Handbags and More

Spring/Summer 2011 Handbag Fashion Trends

Warmer weather is on the way and we’ve picked out six of the top handbag trends for Spring/Summer 2011 to show you. It is possible to get designer looks from the runway without the designer price tag. Some of the designer handbags for Spring/Summer 2011 can be priced as high as $3,000 or more. Here are six handbag trends from the runway you can incorporate into your look this season at a more affordable price.

1. Day Clutch
Clutch handbags are no longer just for the evening. Use a clutch handbag during the day and step up your style. The day clutch is more casual than a clutch you would carry for evening. The materials and detailing are closer to what you would find on a handbag you would carry every day, for example – leather, canvas, studs, etc.

2. Stripes
Stripes in both big bold blocks and plaids are popular for Spring/Summer 2011. The preppy plaids that we have seen in the past are returning.

3. Tassels
Tassels adorn handbags for Spring/Summer 2011 and add an extra touch of detail and style to an ordinary bag.

4. Ladylike
Ruffles, flowers and lace continue to be in fashion for Spring/Summer 2011 and add a feminine ladylike feel to handbags.

5. Animal Print
Animal print handbags have been popular for a while now and this trend continues into Spring/Summer 2011. Snakeskin and crocodile are the most prevalent prints in designer collections for the season. Animal print handbags can be found in most any style from totes to hobos to clutches.

6. Bold Colors and Neutrals
Seen across many designer collections on the runway, popular colors for Spring/Summer 2011 are orange - vibrant tangerine, melon, coral – and white. Also bold, bright colors and neutrals are in fashion.

7 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Handbag To Take On A Job Interview

When you are getting ready for a job interview you need to look and feel your best. Sometimes you can focus too much on what to wear and overlook carrying the right handbag. Your handbag and accessories say something about you. And when you are going on a job interview you want them to say, “I am the confident, competent professional your company wants to hire!” As you know, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Follow these tips on selecting the perfect handbag to present a polished, professional image so you can land your dream job. (The tips below are for those interviewing in a general business setting.)

1.	Size – The handbag should be medium in size. You don’t want one too big or too small.
2.	Structure – Your bag should look tailored and have structure to it. A bag that is square or oblong will look best. A satchel handbag would be a great choice.
3.	Color - Neutral colors reign on a job interview. Black, white, brown, grey or navy are the most appropriate colors to select for your handbag.
4.	Material – The best material for your interview handbag is preferably leather or a material that looks sleek.
5.	Forgo dramatic embellishment – Keep the embellishments and detailing on the handbag simple. Definitely no sequins, rhinestones or gemstones – nothing flashy.
6.	Clean and relatively new – Your handbag should definitely be clean and polished on the outside. While your handbag does not have to be brand new, you do not want to carry one that looks ragged or has seen its better days.
7.	Minimize the bulge – Make sure that you do not have items bulging out of your handbag and that it closes easily.

The attire you wear for a job interview should include dressing for success so you present a professional image. Follow these tips on selecting the perfect handbag to take on a job interview and walk into your interview with confidence! For more information read the entire article at EzineArticles.com.