Clutches for Less

Posts Tagged ‘handbag trends’

It is common knowledge that Italian leather is the most sought after of all the leathers by the most famous designers of our time whether French, American or Italian. The most successful, such as the design houses of Prada and Gucci will often use Italian leather to make their highly sought after handbags. Although it is a status symbol of the rich and famous to wear accessories made from Italian leather, because of its hardwearing and long lasting attributes, it makes a perfect investment for any consumer. If you only want the best in life, then the only leather that you should choose is Italian.

So just why is it so desirable? Well, firstly, because it’s widely regarded to be the best in the world. Secondly, because it is buttery soft and delectable. Next, the reason that it lasts well even with lots of use. It is scratch resistant and has a lightness of weight. It is a fact that as an Italian bag ages, it even gets better, evolving into a soft sheen as the leather softens even more.

What are the different types of Italian leather? Italian leather comes from the hide of a cow. There are, however, variations of leather. For example – ostrich leathers and crocodile hides are two of them. However, we get full grain leather from the best of raw hides. You won’t find any imperfections such as cracks or marks on Italian leather hides. The result is that the leather is extremely durable and very tough and looks better as it gets older. Italian leather handbags, therefore, age beautifully

What can be made from Italian leather? What can’t be made from Italian leather – since just about everything can. Examples are leather gloves for both men and women, designer shoulder bags or clutch handbags also:

• watch straps
• purses
• suitcases
• wallets
• leather jackets and coats
• sofas and chairs.

Among many others.

The signs of good quality Italian leather The softness of the leather is one way to find quality. As far as softness is concerned, the softer the better. There are variations in the feel of each piece. Consider also whether or not the leather is resistant to scratching. If it is you have your answer. Another indication of quality is the weight. Italian leather has a feeling of lightness and is not heavy in weight which is another indication of the leather’s quality. With Italian leather handbags there will be no imperfections in the leather. The bag will be soft and pliable to the touch and light in weight.

The Italian leather bags will also develop superbly as they age. Their softness only increases and the sheen they develop will only add to its beauty. They are durable and last a long time. You may even become tired of the bag before it wears out – if it wears out that is.

New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we’ll be wearing next season, so let’s see what’s in store in the shorter term. There are two reasons why the autumn/winter season is so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. And second, it covers the most anticipated date on any woman’s calendar – the Christmas party season.If you’re planning on turning heads at the end of 2009, you’ll need to look out for these key trends.

Considering the financial meltdown of the past year, it is not surprising that the old saying “Make Do and Mend” has made a comeback. Most of us have become a lot more conservative about our spending habits, and this has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers’/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you fell head over heels in love with the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer there is a key way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. In Spring and Summer, the chain handles were thrown effortlessly over our shoulders. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Still effortless, but right up to date.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. The English Heritage is a look that fashion designers have fallen in love with. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season’s must-have cosy, knitted styles.

All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. There is only one look sure to spice up any piece of eveningwear… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Set free the animal inside with a handbag that embraces this key look. Most importantly though – be certain it’s not real.

For all of those girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don’t get your whiskers in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season’s collections of designer handbags. More good news – you’ll find them on the High Street too. Delicate beading and colourful buttons keep the arts and crafts style at the top of our must-haves. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. And in perfect time for Halloween!