I was sitting at lunch with three friends on Saturday (just before the Tim Gunn Fashion Show at Valley Fair Mall) when the topic turned to handbags. One of my friends is tall and two are petite so the conversation turned to how height determines the best handbag. And once again, the word “proportion” popped up.
The bottom line is that your handbag must be in proportion to your height or it will look like luggage. Its that important. Do you really want to generate the impression that you are living out of your handbag? Probably not. On the other hand, the smaller a handbag is, the more it looks like an evening bag. This could impact how seriously people take you, particularly in a business setting.
For most everyone, but particularly someone who is petite, I love the Bonnie from one of my favorites, Hobo International. It is available in a variety of colors, roomy enough to carry what you need, has pockets to keep you organized, but has a little purse look and feel to it. And it does not overwhelm the carrier!
Endless.com pretty much nails it in their description. “From the moment you lay your eyes on the Bonnie shoulder bag from Hobo International, you’ll adore it, but this little treasure is even more than it appears to be. It’s made of beautifully textured leather with subtle topstitching, and the clasped frame closure combined with the slouchiness of the pleated body/handles gives it an is-it-vintage?-is-it-modern? allure. Inside, though, is a vast oasis of gadget-sorting pockets and pretty paisley.”
Of course, after the Fashion Show, it was off for a little handbag shopping at Nordstrom!
Click here to learn more about the Bonnie from Hobo International at endless.com
Last Friday, I was having lunch with my dear friend Polly. She is like Barbie in that she ALWAYS has the coolest accessories. They are smart, stylish and practical. Her show and tell of the day was the Crossover Bag from Hobo International. Talked about a tricked out handbag! And it solves the age old problem faced by all women–not enough hands.
Whenever, I am out with my family or running errands, I never seem to have enough hands for the phone, the door, the handbag and whatever I am doing. Hobo International can’t do miracle hand addition surgery but they certainly understand how we multitask. And how I really like to do that fashionably! The Dylan Crossover Bag is small but packs a punch (and everything you need for a day), lightweight and with its pockets, it is so easy to organize! With the internal pockets and crossover design with adjustable strap, it is also very secure for travelling or days in the city.
The Dylan Crossover Bag
- Flap Closure on main compartment
- Signature Wall pockets and zipper pouches
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Inspired by modern women everywhere, the founder of Hobo International envisioned a line of accessories that offered women practical and stylish handbags at reasonable pricing. Her vision became a reality in 1991 when the first Hobo International collection went to market as a well-edited line of wonderfully functional handbags crafted in natural leather. Nearly twenty years later, Hobo International has evolved into a true fashion vanguard offering gorgeous lifestyle accessories season after season. The heritage brand delivers handbags and wallets, travel and professional accessories, belts and eyewear. Founding principles of imaginative utility, quality construction, and exquisite materials continue to distinguish Hobo International as the premier lifestyle brand for women who live by their own rules.
Click here to find the Dylan Crossover Bag at eBags.com
Every day, the news seems to be little more than layoffs, foreclosures and economic hard times at companies of all sizes. If you are one of the fortunate ones who is still shopping, it is a great time to be a very particular shopper.
Take for example, this beautiful and timeless hobo from Donald Pliner. Currently marked down 45% off of retail, it is a great investment because it will go anywhere during the day for years to come. It is very well constructed of the finest materials and will notch up any outfit without screaming “IT” bag! It is sophisticated, well thought out and for today, priced very nicely at $308 with free shipping and returns!
Check out what Endless.com has to say about this amazing purse for the ages.
This stunning bag from Donald J. Pliner is intricately constructed of strips of leather woven together. With a braided handle to complement the styling, this medium/large bag fits in with the latest handbag craze, yet the weaving gives it a certain global village feel. Boasting silver accents, an interior back wall zip, and green lining to make your things easy to find, the bag closes with a top zip. Its textured exterior makes this the ideal bag to overstuff and tote around in your car on Saturdays: If it slips onto the floor on the way to and from your errands, kids’ baseball games, and the other myriad muddy things that fill your life, it will still clean up nicely for grown-up activities.
Click here to learn more about this Donald Pliner hobo purse.
I often check in at Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style when seeking inspiration. The other day, I happened upon his three accessory essentials: a classic purse, a good watch and basic black pumps I have to agree except that I don’t wear a watch and use my Red Blackberry Pearl as my timekeeper. Its a practical matter: I just seem to break watches even faster than cell phones!
I talk a lot about purses so here’s a quick summary: a purse should be of high quality but not have the price tag of a vacation; should be large enough to carry essentials but not so large that it adds too much bulk to your stature.
This purse from HOBO is a good value for an investment bag because it has the important classic essentials: the patent leather is true leather, it has high quality hardware, classic styling that will endure and the choice of a strap or a strap. It is on the larger side of acceptable, giving it plenty of room for the daily essentials to be organized. 
Shoes must be beautiful, functional and comfortable. The Marcy Mary Jane Pump is well worth the price because it gets high points for all three of these in my book. It is actually constructed of a perforated patent leather upper for a fun and trendy look. The sole is orhopedic rubber. Check out the shoes on the Endless.com website to learn more about the company and how they built their shoe.
This is a beautiful watch from ESQ, which is my favorite manufacturer of the everyday watch. It is a Swiss watch and has many great qualities generally found in watches with a much higher price tag. It is constructed of Stainless Steel with a Mineral Crystal; Quartz Movement; Pink Mother of Pearl Dial; and Diamond Set Bezel. With its jewelry clasp, it is not likely to slip off of your arm and is water resistant.
With these pieces and a nice set of earrings, you are ready for your day. No additional accessories required.
