Hobo Purses - Fashion is Now Comfortable!

by Tanya Turner

(9/9/05) Isn't it great, when what is currently in fashion is also comfortable and practical? Totes and hobo purses are this year's favorites. Find out how to select the best one for you.

A tote is an open-top bag that has straps or handles; you can wear it over your shoulder or carry in your hand. A hobo bag is a crescent-shaped bag that hangs from your shoulder. Both are large, so you can fit a lot of stuff in them.

You can get totes and hobo bags in just about any color. Bright-colored handbags are hot this year, but bear in mind that, if you have a large, brightly colored bag, it will attract attention. What I mean is that you don't want your bag to overpower your outfit or face. However, if you wear a plain outfit in a classic color, like black, grey or white, you can brighten it up with a green or orange purse.

The most purses and handbags popular materials are luxurious leather, leatherette, canvas, linen, tapestry and straw. Combinations of leather and fabric also look very stylish, but are more affordable than leather.

Hobo bags and totes also come with beautiful prints on them; totes that feature celebrities are particularly popular, just now. Animal lovers can get totes that have adorable pictures of pups or kittens on them. You can even order a custom made tote with a photo of your own pet - all you need is to provide a photo of reasonable quality.

Most of us think of a tote as a casual bag for shopping, but you can also get elegant, stylish varieties. If it is leather, suede, or a leather-fabric combination, a tote can be a good companion for a work outfit.

Most hobo bags are not expensive. If you do a little bit of comparison shopping online, you will find fabric and leather-like bags for under 50 dollars, and quality leather for under a hundred. That is, of course, for non-designer bags - but they are of good quality, all the same. If you are after Gucci, Fendi or Prada totes and hobo purses, though, expect to pay a few hundred dollars.

Tanya Turner is a fashion expert and a founder of http://www.allpurses.info/ , where you can find fashion advice and tips about purses and handbags

Tanya Turner is a web publisher on a variety of topics. Her latest publications are in the arias of health and relationships.

Tanya Turner may be contacted at  

Latest Fashion Trends in Unique Handbags and Purses

by Lynn Donn

(11/24/05) If you’re looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you’re tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market is an exciting and exotic new world.

The variety of unique handbag and purse designs keeps getting bigger, better and more innovative all the time, but as with every kind of fashion accessory, interesting trends emerge with every new season. Here is a brief rundown of what’s coming in unique purses and handbags in 2006.

Cloth Purses

Cloth purses are very casual fashion items, so colorful fabrics and whimsical patterns are the strongest trend. If you love bold colors and striking contrasts you’ll have a great time shopping for cloth purses this season.

A cloth purse is mostly a spring/summer fashion accessory, so expect to see warm colors, and light breezy cotton or nylon fabrics. Fresh, summery patterned fabrics with flowers, fruits and ladybugs are always popular.

Also very fashionable is the clever and practical reversible cloth purse. You can literally turn the purse inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern, so you have two purses in one.

Monogrammed handbags

Monogrammed bags and purses never really go out of style, and this season we’ll see a huge range of colors, shapes sizes and styles.

A strong upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. Soft leather is a beautiful fabric for handbags because it’s durable, always very stylish, and it goes with everything. Sling handbags are very comfortable to carry, and perfect either for business or as a casual accessory.

Monogrammed tote bags

Tote bags are the most casual fashion accessory of all, and perfect for the beach, for picnics, or for a little shopping. Monogrammed tote bags are also great for kids to carry their school books or gym clothes, and having their initials or name printed on the bag means they won’t lose it.

Soft cotton canvas is the classic fabric for tote bags, and we’ll see an abundance of canvas tote bags this season.

The big trend for monogrammed tote bags will be big initials, printed across the whole side panel of the bag in big, bold colors. A single first initial of your first name as a monogram has a casual, whimsical kind of feel.

Dog purses

Everyone loves dogs, which is why the fashion for handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous dachshund, poodle, beagle, yorkie or dalmatian just keeps getting stronger and stronger every year. Dog purses are a great gift idea for anyone whose best friend is their beloved hound.

Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag, so your bag, like your dog, will be truly one of a kind.

Photo purses

Photo purses are simply ultra-cool, and the most individual and personal of fashion statements. You can have your own photo of anything you like printed onto a purse or handbag, like a special person in your life, your cat, dog or bird, or even your car.

A very trendy idea is to use a romantic old photograph of a relative as a model for your photo purse, so you can cherish their memory wherever you go.

Initial purses

Initial purses are a fashion accessory with a personal touch, and they make wonderful gifts. You can have just about any kind of purse printed, embroidered or embossed with a single initial or set of two or three initials in a wide variety of styles.

As for handbags, leather will be a big trend in the upcoming season for purses. We’ll see lots of small leather purses with a comfortable sling shoulder strap, elegantly embossed with two or three initials.

Cigar box purses

Cigar box purses are another strong trend for the coming year. They’re literally made from a wooden cigar box, fitted with a clasp and a handle, and embossed with an artistic or photographic image.

The most fashionable cigar box purses are decorated with advertising images from the glamorous 1920’s and 30’s. European advertising artwork from that period has a particularly elegant and alluring style, so we’ll be seeing a lot of Cinzano, Cognac and French Perfume labels on cigar box purses.

Hobo purses

Hobo purses can be cool and casual for shopping, or groovy and glamorous to go with evening wear.

Casual style hobo purses come in suede or leather, and soft colors like pastel pinks, beige, cream and white are very much in vogue.

A new look for hobo purses which is on the way in is a small purse in a gold or silver mesh fabric, or even ultra-glamorous sequins and rhinestones. These purses are a new take on the traditional evening purse, and make an eye-catching alternative.

Clutch handbags

Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities.

The big look for clutch purses and clutch handbags in the coming year will be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

Lynn Donn is the webmaster for http://www.unique-handbags-and-purses.com Her website offers tips and information on all the latest trends in purses and handbags for the fashion enthusiast.

Lynn Donn is the webmaster for several websites including http://www.menopause-symptoms-perimenopause.com This website includes helpful articles on perimenopause and menopause symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. Site offers suggestions on how to ease symptoms of menopause and perimenopause naturally using black cohosh, soy and natural progesterone cream etc.

Lynn Donn may be contacted at http://www.menopause-symptoms-perimenopause.com or lynnd2@shaw.ca

Watch Out For Women With Purses!

by Laurie Ayers

(1/24/05) Many of us have seen the emails that warn women not to park near a van; that your elbow is the strongest part of your body; be aware of your surroundings, etc. These are all valid points. However, when faced with real danger will you remember that email you skimmed last year? Not likely. You need to practice self defense techniques. Why do you think schools have fire drills? Hopefully by walking the children through an actual emergency, they will remember what to do.

Your best defense is to avoid situations of vulnerability. I am always amazed at the number of females walking or jogging alone, both early morning or late at night, when it is dark outside. Or the mother with her baby in her arms, toddler in tow, carrying shopping bags. Her position is screaming, “I am helpless against defending myself at this moment.” Ladies, use a shopping cart or stroller to keep your hands free.

Your Purse Doubles As a Weapon

You have a whole arsenal of items in your purse that can be used to defend yourself, should the occasion arise. Your purse itself can be used as a deterrent. Loop the handle around your wrist so that you have a good grip on it. Not only will this avert any would-be purse snatchers, but you can swing your hand bag around and swat your attacker. We know how heavy our purses can be. This is a perfect impromptu weapon.

Next carry your vehicle door key between your first and second finger. Make a fist around the rest of your keys so that the long skinny part of the key is pointing outward as you walk. You can still open your door holding the key this way. Should someone come up from behind you, you are in a perfect position to jab his eyes with that key.

Get Some Popcorn and Watch Movies

Did you know an ink pen can save your life? If you do not believe me, rent The Borne Identity, with Matt Damon. It is startling how much damage a small thin writing implement can cause. Hold it in your hand as you walk. If need be, jab it into the eyes, the temple, or up the nose. I am telling you, that kind of pain will cause your attacker to back down and will give you a chance to run.

Another good movie to glean some self defense moves is Enough, with Jennifer Lopez. The movie is about a woman with an abusive spouse. She had enough of his abuse, so she learned to defend herself. One key element in her technique is that when her estranged husband took her on, she always, always, had her hands up in front of her midsection, palms facing out. That way she could protect her vital organs but also had her hands in the perfect position to throw jabs. Again, your first instinct should always be to get away. If you are unable to do that, you need to be prepared to defend yourself.

Knowledge Isn’t Enough

Use your purse, watch movies, and then what? You definitely need a little more advice than that, right? Call your local YMCA. Most have self defense classes, martial arts classes or both. Enroll and practice, practice, practice. You cannot learn everything about defending yourself by reading. You need to DO IT. I have been practicing martial arts for years. I often get asked if I have ever had to use my training, “for real.” I am fortunate in that I have not been placed into a situation where I have needed this training. But I now have the confidence that I will not panic. I know that I first must try to get away, and if that does not work, I have a few tricks up my sleeve and am not afraid to use them!

About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a mother, martial artist and ghostwriter from West Michigan. When she’s not parenting or writing, she enjoys practicing Tae Kwon Do and teaching self defense to women. You can learn more about her by visiting www.LaurieAyers.com

Laurie Ayers may be contacted at http://www.LaurieAyers.com or info@LaurieAyers.com