MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 8 Week 23 June 6, 2013

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The Right Handbag

There's more to buying a handbag than simply finding one you like. Of course, most women have a 'check list' of needs they expect from a handbag they might carry around. From a certain amount of compartments (for cell phone, keys, personal items, etc.) to a certain size or a particular color and straps that stay up. etc., etc. Does this sound like the things you think about when shopping for a new handbag?

However, did you ever stop and think about the SHAPE and SIZE of your handbag? Is it flattering you? Not sure which handbag might be best for you?

Most of us carry a handbag every day...that means ‘yes’ it should really be flattering!

Handbags are often an investment item...so spend a little extra time picking out one that flatters you. Carrying around the right style of handbag certainly is as important as wearing the right clothes for your body type!

With the help of my ‘model’ (Marybeth) you can SEE what a good and bad handbag looks like...

Not good. Below, the handbag on the left is too small--handbag on right hits her mid-hip!

(Sorry Goldilocks, these aren’t quite right)

Very good! Below, this stylish handbag stops above her full hip, fit nicely under her arm, is

structured and proportionally balanced for her body!(Yes, Goldilocks, this one’s just right)

SEE THE DIFFERENCE? A PROPORTIONAL HANDBAG MAKES YOU LOOK BETTER!

BAD GOOD

LOOK 5 LBS. SLIMMER! That’s right. Some things in life are really that quick n’ easy!!!!

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 black handbag and camel/brown satchel...

consider adding something COLORFUL and/or trendy into the mix too!

Handbags for 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.

I’m 5’11” so my handbags are always on the larger size. Below, are a couple of photos taken of me when DH and I were out for dinner and waiting for a table at our local cafe...

Even clutches should be large in size if you are a tall woman...

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

Try: Wider handbag styles because they break up your long vertical height...

JCP Liz Claiborne Real Fit Shopper

JCP Liz Claiborne Florence Flap Shoulder Bag

You can also carry off anything that’s larger in size....

JCP Lulu by Lulu Guinness Ring Satchel

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.

Not good. Too large (or small) of a handbag and you’ll look elf-like...

A smaller handbag this is proportional to your body stature is best...

JCP Monet Tania Shoulder Bag 7x11

JCP Lulu Guiness Arm Candy Handbag (4 colors)

If your hips or tummy are large: Keep attention away from your hips or tummy by selecting a handbag that tucks up 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 down at the hips/tummy area).

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

JCP Nicole Miller Dani Shopper Handbag

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

JC Penney Nicole Miller Randy Stud-detail Satchel

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...

JCP Cosmopolitan Spice Satchel (7" drop)

JCP Nicole Miller Ava Leather Satchel

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

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...

JCP Nicole Miller Randy Satchel

JCP Liz Claiborne Honey Shopper

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...

JCP Liz Claiborne Real Fit Shopper (10" drop)

Handbag “Do’s”:

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

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.

Always stylish! Add a COLORFUL handbag for a pop of color to any outfit...

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

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

Green dress w/ yellow in print--carrying yellow handbag...

Blue print pant, handbag w/ blue (on left) OR print pant, neutral handbag...(on right)

B

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!

6. Find your right sized and shaped handbag...then get it in a BRIGHT COLOR! This season’s all about wearing more color...get in on the fun with a colorful handbag!

Dear SYSters, Handbags, of course, carry your essentials, but they also serve another important purpose. Handbags are the easiest way to incorporate the latest trends into your wardrobe, look put-together and show off your personality...so pick yourself a fabulous one! Love, Leslie MSP

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