Melie Bianco Exotic Ethnic Bag S7-320

Always trendy, yet wearable, Melie Bianco does not disappoint with exotic ethnic hobo bag especially since ethnic patterns are all the rage this season. Part of the Melie Bianco luxe skins collection, who says you have to spend thousands to get the look of sumptuous skins? Well if you do have it and want the real thing than spend away but if just want to keep up with the latest in handbag must-haves than Melie Bianco is the perfect answer. Sure to stand out in the crowd, this ethnic-embossed hobo features bronze and gold hues and a modern shape. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 17 x 14 x 4 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a drop of about nine inches. Shop discount Melie Bianco purses now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Top Stiched Dome Bag

Top handle bags are back in a big way so we aren't surprised that MELIE BIANCO has already started a frenzy with the top stitched dome bag. This bag looks like it just came off the runway so it's hard to believe that it retails for only $56. Plus you can carry this purse as either a handle bag or over your shoulder as it comes with a detachable strap. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16x 13 x 2.5 inches. Shop MELIE BIANCO handbags now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Sale: MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S8-211GN convertible clutch with raw edges shoulder bag designer purse

Melie Bianco Handbags Sale: MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S8-211GN convertible clutch with raw edges shoulder bag designer purse

So You Love Handbags?

MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S8-27K
V trimmed gathered hobo shoulder bag designer purse.

from BagFancy

A few things to consider before shopping. So you really like handbags. Okay, maybe you love them. That much is clear. But now what? Picking a handbag isn't rocket science, but there are some things to think about when shopping. Some are questions of what you want in a bag, while other considerations are much more practical. Thinking through these can make a difference between being happy with your purchase or leaving your new bag sitting in your closet collecting dust.

Style
You're browsing, and you spot a bag that you're absolutely in love with. Sitting on the rack (or calling to you from your computer screen), it's the cutest thing you've ever seen! But unless you're going to hang it on the wall of your apartment for your guests to admire, you'll want to ask yourself this question: What is this bag going to look like on me? Remember that a bag is only one piece of the puzzle - it should ideally match an outfit or your wardrobe (not just color, but also style and attitude). So before buying, mentally cruise your closet and try to think of what you would wear while carrying that bag. Image is everything!!! When considering handbags/outfits, look at the image you are trying to project. Whether you're going for cute, sexy, cool, chic, conservative, etc. think of how the bag will help you pull off the image. Remember, everyone is unique and some styles don't work for everyone. Also, not all styles work for every occasion. Generally you will shop with specific kinds of activities or events in mind - and of course a formal night out is not going to be the same as a day of running errands. You might eventually want to develop a rotating repertoire of different styles for different occasions. Finally, consider your body shape and size. Handbags come in many different shapes and colors along with style, so make sure to pick one that is flattering for you. Take a look at a guide to matching body and handbag shape before picking (see Links at bottom of article).

Carrying Capacity
All right, so you've found a handbag that looks great on you. But it is a bag, after all, and you just might also want to put stuff in it. How much will you be able to fit in your potential bag? Also, what are you going to put in it? Along with the overall size of the bag, give some thought to things like compartments and accessibility.

Comfort
Another question: how easy will it be to carry? How big is the bag, and what kind of handle does it have? Depending on where you're going and whether you have a place to put your bag, you might end up holding it for a while. You're going to look great with your new handbag. You might as well be comfortable too!

Price
From the infrequent buyer to the shopaholic, we all eventually ask ourselves: How much should I spend? What is this bag worth to me? "Worth" is not just a matter of a dollar value, but also of what it does for you when you have it. Will you be happy that you spent the money and bought it? Is it worth giving up lunch for a week to own that cute bag? Is it worth giving up the extra week's lunch for the matching shoes you now need? Whether you spend thousands of dollars on a Hermes Kelly Bag or $8 on a tote bag from Target, if it was worth it to you, then as Bob Barker says… the price is right.

In the end…
Shopping for a bag should be fun. That's what it's all about, isn't it? But if you take a little extra time to consider whether the style, carry capacity, comfort level, and price all suit you - you can end up being that much happier with your choice.

And hey… Informed shopping can be that much more enjoyable anyway!

Melie Bianco Handbags - Orange Patent Clutch

You can't go wrong with the MELIE BIANCO orange patent clutch bag because it is a very small investment to looking good. At only $47, this Melie Bianco handbag features a bold orange hue, shiny patent, a funky chain and of course clutches are big right now. Orange might not be your first choice but think again because it is a easy way to update your wardrobe and brighten up your look. Melie Bianco purse measures about 11 x 6 x 1.5 inches with a chain shoulder strap to tuck inside when carried as a clutch bag. Shop this MELIE BIANCO handbag now.

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Designer Purses For Traveling - All You Need To Know

Melie Bianco Handbags as seen in Cosmo!

from Designer Purses n Bags

... designer purses for traveling. Read it. Believe me, you will thank me.

If you are a travel buff, who loves land hopping, you should look after your designer purse. Unlike travel bags, designer handbags are not meant for constant use or rough weather. You inadvertently drench yourself – with your handbag in your hand – in a sudden downpour, and most likely that will spell the death bell for your favorite designer purse whatever whether you catch cold or not. In addition, some leather might find it too hard to stand the summer temperatures of Asia and Africa, or even some part of the American continent.

The next important issue is storing or preserving your designer handbags while you travel. You might only need the designer bag for occasions and not for the entire journey. If so, it is obvious that you’ll have to tuck it somewhere in the bag, and the way you do it is crucial. It has to be preserved properly, away from pests and moisture, dust and dirt, and heat of course. In some cases, a small bag with sufficient air circulation will serve the purpose. Another priceless tip is to stuff the designer purse with some tissue paper so that it retains its shape inside the bag.

Finally, don’t keep your designer purses in the open, unattended place, even if it is in your hotel room or the restaurant table when you leave to powder your face for few moments. Doing so actually reduces the chances of somebody will steal it. Unfortunately, we tend to misplace items more often while on travel. Being a bit on guard will save you from saying goodbye to your beloved designer purse.

Melie Bianco Handbags Red Quilted Frame Bag

We are really hooked on red designer handbags right now for some reason so we were happy to find one we love for less than a $100. It's easy to adore MELIE BIANCO handbag styles and though we've seen similar variations of the red quilted frame bag, you can't beat the craftsmanship and price of the MELIE BIANCO version. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16 x 10 x 4.5 inches with double handles about 21 inches each with about a 6.5 inch drop. Shop this MELIE BIANCO purse for only $65 now.

Spring Savings are in the Air at eFashionHouse.com, Plus Site Welcomes Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner

eFashionHouse.com ushers in spring with new arrivals, savings up to 50% and adds three new handbag designers - Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) March 26, 2008 -- After months of winter fashion accessories, spring is finally on its way and eFashionHouse.com celebrates with savings of 25-70% on the latest trends in designer handbags. Committed to offering shoppers the best online prices for purses, eFashionHouse.com, named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, just added hundreds of new designer handbags from Marc Jacobs, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Anya Hindmarch, Isabelle Fiore, Coach, Tano and many more top designers, just in time for spring. The site also added three new designer fashion brands - Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner - to its huge selection of designer handbags for even more savings.

"We are excited to add Melie Bianco, Murval and Elaine Turner handbags because the handbag demand has changed from including not only the big designer names to now welcoming other chic designers with more affordable prices," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "Regardless of the Economy, women still want to buy themselves a new purse, and making affordable prices available online is the purpose of eFashionHouse where you do not have to spend a fortune to carry a new quality designer handbag."

With all purses priced under $100, both Melie Bianco and Murval are known for their trendy styles and amazing prices. A favorite among fashion editors, Melie Bianco has been featured in an array of magazines, like Marie Claire, People, Cosmopolitan and Self, because it is "chic and affordable" line (prices range from $30-$75) features funky and wearable styles perfect for the trendy fashionista. Another brand that is known for offering the look of couture without the high price, French company MURVAL was created by two sisters, Muriel and Valerie, who recognized the need for fashionable accessories at accessible prices. With its bags costing less than $50, MURVAL comes out with two collections a year and despite the low price points scores high among the fashion crowd.

Though not in the under $100 category, Dallas-based fashion designer Elaine Turner is still considered a bargain since her line features the finest embossed exotic leathers and signature painted grass cloth bags. Elaine Turner quickly rose to the ranks of the fashion It Bag and the brands popularity continues to grow because of its distinct and creative approach to classic looks in handbags and accessories.

Shoppers who crave the more luxurious designer handbag names can still look forward to savings and shop for the latest trends because eFashionHouse.com has it all. Some of the featured handbag styles available at a discount are:

• Marc Jacobs Patchwork Lou bag - 35% off retail
  
• Moschino Patent Leather Brownie bag - 28% off retail
  
• Anya Hindmarch Neeson bag - 20% off retail
  
• Chloe Bay Bag - 31% off retail
  
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Bag - 21% off retail
  
• Chanel Small Caviar Tote - 22% off retail
  
• Isabella Fiore Puff Enough Satchel - 15% off retail

In addition to the discounted prices, shoppers can receive an additional 10 percent discount using coupon code OFF10 when making a purchase from the eFashionHouse Sale Section. Plus, budget conscious fashionistas can always take advantage of the eFashionHouse.com layaway plan which allows shoppers to pay over time.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She has been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90's. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

eFashionHouse - PRWeb Press Release Group

Interested in an EFH Layaway Plan? You can put anything on layaway.
Read about the EFH Layaway here: eFashionHouse.com Layaway Program

Melie Bianco Handbags Yellow Shirred Doctor Bag

One of our favorite styles from the spring collection, the MELIE BIANCO Shirred Doctor Bag in yellow is an easy way to update your wardrobe for spring. In a bright yellow hue, the Shirred Doctor Bag features a shirred and frame body, buckle details and brass hardware. MELIE BIANCO handbag measures about 16 x 12 x 4.5 inches with strap length of about 22 inches. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Accordian Pleat Bag

We hope you are all having a wonderful holiday. We thought the Melie Bianco accordian pleat shoulder bag in this bold teal hue was appropriate for today since it looks like the color of an Easter egg. In addition to the fun color, the Melie Bianco accordian pleat bag has so much to offer including two bags in one. True to its motto of offering chic and affordable handbags, Melie Bianco makes this already inexpensive purse that much more practical by including an extra long strap that allows the carrier to wear the bag either on the shoulder or around the body as a messenger bag. Melie Bianco Accordian Pleat shoulder bag measures about 15 x 10 x 6 inches. The double handles measure about 15 to 17 inches long. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $56 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Ethnic Applique Hobo

If you haven't already, you're are going to see a whole lot of ethnic prints for spring and although we'd never thought about carrying an ethnic inspired bag, we are digging this Melie Bianco hobo bag with a ethic motif. Though not the colorful print you expect when you think of ethnic patterns, Melie Bianco always manages to modernize an old look to make it wearable for today. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 17 x 14 x 4 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a drop of about nine inches. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $55 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Large Buckle Bag

Sometimes a basic black handbag is all you need, and though there is nothing basic or ordinary about MELIE BIANCO, this large buckle shoulder bag is as basic as the brand gets. As aesthetically appealing as more expensive designer handbags, this large hobo exudes sophistication with a simple yet modern at the same time. Melie Bianco large buckle shoulder bag measures about 15 x 13 x 3 inches with double rolled 20 inch handle straps. Shop this MelieBianco handbag for only $58 now .

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The Perfect Pair - Black & White Designer Handbags

There's nothing more constant than black and white fashion accessories. No matter what you wear or how you feel, something in black or white fits the look and the mood. Just like peanut butter and jelly, black and white prevail when it comes to fashion. No matter what't happening in the fashion scene, you can always depend upon black and white. Your little black dress is complimented by a black and white bag. Your white summer frock is easily accented with a black or white accessory. We believe in versatility, color and style. But, when it comes to the bare necessities we recommend black and white anytime of the year and anywhere you go. Black and white designer handbags make a statement and the right impression.

Visit these links to see a variety of designer handbags with price-points we can smile about... you can't afford not to take a look!

Click here for Bally Handbags - A whole new collection just added of Bally designer handbags and accessories at very affordable price points. Bally leather tote bags, handbags and shoulder bags. Plus, a group of small Bally leather goods include wallets, pouches and travel accessories.

Click here for Melie Bianco Handbags - A variety of synthetic leather handbags in styles, colors and designs everyone loves. Melie Bianco takes the best from the best and makes handbags we can afford.

Click here for MURVAL Handbags - The new Spring Collection just added just-in-time and just for you. Check it out. New arrivals added weekly. Directly from Paris, the Murval quilted collection is a designer winner.

Save this link ..... new items arriving throughout the coming weeks.

Melie Bianco Handbags Red Triple Pocket Hobo

Red continues to be all the rage in fashion now and we can see why. Not considered fashionable the last couple of seasons, there's always room for red when it takes on a sophisticated look (vs. trashy) and can be an easy way to spice up an outfit. Featuring three pockets and silver hardware, the Melie Bianco triple red hobo is a good example of when it's okay to wear red as long as you're not going to sport it with a red mini dress. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a slouchy drop shoulder length strap. Shop this Melie Bianco purse for only $60 now.

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Melie Bianco Patent Pleated Frame Bag

We are really into red handbags right now because the color stands out is a a nice departure from the basic black and brown we usually see. When we saw this Melie Bianco patent pleated frame bag it was love at first sight. The bag has a retro air but seems modern at the same time. Melie Bianco purse measures about 16 x 16 inches. The opening for the handle or strap has about a six inch drop. The bag is very unconstructed and comfortable and can be carried over the shoulder by most. Shop this Melie Bianco handbag for only $66 now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags Convertible Clutch

One of our favorite, if not favorite, handbags from Melie Bianco, the convertible clutch bag is absolutely stunning. The bag can be worn either as a satchel or shoulder bag and is glam all the way. Truly unique, whenever we wear this purse we get a ton of compliments on the design but the price (only $66) is what really amazes them. If you are looking to get this bag, shop now because it's been sold out for a while. Melie Bianco handbag convertible clutch with raw edges measures about 16 x 16 inches with a single shoulder chain strap. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

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Melie Bianco Handbags - Red Chevron Clutch Bag

Although clutches aren't always practical, we can't get enough of them. There is something so chic about a clutch bag's ability to make such a big statement with such a compact design. A little bit eighties and a little bit rock n' roll, the Melie Bianco red chevron clutch bag is an example of a small bag with big appeal. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 11 x 6 x 1.5 inches with 24 inch handle strap with a 8 inch drop. Shop this Melie Bianco purse for only $39 now!

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Years of record growth for handbag sales could be over

MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S8-211GN convertible clutch with raw edges shoulder bag designer purse.

By Cotten Timberlake Bloomberg News

NEW YORK: The $7 billion market in the United States for handbags, the fastest-growing product in the fashion industry, might be slowing from the record growth seen in recent years. Some analysts and retailers say that the increases in U.S. handbag sales may have peaked, as competition from other accessories like shoes and jewelry heats up and as higher gasoline and mortgage costs slows consumer spending. The sales increases that reached as high as 28 percent in 2004, the strongest annual pace on record, could fall back to as little as 15 percent this year, with no signs of recovering before 2009, according to the Telsey Advisory Group, a stock research firm in New York.

The firm was founded by Dana Telsey, a retail industry analyst who was ranked the top speciality stores analyst by Institutional Investor magazine every year in the seven years to 2005. Stephen Sadove, chief executive of Saks, said the handbag's status as a must-have item is being challenged. "It used to be all about the shoes and our woman had so many shoes in her closet, then it became the multiplicity of handbags," Sadove told investors at a Goldman Sachs conference in September. "What you are seeing now is a new trend, which is branded designer fine jewelry."

Handbag makers, led by Coach and Louis Vuitton, are vying for the attention of affluent consumers, who are turning their attention to items like Tory Burch ballet flats and David Yurman bracelets, retail executives said. "The handbag business has softened up a little bit," said Kathryn Deane, president of Tobe, a fashion consulting firm in New York whose clients have included Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. "When the consumer looks at accessories, she is not just looking at handbags anymore."

U.S. sales of handbags costing at least $100 could expand 20 percent this year, compared with a 22 percent increase last year, according to research from Coach, a maker of handbags and other accessories in New York. Coach and Telsey began providing sales data on handbags in 2001, after demand began to soar in the late 1990s. Patricia Edwards, who helps manage investments including Coach shares at Wentworth, Hauser & Violich in Seattle, said, "Slower growth in the handbag segment overall is a prudent outlook given the economic situation we find ourselves in right now."

Coach, whose handbags sell for $200 to $400, expects overall revenue, which also includes jewelry, shoes and fragrances, to rise 21 percent in the year through June 28, 2008, said its chief financial officer, Michael Devine, at an analyst meeting at the company's headquarters in New York in September. In the year that ended in June, the company recorded a 28 percent rise, with handbags accounting for 64 percent of Coach's sales.

Sales at Coach stores in North America that have been open at least a year will rise "north of 10 percent," Devine said. His guidance is similar to what the company has said in previous years. In the year that ended in June, those sales rose 22 percent. Coach is introducing three handbag lines this year. The retailer will need popular new products and a more buoyant economy to sustain the revenue gains of recent years, said Edwards, at Wentworth Howard.

"The growth further out might be more problematic unless they have a fabulous product line coincidental with better economic news," Edwards said. While sales gains may be slowing, handbags are still leading the growth in the U.S. fashion industry, ahead of earrings, wallets and other small leather goods, according to NPD Group, a market research firm in Port Washington, New York. Coach shares have risen 8.6 percent this year through Monday, outpacing the 7.7 percent climb for LVMH stock and the 1.5 percent decline for the Standard & Poor's 500 index of 29 U.S. retailers

Louis Vuitton has found that "growth in the U.S. luxury market segment continues to accelerate on an annual basis," said Molly Morse, a spokeswoman for the company. She declined to provide more detailed figures, and Louis Vuitton does not provide revenue figures for its various divisions.

John Guy, an analyst at MF Global Securities in London, estimated that sales of fashion and leather goods at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, could slow from the 11 percent growth recorded in 2006. At Prada, based in Milan, "we are growing the handbag business at a faster pace compared to other product categories," said a spokesman, Tomaso Galli, who declined to give specific figures. "We plan to continue to do so going forward." Prada and Gucci, owned by PPR, declined to provide sales forecasts.

A Goldman Sachs survey of 1,550 U.S. consumers that was released in June found that 32 percent expected to buy fewer handbags this year. About 18 percent said they would buy more, and 51 percent said they planned to purchase the same number. A survey of 1,491 people in May by WSL Strategic Retail, a consulting firm in New York, showed that 43 percent of women respondents were reducing personal spending because of higher gasoline prices. Of those, 73 percent said they would cut back on fashion accessories, said Wendy Liebmann, the president of WSL.

In a WSL survey carried out six months earlier, 32 percent were cutting back on spending, and 62 percent identified fashion accessories, a category that can include purses, jewelry, belts and scarves, as an area to rein in purchases. "That's what makes us nervous, the 11-point increase in the number," Liebmann said. Her firm's clients include Saks, Target and J.C. Penney.

For premium handbags, which sell for at least $300 and represent 80 percent of the U.S. market, price growth was 14 percent in 2006, the same rate of growth for the entire handbag market, according to Telsey Advisory. Cristin Murphy, who lives in Aliso Veijo, California, illustrates the overall market trend. She said her spending on bags peaked in 2003, leaving her with a handbag wardrobe that included five Coach, two Prada, a Burberry, and a Kate Spade. "I have kind of made my investment in handbags," Murphy said. "So I do not necessarily need to go out and buy a bag today."

Handbags - Melie Bianco Handbags

from Wikipedia

History
Purses, handbags, and pouches have taken on many looks over the years. The first appearance of them is on Egyptian hieroglyphics showing pouches worn around the waist. The next appearance is in 14th century Europe. In Europe they often showed social status based on the embroidery and quality of the bag. At this time the purses were for women mainly and were therefore attached to their girdle.

In the 15th century, both men and women wore purses. They were often finely embroidered or ornamented with gold. It was also customary for men to give their new brides purses embroidered with an illustration of a love story. Later in the century, women, now wearing finer dresses, preferred to wear their pouches under their skirts.

In the 16th century, handbags were made out of common materials. They were leather and fastened with drawstring on top. Large cloth bags were introduced and and worn by travelers diagonally across the body.

In the 17th century, bags became more complex and elaborate. Girls were taught skills such as embroidery, that would make them marriageable. These skills gave rise to stitched artwork on purses. Also at this time in 1670, men's breeches were made with built-in pockets which caused them to stop carrying purses. They did however carry little netted purses in their pocket to carry money.

In the 18th century, as neo-classical clothing came into fashion, women started carrying their handbags as not to ruin their outfits. They named these bags reticules. Women also had more of them and certain ones for each occasion. Contents of these bags might include rouge, face powder, a fan, a scent bottle, visiting cards, a card case, and smelling salts.

In the early 1900s people began calling their bags, handbags. This term referred to luggage that men carried. They then inspired women, who began carrying bags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. In the 1920s, it became popular that bags no longer had to match your outfit. In the 1940s, with WWII, women's purses were made out of wood or plastic since metal was being saved for supplies. In the 1950s, popular handbag designers included Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.

The word purse is derived from the Latin bursa, from the Greek ßorsa, meaning oxhide. Purses are usually carried by women, though men sometimes carry one as a smaller alternative to a backpack; such a purse is sometimes termed a murse or manbag (portmanteaus "man" with "purse" and "handbag" respectively). It can also be called a man-purse. Such bags are often similar or identical to messenger bags. Smaller children also use purses, but usually just for show.

Coin purses are small purses, just large enough to hold paper money, cards and coins

A medium-to-small-sized purse with a short handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in one's hand is often called a clutch.

A larger purse with two handles is often called a tote.

A pocketbook is similar to a purse (in the British English sense), but allows the carrying of sheets of paper as well.

A security bag protects the carrier from travel theft. The purse includes an invisible stainless steel strap sewn into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper.

Clutch: Small,yet long (rectangular), evening bag without a handle.
Satchel: large bag with small handle that is carried on the arm rather than on the shoulder.
Duffle: A large bag usually used for travel or sports.
Tote: A medium to large bag with two straps.
Messenger bag : A bag with a long strap to be worn across the body.
Sling bag : A bag with a long strap (similar to a messenger bag), yet smaller.

It Bag is a fashion handbag.
The term was coined in the 1990s with the explosive growth of the handbag market in fashion. Designers vied to produce one bag that would sell hundreds of thousands of units by becoming the bag "of the moment" -- a single handbag style that would spread like wildfire in popularity through the intertwined worlds of fashion and celebrity, aided by clever or just plain lucky marketing. Another way to define them is to say what other bags are not: "They are most definitely not it bags in the sense that they become isn't bags the next season." (Poppy Harlow)

As consumers have become more demanding, and in the face of structural changes in the handbag market, the It Bag is declining in popularity[1]. More and more fashion companies are diversifying their offers, and no longer does one style blaze through a season.

In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag or a pocketbook. In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger.

A purse or handbag is often fashionably designed, and is used to hold a number of items such as a wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, cellular device or personal digital assistant, feminine products, or other items.

Melie Bianco Handbags - Top Stitched Dome Bag

Quickly becoming our favored handbag brand, MELIE BIANCO Handbags continues to wow us with each new funky, original and attainable design. When we saw the Melie Bianco Top Stitched Bag we were in handbag heaven. Although colorful hues have made fashion headlines lately, fashion editors agree that gray (as long as it is lite and drab free) is a suitable color for spring/summer and will even compliment all those yellows, purples and reds you plan to wear. We are always floored at how Melie Bianco handbags look like other higher-priced purse collections but cost under $60. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 16x 13 x 2.5 inches. Shop Melie Bianco handbags now.

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The Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards

Handbag Designer 101 and LauchBags, LLC. honors excellence.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 15, 2008 -- The Second Annual Independent Handbag Awards is now accepting designer submissions. The "Handbag Awards" provides an opportunity for emerging and established independent designers to be recognized and stand out into the highly-saturated accessory market. This unique event is the only one of its kind internationally where only handbags are the star and the designer's compete for the once-in-a-career time opportunity to expose their work to the entire fashion industry in New York City, the fashion capital of the world.

This year, designers of the most innovative handbag designers will be squaring off against one another with 6 awards to be given for Handbag Design Excellence, on June 18th at the landmark New York Historical Society. Over 500 members of the fashion industry, including press and retailers, are expected to attend the Independent Handbag Designer Awards event.

Judging by the industry support we have received here in New York and around the world, this event is here to stay. To register in the preliminary selection round, a single digital image upload is required. Applications will be accepted through www.handbagdesigner101.com and clicking on the "Handbag Awards" icon, until April 18, 2008.

The Categories include:

Best Student-Made Handbag
Best Handmade Handbag
Most Socially Responsible Handbag
Best Green Handbag
Audience-Selected Handbag
Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design

The staff of Handbag Designer 101 will review all entries and choose finalists in each category based on the merits of their submitted designs. A Fashion Panel consisting of Ann Watson (Fashion Director for Henri Bendel), Lisa Smilor (Associate Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America), Dana Palzkill (Senior Vice President of Product Management for Bag, Borrow or Steal), Rebecca Weinberg (Emmy Award Winning Costume Designer and Stylist), David Zyla (Daytime Emmy Nominated Costume Designer for ABC Inc./All My Children) and Julia Poteat (Assistant Professor of Fashion Methods for Parsons The New School for Design) will decide who has created the "Top Handbag Design" and select a winner from each respective category.

These finalists will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their bags featured in a window display at Henri Bendel, and to participate in a trunk show to promote and sell their lines at the store. In addition, the winner of the Best Student-Made Handbag will receive an apprenticeship with the Henri Bendel accessory design team.

Finalists will also be able to offer their bags through Bag, Borrow or Steal, the leading online retailer that allows women to borrow designer handbags and jewelry. Bag, Borrow or Steal will give more women the opportunity to experience these wonderful bags and learn about the talented designers who created them.

The Winner of the Best Overall Handbag in Style and Design will have the chance to showcase their award-winning handbag collection with a free 10x10 booth (a $6,000 value) to over 120,000 fashion industry influentials at the WWDMAGIC Accessories Show in Las Vegas, August 25-27, 2008.

Legendary handbag brand LEIBER will receive the IHDA ICONOCLAST Award. For 45 years, LEIBER has been a leader in luxury accessory design. For the last four years, the brand has been under the creative direction of Frank Zambrelli, and has broadened its customer base by evolving the product to meet the needs of a younger customer while remaining true to its heritage. LEIBER has stood the test of time and continues to earn international acclaim with their innovative handbags and accessories, and most recently selected as "Most Prestigious Handbag" by the Luxury Institute's Luxury Brand Status Index.

LaunchBags, LLC. is proud to announce its support as underwriting sponsor of Handbag Designer 101's Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. LaunchBags is the one-stop shop for all things handbag. From inception to sale, their services support, emerging and established talent in the accessories industry - making this event an organic fit.

"Myself and our entire team are extremely excited about sponsoring this incredible event because it is at the heart and soul of who we are and the designers that we serve," says Jana Hanci CEO of LaunchBags, LLC. "As a full scale handbag company 'from concept to sale, we believe the independent handbag designer brings unique and creative ideas to the marketplace that drive consumers to seek their one-of-a-kind style. The IHDA event is a perfect venue for elevating the independent handbag designer and we couldn't be more thrilled to contribute."

Handbag Designer 101 - the handbag designer resource (www.handbagdesigner101.com), where handbag designers, aficionados and experts unite to find undiscovered handbags by independent designers; learn about the latest handbag trends; see the handbags that celebrities are wearing today; find out about the latest handbag shopping events and even learn about accessory jobs and services. Boasting over 10,000 unique visitors daily, Handbag Designer 101 has struck a chord within the handbag community which is reflected in the excitement for this year's Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards.

"Based on the overwhelming response and enormous success of last year's IHDA event, it is clear that this awards program fills a gap in the ever-growing population of undiscovered and talented handbag designers," said Emily Blumenthal, creator of the Yasmena and Yazzy Bag and founder of Handbag Designer 101. "The Handbag Awards gives these designers a unique platform to receive recognition and accolades and give them an opportunity to stand out and become the latest 'it' bag." Blumenthal added, "Judging by the industry support we have received here in New York and around the world, this event is here to stay."

Additional sponsors include: The Fashion Business Improvement District: The Fashion Center, Commerce Bank, Rosenthal & Rosenthal Inc., The Garment Industry Development Corporation, Parsons The New School of Design, Wathne Limited, M&J Trimming, TUKATECH, Leather Suede Skins, Rosen & Chadick Fabrics, RIRI Zippers/Pacific Trimmings, Verve NYC, Digital Plus, Clothing Labels 4U.com, 360 Vodka, Glaceau, POM Wonderful and the Bottomless Closet.

Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource, was inspired by the need for the handbag designer, aficionado and fan in all of us as one knows we can never have too many bags. Handbag Designer 101 and Independent Handbag Designer Awards trademarks are owned by handbagdesigner101.com, a privately held company based in New York City.

Meet the women hooked on style

MELIE BIANCO designer handbag S833TL accordian pleat
shoulder bag designer purse pewter.

Everything these fashionistas have in common is spending a ton of money on their fashion accessories. Melie Bianco handbags takes the best from the best and makes her handbags affordable for the masses. Above the Melie Bianco plisse reminds us of Miu Miu at a mere fraction of the cost. Check it out here....

by SHOSHANA GOLDBERG

LOIS GOSLING: THE DESIGNER JUNKIE
Property developer Lois Gosling, 35, has homes in Notting Hill, West London, and Surrey. She is divorced with a five-year-old son, Ollie. She says: I learned early on that great clothes make a difference. When I was 22 and going for my first interviews in the City as a trader, I bought an Armani suit for £1,000 and it gave me the confidence to secure the position I wanted. Having the right image is still key for me. When I look right, everything works. I'm proud of my wardrobe but I have little time to shop. I turned around seven building projects last year and am dealing with banks, designers and estate agents all day. Four or five years ago I started shopping with stylist Caroline Stanbury and I haven't shopped alone for clothes since. She's a sound investment as I don't make expensive mistakes. Gone are my days of trying to fly in clothes from New York. We recently began tackling my spring wardrobe with a morning at Matches in Notting Hill, where I tried on 150 pieces. In two hours, I'd bought cashmere by Diane Von Furstenberg, knitwear by Prada and funky scarves by Missoni. I also bought Burberry shirts, skirts by Chloe and Celine, tops by Stella McCartney and Phillip Lim and trousers by Mui Mui and Prada. My favourite dress was a black floor-length bias-cut evening dress by Giambattista Valli, costing £1,800. After Matches, Caroline and I went on to Donna Ida for jeans. I buy eight to ten new pairs a season — two in each style in different lengths, one pair for heels and another for flats. When I'm running after my son Ollie, I stick to flats by Lanvin or Jimmy Choo. Otherwise I prefer killer heels by Christian Louboutin or Prada. I also buy five to ten new handbags a season — usually Balenciaga, Prada, Burberry, Chloe and Marc Jacobs. Now my new wardrobe is complete I can focus on work and my son knowing I have the perfect outfit for every occasion. It may seem a fortune to others but for me it's an investment in my business. My clothes show that I live the lifestyle I'm selling. Even at the gym or on holiday I often make useful contacts, and clients tend not to just buy my properties, they often buy the entire contents, too. After my divorce, clothes became an important part of establishing a new independent identity. Besides, I don't drink, smoke or gamble; clothes are my only vice.


PEARL LOWE: THE VINTAGE COLLECTOR
Singer, model and clothes designer Pearl Lowe, 38, lives in Petersfield, Hampshire, with her partner, Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey, and their four children. She says: My mother was mad about clothes and I inherited her obsession. I remember her buying me an outfit in a boutique in the South of France when I was seven and I felt transformed. I learned then that beautiful clothes were my perfect short-cut to feeling good. I bought a knitted green, long-sleeved Alaia dress with a high square neck when I was 18 and wore it until it fell apart. In those days that £300 price tag felt like a fortune, but I preferred to buy one dress I really loved than waste money on disposable fashion. I've been collecting beautiful dresses ever since and have hundreds now. I have occasionally felt sick after spending thousands on a dress but I still love many of them. My beige chiffon Chanel that cost £1,200 and a timeless blue Chloe that was at least £800 will always look fantastic. I have rails of my favourite dresses by Anna Sui, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Jean Muir and Alice Temperley, as well as lots of vintage Twenties and Thirties pieces. I love wearing trousers when I'm skinny, but dresses are more flattering and forgiving when I'm carrying an extra pound or two, so I only ever wear dresses now. I'll wear them for the school run, sports day and going to the shops because that's how I love to dress and feel most comfortable. Moving from London to the country came as a relief in many ways. People are rarely concerned with what you PEARL LOWE look like here. Friends usually have first choice of my cast-offs but every now and again Danny and I have a huge clear out and Help The Aged in Liphook, Hampshire, suddenly has rails of rock star attire. I'm passionate about beautiful things and have been to ridiculous lengths to track them down. Even in labour, with contractions five minutes apart, I was on the phone to Harvey Nichols to get on the waiting list for some Chloe sunglasses I'd seen in Vogue that morning.


NATALIA THOMAS: THE STYLE MIXER
Natalia Thomas 33, is director of her own international fashion agency. She lives in Blackheath, South-East London, with her husband, a wine broker. She says: Even if it's heart-stoppingly expensive, buying something beautiful makes me skip along the street I love getting dressed up and feeling elegant. Jayson Brunsdon, an Australian designer who dresses Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, is unbeatable for glamour. I have 30 of his day, evening and cocktail dresses. They cost from £600 to £1,200, but I can wear him with Louboutin heels in the evening and boots for lunch. I have 200 dresses and love Prada, Christian Lacroix and Arthur Mendonca, a Canadian designer you can't buy here. I love coats, too, but I prefer to have 40 to choose from in a season than limit myself to several designer pieces. I have a beautiful black Balenciaga and a patent leather evening trench by Arthur Mendonca, but I'm also mixing it up with vintage designers pieces, as well as Zara and Reiss. I have a cabinet dedicated to lingerie. My favourites are Rosanna Ansaloni — Italian, simple, classic and elegant —and Chantal Thomass — jaw-droppingly pretty with a twist of sheer sexiness. And, of course, I have piles of La Perla and Agent Provocateur, too. Being Australian, I have a passion for swimwear. I have at least 80 swimsuits by Chanel, Missoni and Melissa Odabash. I've been known to spend £280 for a piece of black Lycra the size of my hand, but if the cut flatters, it's worth every penny. My favourite look for day is a vest top, great jeans and a to-die-for jacket with sunglasses and headscarf. I have 60 pairs of jeans and I don't mind spending £260 if the cut makes me feel fantastic. I like everything from smart and tailored to faded and skinny — Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Levi's and J Brand. I never regret spending serious money on tailoring. I have 50 jackets by Ralph Lauren, YSL, Chanel and Moschino, but I'm always in search of the next one. I like at least 30 pairs of sunglasses to choose from each season and collect everything from Roger Vivier to Topshop Vintage. I have 100 headscarves — Lanvin, Missoni and I can't walk past a Hermes. No matter how much I earn, shoes will keep me broke. I go mad at the beginning of every season and then try to be disciplined. I can't resist Dolce & Gabbana, Gina, Giuseppe Zanotti, Georgina Goodman, Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Miu Miu. My goal is to have a custom-built shoe house. I want to walk in and see them colour co-ordinated and on racks..


LOUISE GALVIN: THE LABEL LOVER
Celebrity hair colourist Louise Galvin, 37, lives in West London with her daughter Ophelia Rose, aged one. Louise says: I bought my apartment from a famous supermodel who'd had two rooms knocked through to make this fabulous dressing room. I fell in love with the idea of finally having somewhere I could hang all my clothes beautifully. I can sit on my art deco stool at my dressing table, doing my hair and make-up, knowing everything's in its place. I have piles of cashmere jumpers in black, navy, green and burgundy, rails of shirts - mainly black and white - but dresses are my grand passion. I grew up with a chic mother and my idea of grown-up glamour must have formed watching her getting ready to go out in elegant long Seventies dresses. I borrowed her Alaia dresses in my late teens until I could afford my own. When I was 16 I went to work for fashion PR Lynne Franks. Although I was only earning about £30 a week, I was given Katharine Hamnett, Jasper Conran, Zandra Rhodes and Bodymap clothes to wear, and, at the end of each season, we could buy them at cost price. That's when I acquired a taste for the quality and cut of designer clothes. I remember saving £2,500 in a brown envelope for my black Birkin bag in the Nineties. I was on a waiting list for two years and when it came I felt so grown up. It looks worn and loved now but it gives me as much pleasure as ever. My first piece of couture was by Anthony Price. He made me a black lace cocktail dress 14 years ago and I had to stagger the payments: £750 seemed like a fortune to me then but it was a great investment. It hasn't dated and having something cool to pull out that I know no one else will have feels fabulous. I wore it to Kylie's party at The Sanderson six years ago and my own Christmas party last year. Whenever I have any money to spend it goes on dresses. I love Prada, especially this season's pink sleeveless Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress that Anna Wintour picked out for me to be photographed in for American Vogue. Although I wear tailored trousers and jeans a lot I wouldn't feel dressed without Agent Provocateur or La Perla underneath. My mother taught me that being stylish and immaculate is a sign of self-respect.

Styling: KAREN CLARKSON

Top New Arrivals from Melie Bianco Handbags

Melie Bianco Plaid Check Cloth Hobo

We love the look of black and white, in clothes, handbags, shoes, you name it but we never thought about plaid black and white...but we dig it. Known for unique styles, not to mention affordability, the MELIE BIANCO black and white plaid is not a handbag style you'll see enmass. Actually we've never seen anything like this handbag and we can't help but adore the individuality, chain strap and of course the unbelievable price . Melie Bianco handbag measures about 15 x 10 x 6 inches with 17 inch handle strap with about a 5 inch drop. Click here to shop this Melie Bianco purse now.

Melie Bianco Quilted Blue Hobo

Quilted bags have been all the rage for a while (think Chanel and Marc Jacobs) but there is something different about the way MELIE BIANCO uses this timeless style. The Melie Bianco quilted chain hobo in a beautiful blue hue, features a hobo shape, chain strap, faux leather and silver stud detail. We already have a couple of quilted leather bags but after seeing this Melie Bianco version, we think we could use one more. Melie Bianco purse measures about 16 x 1 x 2.5 inches with 14 inch handle chain strap with about a 6 inch drop. Shop the Melie Bianco hobo now.

Melie Bianco Ivory Ethnic Applique Handbag

We've all heard that the safari look will be seen everywhere when the weather warms up but MELIE BIANCO goes one step further and manages to glam up this down-to-earth style. The Melie Bianco ivory ethnic applique bag is absolutuely stunning and takes this trend to a whole new level. From the rope strap to the intricate design and constrasting white and black body, we need to have this bag immediately before it's becomes those "sold out" bags we just hear about. Melie Bianco handbag measures about 17 x 14 x 4 inches with 14 inch handle straps with a drop of about nine inches. Shop the Melie Bianco ethnic hobo bag now.

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Year of the designer handbag

Melie Bianco's Pleated Patent New Age Bag $59 at DesignersLA

By Raphael Minder

Hong Kong is bracing itself this week for a French battle of the handbags, as Louis Vuitton and Chanel vie for the limelight with grand openings that underline Asia's growing importance to the fashion industry.

Tomorrow Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's pony-tailed designer, will attend the official launch of a moveable museum before it heads off on a world tour of fashion capitals. Housed in a 700 sq m structure designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the Mobile Art Museum - which looks more like a spaceship than a fashion gallery - brings together 20 leading artists and their interpretation of the classic Chanel handbag.

Across the Hong Kong harbour on Canton road, Louis Vuitton is re-opening a store that it has overhauled and expanded. The outlet will be its second-largest worldwide, after its flagship Champs Elysées store in Paris. Louis Vuitton's event will close on Friday night with a party for 2,500 guests held in a golden tent and hosted by Bernard Arnault, chairman of parent company LVMH, or Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Beyond this week's extravaganza, almost every leading fashion house has earmarked 2008 as the year of expansion in Asia, much of it focused on China. Louis Vuitton is turning its attention to second-tier Chinese cities, which will boost its mainland presence from 19 stores to 25 by year-end. "Today we see demand in every provincial city in mainland China," says Yves Carcelle, chief executive of Louis Vuitton.

The switch to second-tier cities is a telling sign of China's emergence as a key fashion market. Thibault Villet, a former L'Oréal executive who is now Greater China president of Coach, the US maker of handbags and other accessories, says: "When I worked in cosmetics in Asia, the development of second and third-tier cities happened five to seven years ago, but it's only just now happening for fashion. That shows that it's really the right time and a market that is reaching a new dimension."

The company will soon inaugurate a Hong Kong store with the biggest Coach façade worldwide and a lavish interior adorned with white Italian marble floors. Meanwhile Salvatore Ferragamo, the luxury goods group, plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a fashion show in Shanghai later this month.

The Asian growth story goes well beyond China, argue executives. Louis Vuitton's revenues rose "more than 300 per cent" last year in Vietnam, according to Mr Carcelle, who describes the Communist country as "a new dragon".

Alain Li, regional chief executive for Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury goods group, says: "China is of course a significant part of the story but we're really seeing the whole region as having very strong momentum and that hopefully will continue."

The thrust into Asia is not just about business. Nathan Jenden, a leadin