Handbag FAQ

Q: What style of handbag should I take to a job interview?

A: When it comes to job interviews or business lunches this bag lady says function and style are key. A functional business handbag should be able to carry your resume or portfolio, business card, reference letters, etc., without crumpling them; while showcasing your sense of style. Depending on the position, many women forego a purse all together and use a briefcase.

Tips for choosing a handbag or purse for a job interview:

• Choose a functional bag with inside pockets with storage for pens, a cell phone (which of course is turned off), business cards and keys. Be aware of where everything is in your bag. You certainly dont want to look disorganized.
  
  
• Your handbag should be large enough so your resume isnt crumpled when slipped inside a long, rectangle tote is perfect!
  
  
• Choose a bag with closure - zippers, Velcro or magnetic flaps so the contents of your bag dont get jostled or fall out during the interview.
  
  
• Coordinate the color of your bag to your interview attireespecially your shoes.
  
  
• A leather handbag is most appropriate for an interview; nylon or cotton is too casual.
  
  
• No matter what, ensure that your bag is free of stains.

Q: When shopping for an evening bag what should be considered?

A: The best place to spot the seasons hottest evening bags is on the red carpet. Awards shows such as the Oscars, the Golden Globes or the Grammys feature a parade of celebrities dressed to the nines and carrying perfectly matching handbags. Popular styles of evening bags range from sleek clutches to drawstring sacks. The style of handbag you choose should allow adequate room for your lipstick, keys, identification and money. If you cant bear an evening without your cell phone, or if you want to bring along a disposable camera, a slightly larger purse might be appropriate (as long as it doesnt overwhelm your outfit). More importantly, your evening bag should complement your evening attire. For example, if your dress is a black lace number you could choose a mini satin beaded purse trimmed in black lace. Another option would be to go with a vibrant red or a shimmering gold to give your outfit that extra va-va-voom! Think of an evening bag as an extra piece of jewelry, rather then as a travel necessity and have fun with it! Evening bags are available beaded, in satin, silk, sequins, lace, crochet, velvet, embroidered and jewel-encrusted creations to fit any outfit. With a little hunting you will certainly find your perfect match for the evening.

Q: I am going on vacation and am wondering if a new handbag is appropriate?

A: Safety is vital when traveling - not only the safety of you and your family, but also the safe keeping of your travel documents, personal belongings and money. A traveling handbag should accommodate your most precious travel accessories - your money, traveler's checks, credit cards, passports, room key and any other travel identification. A travel handbag should have strong, secure straps, inner storage and Velcro, button or zippered closures. Many travelers will even carry a money pouch underneath their clothes to further deter thieves.

Q: I purchased a Prada handbag in New York. How do I tell if its real?

A: In large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, London, Los Angeles or New York City its a synch to get a designer handbag for a fraction of the cost or is it? Unfortunately, the rampant sale of bogus purses is a popular money-maker for street peddlers and flea market merchants who dont care who they dupe to make a quick buck. If you purchased your designer Prada on a New York City street corner its likely not an original. Place of sale is the number one way to spot a real handbag. Here are three easy ways to smell a bogus:

If it doesnt look designer, its NOT designer! - Designers like Gucci and Chanel make the highest quality purses. Thats why women are willing to dish out a months salary to get their hands on one. Therefore, an authentic designer handbag will appear perfect. The colors will be congruent, the lining and the stitching will be free of flaws and an engraved or imprinted designer logo will appear somewhere on the bag.

Demand proof of authenticity - The priciest designer handbags come complete with an authenticity card. An authenticity card will feature the company logo and either a serial number or a magnetic barcode registered to the designer. Ask to see it before you open your wallet.

The price is a dream come true - If Prada bags were that cheap, every woman on the planet would own one! Thats why if the price sounds too good to be true it is!

Q: How do I choose a suitable briefcase for the office?

A: Hard-case briefcases, with a stiff clutch handle, are no longer the norm in the business world. Thankfully, more ergonomically designed, over-the-shoulder leather cases and padded computer bags are just as classy, yet comfortable to carry.

Tips for choosing a briefcase for the office:

• Purchase bigger then you need. Remember in high school when you had to stuff your backpack to accommodate all of your books and ended up with back strain? The same applies to the office, so look for a briefcase with expandable compartments and outside storage for extra items.
  
  
• Test for weight - Leather briefcases are classics, but they can be heavy. Lighter alternatives, like canvas and micro fiber, are just as attractive and some alternatives are even more weatherproof and durable.
  
  
• Consider what you will be carrying - a laptop, cell phone, file folder and purchase a case with suitable storage compartments.
  
  

  Price a messenger-style bag is just as attractive and functional and costs approximately $60 to $100 online, however a soft leather Coach or Hartmann briefcase can run you $500 online.