MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 7 Week 38 September 20, 2012

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How to Pick the Correct Handbag

Too often women don’t take enough time when selecting a new handbag. If you are like my client who had contacted me again asking for help in selecting a new fall handbag, you might have dragged around the same ‘ol handbag for years. The worst part of the whole thing is you might have dragged around a handbag that is NOT flattering for your body type!

Choosing the wrong handbag can make you appear larger and/or out of proportion. On the other hand, the right handbag will actually enhance your shape! You carry around a handbag almost everyday everywhere you go...make it count!!!

I fell in love with this faux-croc tote for fall! For starters, it’s RED (a fabulous on-trend color this fall) AND it’s only $24.99!

Croft and Barrow Kendra Tote at Kohl’s

Since handbags are often an investment item, it’s important to spend a little extra time picking one out that will flatter your shape the best. Carrying around the right style of handbag certainly is as important as wearing the right clothes for your body type!

I recently met up with a friend at my local Kohl’s store. She had kindly volunteered to “model” some handbags for me. When I pulled out my camera, she got a little nervous...not quite sure what she had signed up for! Like a good sport, my friend Marybeth smiled while I snapped a few pictures of her.

First, I asked her to model “bad” handbag styles...

These 3 handbags pictured below are too small for her stature

and all have straps that are too long (hitting mid-hip)...

Of course we want to find something more flattering for her. This one below was better....however it was NOT the best one for her!

Why? Because this handbag is too soft and curvy...

Of course the goal was to pick out a couple of stylish options that work well for her body type! We chose these two options below...

Nine and Co. Janis Giraffe Tote

Jennifer Lopez Patricia Crocodile Satchel at Kohl’s

Both of these stylish handbags above stopped above her full hip, fit nicely under

her arm, are structured and proportionally balanced for her!

DO YOU WHY THE RIGHT HANDBAG IS SO IMPORTANT???

BAD GOOD

Notice how the smaller handbag makes her look bigger, and the larger (blue handbag on the right) makes her look smaller? The right size and shape of handbag can make you look 5 pounds slimmer!

Once you’ve got the basics covered: a classic-styled black handbag and camel/brown handbag...consider adding something COLORFUL and/or trendy into the mix too!

Choose a handbag that works with your body’s proportions...

If you are slim and tall: You are lucky because you have a variety of handbag styles that will flatter your shape. Try oversized bags, shoulder bags and large-sized day clutches. Mid-size purses, hobo bags, bright colors and prints all work for you.

Avoid: small-sized handbags because they over-emphasize your tall height.

Try: wider handbags because they break up your long vertical height in a flattering way.

Antonio Melani Angelique Satchel at Dillards

Big Buddha Santorini Tote at Dillards

You can also carry off anything that is larger in size....

Gianni Bini Roxanne Flap Bag

You can also choose a large day clutch...I like one I’m holding!

Jennifer Lopez Rochelle Snakeskin Clutch

If you are short and petite: It is critical that you keep in mind the size of your handbag. If your handbag is tiny will appear child-like. Too large a handbag, again you’ll look tiny. Your handbag must be in proportion to your size body.

Avoid: oversized handbags as well as teeny-tiny bags. Both of these handbag sizes will emphasize your petite-ness.

THIS IS A DON’T. Below, this large handbag will make you look elf-like and tiny...

A smaller handbag that is proportional to your body’s stature is best...

Gianni Bini Paige Shoulder Bag at Dillards

Hobo Gina Shoulder Bag at Dillards

If your hips or tummy are large: Keep attention away from your hips or tummy by selecting a handbag that tucks under your arm. Be sure the handbag does not end at your hips...but at your waist or above.

Avoid: purses with long straps (that hit at the hips/tummy area).

Shorter handled handbags tuck nicely under your arm...high on your upper body and away from the full hip...

Michael Kors Large Bedford Tote

This tote below is a great style if you are bottom heavy and also a larger stature woman...

B. Makowsky Exotic Newman Tote

If you are top heavy: Hand-held satchels are good choices for women that are well endowed. A shoulder bag also is a good choice if it sits mid-torso and is in a larger size.

Avoid: shoulder bags with short-straps because these will only draw attention towards your bust and add extra bulk there.

Hand-held satchels are a fabulous style for you...

Michael Kors Large Bedford Bowl Satchel

Kate Landry Thea Satchel $44.50

If you are balanced and fairly proportional (hourglass): best choice is a shoulder bag that ends right above the waist.

Avoid: ultra-small or ultra-large handbags can make you appear out of balance and awkward. Keep your handbag proportional to your body size.

A flattering handbag for you is one that ends right around your waist...

Gianni Bini Monroe Satchel

BCBGenerations Day Satchel

Guess Priscilla Satchel at Dillards

If you are plus-sized: look for handbag styles that are rectangle in shape. They should be wider than they are tall. Handbags with short to medium shoulder-strap lengths are best.

Avoid: smaller handbags because they will make you look larger.

Look for handbags that are wider than they are tall. Also structured styles are your handbag BFF’s...

Kate Landry My Everyday Tote at Dillards

Antonio Melani Harliee Tote (2 colors) at Dillards

Handbag “Do’s”:

__Always try on handbags in front of a store full-length mirror. Do this with several bags before buying to get a good feel for the right shape and size for you.

__Invest only in quality and classic styles. Don’t purchase a high-end “it” handbag from a fancy designer unless you have lots of disposable money. Handbag trendy styles come and go quickly and your “it” bag will look so last season after six months! If you are dying for something trendy, get something mid-priced that looks similar.

__Don’t ever buy and trendy handbag that doesn’t compliment your shape or size. Stay with shapes that you know flatter your shape and always look best.

__Find your correct size. Keep your handbag proportional to your size of your body. If you are petite, your handbag should be small to medium. If you are plus-sized, your handbag should be medium to larger (depending upon your height). If you are tall, your handbag should be medium to large.

__Find the correct shape. If your body type is more round and curvy, choose a handbag with structure (one that has definite shape). This means you are choosing a handbag that is opposite your body shape. Another example would be if you are tall and slender you should choose a slouchy hobo style.

The right handbag can add a touch of sophistication to even the most casual outfit...

How to incorporate more style into your outfit by using a handbag:

1. Dress monochromatic from head to toe. Add a pop of color with a contrasting or bright-colored handbag, shoes and accessories.

Dress in black, dark brown, all gray or cream and add a COLORFUL handbag for a pop of color...

OR try monochromatic like the photo below; all one bright color with neutral handbag!

2.When wearing a printed dress or shirt (or pants like pictured below), select a handbag that picks up one of the colors in the print.

3.Dress in classic pieces, then carry a vintage or very trendy handbag to bright lots of visual interest and jazz things up!

4. Just because it’s big. This tip is my favorite because too many women just don’t get it. If you don’t believe, just have a seat and watch women walk by while you sip your latte. Check out their handbags and you’ll see what I mean!!!

Remember the rule? Your handbag needs to be ‘proportional’ to your body stature. Too many larger women are walking around carrying tiny handbags. The reason? “No need for a large handbag because I don’t carry that much!” Really? Who said you need to FILL IT UP in order to carry it around?

5. Want to look smaller? Carry a larger handbag. If you want to make yourself look larger, carry a smaller scale handbag. Get it? It’s really that simple and oh-so flattering for you! TRY every handbag on in front of a full-length mirror too :)

Happy handbag hunting! Love, Leslie MSP

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