What Does Your Handbag Say About You?

The handbag is possibly one of the most powerful accessory statements that a woman can make.

“One of the surest ways to add distinction to a rather ordinary ensemble is to carry an elegant handbag - and an unfailing way to downgrade a lovely outfit is to carry a shabby or cheap one"

Genevieve Antoine Dariaux—A Guide to Elegance

Here are some valuable tips to consider before making a purchase...

· The size of the handbag should be in proportion with your own.

· The larger the handbag the less dressy it is.

· One top quality handbag will outlive 3 or 4 cheap ones.

· Never over stuff your handbag - have a regular clear out and only carry essential items.

· Always buy the most expensive handbag you can afford at the time.

· Use the right handbag for the right occasion.

Why a great handbag is a girl’s best friend...

· Draw attention to your assets. For example, a gorgeous bag tucked close under the arm to show off a great cleavage or a shoulder bag to focus on slim hips or great legs

· Pull attention away from your trouble spots. A fabulous bag will draw the eye towards it and away from the problem. Note that if you are self-conscious about your bottom, choose a handbag which doesn’t end at the hips.

· Give a variety of looks to a single outfit. To change a business look into smart-casual, just swap to a slouchier bag and a different jacket. A silver belt and bag will create a completely different mood from a black belt and bag with the same outfit.

· Relate different items in your wardrobe to each other to create more outfits. A belt, shoes and bag in the same colour family will pull together a patterned top and plain bottom.

What’s inside your handbag counts too…

Your handbag may be screaming stylish lady but what lurks inside may be letting you down. Make sure that the small leather goods in your handbag reflect the rest of your image. If your make-up bag, purse, credit card holder and key-ring have seen better days, when you pull them out of your bag it suggests that you don’t pay attention to detail.

Stylish 'Angel Jackson' Polanski Clutch available at www.expensivetaste.co.uk