Today, Fendi is a fashion institution known globally for its ventures in belts, shoes, scarves, separates, suits, and above all else, furs and bags.  At its start, however, it was a small leather-goods and furs shop in Rome, run by Adele and Edoardo Fendi.  After its 1925 opening, the Fendi business began growing rapidly, expanding to a second store in 1932, then achieving national fame across Italy by the 1950s until the time when Edoardo passed away.   The father of five fashionistas in the making, Edoardo left his fur and leather goods legacy in good hands, and his daughters took over the business in 1954.  Managing all aspects from stores to accessories, and advisory to design, the girls had propelled the Fendi name into prestige and fame by the mid 1960s.

Of course, as any Fendi fan knows, the story didn’t end there for the Fendi five.  Their journey would merge with the vision of young German designer Karl Lagerfeld to create some of the most timeless, famous, and sought-after bags ever made.  Adding details and touches like prints, dyed leather, canvas, and restructuring the frames gave Fendi bags the unique look and style that the brand is so famous for today.  Iconic Fendi designs include the “B” Bag, structured in the shape of a B, the “Spy” Bag, featuring many hidden compartments, and, the most famous of all, the “Baguette” Bag, as its long thin structure mimics that of the famous French loaf.

Over the years there have been many incarnations of the Fendi Baguette, and buyers enjoy the exclusivity of knowing that Fendi does not repeat styles once a particular design has been sold out.  Luckily for women everywhere there are over 1,000 different Fendi Baguette designs to choose from and counting.  Besides their classic shape, Fendi Baguette bags are popular for their fun patterns, double “F” Fendi clasp in the front, and detachable straps.  With versatility always a big points earner when it comes to high end bags, the Baguette can be worn over the shoulder, on a short strap, or carried as a clutch bag, making it a great addition to any outfit whether casual enough to run to the store, or formal enough for a cocktail party.  Some of the more talked about styles of the Fendi patent Baguette include the Python Baguette bag, the Beaded Baguette bag, the Maxi Baguette Shoulder bag, the Vintage Leather baguette, and the Two-Tone Baguette.

A favorite amongst A-Listers, Fendis have not only been spotted on the arms of celebs like Carmen Electra, Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Duff, Nicki Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and Kate Hudson, but designed by celebs as well.  Big names like Scarlett Johansson, Kim Cattrall, Sally Hershberger, Marchesa, and Chris March have all tried their hand at designing custom, first-come-first-serve Baguettes.  And of course, everyone knows the name Fendi from Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, drawing back to many episodes, including the famous episode where the girls go to California.  As a testament to sticking with the real deal for girls everywhere, the fashion world continues cheering for the real deal, the Fendi Baguette.

While most fashion trends manage to eke out little more than a “season” before hitting the trash, or at least the back of the wardrobe as yesterday’s news, some defy all odds and establish themselves as institutions in the fashion community.  Where forward thinking, classic design, excellent craftsmanship and intelligent placement in the public eye meet, little iconic legends are born.  In a world of fickle fashion rules, standing as the original exception is the Hermés Kelly bag.

Such an iconic fashion item starts its journey to the top by being sleek, stylish, timeless, and well made.  In the world of handbags, Hermés is celebrated for maintaining a line of products individually handmade by craftsmen that cut, stitch, and slave over each bag start to finish, one at a time.  When an artisan sets to work on such a creation, it can take anywhere from 18 to 24 hours to complete.  Short of a “we don’t sleep” Santa’s workshop scenario, the maintenance of these standards is the reason for the Hermés waitlists.  Buyers must order new Hermés Kelly, and, Kelly’s close cousin, Birkin bags directly from Hermés, in the face of a waitlist lasting anywhere from 1 to 6 years.  A delay like that in the fashion world certainly speaks to a look and style being timeless.  Anyone interested in skipping the waitlist should look into vintage Hermés Kelly bags, which, when in good condition, can run anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 US dollars.

Also known as the Sac à dépêches, the Hermés Kelly bag derives its common name from a photo snapped of former actress, and then new Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly clutching her one-day namesake in 1956.  While the handbag had existed since the 1930s, its popularity truly took off after this unplanned celebrity spotting.  Today, the bag can still be seen in the clutches of superstars including Christie Brinkley, Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Victoria Beckham, the latter of whom reportedly owns a small museum’s worth of Hermés handbags valued at well over $2 million dollars.

Each lovingly made Hermés bag can be composed of a variety of precious metals and exotic leathers of the buyers’ choice, however, the price tag and wait time may be noted to rise at an exponential rate the farther off the “charted territory” zone the lucky lady wishes to wander.  Look for ultra-luxury specialty leathers from Hermés, including Floridian alligator, Thai Shark skin, Pakistani buffalo, Australian crocodile, Malaysian lizard, and an assortment of others like ostrich, goat, calf, deer and oxen from all around the globe.  Each bag can be ordered in a range of five different sizes from practical to teeny-tiny, and recognized by its signature metal-tipped clasp, which can be padlocked with a tiny key.

The high fashion house of Hermés began as a saddle shop, founded by Thierry Hermés in the year 1837 in Paris.  The designs still pay homage to the Hermés equestrian heritage, as does the logo which features a Duc carriage and horse.  With stores in fashion capitals around the world, customers can visit Hermés in person, or head to the website for the latest product information and fashions.

Clutch Handbag

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes many things – decorations, shopping trips, food, drink, and, most importantly, parties.  It is a time of the year in which social gatherings are most prevalent and get-togethers, dinners and festivities are held several nights a week.

With these parties come certain concerns.  In the case of many women, this includes the question of what to wear.  And once the question of what to wear is answered, another issues emerges – how to accessorize.  One of the most important, though sometimes overlooked, accessories necessary for the holiday party is, of course, the handbag.  Necessary not only in terms of style but also in terms of utilities, these tiny totes are the perfect way to put a finishing touch on your party-dress style.

This year, it seems that change is in the air when it comes to party handbags.  While clutches remain the choice design of most women, the embellishments with which they come have been taken up a notch this year.  Adding a bit of frill and complexity to a timeless favorite, such decorations are both festive and elegant.

More and more women are reaching for more elaborate handbags this season.  They are the perfect way to accessorize a simple dress or replace heavier pieces of jewelry.  Clutches are of the most elegant pieces available in the world of handbags, made even more so by more artistic designs.  They possess an air of luxury and fineness that will not go unnoticed.

What kind of embellishments are most popular this season?  It seems as though sparkle is key.  Both beautiful and festive, subtle sparkles from rhinestones, sequins or other shiny embellishments will be sure to catch the eye of other party-goers.  High quality leather clutch handbags with impeccably sewn sparkling embellishments are definitely in style this season.

Other sorts of designs, of course, are also quite popular.  Instead of rhinestones or sequins, many designers are this year leaning towards pearls.  These more subtle jewels are still shiny but also unique.  A pearl-embellished clutch is an ideal accessory to accompany a simple black dress or a pearl necklace and earrings.

Trendsetters will want to look to other unique adornments and decorations for clutch purses this year.  An immaculately hand-painted bag will be quite the topic of discussion at a dinner party, and a subtly embroidered clutch may go perfectly with sparkly, festive dress.  The sky is the limit when it comes to the ways in which these timeless accessories can be embellished.  What is constant, however, is that fact that such decorations really do add an extra something to one’s look.

Whatever design or embellishment is chosen, the simple fact remains:  clutches are and will continue to be a fabulous way to accessorize during the party season.  These lipstick and mobile phone carrying cases can render a woman the envy of all others at a party, especially when their quality and style is impossible to miss.

Handbags Need to be Stylish and Practical

First impressions are so important in a job interview that you must pay careful attention to every aspect of your appearance and mannerism. One thing that is often overlooked about appearance is the handbag. Even when someone is paying extra attention to their appearance, they may not even think about what handbag they should bring to their job interview.

The handbag you take with you on a job interview does help with the first impression the employer will have of you. The handbag you take should be functional as well as smart, as this is where you will likely keep your CV and contact card.

Here are some tips to help you choose a handbag to take to a job interview.

• You’ll want to choose a handbag that is large enough to fit a copy of your CV, without having to fold it up, which will cause it to appear worn and not very professional.
• A good handbag to take to a job interview will be functional; you’ll want the bag to have compartments to hold your mobile phone, pens, keys, etc.
• The best handbags will have Velcro, and zipper compartments so that your bag’s content does not get mixed up if you should accidentally jostle it around or tip it over.
• It is important that you handbag match the clothing you will be wearing to your job interview; it should especially match your shoes. A good guideline would be to choose a handbag that is black or navy blue if you will be wearing darker colors, and if you are wearing lighter, earth tone colors, tan and brown will look great.
• The handbag you bring on your interview should never be made of canvas or denim, as this is too casual. Your best choices would be a handbag made from leather or microfibre.
• Before leaving for your job interview, double-check your handbag to make sure there or no stains or loose threads that are apparent.
• The style of your handbag should be smart and elegant, but not flashy; remember you want to put forth the impression of professionalism.
• You will also want to pay attention to quality when choosing your handbag; you will want this bag to last you a long time so that you can also use it for work once you have found a job.

Paying attention to details such as your handbag can may all the difference in what type of fist impression you give a potential employer; the more professional you look the better. Choosing a professional style of handbag is just as important for events such as businesses lunches and meetings with associates, as it is for job interviews.

Briefcase

Throughout your business career you are likely to go through many different briefcases; choosing the right one is important for your image, as well as your productivity. A good briefcase will last you a long time, and even after years of use will still look great, while others will begin to appear weathered within a short period of time.

Here are some tips to help you choose a briefcase that will last you for a long time to come.

When choosing a new briefcase, the first thing you will have to do is determine how large of a briefcase you will need. The size of the briefcase will have a lot to do with which styles you will have to choose from. Determining the appropriate size of briefcase to fit your needs isn’t too difficult; you will just have to imagine how much room you will need for files and business cards, etc. Another factor in determining the size of briefcase you need is what you will use it for. If you are a lawyer you may need a larger briefcase than you would if you were a salesman. You will also need to take into consideration if you will be taking your laptop with you. If you choose the correct size of briefcase, it will likely not be completely full most of the time, but having that extra room will be useful.

Once you have a good idea of what size of briefcase you will need you will then have to decide what type of material you want your briefcase to be made from. Most briefcases are made from leather, nylon, or some type of metal, such as aluminum. The most popular material for a briefcase is leather, and for a good reason. Not only does leather appear more professional that nylon, but it tends to look great for years. With a metal briefcase you will begin to see scratches and scuffs after a period of time, but a leather briefcase tends to look better as it gets older.

There are not too many choices of color for a briefcase, but the most popular color is black. A black briefcase will look appropriate no matter what type of business you are in. Another alternative is brown; this color is not as popular but will still appear very professional. As for nylon briefcases, there are all types of colors, but if you want to maintain a professional appearance, you’ll definitely want to stick with the black or brown.

Once you know the size and style of briefcase that you need you will want to do some shopping around before you buy. Not only should you compare prices, but also the quality of the briefcases, you don’t want to buy one that looks to be just right and have it fall apart right away.

You will likely find some great bargains online for quality briefcases, but before you purchase from an online retailer make sure that you read any reviews that are available, not only for that retailer, but also for the briefcase you are interested in buying.

Please feel free to browse other articles on our blog for more information on fashion trends, celebrity styles and everything to do with handbags.

Remembering Fashion’s Roots

Keeping up with fashion can be pretty intimidating for those on a budget. With the bombardment of advertising that seems to shout “couture or the highway!” feeling or looking stylish can start to get a little intimidating for people who don’t have the leisure time to scour for deals.

Thankfully, most of the world’s famous designers didn’t start out with unlimited funds to dress themselves, either. Fashion has always been about style, and style and taste are two things that can’t quite be bought. In fact, the world of high fashion has been preying on the world of street fashion for decades now, with everything from punk rock haircuts to grunge-inspired sweaters finding their way to the catwalk over time. Some of the feistier designers in the fashion world started out downtown, making their mark on some of the hottest players in the underground art and music scenes, before breaking out on their own. One such luminary is Betsey Johnson, who advises that all a woman really needs is one good pair of heels and a dress that fits and that accessories can do the rest of the job for her.

Looking Hot This Season–Without Breaking the Bank

Taking that advice, the best way for those learning about fashion or those on a tight budget to keep up with the seasons is to focus more on accessories or lasting items than something obviously of a single year. Just because it’s hot now doesn’t mean it will pair well with next year’s clothes, and in these economic times with even Marc Jacobs scaling back his fashion week parties, there’s no need to feel guilty about watching a budget.

So for those ladies choosing one new item for the season that’s as chic as it is timeless, the best item to go for is actually a handbag.

Surprised? Don’t be. So often, women forget that accessorizing includes one’s bag, and that one’s bag is just as noticeable to the general population as shoes or a jacket are. And with such fervour for knockoffs, a savvy bag shopper can spot a bad facsimile a mile away. And it’s never fun to be around snooty women who are making snide remarks about faux-toure.

More important, going for one of this season’s hottest bags is actually a great move towards building a great wardrobe. For women who already have a great and timeless clutch purse to take with them to fancier dinners, consider the dire need for an excellent day-to-day bag, that seamlessly transitions from hauling personal affects to work to making a night out on the town look just as classy and stylish as ever. A great bag can go many places, and even more than shoes, women can always add one to their collection and spruce up their look.

Choosing Wisely

Even though handbags are a great investment, there’s no reason to get swept up in things and make a bad decision. Sometimes, something that looks great on the runway or in a store window is just not going to transition well into the street, and knowing when to charge it and when to avoid it is one of the biggest steps in fashion development that a woman can make to truly mature.

Thankfully, most of this season’s hottest handbags are veering more towards a traditional theme, including with colour palette. Perhaps the fashion world is scaling back, or perhaps there’s simply a return to class. Either way, the words that everyone kept using after checking out Fashion Week were “sturdy” and “classic,” with most designers realizing that, before an evening gown, women are going to add a handbag to their collection.

The Must-Have New Styles

This season’s handbags are bringing back a high-fashion take on durability. Not quite as cowboy-inspired as seasons past, nonetheless, fringe is happening in a much bigger way than it used to be, even on smaller-sized bags. Shoulder straps are definitely in, even with potential clutches, and most designers are rolling out at least one Argentina-inspired medium-sized bag where the focus is durable leather gently inspired by simple country bags used out on the range. The look is understated and great, and helps to dress up any outfit for any occasion. Thank God equestrian influence is still in, because it’s really working when designers use it.

Suede is also making inroads into handbags this year, with a number of designers showcasing smaller suede bags, especially with fringe. Thankfully, the suede handbags aren’t too age-of-Aquarius, but certainly will put a spring into anyone’s step, because they sure do manage to make even the most average outfit look a little bit edgier.

Another hugely popular trend that’s holding strong and is apparent in this season’s hottest handbags is the versatile satchel. Nothing says New York quite like one of these simple and sophisticated bags, and some of the hottest names in New York’s fashion world designed truly fabulous ones that are all the rage at both the boutiques and on the catwalk. Wrap-around buckles are frequently used to dress the bags up, making them perfect for a night out.

…and Some Things to Steer Clear Of

Even though it’s tempting to splurge on something blue, pink, yellow, or whatever is the colour of the moment, it’s important to think about making it last. A well-designed handbag in a colour that might be adventurous this season turns into something that might be hilariously out of vogue next season. Stick to the basics if you want your look to be hot now, and tomorrow.

It’s totally understandable how someone might, in a delusional moment, think that it is perfectly acceptable for a grown woman to buy a bag with any sort of pyramid studs. But before making that mistake, consider two things: the only grown women who ever looked good with studded anything were during the height of the 1980s, and buying a bag with studs is a sure-fire way to accidentally match your sulky 14 year-old niece’s faux-punk rock belt from Hot Topic. There’s just not a good way to put studs on a purse, so just say no.

So Now, So Then, So Future, Too

A wise choice from this season’s crop of handbags will be able to make it long after spring has come again. A truly great choice, and you might have your daughter begging you for the bag in 25 years or so. That’s how great fashion works, so choose wisely, and make your look last for a long time.

It is not always easy to find genuine designer handbags on Ebay, as unfortunately so many of those that are available at online auction sites are cheap imitations. There are numerous Ebay sellers that have no qualms about passing off the cheap imitations as designer handbags.

Here are some tips to help you find genuine designer handbags on Ebay.

• The first thing to look for when you are searching for a designer handbag on Ebay is how many feedbacks the buyer has, as well as what their rating is. The danger of getting a fake is much higher if the seller is new, with relatively few feedbacks from customers. If the seller does have some feedbacks, make sure that you read through the feedback to see if anyone has complained about getting a fake.

• Pay careful attention to the wording in the product description. Although it’s true that it is illegal to sell fake designer handbags, it is not illegal to sell designer inspired handbags. If the product description indicates that it is a designer inspired handbag, then it will not be genuine. Often these handbags will not have a logo or the brand name on the handbag itself, though they may slip it into the product description to catch buyers unaware.

• Before deciding to buy a genuine designer handbag on Ebay, you will want to do some research into the brand name that you are interested in. If you are familiar with the brand, you will be in a much better position to spot a fake. Another advantage to researching the brand name is that you will be acquainted with how the bags vary from season to season, though they tend to stay relatively close to their original design.

• The price of the handbag will be a major indicator of its authenticity. Genuine designer handbags are very expensive, and it is unlikely that you are going to find a £1000 handbag for £100, even on Ebay. Not that it’s impossible to get a good deal on the real thing, but you are not likely to find it at 90% off.

• Once you do find a handbag that you are interested in, ask the seller to send you pictures of the inside of the handbag; if you have done your research on the brand, you should be able to tell quite a bit by examining pictures of the interior of the bag. The stitching should be neat and tight, and similar to what you have seen in pictures from genuine designer handbags.

• The bag should have paperwork that comes with it, so this is a very important question that you should ask the Ebay seller before committing to buy the item. All genuine designer handbags comes with what is known as the chain of title; this verifies that the bag is authentic, and will also have the style number, as well as the brand name on it.

If you know what to look for before you start shopping for a genuine designer bag on Ebay, you should have no problem finding a great deal for the real thing.

Hermes is a brand well known to anyone with an eye for labels and even the more fashionably apathetic people of the world have most likely heard the name once or twice. Any fan of “Sex and the City” will remember the bitter fight between Samantha and Lucy Liu over who had rightful claim to the highly coveted red Hermes Birkin handbag. As that episode so astutely pointed out there is at least a two year waiting list for someone to get their pretty little hands on a Birkin handbag. As the episode also demonstrates, if you know the right people your name can “magically” move its way up.

The Hermes Birkin handbag can be regarded as somewhat of a mythical creature due to its rarity and difficulty to obtain. In addition to the lengthy waiting list, the price, supply, and delivery dates of these delicate beauties intentionally keep them elusive and enticing. The average price of a Birkin handbag runs at the pretty penny of $7,500. This price tag is the general going rate, not including specially ordered handbags or those constructed of more rare, fine materials. While some people might scoff at the price, there are plenty of people out there with fancy sports cars that cost a tremendous amount more and rarely make it out of the driveway.

These beautifully crafted handbags are a way of celebrating personal success as well as applauding the fine designing ability of the Hermes experts. Each handbag is hand made, with at least forty-eight actual work hours going into each purse. The typical Birkin handbag is composed of beautiful leather and is lined with goat skin that is the same color as the exterior. The metallic decorations that adore these bags come in the form of buckle hardware, lock, keys, and feet studs made of precious metals such as gold and palladium. Once a special relationship has been formed between Hermes and a particular individual they can place special orders for more rare materials and décor for their handbag.

The most expensive material to use for a Hermes Birkin handbag is saltwater crocodile skin, with the price growing larger as the scales get smaller. The handbag can be further upgraded by adding precious stones such as diamonds to the outer hardware of the purse. With totally done up, special order Birkin handbags the price range is going to be more in the tens of thousands of dollars. For a true handbag aficionado this can be considered tantamount to a fine piece of artwork.

This particular style of handbag is named after the British singer and actress Jane Birkin who served as inspiration for the creation of this elaborately stylish purse. The actress has even admitted herself that the fame of the Birkin handbag greatly exceeds her own. Maintaining the status of this kind of handbag as very difficult to attain is where a large part of its appeal resides. They are only sold in Hermes boutiques around the world and the supply of handbags in each of these little stores is very limited. The massive waiting list is a pretty good indicator to the availability of these handbags, making the owner of one a heavily envied figure.

The elusiveness and elevated status of the bag translates to the status of the individual who possesses it. The association Hermes Birkin bags carry with them is that only the wealthy and important individuals in society can possess them. This appealing aspect of the handbag has lead to numerous attempts and recreating knock off imitations of the Birkin handbag, but there are telltale qualities that distinguish a true Birkin from an imposter. The bag must be carefully examined but a true Birkin should have even stitching, an interior leather zipper tag that is parallel to the zipper hardware, the crafstman’s initials and the year it was manufactured stamped in a square located under the right of the belt, and a stamp in the front that says “Hermes Paris, Made in France”.

While these may not be the most obvious of distinguishing marks, it is important that any handbag claiming to be a Birkin has all of them. The fine leather craftsmanship is not easy to replicate and this unique, highly skilled handiwork is exactly what makes Hermes Birkin handbags such desirable and cherished items. Vintage Birkin bags are passed down in families fortunate enough to have them, going from generation to generation.

The Hermes Birkin handbag has achieved a state of permanence at the top of the fashion world that all designers hope to achieve. The timelessness of the purses make them all the more desirable because they are not simply a flash in the pan trend, they are a concrete status symbol. Owning a Hermes Birkin bad sends the clear message that an individual has money as well as taste.  A hot young starlet can sport her beautiful crocodile skin Birkin handbag well into her twilight years and while her movies might fall out of style, her purse never will.

A bit more tangible than the Loch Ness Monster, and much more attractive, the Hermes Birkin handbag has an infamy all its own that will greatly outlast the fame and fortune of many of its owners, the few that there are. The scarcity in supply, fine craftsmanship, high price tag, and long waiting list are all elements in what keeps the Birkin bag so tempting and sought after. Along with a long list of musicians, actresses, and socialites, even politicians like Argentine president Cristina Kirchner are the proud owners of multiple Hermes Birkin handbags.

While they are still very difficult to attain and are pricey, Hermes needs to be careful that the Birkin bag retains its elusive appeal if it wants to stay at the top. With imitations getting better and better and with the young and fashionable getting richer and richer it seems that Birkin bags are becoming easier and easier to spot on the skinny little arms of the world’s popular culture elite. Hopefully this is just because the paparazzi are becoming more and more of a nuisance, whatever the cause, the Birkin handbag’s place at the top appears quite secure for the time being.

Handbags have been a staple in women’s fashion and daily function for hundreds of years. With the rapid paced, busy schedules of today the need for a good sized, durable purse has increased tremendously. While some people may argue that womens’ bags are getting a little too large. Those critics would shut right up once a woman bearing a large bag pulls out some much needed cough medicine out of her Mary Poppins-esque recepticle at exactly the right moment. While they may get a bit cluttered at times, women’s handbags have become increasingly more than a simple fashion accessory, though style is still of the utmost importance.

This need to carry multiple things around all of the time is not merely a woman’s issue. How often is it that women have to put things in their purse for the men in their lives because there is only so much pockets can hold before looking ridiculous? This need mixed together with an open minded approach to fashion has led to the introduction and subsequent growth in popularity of what is commonly known as the “man bag”. Steering very clear of the word “purse” or “handbag”, these bags must be the perfect blend between masculinity, style, and function.

There are certain key qualities to a successful man bag. Firstly, it must have a long strap, preferably one that goes across the chest like a messenger bag. This kind of design moves the bag further away from the “purse” arena since most women do not carry their handbags in that way. Colour is another key element to successfully pulling off a man bag. Neutral, masculine colours like dark blue, black, brown, olive green, grey, and tan are the best options for a bag. More bold souls can try out colors like red but they must prepare themselves for potentially more hassling or criticism by others. Material is another thing that must be considered when deciding upon the correct man bag. Canvas and leather are two of the best materials for making a good man bag. The canvas tends to be a bit more masculine while Italian leather is simply a stylish material that anyone can wear.

The rising trend in the use of man bags has taken off most notably in Europe. This is not terribly surprising since Europe seems to always be one step ahead of the world in style, but also because the puffed up machismo and rigid gender lines that you encounter in places like the United States are a bit more fluid. Men are able to get away with more effeminate styles without a second glance from anyone. Fortunately for men in the more ‘macho’ areas of the UK & United States, this is one fashion trend that has seemingly permeated the nation’s border and is quickly catching on with men across the nation.

The multitude of man bags that are available make it easy for guys to find the right bag for them. Choosing a bag that they are comfortable with and that serves all of the purposes they need are the two biggest criteria guys need to bear in mind when selecting a man bag. It also does not hurt to bring along a female friend or girlfriend to help distinguish the line between what bags qualify as a proper man bag and which ones toe the line too closely to man purse. Women are practically experts when it comes to personal handbag selection so having a female eye along can only help.

One of the important parts of this rising trend is the name that these bags are to be given. Referring to them as purses was never an option and “man bag” seems to be sufficient, but some guys would prefer to call them “man packs”, bringing them closer to the already socially acceptable backpack. The goods that men carry in these man bags also tend to be a little different than what a woman typically keeps in her purse. With his new bag a man can put his wallet, keys, laptop, and cell phone all in a convenient carrier at the back of his hip. Women also bring along their keys, wallet, and cell phone but usually reserve the lap top for a special case and might also throw in some makeup, tissues, and hair accessories into their purse.

Celebrities always have a good amount of influence over fashion trends since their image is sent out to the masses that might not be in touch with what is the rage in Milan. Even fictional characters like 24’s Jack Bauer have helped the progression and acceptance of the man bag trend in the United States. In the every series of the hit show so far, Jack sports a stylish CTU branded tan messenger bag in which he carries all of his high tech goodies that help him save the country from the brink of disaster practically every minute. There is nothing effeminate about Jack Bauer as he escapes explosions and tortures terrorists for vital information, all while having his trusted messenger bag at his side. Images such as these send the message to men that their masculinity does not have to be compromised for the obvious functionality and good look of a man bag.

This trend is mostly catching on with men between the ages of 25 and 34, the stable yet unattached gentlemen of this world. These are the men who have a laptop, PDA, fancy wallet, and paperwork that they need to carry around with them in a stylish new man bag. This age group tends to be a bit more secure than their younger counterparts and have some more disposable income to spend on a high quality, attractive bag. The older men might be a bit too cemented in their ways to openly welcome the idea of a man bag, but hopefully their wives can sell them on the practical points of having a man bag.

While they are not on every guy’s shoulder just yet, the man bag is rapidly growing in popularity all across the globe. Style and function come together in a way that will make men’s lives easier and will free up space in women’s purses that are stuck carrying some of their men’s things. Whatever name the trend finally decides upon, many men can agree that this is one fashion movement worth taking part in.

There are handbags and then there are handbags. And then there’s Chanel. The Chanel 2.55, to be more specific.  From the ever expanding brigade of young and precocious fashionista bloggers and their swelling coterie of online fans, to the more established style mavens, stylistas and your every day fashion hags, the Chanel 2.55 invokes delight on every front. It is a classic in every sense of the word. In fact, you could even say that it is the classic handbag. The 2.55 is in the covetable position of being one of the most influential fashion icons history has seen. This divine piece of work, with its oh-so-classy flap over and indispensible chain strap, was designed and conceived by Ms. Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel herself.

For those who don’t know the glorious history of this timeless fashion accessory, here’s a short run down of the life and times of the Chanel 2.55 handbag. It all started out when young Coco Chanel was growing up, a child of a travelling salesman named Albert Chanel and his wife Jeanne Devolle. Her mother took Coco out as she went shopping for clothes at various tailors around the city. This is where the young girl’s love of all things sartorial began. Unfortunately, when she was still quite young, Coco’s mother died of tuberculosis; the fateful event left Coco and her siblings in the care of their father. A few short months following the death of his wife, their father, Albert, left to work and provide for the children, leaving Coco and co. to fend for themselves in an orphanage. There, it is said that the girl withdrew into herself, drawing pictures; however, it is in the orphanage where the young Coco learned the art of sewing.

Coco’s time in the orphanage had a huge impact in her later work. The double chain shoulder strap affixed to the 2.55 is taken from the key chains that the orphanage caretakers would wear dangling around their waists. The inside lining is colored brown to represent the convent uniforms Coco had to wear while she was growing up. However, more than just Ms. Chanel’s fantastic childhood inspired the bag. The inside of the front flap contains a secret compartment where Coco surreptitiously stashed her love letters from one Hans Gunther von Dincklage, a purported Nazi spy who arranged for Coco to bed up at the Ritz Hotel during the war; she would call the Ritz her home for more than thirty years, even during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Perhaps, her war time experience swayed her to create another clandestine compartment within the 2.55. There is a secret pocket in the back of the bag, located on the outside flap; here is where Coco would hide a little bit of extra money, just in case. The quilted material from which the 2.55 is made was inspired by the coats worn by horse racing jockeys. The interlocking CC clasp on the front of the bag is called the Mademoiselle lock, as Coco never married.

While the name of the bag sounds eerily zeitgeisty, especially in these wired web 2.0 years, it is actually nothing more than a simple date. The two is for the month of February, and the 55 stands for the year 1955; what you have is the date the bag was first released. Coco designed the bag for her own use, so some of its features were avante garde for the time. Take the double chain interwoven with leather strap; up market handbags of the era weren’t so practically equipped; however, Coco wanted to keep her hands free, to be able to hold a glass of champagne, perhaps. Whatever the case, Ms. Chanel saw nothing unfeminine about being able to use one’s hands, challenging the notions of the day & pioneering shoulder handbag styles for the future.

The bag was reissued in the fall of 2005. The new version is slightly updated with fresher, more modern material; also has done away with classic version’s CC Mademoiselle clasp and replaced it with a rectangular turn lock. The bags released in 2005 are called Reissues. There are other similar 2.55 style bags labeled as Classic Flaps. Classic Flap sizes are different than the Reissues, but it is quite easy to confuse the two if you’re not an expert. The Reissues themselves are exactly like the original 2.55 design except for the clasp. Also, Reissues have an all chain strap, whereas the classic version has an interwoven leather and metal strap. Reissues, moreover, have a double inside flat. The Chanel Classic Flap bag comes in three sizes and ranges in price from about $1500 to $2000. The Reissue comes in various sizes and is pricier.

Whether its slung over a thin, gauzy black dress hugging a gamine frame, or whether hanging lightly from a thin shoulder whose owner is decked out in long, ripped jeans, an oversized boys t-shirt with the words heaven and hell etched out in thick, inky sharpie pen scrawls and a layer of silk and cotton kuffiyeh scarves wrapped biliously around the neck in premium boho style (can we say Olsen or Mischa), this bag simply works. It’s classic, it’s edgy. It is what you want it to be. The Chanel 2.55 is a girl’s best friend. The hefty price tag is well worth it. The 2.55 is eternal. It comes in a variety of different shades, from luscious red to deep, jet black.

Unsurprisingly, the bag is a favorite of many young Hollywood starlets.  The list includes Blake Lively of Gossip Girl, whose character Serena Van der Woodsen, incidentally has a few 2.55s herself, Paris Hilton and best pal Nicole Richie, Clemence Poesy and her Potter costar Emma Watson, vampire lover Kirsten Stewart, fashionista and one time OC star Mischa Barton, who has a few, La Lohan, and Kim Kardashian, among others.

The bag is more popular today than it was when it first came out, way back in ’55. And rightly so. The 2.55 is a timeless classic. It’s understated, yet elegant and refined. It’s practical yet sophisticated. A must have, if you can afford it.

For those of you who are true Chanel fans, as a treat, here is the trailer for Coco Avant Chanel released in the UK in just over a week’s time, starring the gorgeous Audrey Tautou as Coco herself.