A Handbag Repair Specialist for Purse Restoration

Vintage BOTTEGA VENETA designer handbag -
EXCELLENT CONDITION

from newhandbagstore

Do you have a favorite handbag or tote that has seen you through plenty of occasions but just needs a bit of a facelift? A handbag repair specialist can handle everything from cosmetic cleaning and repair to serious restoration of a number of different materials from cotton and leather to nylon and other animal hides.


A handbag repair specialist is a good call, especially if your purse is worth a great deal of money or the work to restore an antique is too meticulous to handle on your own. Be sure to seek a professional through references from other people or research a few possibilities through the local Chamber of Commerce.

Cleaning your Bag

Cleaning a hand bag or purse must be performed by hand by a skilled artisan who is trained in a variety of materials like suede and leather as well as a whole host of other possibilities. The best place to look for a handbag repair specialist, especially if it is leather, is a local shoe repair company.

The person restoring your handbag to its original glory should be well-versed in a variety of materials as well as how to clean them. Stain removal, cleaning the lining by hand as well as the hardware and straps and even a dye job if necessary should be in all a day’s work for a handbag repair specialist. Indeed, steam cleaning and even stain protectant should be part of the cleaning process for purses and other bags.

Restoring your Bag

There are occasions where it would be necessary to enlist the help of a handbag repair specialist to do a complete restoration on a purse or other bag. If you have a leather purse, perhaps the stitching is loose or completely undone or maybe you have scratches on it. A handbag repair specialist is also trained to replace the hardware of the purse or bag as necessary like zippers, clasps, button enclosures, snaps and more.

Occasionally a handbag repair specialist is called upon for intricate detailing work such as replacing the crystals on an antique purse or sequins on an evening clutch. Of course, because this work is more meticulous and time consuming, expect the fees of the handbag repair specialist to be higher than a simple cleaning.

All in all, a handbag repair specialist can bring new life to a tired old handbag or purse, something you probably could not do on your own. Once you do have your bag fixed, you want to take extra precautions in terms of storage to ensure that it stays in prime condition. The most important piece of advice a handbag repair specialist can give is to place the purse or bag in a fabric breathable container rather than plastic so that it has some breathing room while still being protected by dust and moisture.

The beauty of Vintage - Designer handbags & accessories

Vintage designer handbags and accessories are very difficult to source. For one thing, unless you really know what it is you are buying and who you are buying it from, there are risks involved. Shopping at reputable resale boutiques in your area and internet sites with longevity like LuxuryVintage is the best way to obtain pre owned merchandise you can trust is the real deal.

Having shopped online for about ten years, we've seen it all. We tried the eBay route and got burned too many times. The fakes run rampant on auction sites, and the sellers are difficult, elusive and evasive. Most of the other auction sites are too new to have established a following or credibility. Buy from someone with a proven track record. Unless you have a lot of time to spare dealing with fraud and decete, we suggest you establish a good relationship with a resale shop or website vs. an auction site. That's just our personal opinion for the novice designer handbag and accessory shopper. You are better off dealing with a known shop or website vs the entangled mess of eBay and Paypal. Sorry guys! That's just how we feel from personal first-hand experience. We aren't saying it's all bad, we're just giving guidance to the novice shopper who isn't as educated in the area of online shopping as they would like to be. They know who they are.

The best source for used designer fashion accessories like handbags, jewelry, watches, bracelets, scarves, hats, etc. is a woman's closet! It's just not easy to find the woman with the goods who wants to unload her old unwanted treasures. That's the task of the resale shop or website owner. It's not an easy task, either. And, the items come at high cost for the owners of the resale or luxury vintage site or shop.

Some of the most coveted items come from famous designer brands like Hermes, Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, and Dior. Unless you know people with these items, it's difficult to find them used for a good price. So, if you love "vintage" you are better off finding a good retailer to buy them from instead of trying to hunt them down yourself. A resale shop or etailer usually doesn't make a bundle on the resale of used goods. Most of the items come at a fairly high price and are marked up enough to cover costs and make a very small profit. Vintage etailers provide options for returns if you are not happy once you have the product in hand. Always check for the authenticity guarantee, talk with the owner of the site and establish trust.

If you are looking for an authentic pre owned designer item and want a great price, but still don't have the money, use a layaway plan. It's a perfect way to get the items you want and keep within your budget. We do not advocate rental of designer bags and jewelry. We think it's a waste of your hard earned money. Rental fees, insurance and hidden fees add up quickly. And, the time you spend fussing with all that can be better spent doing other things you enjoy. Making an investment in a timeless designer fashion accessory is better in the long run. It's yours to keep or pass down to your children. Many of the timeless items from Hermes and Chanel hold maintain excellent resale value. Keeping the name and email address of the people you buy from may help you later if you ever want to resell some of your collection.

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

2nd Vintage Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry and Textiles Show and Sale

Over 30 dealers will offer quality vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and textiles at the Danbury, CT, PAL on the weekend of April 5, 6, '08. Professionally managed by Cord Shows Ltd. (since 1970)

DANBURY, CT, VINTAGE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES, TEXTILES & JEWELRY SHOW/SALE

DANBURY, CT…. Spring is the time for a new fashion season but for many people, new can mean used and recycled AND VINTAGE. The proof of this is when the Vintage Clothing, Accessories, Textiles and Jewelry Show and Sale returns for the 2nd year to the Police Athletic League Building, 25 Hayestown Road in Danbury, CT (06811). There will more than thirty booths brimming with yesterday’s styles, now today’s latest fashion. All ages and both men and women will find one of a kind items to make them stand out in a crowd. A prime example of this occurred at the last Oscar ceremony when one of the stars was asked, “whom are you wearing?” The reply was that she was wearing “a one-of-a-kind vintage dress.” The show will be held on April 5th and 6th from 10 AM – 5 PM. The PAL Building is just a short distance from I-84 Eastbound exit 5, Westbound exit 6 (signs will be posted). By train, the Danbury Railroad Station is only 2.6 miles from the show. Take the Metro-North Danbury Line and call ahead for a taxi, 203-792-8294. Admission is $6 (under 13 free). One admission is good for return visits and food will be available by Riverfront Deli of Valhalla, NY.

Dealers attending will be offering nothing newer than the 1980s. A sampling includes What Was is Vintage, Merrick, NY, presenting a booth of antique costume jewelry, Bakelite, vintage clothing and accessories such as hats, handbags, eyewear, shoes, coats, jackets, dresses, sweaters, men’s hats, ties and cufflinks. Cherished Treasures will come from Newtown, CT, bringing clothes from the 1940’s – 60’, vintage buttons, sewing items and fabric, and vintage hankies. Also attending will be Funky Fashions from Brick, NJ; The Town Peddler, New Rochelle, NY; and Vintage Couture Jewelry offering clothing, scarves, chain belts, purses, couture shoes and hats from Easton, CT. Margot Hotchkiss Designs, NYC, will add vintage textiles and linens; Vintage With a Twist, Bedford, NY, and Grape in the Shade of Washington Depot, CT, will help to make fashion statements with designer dresses, gowns and elegant hats. Queen Ann’s Laces from Prospect, CT, will bring fine linens, lace, compacts as part of their vintage display; On Que, LLC of Danbury, CT, specializes in costume jewelry and Rhiannon’s Treasures, New Milford, CT, will bring clothing dating back to the Victorian era plus vintage fabric and trims. Fine antique jewelry dealers include JFS Associates of Harrisburg, PA; Fine Arts Ltd., Greenwich, CT; and Michael Weinstein/Artifacts, Binghamton, NY. Joyce’s Jems of Ardsley, NY, will specialize in textiles and trims as well as buttons, purses, linens and smalls. Antique Wardrobe, Southbridge, MA, will offer Victorian – 1950’s wearables; Jewels Unlimited/unique treasures, Walden, NY, will bring Taxco, Hobe and European vintage silver, hats and bags; Barbara Lambert, Weston, CT, will bring hats, jewelry and vintage garb and Kreativebeadz, Danbury, CT will bring vintage costume jewelry as will A Blast From the Pastof Hamden, CT. Three Vintage Babes, LLC., New Vernon, NJ, will display vintage costume jewelry and add fur stoles to the mix. Scout of NYC, will also be in attendance as will Sally Wistman of Danbury, CT, who will be offering textiles, vintage clothing, laces, paisleys, tassels and a wonderful early textile screen.

For further information please call 914-273-4667. During show hours call 914-589-1355.

eFashionHouse.com 2008 New Year Event: Designer Handbag Liquidation Prices

Dedicated to offering authentic designer handbags and accessories at below retail prices, eFashionHouse.com announced today a New Year's Celebration with final markdowns throughout the website for handbag lovers around the globe.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) January 1, 2008. 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 announced today a year-end clearance with lowered prices throughout the site and an extra 25% off savings on its designer handbags and accessories.

There's nothing fake about this New Year Celebration, and there's nothing fake about the designer fashion accessories sold by eFashionHouse. eFashionHouse made a conscious decision to lower all their prices site wide to celebrate the new year, and to give fashionistas world wide a head's up about the increased prices to expect in 2008 for the same branded products.

In 2005, the average price of a high-end designer purse was about $2000. In 2007, the average price hit about $3000. In 2008, expect prices throughout all major Department Stores and ecommerce sites to increase again. "Some Designers have already increased their new collections as high as 20% per item," said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "We don't expect this trend to change or fade in the near future."

Unlike other ecommerce sites, eFashionHouse has systems in place for global shipping. Online since the mid-90's, eFashionHouse has offered its shoppers deep discounts on names like Gucci, Fendi, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Etro, Marc Jacobs, Tods, Burberry, Tano, Furla, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Pietro Alessandro, and many more high-end designer brands. eFashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion stores with an variety of items at all price points. The site was recently recognized by About.com for being the top of three online retailers with below-retail Chanel merchandise -- both, new and vintage. The eFashionHouse.com New Year Celebration requires a coupon discount code to be used at checkout, the code is 25EFH08. The code is valid January 2, 2008 and expires January 11, at which time all items will return to their everyday prices of 25% - 60% off retail.

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 & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

Designer Luxury Daily - Handbags & Accessories!

SANTI vintage designer handbag gray silk pearls glass beaded vintage designer purse. Vintage SANTI evening wrist bag made from pale gray silk satin embellished with beads pearls and rhinestones. The interior is fully lined while the top closes with a rigid frame and clasp. Measurements: 4.5 inches wide X 5.5 inches tall X 2 inches deep. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. SKU : B4SA01X4771

Click here to shop for this vintage SANTI purse now!

Online Shopping Bargain for Sale & Final Clearance:

• Use coupon code OFF20 for an extra 20% off FINAL CLEARANCE items.
• Use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off all SALE items.
• Plus, Free Fedex to Lower 48 States $200 orders & NO Sales Tax World Wide!

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Designer Luxury Daily - Handbags & Accessories!

MARNI designer handbag Tote Bag with crocodile embossed leather. Cotton twill handle attaches to bag with dark brown leather and silver hardware. Snap top closure. Silver hardware. Strap measures about 24 inches long with an 11 inch drop. Overall the bag measures approximately 12.5 inches long by 7 inch tall with a 3 to 4 inch depth. Interior is fully lined in a beige suede with one zippered pocket and one open pocket. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. Pre-owned in excellent condition. SKU: LV07M05C25CRM

Click here to shop this MARNI handbag now!

Online Shopping Bargain for Sale & Final Clearance:

• Use coupon code OFF20 for an extra 20% off FINAL CLEARANCE items.
• Use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off all SALE items.
• Plus, Free Fedex to Lower 48 States $200 orders & NO Sales Tax World Wide

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The Classic Chanel Quilted Handbag

By Christabel BiellaOoh la la… The Chanel classic quilted handbag is true Parisian chic, it just oozes class and sophistication and no matter what the current trends are, has a classic timeless design that has lived through many a fashion era. There's something about that soft stitched leather and gold metal chain that has created a signature style icon for women all over the world.

So let's go back in time to when it first began…

In 1955, Chanel introduced the Classic Quilted bag with the shoulder strap, THE bag that shook the fashion world. It became so popular the first year she had to decline numerous requests due to the lack of time to painstakingly manufacture each one by her skilled artisans. The bag is known in industry shorthand as the 2.55, after the month and year it was introduced.
Chanel's signature quilted fabric has a "secret" quilting pattern sewn at the back to keep the material strong. This material is used for clothing and accessories alike.

Throughout the key fashion decades, the Chanel 2.55 handbag miraculously hasn't changed much. Unlike other fashion design houses who have altered their bag styles to appeal to the temporary whimsical demands of fashion trends, the Classic Chanel 2.55 has stood it's ground. In fact, in 2005, the fashion house celebrated by re-releasing the classic just as it was.

The classic Chanel bag will never die. The latest versions out this year of this classic bag are awe striking in lambskin and ostrich leather.

Can you believe that this bag is over 50 years old?

Coach Bleecker Handbags - Vintage Never Looked So Good!

By Nicole Ross

Coach Bleecker handbags have swept the nation with it's latest look from Coach. Coach has re-defined the look of sophistication. The new Coach Bleecker handbags are the hottest bag for the cool season approaching. These bags are certainly going to be very popular this season.

The Bleecker handbag is a reminder to us all that there is no stopping Coach when it comes to offering luxury at an affordable price to women all over the world. Even though the prices may have risen, it just means that the quality of the bags has evolved. What would you expect with such high-end fashion.

These bags offer the designer handbag lover the ability to work style and versatility into their look. The bags look more sophisticated with their more subtle and earthy tones. They are designed with the signature styles such as the hobo, shoppers, totes, medium to XL duffles, flaps in many styles.

The Collection starts at $238 for the Coach Bleecker Signature Small Flap Hobo and goes as high as $748 for the Coach Bleecker Elisa Laced Leather XL Slim Duffle and even higher for the Coach Bleecker Alligator Shopper which can be bought for a cool $20,000. This here ladies is one fabulous handbag!

There is good news for the price conscious that do not care to pay full price for these fabulous designer bags. Luckily, there is a place where you too can bask in the glory of carrying such quality. You can save 50%-60% on Coach handbags by shopping on specific live online auction sites.

The Bleecker duffles have really taken a more modern look from it's previous vintage style. You will see many of these bags being worn this fall season. These bags look great worn with your grey's and neutral colors. The straps on the duffle make it easy to overlap them across your body or short. This handbag has been given a massive transformation with its functional pockets, roomier interiors and adjustable straps.

Coach handbags are sweeping the nation with great success. Inspired by Coach's traditional rich, vintage styles-crafted from soft, brushed leathers and signature fabrics. The Bleecker bags still carry the history, craftsmanship and true American style of Coach.

The Bleecker line exemplifies glamour along with sophistication and style. Women who carry the Bleecker handbags show a sense of classiness and self-worth in their demeanor. There is such luxury in the bags, which allows each individual woman carrying it to emulate the bag. Just take a look at the meticulous work that was put into each bag made through its detailed design. The trimming and stitching is perfect in every way.

You are sure to fall in love with the style and new designs of the Coach Bleeker handbags. There is a bag out there for each individual style and personality. Look for yourself and join in on the joy of owning a Coach handbag.

Find the best of Coach including Coach Bleecker Handbags and access to many other affordable Coach handbags, by visiting my Coach Handbags website. I have done all of the searching for the best prices and best items by Coach for you. On my site I have categorized and placed the lowest priced items in groups for you to choose what you want to buy and for how much. You can get that authentic Coach Bleecker handbag that you want for as low as $100 on my site. These items are priced so low that you will wonder if you will ever buy Coach in-store again.

Vintage Fashion - Why It's Not Just Old Clothes

By Karen Richards
Some may think that vintage fashion is just a fancy way of saying second-hand or pre-loved. In the past dressing in cast-offs or hand-me-downs was usually done out of economic necessity and not by choice.

People who wear vintage fashion nowadays know that it is more than outdated clothes found in thrift shops. Vintage is serious fashion. Garments from the 1940s & 1950s are categorized as ‘classic’, while clothing from the 1960s & 1970s are considered ‘retro’.
So why has vintage become so popular?

• Wearing vintage is stylish. It’s in vogue!

• At the same time it is so trendy, it is mainstream.

• Adding vintage pieces gives your wardrobe pizzazz.

• With vintage you buy what you love, what appeals to you, creating your own distinctive style.

• The level of quality for cost is impossible to get in new clothing.

• It’s a source for one-of-a-kind clothes. One less thing to worry about in the world, as it’s not likely anyone else will have the exact same outfit.

• Can’t afford designer clothes. There’s always vintage – which is where most designers get their inspiration anyway.

• It has exceptional quality and tailoring. You can find pieces with gorgeous details including amazing hand-stitchery, buttons, trims and other lovely embellishments.

• Shopping for vintage is thrilling. You never know what you will find.

• Vintage can be beautiful and elegant or fun and quirky.

• Made from quality fabrics with first-rate workmanship, vintage pieces have stood the test of time.

• It’s very collectible. Vintage clothing is an investment. Keep it in good condition and it will always go up in value.

Karen Richards grew up surrounded by collections of all kinds. She inherited her love of anything with a history from her parents who have collected and dealt in antiques for over half a century. Her passion is vintage fashions and catalogues. She owns The Cats Meow- Classics in Vintage Clothing and Accessories a great place to find that one of a kind quality garment – gently used, vintage, vintage inspired and designer clothing.

The History of Handbags

By Seth Miller

If we were to trace the origin of handbags, women would likely be surprised to know that they were first utilized by a group of men some 2000 years ago. Although wholesale handbags were not in the scene at this time, men in biblical times did indeed carry the equivalent of what we consider to be the handbags of today.

This practice came to women’s knowledge and from then on, its handbags became completely indispensable. Handbags, purses, or any other kinds of totes will forever be a part of women’s wardrobes. Although some men continue to don handbags occasionally, women have dominated the scene in the handbag industry. No outfit can stand alone without a matching handbag. By far, handbags have encapsulated women’s fashion ever since the first modern versions appeared in France.

Nowadays, handbags were everywhere. Thousands of handbags of all imaginable styles and designs are on the market. Apparently, each kind has found its use in the wardrobe of every woman. And yet, with the overwhelming number of handbags that has emerged year after year and grabbed up by female consumers, there are still many, many more soon to invade women’s fashionable wardrobes. Moreover, handbags designers are proliferating. From a non-designer label to outrageously priced designer handbags, from a simple and plain masterpiece to shiny and elegantly embroidered handbags, the fashion industry will never cease to crank out new handbags for the market.

Who would have ever thought that men from biblical times may have been the ones to give rise to the industry of fashionable handbags?

Handbags provides detailed information on Handbags, Wholesale Handbags, Designer Handbag, Replica Handbags and more. Handbags is affiliated with Discount Designer Handbags.

Vintage Desinger Handbag-Is it Vintage or Just Plain Used

By Deanna Key

Vintage bags are new again. Just look around, they are everywhere. They were the talk of the fashion industry when many ‘A list’ celebrities were seen toting vintage handbags, gowns and accessories at this years Emmy Awards.

Buying vintage handbags is a great way to broaden your handbag collection. There are thousands to choose from and can sometimes be bought for pennies on the dollar. But when is a vintage handbag right for you, and what makes a bag vintage and not just used?

You will need to determine if the new handbag you are in the market for will be used frequently or are you more interested in the bag as a collectable. There is no harm in wanting to use a vintage handbag, how else are you and your impeccable sense of fashion going to be the topic at this years Christmas party, but it is important to buy a bag that will hold up to the challenge. So make sure you follow some simple guidelines when purchasing your new vintage handbag.

Only buy from a reputable dealer. Many of your questions can be answered and your worries set to ease when you know the dealer has done their homework and has a reputation of being honest and fair.

Obviously, anything that you use often must be made to last. Do not buy a handbag that is worn or stained more then a little. Some ’wear and tear’ can add mystique, but too much damage only looks used. Handbags can be restored and repaired, but it is highly unlikely you would want to go to all the trouble of having a handbag repaired, only to use it on a daily basis. Also, although most people would not be able to tell the bag had been repaired, repairing a bag greatly decreases it open market value.

Understand what you are paying for. Vintage handbags are given value not only for their popularity of past and current times, but also for workmanship. This can include things such as the clasping mechanism. Your biggest concern might be that the handbag close properly, but you could pay top price because the bag you are eyeing happens to have the first magnetic closure ever used on a designer bag. If you happen to find these types of things interesting then this is the bag for you. But if you are more interested in the appearance of a handbag, you might not want to pay this much for a piece of ingenuity and history.

Prices for vintage designer handbags can range from less then a hundred to several thousand. The price depends on condition, uniqueness, design, rarity, condition, adornments (beading), the material from which the bag is made and age.

When shopping online for vintage designer handbags, try using different search words: purse, handbags, vintage purses, vintage designer handbags, clutch purses, lunch box purses, cigar box purses and so on. Also look for an online boutique that offers great detail on the items they sell. A good description of the bag, estimated age and a full list of any flaws should be provided. It is essential that the retailer offer a money back guarantee.

A vintage handbag is right for you if you want genuine GUCCI or Hermes leather bag at a great price and couldn’t afford one new. Nobody has to know that it is vintage, but everyone will be wondering where you got it.

Deanna Key is the author of many articles and resources concerning desinger handbags. She has worked as an importer/exporter of designer fashions for over 5 years, and has imported over $25 million worth of designer goods.

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