Handbags

The new fashion trend in handbags is “the bigger, the better”. Most women are quite thrilled with this trend as it allows them to be stylish and simultaneously carry their essential stuff and a little more. Thus in an average big handbag you will in all probability find not only keys, a wallet, phone, cosmetics, a bottle of water and tissues but also an i-Pod, medicines, snacks, a magazine or book, old grocery and other bills. The fact that carrying heavy handbags are taking a toll on backs and shoulders is now being recognized.

As per a study by the ASDA, the ideal weight of a handbag should be 2.2 lbs or 1 kilo. However, it has been found that on an average, women carry handbags that weigh around 5.2 lbs or 2.5 kilos. As per chiropractors, the weight of your handbag should not exceed 10 percent of your weight up to a maximum of 15 lbs. consistently lugging heavy handbags can cause injury to your back, shoulder and neck.

You can reduce the strain by using the following tips:

• Purchase smaller bags so that once you have put in the essentials, there’s not much space left to fill up with knick-knacks!
• The purse should have several compartments so that the objects can be kept in an organized manner and the weight is distributed evenly throughout the bag.
• Carry bags that have broad, adjustable straps as this will help in weight distribution. Preferably wear the strap over the shoulder opposite the bag.
• If buying a new purse is not an option, make a list of the items that you absolutely need to carry and stick to that list.
• De-clutter your purse on a regular basis so that you are not carrying unnecessary objects.
• Switch the shoulder on which you are carrying the handbag from time to time.

By following these tips, you will be able to reduce your chances of developing back, neck and shoulder strains.

It is now a recognized fact that carrying your handbag in an incorrect manner could contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain. The trend of carrying large shoulder bags has only increased the problem as one is tempted to fill non-essential items in the bag if there is extra space. If you take certain precautions, you can reduce the chances of developing or aggravating the pain due to erroneous carrying of the handbag. These precautions are as follows:

• Don’t carry a handbag that is more than 10 per cent of your weight.
• Ideally carry a shoulder bag such that the strap of the bag is on the opposite shoulder.
• Try to ensure that your bag has a wide adjustable strap as this will help in weight distribution. If the strap is padded, it is even better.
• Preferably your bag should have many compartments. If you distribute the items amongst different compartments, the weight will get distributed.
• Try not lift the shoulder on which you are carrying the bag in an attempt to avoid the bag from slipping. This increases the strain on the shoulder. Square your shoulders.
• Shift the bag from one shoulder to the other frequently to prevent excess strain on one shoulder.
• Do not carry unnecessary items in your bag. De-clutter your bag as often as possible.
• Whenever you can avoid carrying a heavy bag, do so.

Just taking these simple preventive measures can make a world of difference to your shoulder and back.

I remember there was a time when matching your handbag with your shoes was a no-brainer stylish thing to do. It was said in an article that just because colors are the same, does not necessarily mean that you have to put them together. I remember my sister’s wardrobe used to be full with a bunch of different shoes styles that had matching handbags. For every new pair of shoes that she would buy, she had to get the matching purse! That type of fashion/style could get pretty expensive. Now, fashion gurus say the opposite. Fashion experts are now saying that matching your purse with your shoes it’s become unstylish.

If you want to keep up to date with the new trends on matching your handbag with your shoes, follow these tips:

• Remember that natural colors go well with any other color. For example, beige, gray, black, white, and brown in the adequate shades can match with any colors of the rainbow. Try matching a gold handbag with a pair of black shoes!
• If you still want to match your handbag with your shoes, there is still more fashionable option for you to pick. You can wear a neutral outfit followed by colored purse and shoes or do the opposite.
• The tip to this new matching trend is to have fun! Be creative and play around with the neutral and colorful colors.

A wardrobe is not complete without all the complimenting accessories. Since most people carry an extra bag with them the work, school and to special occasions it is important to make sure that that bag compliments the outfit you are wearing.

Many people have their own theories on how to match a handbag to an outfit. These tips are not completely wrong, but some tips are more valuable to some people more than others. Here is a list of handbag matching tips that you can choose from. These tips have been taken from runway fashion and tested styles on the street.

• Match the bag to the shoes. Matching the shoe color and possibly also the fabric is a very old and reputable matching scheme for both men’s wallets and women’s handbags.
• Match the bag to the belt. This tip is more focused on men where their belt brand and color should be the same for their wallet.
• Match bag hardware to jewelry. For a more subtle but cohesive look the bag fasteners and hardware should have the same metal as your necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
• Match the bag to your clothes. Another old tip is to match the main or secondary color of your dress or top with the color of your handbag.

Have you noticed how famous celebrities use their personal handbags as self defense to push away press reporters and paparazzi who don’t respect their privacy? It may seem funny when you see it on TV, but at the same time it’s a great way to defend yourself from intruders. This technique can be very useful not just for famous celebrities but also for ordinary women when going out at night. The great thing about carrying handbags is that you not only look chic and fashionable but are also prepared to defend yourself from any intruder.

Here are some useful tips on how to use your handbags as self defense while at the same time you can use it for looks.

• I will recommend using a handbag that is heavy and fits proportionally with your body size. By doing this, when need it you can have the ability to lift or swing your bag for self defense.
• Always carry a bottle of hairspray in your handbag. This makes it easy for you to get the hairspray bottle out of the bag in case of an attack.
• Educate yourself by taking some self-defense classes. This will give you the confidence to fight!