

• Hobo Handbags are slouchy, crescent-shaped bags that are usually worn over a shoulder or across the body.  Hobos are so effortlessly cool and chic.  The fantastic thing about them is that they never look overdone or fussy.  Throw on a simple white tee, a great pair of jeans and a fabulous hobo like our Rebecca Minkoff Darling Hobo.  You’ll be the envy of every woman as they try to figure out how you always manage to look pull together.

• A clutch is a small bag that is designed to be worn under the arm or carried in your hand.  Gone are the days when clutches were reserved for night only.  Oversized day clutches are just as fabulous and can be another hands free option.  A great tip I learned from a wise friend is to throw in a little clutch into your day bag, if you’ve got an impromptu work night event or a date, you’ll always be ready with the right evening clutch.

Know Your Personal Style:

Ladies, never fall prey to what everyone else is carrying; pick a handbag that really reflects your true personal style.  Picking a handbag that truly reflects you is always a wise investment choice because you’ll love wearing it and it will never be out of style.

Unsure of what your personal style is?  Check in with the following fun clues to start your personal handbag style discovery.

Are you a Euro Sophisticate?

• Find yourself loving elegant day dresses, tailored pieces, ladylike jackets, cashmere luxury?
• Love the style of icons like Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama?
• If this fits you, look for structured lady like satchels or totes like our Michael Kors Astor Uptown satchel.  The iconic Birkin bag matches your personal style. Look to bags with this type of structure and clean elegant lines.
• Stick with versatile neutrals or rich saturated colors or like Red, Aubergine, Black, Cream, Cognac

Are you a Cali Casual Girl?

• Find yourself loving great comfortable pieces like a great pair of jeans, the perfect tee shirt, a flirty jersey dress and a great pair of slouchy western boots?
• Love the style of icons like Farah Fawcett, Kate Hudson?
• This look is all about easy breezy fashion.  Look for slouchy hobos like our Big Buddha Soho or our Derek Alexander Yukon.

Are you an Edgy Urbanite?

• Find yourself loving the rock and roll details like leather jackets, ankle boots?
• Love the style of icons like Rihanna, Kate Moss?
• If this is you, look for studs and grommets on your handbags.  Hardware is back in a big way for handbags, even a conservative outfit for work can be made a little bit more edgy with a handbag that has hardware. Check out our BCBGeneration double frame satchel or our B Makowsky Alexandria tote.

Are you a Romantic Eclectic?

• Find yourself loving flapper dresses, vintage inspired sweaters, and antique jewelry?
• Love the style of Maggie Gyllenhal or the adorable Audrey Tatou?
• This look is all about romance and putting together pieces in an unexpected, uncontrived way.  Look to our Offhand Designs Mia Clutch our Timmy Woods collection.  Look for feminine details like lace, brocade, velvet, fringe, unexpected patterns, etc.

Are you a Sexy Bombshell?

• Find yourself loving retailers like Bebe, Arden B?  Or designers like Roberto Cavalli?
• Love the style of icons like Beyonce or Jennifer Lopez?
• If this fits you, you have sexy confidence that should be reflected in your handbag.  This style is bold and vivacious.  Metallic handbags were made for you!  They are bold and command attention, perfect for the bombshell.  Check out our Guess Illusion Satchel.

Consider Materials:

Now that you know what is the perfect shape and style for you, picking the right material will ensure you wear it often and wear it well.

• Consider leather handbags for a classic timeless material.  Next time you go out shopping at the mall, carry a well-made leather handbag and watch the attention you get from the sales clerks.  A well made leather handbag can denote to others a sophisticated and discerning taste.
• Prefer to be animal friendly?  Fear not, cool animal friendly designers like Stella McCartney have re-invented man made fabrics to be just as stylish and covetable as any fur or exotic leather.  Because of this new movement, we are seeing plenty of stylish man made handbags.  At eBags, we pride ourselves on carrying the largest online selection of man made material handbags.  Look to great brands like Big Buddha and BCBGeneration.

• Suede always screams luxe.  Like leather you have to be careful to precondition your bag which is very easy with a suede protector from any shoe retailer.  Suede hobos are the quintessential cool girl handbag.

Finally, after you have considered the (1) Right Shape, (2) Personal Style, (3) Outfit (4) Seasonality, (5) Material, the perfect handbag you choose will always be right and always in style.  With our new filters at eBags, finding the perfect handbag could not be easier.  Bon voyage on your handbag discovery!

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With the recession on everyone’s mind, I think every stylish woman wants to know how to stretch last year’s fall wardrobe.  Wouldn’t you agree ladies?  But, the truly stylish stand out from crowd not from the new duds they sport but the way they put it all together in a new way.  One of my favorite fall trends that will easily refresh last years staples is metal hardware on handbags.  Check out one of my favorite new bags, The MICHAEL Michael Kors Uptown Astor Satchel in black and white.  First off, it’s a color palette that will never go out, secondly, the metal stud/grommet trend is balanced with a classic satchel shape.  I can see myself wearing this with jeans, crisp white button down and red flats or a sleek pencil skirt & loafer pumps.  So versatile!

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Stella McCartney, Matt & Nat, and other fashion forward designers are proving that eco friendly handbags can look rich and luxe. I love this unique Japanese paper across body bag. What’s cool about japanese paper is that it’s handmade from long fibers. The fibers are such that its lightweight and yet durable. Also, the wrinkle effect of this matt and nat grandmaster bag gives it that wonderful worn leather look the eco friendly way.

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Spring 2008 handbags are going to be colorful, eye-catching, and the focal point of your ensemble. I am especially excited about Spring 08′s candy colored handbags.

Check out this hot pink Micheal Kors Satchel! Classic chain handles and a small frame makes this a perfect evening bag for a night out.

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Sale, Sale, Sale – A girl’s favorite four letter word! January’s full of great sales & deals. But, the secret to finding the best deal is searching online for items that you know will be in style 3 or 4 seasons from now. That’s why I love this oversized Cole Haan Satchel. It’s an incredible 30% off the original price and the details are superb – fine haircalf, beautiful camel leather trimming, and a compartment that opens up on bottom! Not only would this make a classy weekender but it could work as a stylish briefcase alternative. Most of all, this is a sale item that will remain in vogue 4+ seasons from today. Unlike the bright pink lantern sleeve top you found on sale. I know, I have done it too…

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I am so excited Fall 2007 brought cleaner, sturdier, more sophisticated handbags back in vogue. Let’s hope this lady like glamour is here to stay through spring!

Recently, I fell in love with this structured Amici Accessories Satchel. It’s trend forward, sophisticated, roomy, functional, & affordable. You will never believe how much this satchel is – $50!!! Can you believe it? All this detailing for $50. The only fault is that it doesn’t come in more colors so I can buy them all!

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With all the new stylish briefcases out there for women, I refuse to carry a boring black one any longer! I love the new handcrafted Wabags Bond Briefcase Messenger. The details are simply gorgeous! It’s beautifully handmade and handcrafted. The exterior is a beautiful deep dark red and the pockets are lined in a funky croc.

This Wabags briefcase is great for everyday. It’s funky and yet roomy – the perfect marriage between style & function. Arrive on Monday in some serious style!

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Ladies, how many times do we switch our handbags and forget something important? Our debit card, cell phone, or worse yet, keys! I recently discovered the perfect solution – amazing handbag liners called Very Intelligent Pocket by Tintamar. The liners have nine pockets and get this, washable! Now, that’s brilliant! These handbag liners are trendy, cute, and oh so affordable. Colors range from an adorable pink to cafe noir. I personally am pining over the yummy cafe noir. Thanks to these liners, changing handbags has never been easier!

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