Handbags are the ultimate fashion multi-tasker, an accessory that must combine good looks and practical features to satisfy. Choosing the perfect purse can be difficult, especially with fashions changing faster than you can say It Bag. But Ken Downing, the senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, says choosing a classic bag is easy if you follow a few simple tips.
The first rule is to look for “quality and craftsmanship.” You get what you pay for, so high-end materials like leather and crocodile, which “only get better with age,” are worth the splurge.
The next thing to look for is a classic shape which suits you. Some women love clutches, while other feel more comfortable carrying a shoulder bag. The handbag has to work for you; it should be easy to carry and not too large or small.
Just as important as a classic shape is classic hardware. Downing suggests that “classic silver always looks right, certainly a classic gold detail.” Bronze and copper don’t have the same timeless looks, so their appeal may fade in time.
Color should also be chosen carefully. While some may see black are boring, this is a standard which never goes out of style. Chocolate, tobacco, bone, navy, and even the “the pop of a brilliant red” will work well for seasons to come.
But you shouldn’t just buy a bag because it fills these criteria. It’s important to find a purse that makes your heart race.
As Downing says, “If you’re truly passionate about the bag the day that you buy it … you will love it forever.” And what more could you ask for?
[Source: NBC]
[Image Source: John Stephen Dwyer/Wikipedia Commons]
