Posts Tagged ‘handbag trends’

Famous fashion designers have long loved using Italian leather for their high quality, top of the range fashion accessories. Among them are Prada and Gucci who design Italian leather handbags. Although it is a status symbol of the rich and famous to wear accessories made from Italian leather, because of its hardwearing and long lasting attributes, it makes a perfect investment for any consumer. Italian leather is the first choice if you want the best in leather products.

So just why is it so desirable? Well, firstly, because it’s widely regarded to be the best in the world. The exquisite quality of the buttery softness of Italian leather is famous. Italian leather is also known for its durability. One of the most unique features of italian leather is that it is scratch resistant, yet maintains a light weight. It is a fact that as an Italian bag ages, it even gets better, evolving into a soft sheen as the leather softens even more.

What different types of Italian leather are there? Cow hide is the source if the majority of Italian leather. There are, however, variations of leather. For example – ostrich leathers and crocodile hides are two of them. However, we get full grain leather from the best of raw hides. The hides are absolutely pristine, with no imperfections such as cracks or marks. The result is that the leather is extremely durable and very tough and looks better as it gets older. Italian leather handbags, therefore, age beautifully

What can be made from Italian leather? What can’t be made from Italian leather – since just about everything can. Examples are leather gloves for both men and women, designer shoulder handbags or clutch handbags also:

• watch straps
• purses
• suitcases
• wallets
• leather jackets and coats
• sofas and chairs.

I’m sure there are a few items I’ve missed, but you get the idea.

The signs of good quality Italian leather The softness of the leather is one way to find quality. The softer the leather the better the quality. There are variations in the feel of each piece. Consider also whether or not the leather is resistant to scratching. If it is you have your answer. The weight is also an indication of the quality. Italian leather has a feeling of lightness and is not heavy in weight which is another indication of the leather’s quality. With Italian leather handbags there will be no imperfections in the leather. The bag will be soft and pliable to the touch and light in weight.

The Italian leather bags will also develop superbly as they age. Their softness only increases and the sheen they develop will only add to its beauty. They are durable and last a long time. You may even become tired of the bag before it wears out – if it wears out that is.

With next season’s fashion weeks in full swing it is time for us to work out what we will be wearing over the all-important winter months. There are two reasons why the autumn/winter season is so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. And second, it covers the most anticipated date on any woman’s calendar – the Christmas party season.Bearing these in mind, if you want to look great at the end of 2009, you’re going to need to know what will turn heads.

In a year that has suffered a financial meltdown, it is not surprising that the WWII slogan ‘Make Do and Mend’ has become part of everyday terminology. Most of us have become a lot more conservative about our spending habits, and this has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers’/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you couldn’t resist the charm of the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. In Spring and Summer, the chain handles were thrown effortlessly over our shoulders. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Whimsical and effortless, and now really up to the minute.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Designers are really loving the English Heritage inspired look at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season’s must-have cosy, knitted styles.

All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. For me, there is one trend that is certain to spice up eveningwear more than any other… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Liberate the animal within and show off your stripes with a handbag in this key look. Most importantly though – be certain it’s not real.

For all of those girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don’t get your whiskers in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season’s collections of designer handbags. Not only seen on the catwalk, you’ll find them on the High Street too – great news. You will be transformed into an arts and crafts leader with the help of buttons and beading. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Great timing for Hallowe’en!