How To Invest In The Right Handbag

Those of you who read this blog regularly probably know by now that I truly love my handbags. I choose very carefully in what bag to invest every now and then and it's usually quite a fabulous one. However, if you have just started investing in handbags there are few things you must consider.

For this post, Hong Kong based image consultant Malini Hemlani gives you girls a brief guide into buying the right handbag. Here goes:

Men may tease women about how many handbags they own but there is a valid reason for it: women need a handbag collection that is appropriate for various occasions and outfits. You can't take a floral straw bag to a business meeting or a formal leather handbag to the beach, can you?

Handbags make a style statement, so get it right. 

 Get it right and you can be the height of elegance, get it wrong and you will disappear in the crowd or ruin your whole look.

The bags you choose will depend on your style personality. You might prefer neat and classic bags to slouchy styles or you might look for interesting details or colours. 

Whatever look you are drawn to, your bag needs to be in balance with your overall scale: a small bag will look lost on a grand scale woman and a large bag will swamp a petite woman.

The shape of your bag needs to follow the line of your body. For example, Rectangles, Lean Columns and Inverted Triangles need structured bags to reflect the lines and angles of their bodies.

Softer, unstructured bags work best for those with a Full Hourglass or Round shape. Triangles should avoid bags that hang at hip level as they will add width to the widest area.

Colour and Fabric

Don't be afraid to choose a handbag in a colour instead of a neutral shade (black, tan, grey etc.) It is the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your look without overdoing it.

If you want to play it safe then find a colour that always looks good on you and that you don't find 'scary'. Universal colours such as purple and teal are a good choice as there are shades to suit everyone.

Alternatively, if there are colours that you like but are shy of wearing, a handbag in that colour will be more subtle than wearing it directly on your body and will add fun and interest to your wardrobe.

What your handbag is made of will depend on your budget and lifestyle and what the bag is used for. Some people love investing in quality leather bags that will last a lifetime, whereas others will buy bags in fabric and have a new one every season. Remember the golden rule of any purchase: the more you use it the cheaper the cost per usage! 

 What's hot in handbags currently?

There is so much choice including pouch, clutch, on a chain, tote, boxy, soft, colourful, plain or printed.  Two very good investments are the tote and the clutch.

The tote is the perfect daytime bag whilst the clutch you can use for evening or daytime. Put the clutch in the tote and, hey presto, you're ready for morning till night! For a designer touch, make it two-tone.

Make more than a statement

If handbags are your passion then you will choose carefully and invest in a considerable collection. Your handbags are part of your signature style so you want them to show off your personality. 

Final Tips

* Try out handbags as you do clothes,  check in the mirror to see whether the scale, shape and colour work for you.

* Make sure the handbag is suitable for its purpose. You may be wowed by a great design or colour, but if you can't get all your belongings in it, it won't be much use!

* Make it easy to find what you need (compartments)

* Look for ones with linings in a light colour to find your items easily. Make sure the light linings are easy to clean.

* When you carry your handbag it will fall near your body, so if you have a large bust, carry your handbag at arm's length by your leg or by your waist. If you are fuller around the waist and bottom area, avoid handbags dangling at that level and carry them up higher.

For more information, check out Malini Hemlani's website here