Name that Luxury Handbag!

What does a vegan, baguette, barrel, and bucket have in common? We all think we can guess the answer to this question. The real answer I am looking for today is handbags and more luxury handbags. Seems the handbag styles all have names. The baguette is long narrow in shape similar to a French bread loaf. Then we have the barrel, a cylindrical bag that resembles a barrel. A bucket is a bag that is taller than it is wide with a rounded bottom making it resemble a bucket shape. The vegan handbag is made entirely from non-animal products. Made in many shapes, sizes, and materials, we all have our favorite luxury handbags. Designers use many styles and materials to make the many handbags we all love to own. Which is your favorite luxury handbag style?

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What's the Latest in Luxury Handbags On-Line Searches??

The DLG (Digital Luxury Group) issued their latest results of an unbiased sample of more than 130 million+global consumer searches for luxury handbags. This group is the first international company completely dedicated to the digital success of luxury brands, in partnership with Luxury Society, the world's largest community of luxury executives. The study is of over 130 leading

  luxury handbag brands in 8 global markets and highlights the top 10 most searched luxury handbags. I know you will recognize these leading brands of luxury handbags.
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Work or Fun, Designer Jewelry & Accessories

What can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary??? Accessories, accessories, and more accessories; watches, scarves, or earrings can change an outfit in minutes.

"Dress for the job you want" has been true through the ages and even with the latest trend of the business casual look, there are some things you have to remember when adding the designer jewelry and accessories to your professional wardrobe. Most jobs today require typing on a computer so be careful of the cumbersome bracelets but instead add flattering necklaces or earrings. .
Now for date night, dress up your outfit simple adding elegance with a vintage or vintage looking piece of jewelry. Designer jewelry and accessories such as an eye-catching ring with lots of personality can help with that first impression as well as a conversation piece. Remember, when shopping for that special ring, think about your hand type. Long, skinny fingers don't showcase large rings well, but on smaller, slightly wider hands they can look fabulous. Try different styles and see what looks best for the style you want to promote. Little things can make such a difference when you are shopping for your special designer jewelry and accessories.
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Famous Designer Handbag, Who Inspired You??

Some designer handbags are easy to guess who inspired their creation. The Sophia Bag by Ferragamo was inspired by the silver screen star Sophia Loren the symbol of beauty for an entire generation. This bag is still popular among younger stars including Jennifer Aniston and Katie Holmes. Gucci's Hobo Bag was renamed The Jackie by Gucci, a designer handbag status symbol for the rich and powerful, for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The story of the Birkin Bag By Hermes is that when Hermes' chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas watched as actress Jane Birkin struggled to put her straw purse into an airplane's overhead compartment and spilling the bag's contents to the floor, he knew he could solve this delima. Using this experience as an inspiration to create the Birkin bag, a designer handbag that has become a fashion favorite and an international symbol of wealth. Now for a designer handbag that is a little harder to surmise it's inspiration. The SC By Louis Vuitton was designed by a company known for the style and status that few brands can match. The French fashion label, Louis Vuitton, was inspired by acclaimed director Sofia Coppola when creating the SC designer handbag. Imagination, inspiration, and creative ability, we lucky that it exists and is used by labels for beautiful designer handbags.

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Jewelry and Accessories Here We Come, Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!!

Have you heard that before? When I read an article about a giant diamond, I thought, there are friends and then there are FRIENDS. Can you imagine what a 76-carat perfect diamond and a quail egg have in common? Size, Size, Size but definitely not the $21 million value. The Archduke Joseph Diamond was recently auctioned and the anonymous buyer paid $21,474,525 for colorless diamond. According to CBS the winner "is going to donate the diamond for display at a museum" which is a long way from the ancient Golconda mines in India where it was discovered. Inflation has really affected jewelry and accessories' retail prices but this one diamond exploded from the $6.5 million in 1993 to the $21 million this year.

We all love finishing a beautiful outfit with designer jewelry and accessories. Your favorite little black dress can be changed from casual to special night out by adding the correct jewelry and accessories. Diamond jewelry and accessories make wonderful gifts and even when most of us can't afford this kind of diamond, there are many beautiful pieces for that special someone. 

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Revenge of Over-Loaded Designer Handbags!

Designer handbags, beautiful to see and carry, but rough on the shoulders. Doctors say that to carry a bag weighing more than five pounds can cause many medical problems. This unnecessary strain on your shoulder can cause headaches, neck and upper back pain, even arm numbness and tingling if the nerves are being pinched according to NYC chiropractor Dr. Randi Jaffee.
Now we all know we really, really need our designer handbags as well as those essentials we carry in them everyday. There are some steps we can take to help reduce the load on our shoulders. First, when you choose a luxury bag, watch for the heavier bling added to the bag, i.e. heavy buckles and grommets, to belts and more. Another suggestion is to carry an extra little bag then when needed for an extended time put only the items required and wear it on both shoulders. Wearing the strap across your heart to distribute the weight makes long straps better than short ones. Today, designers are adding backpacks to their lines, thus taking the strain off a single shoulder and distributing the weight on both shoulders. Although backpacks were primarily used for school books, now designers are making them more fashionable to carry everyday.   Also, rather than the carry-all bag that has to be carried over the shoulder by a strap or handle, designer's rolly bags save your back totally when rolled instead of carried.
So,when shopping for your designer handbags, be nice to you shoulders and think about how you plan to use your bag. It matters!
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What's You Got There? A Convertible Satchel, Maybe???

Never thought that much about technical terms for the different style bags but they have them. One of my favorite is the convertible satchel, a satchel with double handles that can be carried by hand or worn over the shoulder. Many designers have used this style for their designer handbags. Coach, Michael Korrs, and Christian Audigier have beautiful examples of this versitle luxury handbag. Most convertible satchels are large enough to carry your iPad or eReader comfortably and still have room for all the essential daily items we must carry with us. Check out the convertible satchel designer handbags at you favorite e-store soon. You won't be sorry when you try out this great handbag.

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Real Designer Handbags and the FAKE of All FAKES

We all trust that handbags we buy are real designer handbags and not replicas. We check everything we can to be sure. We research the companies from whom we are buying our designer handbags to be sure that we can trust them to be honest. Some replicas are so close to the original products it is hard tell the difference unless you really examine the handbag using your knowledge of the product.

NOW, I can't help but to tell you about, in my opinion, the FAKE of all FAKES, WOODEN IPADS,if you can believe it. Some were sold for the real thing last year for $180. This year in Central Florida a man conned a woman into buying his "iPad" for money to get home.  Later, when she looked at her"iPad", she discovered it was a piece of glass wrapped in duct tape making it look like the back of an "iPad".  With a paper copy of an iPad advertisement and an extension cord wrapped in bubble wrap, it looked like the real thing until closely examined. At least replica handbags can be used, but can you imagine paying top dollar for fakes thinking you are getting orginal brands.
Find a reputible company from whom you can buy with confidence, and enjoy your designer handbags.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Luxury Handbag

When we shop for the special designer handbag, we unconsciously think about a few key things. One, we consider the shape of the handbag, being sure it will look good with your "shape" and still meet your need for function and fashion. Does it feel good when you put it on your arm or shoulder?  Another thing to consider is the hardware of the purse and what kind of jewelry and accessories are going to be worn when carrying the handbag. Third, know what kind of leather was used when your chosen handbag was constructed.  Lambskin leather bags cost you more than caviar leather, but the caviar leather tend to have a higher resale value.  The softer the leather the more expensive and delicate the handbag. Fourth, think about the brand name.  Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes almost never go on sale at the end of the season so they tend to hold their value for many years.  And last but not least, you  just have to love it. Why invest in designer handbags unless you absolutely know you will enjoy carrying the bag for many years?  If you are like most of us, you have to know  you will be able to get your value, either through years of use or resale of the bag.
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Extremely Marked Up Products--Is it Fair-----NO

There are some items that have much higher markups than actually seem fair or right.  Movie theater popcorn/candy has an average markup of 1275%.  Bottle water's markup reaches up to 4000% and a glass of coke when you dine out could be from 300 to 600% over cost. Some items on that delicious salad bar up to 350% according to the Food Network Magazine.   A bottle of wine in a restaurant could cost you 3 times the cost and if you order by the glass it could hit the 400% markup area. That delicious latte will probably cost you up to 300% more than it cost the seller but, hey, sometimes you just have to have that caffeine fix. Oh, and yes, resist that hotel minibar unless you want to pay up to 400% more than the item is worth.
Now that we have talked about some of those things we eat or drink, we can move on to other things. We all know how expensive prescription drug prices are these days, so I'm sure it's no surprise that they have markups from 200 to 3,000%. Thank goodness for health insurance, although their prices are unreal too. Next on the list are eyeglasses with markups of up to 1000%, diamonds from 50 to 400% (Google Answers page), greeting cards from up to 200%, cosmetics average 78%, furniture stores usually make a hefty margin of about 80%, and each year the average college student will spend at least $655 on their monster marked up text books (National Association of College Stores).  You know those text messages we grandmothers learned to do so we can communicate with our grandchildren, well, they cost the providers three-tenths of a penny but they charge users up to 20 cents each, that's 6000% markup.
My favorite of all products are the designer handbags, from $3.8 million purse with 4,000 diamonds to the $1.9 million Hermes Birkin bag.   With high mark ups for designer labels, you can really invest a lot of cash in luxury handbags. That is why it is really smart to comparison-shop around outlets and my favorite, and the easy on the feet, on-line shopping. I believe everyone should be able to buy the designer handbag that you want without extreme markups. That is the promise that I have made when I set up my on-line store, where you can find your style at reasonable prices. Check the prices and compare to retail stores. 
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Haven't Seen One But Love the Concept

Have you ever found yourself in the dark and having to dig in you handbag for your keys or anything that loves playing hide and seek with you? Fortunately our cell phones light up and are much easier than keys to be found in that deep well of much needed items.  Dark rooms or dark parking lots are no longer a problem for those who own one of the inventive purses by Tamara Leuty.  Glass Handbag currently has use of her patent luxury designer handbags with light inside.  Such a wonderful concept for convenience. Just like your refrigerator (or so I've always assumed), light on when open and off when closed, the purse works the same way and all off of simple AAA batteries enclosed in such a way that it does not compromise the common function of the handbag. Luxury and convenience all in one beautiful bag.http://www.inclusive-style.com

Guess What Company was Born 33 Years Ago?

By embroidering dresses and doing tailoring, Gianni Versace grew up helping his mother a dressmaker.  After  studying architecture in school, he used the knowledge he learned from his mother, moved to Milan, and began to work in fashion.  In 1978, after working for a couple of designers, Gianni opened his first store.  His fashion line was successful and resulted in boutiques being opened around the world. Unfortunately, Versace was killed in 1997 but the company continued successfully under the leadership of his sister, Donatella.  When her daughter, Allegra turned 18 in 2004, she inherited the 50% of the company left to her by Gianni. The company was then owned as Allegro 50%, Donatella   20%, and Santo, Gianni's older brother,  30%.  One of the companies under the Versace name is Versace Couture. This line makes designer handbags, watches,  jewelry and accessories available for our shopping pleasure.
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Being Bullied Turned Into A Positive

(Picture correction made)

Severely bullied at school, Yves Saint Laurent escaped his world by acting out plays at home for his parents, thus his love of fashion was born. Fascinated by the reviews and the clothing featured in French Vogue, he began his formal study of fashion at the Chambre Syndicale.  After beating Karl Lagerfeld in a design contest, he caught the eye of Christian Dior and he began designing for the Dior label.  So impressed, Christian Dior named him as his successor. When Dior died at an early age in 1957, Saint Laurent was in charge of The House of Dior at the age of 21.  Unfortunately in 1960, he had to serve in the French Army during the Algerian War of Independence. It was rumored that fashion powers-that-be were unhappy the Saint Laurent was in charge of Dior and pulled strings with the government so he had to serve. When he returned, he had been fired from Dior and proceeded to sue Dior for breach of contract.  Successful in winning his case, in 1962 he began his own company, YSL.  His company flourshing, he attracted the attention of  Catherine Deneuve and her peers .  YSL was bought by Gucci in 1999. After this under the leadership of Tom Ford, the YSL name was associated with it's expanded line including luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories.

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Born to Aristocracy, Destined for High Fashion

Hubert de Givenchy was born into French aristocracy.   His father was Lucien Taffin de Givenchy, Marquis de Givenchy and his grandfather and great-grandfather were both designers. This encouraged the creative gene to bloom in Givenchy.  In 1937, after attending the World's Fair in Paris, at the age of 10 he decided that his future was in the field of fashion.  By age 18 he was designing for Jacques Fath, a  family friend. He opened his own House of Givenchy in 1952 and was a success even though he was only 25.  He had major connections and great innovative designs that insured his fame.   When he met Audrey Hepburn in 1953, he designed almost all of her movie wardrobes.   Count James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy, in 1995 retired from the fashion world. Thanks to Givenchy's fashion expertise, we have access to more luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories.
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Pilgrim's, But---Not From the Mayflower

PILGRIM is a Danish brand producing fashion jewelery and accessories.  Every single piece of PILGRIM jewelery is handmade, hand painted and assembled by hand.  On all items PILGRIM uses plating with either 925 sterling silver or 16 carat gold.  PILGRIM products reflect broad fashion trends with a difference. PILGRIM's designs always stand out from the crowd.
Annemette Markvad and Thomas Adamsen started PILGRIM in 1983. They spent the first

years traveling around selling jewelery in the streets of Denmark and at festivals.   After first making jewelry in their small apartment, they moved to larger premises – the basement of a large, old house and in 2003 they moved into the present HQ in Skanderborg Denmark. 

Since 2003 PILGRIM has supported Doctors without Borders, by yearly designing and producing special MSF products. All profits from these products are donated to this humanitarian organization – so far more than €1,735,000.

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Christian Dior, What A Dream He Had!!

Although his parents pushed Dior to attend school to study politics, he had a dream to create fashion. He did attend  the Ecole des Sciences Politiques from 1920 to 1925, but stayed true to his dream by selling sketches for 10 cents each on the street.  When his family lost their fortune a couple of years later, he began to truly pursue his dream, clothing.  In 1946, after studying at a couple of houses in France, Dior opened his own line. This line was named Corolle originally, but today his designer handbags, jewelry and accessories are know for by the Dior fashion lines. Christian Dior died in 1957 of a heart attack.
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The Vasari, Your Not Going to Believe What This Is!!

You ever brown bagged it for lunch?  Well, Jil Sander, a German designer, has done the ultimate new green design for the fashion world. A Paper Bag Purse for both men and women to carry.  It has the Jil Sander logo on the bottom of the front, crafted from coated paper, and looks like a paper bag. Now for the kicker of all kickers, the purchase price is $290. 
It hit the fashion scene this year at the Milan Fashion Week Menswear Autumn/Winter 2012 on January 14, 2012 and believe it or not sold out. He pushed this line even further by creating a black leather bag, paper bag shaped, that sells for $630.
Makes me wonder what will next hit the fashion world, what the price will be, and who is crazy enough to pay for the next fashion extravaganza. Guess famous logo's do sell!!!!! 

When is Ultra-Wide a GOOD Thing????

As we all know the small cross-bodies, totes, and ladylike satchels have been have been really popular through the summer season.  From the predictions I have read, it looks like the ultra-wide east-west satchel will be the bag to carry this fall.  The east-west bag is a bag that is wider than it is tall and still  one of the popular designer handbags. The newly designed east-west bags are wide and some even doubly wide as they are tall. This will be a new look for folks like me, small to medium bags, just big enough to carry my e-reader and the essentials.  Wonder which designer handbags will fit into this category and how popular will they be?
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Do You Know the "Burberry Check"?

Thomas Burberry's store was known in 1856 for his practical outdoor wear. His great break through for the fashion industry was the invention of gabardine in 1880.This fabric was made by yarn that is waterproofed before the garment is woven.  Totally convinced that this designer could make a better coat for their officers,he was asked by the War Office to try.  The trench coat was the result of this en-devour.  In 1924, the famous "Burberry Check" was only used as a lining for the trench coat but by 1967 it was expanded to being used in designer scarves, umbrellas, boots, and many other things. The widespread use of the famous "Burberry Check" pattern has continued to make this brand popular even today.
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Determination and $10,000 Could Get You What in 1974????

After 9 years as an assistant for Nino Cerruti from 1961 to 1971, this was the question Giorgio Armani asked himself.  Eager for his own line, Armani decided to take his $10,000 and develop his own designs. By 1974, he had accomplished his goal. When word got around that  Richard Gere  wore one of his suits in 1980's American Gigolo, he quickly achieved icon status.  Featuring clean lines and including designer handbags, jewelry and accessories, suits are still a Hollywood favorite.  Check out Christian Bale's suits in The Dark Knight to see how popular his designs are still today.

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PRADA, Started by a Man But it Took a Woman to Make it Really Happen!!

 Founded by Mario Prada, Parda dates back to Milan, Italy in 1913. Steamer trunks and imported handbags were sold by Mario until his death in the '50s.  Mario was the ultimate male chauvinist  by today's standards, he would would not let a woman work in his store much less run his store. Even so, after his death his son did not want to take over the leather goods store so Mario's daughter-in-law took control and ran the store for 20 years. In the late '70s, Miuccia, Mario's granddaughter, took over and the brand took off.  In addition to the designer handbags, Miuccia began  designing leather backpacks and totes and soon opened a second store, a boutique in upscale shopping area in Milan. At this time they starting selling clothes and in 1989 with this expansion the high fashion market was cemented for the Prada name. Thank you Miuccia, we can still enjoy our luxury handbags. WOMEN RULE!!! http://www.inclusive-style.com


 

Tips for Taking Care of Your Cherished Designer Handbags

For most of us when we buy  luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories, we are investing in the future. We want to get the most extensive use of these items that is possible. Handbags especially need that extra care to extend the life of the bag.  Here are some tips for taking care of your favorite handbags no matter the brand.
1. Preparing the handbag:  Leather bags need to be treated with leather protector to prevent future minor stains.
2. Keep it clean: Sweat, oil, and dirt spot your bag, so always handle your bag with clean hands.  Using a purse hanger to keep your bag off the floor in restaurants would be a good investment.
3. Never over-stuff your bag: This keeps from messing up it's shape and does not put unnecessary strain on the straps of your handbag.
4. Take care when storing: Never just pop your bag up on a shelf and forget it until you want to use it again.  Always stuff empty bags with tissue to help retain the shape and keep in a dust bag to protect from dust.  Be sure to store it in an even tempered environment because humidity can damage the finish of your handbag and tarnish the hardware.
5. Give it space to set without stacking: Stacking other bags or things on your bag can cause dents or tear delicate ornaments adorning the outside of the bag.
Just a few common sense things to remember when taking care of your luxury handbags. Designer handbags are an investment so take the time to do the little things to take care of them.
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Another Saddle Shop Beginning, HermA''s

Thierry HermA''s opened a harness shop in 1837.  His popular shop was for the fine equestrians and European noblemen. When his son took over, he relocated the shop to a more popular urban area and began selling saddlery in addition to the harnesses.  Well known internationally for it's luxury goods, the company continued to grow. In 1910, the grandsons inherited the business and expanded the business to include clothing.  To include the clothing in their line, they had to obtain rights to use the zipper. (That sounds so bizarre, we just go to the store and buy a zipper.) The Prince of Wales commissioned their first leather zipper golf jacket.  In 1922, to make one of the grandson's wives happy, they introduced luxury handbags to their customers.  They were so popular the grandson's opened two shops in 1924.  By 1934, the Hermes scarf was introduced to the public and was a roaring success. The Kelly purse, named for Grace Kelly after Life magazine featured her carrying this bag, became one of the best-selling purses in fashion history, even today it's still popular.  Hermes also give us the popular Birkin bags.
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The Woman Behind the Chanel Design Label

 Founded by Gabrielle Chanel, better known as Coco, the Chanel designer label is still going strong.When she was 12, Coco's mother died and she and her siblings were sent to an orphanage. While she was in the orphanage, Cocoa learned to sew. At age 18, she left the orphanage, went to work for a tailor, and while there she met millionaire Etienne Balsan. She opened her own hat shop in 1910 but unfortunately it failed.  She starting an affair with Etienne's best friend, Arthur Capel, and he probably financed her next shop. At last, she was successful and her hats were seen on many French actresses. She started selling women's sportswear and her career was set in motion. During WWII, she closed all of her stores  because she did not think war was a time to concentrate on fashion.When she was later suspected of helping the Axis side, Winston Churchill intervened for her and she was released from prison.  Afraid that the French would retaliate,  she moved to Switzerland and her business partner, Pierre Wertheimer, took over running the company and it flourished under his reign.  Coco died in 1971, and her label has since been overseen by the Wertheimer family. In 1974, Alain Wertheimer took over and he quickly got head designer for Chloe , Karl Lagerfeld, to come work with the  Chanel company. We all still love the beautiful Chanel designer handbags, jewelry and accessories.
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The Real People Behind the Brands

Over the next 10 weeks, I will be covering the real people who started 10 top fashion houses. I thought it was really interesting to see how these great name designers started their lines. This week we are going talk about Gucci.
After opening a saddle shop in 1906, Gucci began in the 20's making small practical bags for his customers' convenience.  Since the workmanship was so outstanding, by 1938 he expands his line to include a second store in Rome.  This was so successful in 1951 and later 1953 he open store in Milan and then Manhattan. When Gucci died, his sons took over and the name continued to be successful. Unfortunately by the 80's the grandson's were running the company.   Due to mismanagement and internal fighting (verbally and physically), the company's popularity drops. When one of the grandsons passed away, his son Maurizio took charge and returned the company back to a popular designer brand.  But hard times were not behind the company, Maurizio was murdered by a hit man hired by his ex-wife in 1995.
Regardless of all this drama, Gucci brand is still a much sought-after brand with beautiful designer handbags, jewelry and accessories.  Next week, let's talk about Chanel.
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American Made Luxury Purses by Farbod Barsum

Empress Cognac Ost.

 The more I research about handbags the more I learn. I was especially excited to read about designer Farbod Barsum. Based out of their LA design house, all of his designer handbags are made in the United States including all of the hardware on the bags. His bags are constructed in classical styles with a modern edge and are made of sustainable farmed exotic skins. His parents are both architects so Farbod Barsum was always around design.  After he graduated from UC Berkley with degree in Art History, he then studied fashion design at FIDM.  He furthered his education with a Masters degree in Architecture and an apprenticeship with the late legendary designer, Bijan Palczad at the House of Bijan. In 2010, he founded his own luxury handbags.  This year he is expanding his line to include jewelry and accessories.
Although his designer handbags, jewelry and accessories are way above my budget, as they range from $2,200 to $25,000, it was nice to know that you don't have to by from overseas to get beautiful designer products.  Even better, a portion of each purchase price  is donated towards Autism research in honor of Barsum's autistic sister.  True Made in America and supports great cause also.
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Looking Our Best the Luxury Way

It's no doubt we women need to always do all we can to look our best.  A big part of our fascination with looking great are our luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories.  We all jump at the chance to get our designer handbags at great prices.  We go to shop after shop , sale after sale, looking for that allusive "BEST" price for our style of luxury.  The on-line stores are a great source to see many options without the wear and tear on our feet and gas tanks. We want to find ways to look great and will use this as our motive for spending the money for these luxuries. Since designer handbags are made using quality materials and are mastered to comply with maximum requirements so they are really the finest, we can invest in them with the confidence they will last for a long, long time.  These luxury handbags will be worth the high price investment but, hey, the better the price the happier the shopper
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Cooler and Stylish in this Crazy Heat

Shopping for our luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories in this heat can be overpowering. The easy cool way is to kick back in the recliner, shop, and order on line. Forget the crowds and heat and enjoy the cool A/C at home. BUT IF YOU MUST SHOP IN STORES,  do it cooler with the light and compact Mini Cross-body Bag instead of a large leather satchel or backpack. Backpacks are great for hands free shopping, but can be hot and heavy in this heat.
  Conveniently lightweight with the delicate strap the only real contact next to your body, the cross-body bag leaves less of your body covered with the larger leather or man made material totes or handbags.  Little bags hold less so we are not weighed down by the heavier weight of the stuffed (and we all know we just keep adding those MUST HAVES until nothing else will fit) bags so our bodies work less in the heat. There are so many trendy cross-body bags available today.  Most of us have at least one cross-body bag stashed in our closets because we just KNEW we needed the bigger bag to carry everything we have stuffed in it. So let's rethink and restock our little cross-body bag to carry until the weather breaks and cooler weather is back.

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Fashion Statement or WHAT?????

When I first saw this picture, all I could think about was a business executive riding around a big city on the way to work looking like this. What a lark!!! Can't you just see it, sophistication at it's best. Just add the luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories and be set to go.
Well, the joke is on me. Hövding is a collar for bicyclists, worn around the neck. The collar contains a folded up airbag that you'll only see if you happen to have an accident. This is a surprising safety helment  that only activates should the bicyclist abnormal movements in the event of an accident. The sensors then send a signal to the gas infiltrator to inflate the airbag. The rest of the time it is a stylish collar. Pretty ingenious but pricey, when I researched it more it was listed for 3998 Swedish kronor= 577.9109 U. S. dollars.  If you want more information on this item look at  http://www.hovding.com.
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Our first look at the Louis Vuitton Fall 2012 ad campaign

Looks like Leopard Print will be prominent in the fall collections. The Louis Vitton Fall 2012 Fall ad campaign features leopard print bags in every corner of the ad. Truthfully the whole ad seems to take me back a few years with the hats, dress styles and those big bags.
Am I the only one who thinks this train full of beautiful women transports us back in time?

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Now Virtual Dressing Rooms with Robotic Mannequins

Estonia, the tech-savvy company who gave us Skype, has a tool to reduce the percentage of returns to e-commerce stores. They have come up with the virtual "online" dressing room and with the help of the robotic mannequin we can try on the clothes we want before we buy them. The Fits.me creators hope by testing garments on the variable robotic mannequins the shopper will know how a particular brand's garment looks on them. You enter your measurements and the shape-shifting robotic mannequin changes to immolate you and you can see how the garment fits and be more confident in your selections.

I wonder  if  accessories can be added to these robotic mannequins or if we still have to guess about that little detail?  The Fits.me tool is a great step in the right direction, but let's go all the way.

When we have the perfect outfits, we need the luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories to complete our style.

If anyone knows if accessories can be added to these mannequins, please let all of know. If not, someone needs to make this possible. Wish I was computer savvy enough to invent this tool, but  anyone who knows me realizes that this is way out of my comfort zone. Come on someone, we on line shoppers NEED this tool!!!!!!!!!

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The Great All Around Messenger Bag

One the most popular designer handbags in today's fashion world is the messenger bag. This bag is so versicle and convenient for all areas of our lives.  Most are built and constructed so they have many storage areas, sturdy enough to hold anything from your water bottle without spilling to your school books.  Many women prefer to use a messenger bag rather than a backpack. This sturdy bag is much more resilient than its sister the tote and is trend-setting for most situations. 
The messenger bag keeps everything right at your fingertips while being stylish enough to carry in most environments.  Easy on your back, easy on the eyes, and easy to carry all those must have items we all carry in our purses; what could be better than the ever popular messenger bag?  So next time the urge to shop for those luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories be sure to carry your messenger bag for shopping convenience.
http://www.inclusive-style.com

Hands Free Bags

We all hear the continued push for hands free use of our cell phones, well, let me remind you that having a hands free bag comes in handy also. Shopping for those luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories, outside activities, or anytime you need hands on time is the perfect time to use a backpack.
Although backpacks are primarily worn during school time, using them during the summer is a great alternative for a hands free bag for you. Another great alternative is for your MAN to have the backpack. Father's Day is a great time to give him a back pack.  How many times have you carried his wallet, keys and such in your purse?  Well, it's your turn to let him carry your essentials. Celebrate Father's Day with a little for everyone gift, kind of like that fishing rod or such not you have received in the past.
hhtp://www.inclusive-style.com

Keep it Simple, Organize and Re-Organize

I saw the best idea to store all those cables, connectors and electronic chargers that are filling up all those overstuffed drawers.  Use a hanging toiletry bag to organize all these messy items.  Hang the bag on the back of the office door, storage closet, or anywhere you can put a hook. But don't stop there. use a toiletry bag to separate all those hair bows, hair clips, scrunchies, and anything used for the morning rush to get ready for school.  Pop a small bag on the inside of the cabinet door and they are neatly within your reach when quickly needed.  There are so many uses that come to mind so don't hesitate to try out your own ideas and solve those messy storage areas.  Then comes the hard part, putting things away as we use them, my biggest heartache and challenge.
What are some of your ideas?  Post them in the comment section so we can try them also.
http://www.inclusive-style.com

The Bows Have It!!
Looks like bows will be the thing to wear in this fashion season. Bows on your headbands, bows on your dresses, bows on your belts; Bows Bows, and more Bows.  Luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories are being flooded with those sweet little bows. The little  XOXO Simple Bow Handbag is darling and oh so affordable. It takes me back to my teenage years when we use to change the little clipon bows on our shoes. Some of you out there remember them? Oh, for the good old days.
 http://www.inclusive-style.com

VJuliet: DIY: Sporty Trend Perforated Clutch

 I found this clutch redo. It completely changes the look of the purse with little effort. This author explains that the new Trend of the Perforated Clutch is really popular.  I really think this conversion will surprise you with the simplicity of  the procedure. Go to the attached web site and check it out.
VJuliet: DIY: Sporty Trend Perforated Clutch
 Hope you enjoy this idea. HAPPY REDO!
 http://www.inclusive-style.com

Bright Colors Abound
After doing some research, I have found that these bright colors are going to be popular through the summer season. Those beautiful green, yellow, pink and orange luxury purses will be making their continued splash of color on your wardrobe this year.  Adding these designer handbags will brighten your basic jeans making your outfit pop with just the right amount of color.  Keep your eye out for these beautiful happy colors for your handbags, jewelry and accessories to change your outfits without changing your basic outfits.

http://www.inclusive-style.com

Expand Your Wardrobe on a Budget!

You've got your favorite little black dress and that perfect pair of jeans. Expand those essentials by including many different scarves. Luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories are great (and essential for most of us) but to be able to afford those luxuries you need to use your basic outfits in many different ways. Adding a scarf will make it look like you have many different outfits even when it is the same basic outfit time and time again.  There are many ways to wear your scarf depending on the style of scarf and your basic outfit.  Buy at least three scarves for each season.  Those twelve scarves can be the answer to a plentiful wardrobe for all of the year.  Scarves can be found on line or in most department stores. Why fight the crowds though when you can find so many different colors, styles, fabric material and designs of scarves from the comfort of your home? While you shop for the perfect scarves, keep your eye out for special designer handbags at great prices to complete your style.

http://www.inclusive-style.com

On Line Shopping Fraud Tips
I was surfing the web and found these tips by FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help avoid fraud while shopping on line. I thought it would be good to pass it along to all your shoppers with Father's Day and summer shopping going on right now. Scammers and cyber criminals are very adapt at tricking you into giving your personal information to them.
Hope this helps keep you safe.

• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
• Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
• If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.
• For online auctions or bids, diligently check each seller’s rating and feedback along with their number of sales and the dates on which feedback was posted.
• If you have received a scam e-mail, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint  at www.ic3.gov.                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.inclusive-style.com

Words to On-line Shop By!
When shopping for those luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories always, always before your buy check the site for their shipping and handling charges.  Those fantastic prices you found for those designer handbags could cost you a bundle when you add the shipping costs. That's why I love the Free Shipping Sites, although knowing the value of the merchandise is very important. To be sure it is not an inflated price for this authentic merchandise to cover shipping, shop around different sites until you find the on-line store you love and trust. For further information about shipping charges, you can check out the Direct Marketing Association's Guidelines. Find your state's information at http://www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml.

http://www.inclusive-style.com

Great Tip for the Frequent Flyer  

I never thought too much about covering up on an airplane.  I  have never flown very much, but this tip caught my eye. For the squeamish to use the airline's blanket is really pushing the bar.  I'm afraid to even think about who might have previously used the blanket.  Ugh, germ city for sure.  When boarding the plane, I don't think it would look very sheik to bring your own blanket.  Check out this idea, a beautiful scarf that looks classy but big enough to  lightly cover you during your flight.  Look for one that is substantial, but lightweight enough  that you are comfortable wearing it in all types of weather.  There are several  styles that will work, from the long scarf to the oversize square, you can choose one that is versatile and chic.  We are always looking for ways for household goods to do double duty, but I think this is a surprisingly simple and ingenious idea to use. So next time you are scheduled to take a trip on a plane, pair up those luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories with a double duty beautiful scarves.
http://www.inclusive-style.com

 Surprise, Even Fashion Gives Back!

I was reading several blog notices and this tidbit caught my eye.  We 
nearly always think about luxury handbags, jewelry and accessories in 
the form of how much it will cost us to purchase them.   Most of us have
to make a conscience decision to spend the money required to purchase 
that designer handbag that looks so good to us.  We all love them, want 
them and eventually buy them.  Now, check this out, designer's Make Love
Not Trash donate part of the proceeds from every bag they sell to 
charity.      Makes shopping almost like donating to charity.

Now we can buy that designer bag and not feel  bad about spending the money.

http://www.inclusive-style.com

Are You There Yet?

It's always hard to know when your actually "There".  For me, and many others I am sure, dressing appropriately is the first step to feeling good about myself.  Knowing that you are wearing the right outfit with the correct jewelery and accessories, can boost your confidence level through the roof. Have you ever seen someone who looked great till they picked up that ratty everyday purse to carry with their wonderful outfit. A spectacular outfit deserves a luxury handbag to compliment and complete the look you are striving to achieve. It doesn't have to be a designer handbag but it's essential to be the right bag.

Shopping for this special bag is fun and easy when you check style magazines or fashion sites on the web. When you know the style you need to complete your outfit, then find your accessories on the web.  Shop  the e-commerce stores from the comfort of your home and without the hustle and bustle of  box stores.  The world of fashion is at your finger tips in the new age of on-line shopping. So shop, buy, and the wear your total outfit with the confidence that let's your  know  'You are There" in the fashion limelight.

http://www.inclusive-style.com

Dig Deep in that Handbag, you Might be Surprised!!!!

Have you every swapped a purse and just took out the essentials and kept going on with that busy day?  In this past pace world, it happens all the time.  I was reading an article about one woman who cleaned out her purse and found a winning lottery ticket.  Wouldn’t that be grand?  I can’t promise you that but I bet you will fine something you have been looking for.  My daughter owns a thrift store and she is forever finding money, pictures, and other things I would personally want to loose.

When I was getting married to my husband, I was still trying to work and keep up with my two girls. Needless to say it was pretty crazy during that time. After the wedding and life had settled into a, well almost, routine; I was trying to keep my youngest daughter entertained by letting her play with my older designer purses.  Guess what she found in the bottom of one, MY PAYCHECK from the week I got married.  I could hardly believe that I had been so absent minded that I didn’t miss that money!  It was not like we had a lot and thank goodness she found it before drafts came through the account. 

 Anyway, the moral to the story is to “Clean Out That Bag” before you put it away.  You never know what you will find. Those luxury handbags could be the unfortunate temporary home for some of your jewelry and accessories.  May your treasures be more than my usual, old candy and gum wrappers!

http://www.inclusive-style.com

Fight the Crowds or NOT - Try E-Commerce Stores Instead

As new e-commerce is building momentum, we wonder how this affects us as customers. Shopping from the convenience of home is a growing trend in this fast pace world. Fighting the crowds for special buys is getting scarier. I tackled the Black Friday crowd and was nearly knocked down as the crowd fought to save a few dollars with the limited items on sale. When I got home, I checked the web and found out that I could have found a lot of the sale items I wanted on line. That's from the big stores that have proven to be a trust worthy place to shop.

Building trust in an e-commerce store is harder. Where is the assurance that the on line stores can be trusted with your business? Learning how to navigate the web is a challenge for many of us. A couple of the biggest hurtles in this endeavor is being sure the company will safe guard your credit information and they sell authentic merchandise.  When shopping for designer handbags or jewelry and accessories you need to know you will receive genuine items. I have found that a little research helps. The e-commerce companies with the CGA's seal of approval can be trusted. The Consumer Guild of America's Platinum Seal ensures that your information is safe and that the merchandise is truly what they say. By periodically checking to be sure that the merchandise sold by this company is genuine; CGA will not let the e-commerce store use their seal if they break this trust. Pay Pal is another proven way to pay on line and insure your information is safe.


Shopping the box stores for luxury handbags can be time consuming, tiring, and costly. When buying high end accessories from e-commerce stores, receiving the bona fide merchandise that you ordered is paramount. I hunt for e-commerce stores that have been vetted by the CGA. Shopping on line for brand name products sold at reasonable prices is the goal for a true value shopper. Knowing that legitimate merchandise is available for shoppers in e-commerce stores is empowering. Shopping E-Commerce stores with great deals is fun and easy. Envision shopping, with no crowds and no long checkout lines, for your special style merchandise while watching your favorite TV show.

I also check the About Us and Contact Us sections of their web sites. Call the company and you will be able to ensure that the number is correct and get your questions answered at the same time. So do your research then shop with ease and excitement from anywhere internet is available.

With 27 years in big box retail management, I can safely say I understand the challenges of shopping. Retired, I am enjoying the e-commerce world with my store, http://www.inclusive-style.com. Come find the authentic designer merchandise you desire at my store with the confidence that I have done my diligent research for authenticity.

 http://www.inclusive-style.com

Carry a Counterfeit Handbag or Not?

I was reading an article about how carrying a counterfeit handbag can make you feel.  It was a study about what kind of person buys and what it says about a person who uses counterfeit bags.  I know this has been chewed many different ways but it is still a viable thought.  Are we silly for paying the money for luxury handbags or carry that fake?  This seems to be the common theory, fake buyers think that real buyers for designer handbags are being duped by the fashion-industry and real buyers think that fake buyers are trying to look rich the cheapskate way.

  

 This study concluded that those that buy fakes and passed them off as genuine, are essentially comfortable with deception and unconcerned the ethical results of their choices as long as they get the desired results. Maybe this sounds judgmental, but we often forget that every choice we make says something about the person making it.

I love designer handbags, jewelry and accessories.  It makes me feel good to know that I am able to purchase these items for myself, that I have earned the means to be able to buy authentic items.   I enjoy the shopping, looking for special prices and deals, usually on line (who has time or gas money to waste when they can shop at home).  If you really watch and shop around on line you can find real merchandise at good prices. Just be sure you are using a reputable source and not be fooled by the ever increasing black market stores.
 http://www.inclusive-style.com

“What do you want for Mother’s Day?”

Mom and I use to do the “What do you want for Mother’s Day?” question every year. It was a challenge because for me in my mind she had or got everything she wanted.  I use to kid her that she would get that same old electric Wok (I bought that in desperation one year when she was trying to cook healthier) if she didn’t give me some ideas.  She would just laugh and say she had all she needed.

I would try the suggestions of luxury handbags or jewelry and accessories but she never jumped on that band wagon.  Designer handbags and jewelry were things she liked but never wanted us girls to spend money on her.  Since I love them too, I would start looking for something special for her.  Since I was working about 50 hours a week in retail, sometimes it would be hard to find time to really shop.  Shopping on line at a reliable web store was just the thing. I could kick back after I got home and enjoy my shopping for my wonderful Mom.  In the quiet of my home, I could find just the right gift for her.

 http://www.inclusive-style.com

                                           

I know Mom really appreciated the time and love I put in finding that gift for her.  I now realize that Mom’s want one thing the most, to be special and loved in their child’s eyes.  How I wish I could still let my Mom know that she was that “special person” that could solve all the problems in the world with that warm, loving and forgiving hug she always passed out just when I needed it.  Thank you “Moms of the World” for being you and filling that very needed love and support for your children.