The news is dismal. Job cuts, recession, foreclosures. People are buying less and the cycle spins faster and deeper. Does this mean you should avoid purchasing that baguette you’ve had your eyes on for a while now? Not necessarily. Granted purchasing an (authentic) Fendi  or Bottega Venetta handbag may not be a great move, especially if you are on a budget. However, there are many designer inspired designs available on the market that look just as fashion forward, trendy, and can certainly compete in quality.

First there are a number of handbags every lady should have in their closet to keep up with the latest trend and look great (and comfortable regardless of the occasion. These are clutches, satchels, baguettes, and a well designed hobo.

From my experience you can find any of these that look really great for well under $50 dollars. As a trend research analyst and buyer for www.50offbags.com I will give you a few pointers and tricks that will help you maximize you buy.

1. Design

•  See a designer handbag you just love but can not afford? Surf the internet, visit a department store, or a local boutique. Identify the body (clutch, shoulder bag, and tote) most less expensive handbags are in fact designer inspired. They are similar in body material and color. 

2. Quality

• First examine the construction of the handbag. How are the seams and straps? Do they hold well when pulled (with reasonable resistance)? Test all zippers and clasps, the bag should open and close with ease, all should function properly. If you are purchasing online make sure the retailer offers a money back guarantee.

3. Price

• There are many components that make up price. Style, cost of material, country of origin, and a number of other factors. From my personal experience I prefer not to pay more than $50.00 for a great looking and great quality handbag. Many websites offer perks such as free shipping, deep discounts, or other coupons, that make a real bargain easy to get. 
• Don’t let the economy let you down, with some savvy shopper know how you can stuff your closet with the latest and hottest trends at a mere fraction of the price of a designer label. Feed your addiction and get to surfing now!

#1 resource for discount handbags, purses, and wallets - www.50offbags.com

Jennifer Lopez with Handbag

Celebrity handbag trends 2009

What style handbags are most popular among the “Oh So Popular”?

If you haven’t been living  in a closet for the last year and watch tv on a semi-regular basis you have probably noticed.

There seems to be a few handbag styles that seem to be sticking with the upscale hollywood folks we like to call celebreties.

Being a handbag lover myself I can honestly say that I do not disagree with the latest hollywood handbag trends.

Lets take Gossip Girl’s own Blake Lively can be seem on screen and off sporting the hottest outfits, shoes, and you know it handbags.

Styles Blake is known to flaunt:

1. Tote bags
2. Shoulder bags
3. Satchels
4. Bowler Bags

Latina pop star Jennifer Lopez is caught in poperazi shots all the time
How about Jennifer Lopez?
What has Mark Anthony been putting in her closet lately?
Lets take a look.

Styles J. Lo is known to strut:

1. Hobo bags
2. Satchels
3. Tote Bags
4. Shoulder Bags

Hmm… See anything in common here?

Me too.

I can go on and on naming other celebrities but just turn on the tube and take a look for yourselves.

The verdict is out the celebraties are definatly feeling hobos, satchels and totes.

My prediction is watch out for these styles in flashy summer colors.

Its early to talk summer but its never too early for a hot sunny day and hot sexy handbag.

#1 resource for discount handbags, purses, and wallets – www.50offbags.com

Clutch
A clutch is a bag that does not have a handle and must be carried. Clutches are considered a very elegant accessory, perfect for a dinner or date out. These bags are not meant to carry many items. Perhaps a few personal items such as keys, ID card that would not overstuff and reshape the bag would do.

Convertible Bag
This is similar to a clutch with the exception that it may have a chain that may be detached thus “converting” the bag to a clutch.

Duffel Bag
This is a large cylindrical bag usually made of cloth or PVC (leather versions are also available on the market) The name Duffel comes from a small town in Belgium where it is beleived these bags first originated. Duffel bags are often used to carry luggage or sporting goods. These are very popular among people who are active outdoors type.

Hobo Bags
Hobo’s are large soft bags typically characterized by a 3/4 moon body shape, slouchy look, and over the shoulder straps. There are many variations in size, shape, color, and material to this extremely popular ladies accessory. Hobo’s are particularly popular among the celebrity set who favor the “Bohemian” look

Satchel
Satchels are wide handbags with a flat bottom. Characterized by double handles, zipper or clasp top and a shoulder strap, Satchels provide a classy look that never looks inappropriate and can be used for almost any occasion. Satchels usually have fun details like brass or chrome toned buckles, grommets, rings, and are made of a variety of material. Satchels are the Fashion Accessory must have of ’09.

#1 resource for discount handbags, purses, and wallets – www.50offbags.com