Designer Handbags

PURSE AND HANDBAG - A WOMAN'S NECESSITY

noreply@blogger.com (handbag junkie) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:19:00 +0000

By: Jnet Verra

BURBERRY METALLIC GOLD DESIGNER PURSE

There are a lot of things women needs, from their beauty needs, such as makeup, to different collection of accessories. These things are now included in a woman's list of necessities. Included in the lucrative collection of most women are purses and handbags. Purses and handbags come in a variety of styles and designs. These are used to carry smaller items like wallets, keys, tissue, makeup, cell phone and the like. These bags are commonly used during evening parties, grand occasions and events like weddings, proms, red carpet events, birthdays and other celebrations.

An evening event is exciting for many women. During this time, the venue is being flooded with gorgeous women wearing elegant dresses, beautiful makeup, and dazzling jewelry and accessories. This makes a purse and handbag more like a necessity. Women need a safe and stylish storage for their compact mirror and makeup for the time when they'd need to retouch. So, a purse or handbag definitely plays an important role.

Both local and online stores cater to this basic lady necessity. They offer many different shapes, sizes, and styles of purses and handbags. In addition to these, they are now having their own fashion statement, whatever their purpose is for. They have also become a fashion trend accessory with many famous designer labels that are now producing their own signature items of purses and handbags.

Purses and handbags are made from a wide range of materials and fabric such as leather, animal fur, animal skin, silk, and cotton. One of the popular bags that have a small to medium size with short handless features is the clutch purse. This is commonly used during an evening celebration.

Many different stores, both local and online, offer a wide variety of personalized purses and handbags too. You can choose whether you want your bag to be personalized by having your name or initials monogrammed or embroidered on the bag.

There are also kinds like the coin purse and whilst purse. A coin purse is typically used to store your stash coins. The size of this purse is big enough to hold money and cards. A whilst purse, normally used by women, but there is also an alternative for men, which is the backpack. These types of purses are now very popular for women and men in today's modern trend.

Women even collect purses and bags among their many accessories, though they would only need one purse at a time. Some women just like to have different styles on hand, so they have lots to choose from. After all, these pretty bags complete their overall outfit during a special event. Of course, the bag that they choose should coordinate with the type of party she will be attending. Whatever the purpose, it's important for women to look good with just the right accessory or purse.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Designer Handbags - You Get What You Pay For

noreply@blogger.com (handbag junkie) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:51:00 +0000

DOLCE & GABBANA designer handbag

Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Prada ... those are just a few of the fab brands in any stylish selection of designer handbags. When shopping the price range for purses, clutches, totes, and shoulder bags can skyrocket. From leather to denim and signature patchwork to retro trims, nothing takes the place of a unique, stylish bag. Adding professionalism, flirtation and charm to any outfit for all occasions is a must in today's fashion world. Don't let your handbag weigh you down; instead find a fashionable bag that catches everyone's attention.

When you buy designer handbags, you are certainly buying into a name that has proven itself time and time again. Designer names aren't dismissed by those in the know and don't go unnoticed by the fashion-forward employers, friends, and contacts you run with. It's just as easy to identify a Coach or Prada bag from a store window as it while walking to work or on an evening out at a fabulous restaurant. Don't let your bag be just a space to keep stuff or rummage through, let it speak for you and your unique tastes adding a hint of intrigue or class. Accent any outfit while still looking put-together and on-the-go.

When buying designer brands, you are also buying assured quality. Well-known manufacturers don't get that way without knowing what a woman's purse must go through. From looking stylish, new, and simple on the outside to carrying cell phones, make-up, and pocketbooks on the inside, your purse can't let you down. Designer handbags offer durable stitching with only the best materials and hardware. The newest technologies in stitching, holing, and clasping are always in high demand in the fashion world and only the best of the best know where to go to find it.

Designer handbags also offer the latest in trends! You're guaranteed to be on the cutting edge of fashion in a bag created by a well-known name brand. From runways straight to the streets of New York, Paris, L.A., and Milan, don't be left behind in last season's best-dressed. Instead, find the latest in polished hardware, woven leathers, and shiny clutches. Designer brands can just as easily be in your closet as they can magazine advertisements and movie premieres. Don't worry about settling for knock-offs; with designer bags you are sure to get what you pay for.

Most importantly, designer bags help accent your already-tasteful outfit and unique personality. Adding a stylish, new bag to an already hip and hot outfit only ensures you'll be part of the spotlight. Add the latest purples, pinks, and golds to any classic black number or include a daring texture with an already lavish and exciting evening dress and you'll be the talk of the town. For a tailored suit or business style skirt, any solid colored, classic lined bag will add that touch of class. A great bag from the best names on the runway can spice up or sophisticate any ensemble.

With the hottest names in fashion available online and at discount prices, you don't need to settle for less.

By Anne Clarke

Sex and The City says BUY don't RENT

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:04:00 +0000

Take a shopping lesson from the experts. Sex and The City Stars advocate the purchase of designer fashion instead of renting.

Jennifer Hudson stars as Carrie Bradshaw's Assistant in this box-office hit! When Carrie meets her new Assistant, she asks her how she can afford to carry an authentic designer handbag. Jennifer Hudson confesses she "RENTS" her bags. Carrie is sympathetic to her and gives her an authentic Louis Vuitton as a holiday gift.

Then, when Jennifer Hudson's character in the movie gets engaged, again, Carrie remarks "it's not a rental."

The moral of this story is this..... It's better to buy than to rent. Renting designer fashion is a waste of hard earned cash!

The best deals for designer fashion accessories are at your fingertips. Shop online and save money.

DKNY handbags for the fashion elite

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:43:00 +0000

DKNY handbags are highly fashionable brand name designer handbags sought after the world over. These fabulous handbags are an expression of style, elegance, and sophistication. Walking around with a DKNY handbag on your shoulder will assure you a role in the world of the fashion elite.

Designer Donna Karan founded DKNY (Donna Karan New York) in 1984 and has built it into a multi-million dollar business, loved by women across the globe. DKNY offers the finest in luxury designer handbags which have become extremely popular amongst fashion Divas and those just wanting a handbag that belongs on a runway model. Every woman deserves the opportunity to own the world's best in designer handbags, and thanks to the internet, any woman can have her own DKNY bag!

DKNY designer handbags are designed with the idea of combining luxury with what is practical and desirable. DKNY is known for being a leader in cutting edge design, passing on the latest handbag styles from the runway right to you. If you want to impress, DKNY will certainly help you do just that.

DKNY handbags can be purchased online at greatly discounted prices in comparison to retail outlets.

Bag it: Bigger the better

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:26:00 +0000

BrandsBoutique is an online store located at eFashionHouse.com

by Manjari Sabharwal

The bigger the better seems to be the latest fashion mantra. This summer big, voluminous handbags have virtually replaced tiny pouches and wallets in offices, colleges and parties alike.

So, we have huge bags in leather, jute, mattie and other materials in striking metallic shades of silver, golden, magenta, copper and the likes with big semi precious stones, huge bows and flowers.

This chic clutter-carrier is a must-have for would-be fashionistas.And why not? The Summer Spring collection 2008 was titled ‘Big’ so here we have oversized bags, shoes, belts and earrings. Says model Sheetal Menon, “Remember, the Spring/Summer 2008 collection was titled ‘Big’? Now big and voluminous accessories will make their presence felt everywhere. Big bags, chunky jewellery, etc will dominate the fashion scene this season. Personally, I love big bags since they are extremely convenient. I can carry almost everything of my use – right from a water bottle to books to cosmetics. I love silver, golden, brown and green though my favourite is the big black colour bag in sheep leather.”

For actress Shreya Saran, trendy big bags have come as a reliever as she used to carry a mini suitcase with her while travelling. She says, “Big bags are a must for me as I need to travel a lot. Earlier, I used to carry a mini suitcase with me. But now that I have a chic looking big bag, I just dump everything in it – be it my I-pod, cell phone, water bottle, books or my small makeup kit. These days I am flaunting a really smart black handbag which looks both formal and casual at the same time.”

Trendsetters believe that the size of these accessories will get even bigger in the coming season. Prominent fashion designer of Kolkata, Suchismita Das Gupta, says, “Big size bags in the beach look are in these days. Metallic shades in all colours and especially gold, silver and copper are seen almost everywhere. In fact, next year, I see much bigger bags. Everything fashionable right from earrings, hair accessories to bags to belts, everything will just get bigger.”

Not just models and actors but our city girls too have fallen for these big bags! Programming head of one of the popular radio channels, Ruchika Arora, says, “Big bags not just look trendy but they are super comfy as well. Whether it is monsoon or summer, you just put in your umbrella, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen and just about everything you wish to keep with yourself. I have a huge bag with a very sporty look.”

These bags are also a great help for women with young children. All those pockets and compartments provide great storage space for items they can’t leave home without! Ravina Wadhawan, who recently had twin daughters, says, “I have to literally carry the entire household along with my twins. I have bought a very fancy pink metallic bag with two big roses embroidered on it. So, it serves both the purposes!”

Call it flashy, loud, gaudy or a necessity, but the craze for big bags is here to stay!

Is a Designer Handbag a Nice Graduation Gift?

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Whether she's into Yoga or an obvious Fashionista, decide the award your girly grad deserves and say "congrats" with an authentic designer handbag for the Class of 2008. You know she really wants a designer purse this year! And, she's all grown up and wants something special.

Shopping Online SAVES YOU MONEY! No travel time or gas to buy! Shop from the comfort of home 24/7!

All the girls are carrying a new purse to their new job. Your little graduate dreams about a new designer handbag. There are many styles and designs to select in price ranges from under $100 to more than $500. It's up to you. Whatever you pick will be a hit. Some of our favorites are Tano bags, Melie Bianco handbags, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro handbags, Gucci Bags, Prada bags, Fendi bags and many more. And, they are all on Sale! See the coupon codes below and start saving on your graduation gifts for that special gal in your life.

Shop the Sale Section. Take an extra 10% off!

Use Coupon OFF10 at
http://www.efashionhouse.com/productlist_saleefh.html/sale/4

Shop Final Clearance. Deep discounts. Plus get an extra 20% off!

Use Coupon OFF20 at
http://www.efashionhouse.com/productlist_saleefh.html/clearance/4

PLUS...Free Shipping $200 Orders & NO Sales TAX Worlwide!

----------

Graduation is here! She wants a REAL Designer Handbag! Have fun shopping! Here's a series of Graduation Tid-Bits we found amusing and thought you might, too!

Bad Graduation Gift Ideas
by Andy

A Briefcase: Oh, thanks Uncle Frank. You getting me this briefcase ensures that I’m supposed to work the same 9-5 office job that you've worked for that last 25 years while complaining about it and cheating on my wife with my secretary. (Sorry Aunt Jane)

“Planet Earth” on DVD: Am I that hard to shop for? How long did it take you to pick this out at Wal-Mart? Do you think that all I do is get high and watch the Discovery Channel? Well guess what, I DO!

“Planet Earth” on VHS: What? There’s like 20 tapes. Get out of my sight Grandma.

Money: What am I supposed to do with this? It's only four dollars.

----------

All Sorts of Graduation Ideas
from My Expression

Graduation Party Ideas
The Traditions of Graduation Party -Traditions are the lifeblood of every college. Traditions connect the students to the past of the college while at the same time preparing them for the future. From the historic to the contemporary, traditions can express a spirit of unity and create a sense of community while providing for loads of fun.

Graduation Planning Checklist - Its Graduation time! You’re planning on hosting a graduation party and you want it to be unique and exciting. Planning any party can be overwhelming and many things can go wrong. So, to be on the safer side, you need to come up with a graduation planning checklist to keep things from bouncing out of control.

The Do’s and Don’ts in the Graduation Party - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and what better excuse to throw a party! Spring is that time of the year for graduation invitations, announcements and gifts. Etiquettes and manners form a very important part of our being social animals.

What To Wear on Your Graduation Day - For 12 (in some cases more) seemingly never-ending years, you obediently went through the schoolyard quarrels, your first boy-girl party, your first date, the Prom, and now finally what you’ve always been waiting for – your Graduation day! This time you’re going to be wearing an outfit that your parents will finally approve of – a gown and a cap ...

Decorating your Graduation Party - So, its graduation day and you’re all set to host a special theme party. Yes, theme parties are fun and a whole lot easier to decorate! Half the fun of hosting a graduation party is decorating the party. You can decorate your room, your lawn, you table, and even your guests! You can turn graduation caps upside down and fill them with balloons or flowers ...

Graduation Speeches Etiquette - The graduation ceremony confirms each student’s quest for knowledge. Traditionally, the ceremony will include a graduation speech that seeks to put each and every students hard work (in some cases, not so hard work) into the perspective of their future. Yes, most of us have heard one or more graduation speeches either as spectators or as graduates ourselves ...

Graduation Gift Ideas - The date is fixed, and the invitations and announcements have already been given out. So, the day has finally come for you students to cry and to cheer and to leave your school or college halls forever. Yes, graduation day is indeed one of the biggest days in everyone’s life. After years and years of hard work, your efforts have finally paid off. You’re happy but ...

Chance to Promote Your Business with Graduation Open House Invitations - Do you plan to host a graduation open house for yourself or one of your children? It may not seem like it could work, but you can actually promote your business when you have an open house. You can start the promotion with something as simple as mention that the open house is being hosted by your business. This will definitely ...

Graduation Announcement Tips, Wording, and Special Poems
Graduation Announcement Wording Tips - Graduation is an important time in life, and should be announced properly. Stationary with crayons and graduation caps on it is an appropriate means of announcing a child graduating from kindergarten. A photo announcement is a nice keepsake for loved ones who are being invited to the graduation ...

Graduation Announcements Wording Ideas - So, you’re graduating from high school or college and you’re busier than ever! Your last year of college is filled with thousands of events and activities that you have never even tried to attempt during your college years. From sending out resumes and applications to asking for letter of recommendation, you have loads ...

Do it yourself Graduation Announcements - A great substitute to printed graduation announcements are announcements that you print by yourself on your personal computer. Not only are these ‘Do-it-yourself’ graduation announcements a lot more economical, but they can also be equally colorful and creative. Start of by using plain white card stock or even plain white paper ...

Sending Graduation Announcements - So, its graduation day and its time to let everyone know that you are a proud graduate. Now that all those seemingly endless years of toil and hard work have finally paid off, it’s finally time to celebrate. First things first, start by sending out graduation invitations and announcements to all your near and dear ones. Most colleges and high schools ...

Graduation Invitations in General and the Etiquette
Graduation Party Invitations - Planning the Party - Everyone who has played a role in the life of the graduate should be sent an invitation to the graduation party. It is understood by most that tickets to commencement are limited, however an open house allows for everyone to congratulate the graduate. - Invitations - You can choose informal themes, such as a backyard ...

Graduation Invitations Etiquette - There is a very good reason why people call graduation ceremonies ‘commencement ceremonies’. This is because graduation does not mark the end; it marks the beginning. Graduation is the achievement of all goals, and rewarding the graduate for his or her hard work is a must. Graduation time is the time to invite friends and family together for an exclusive ...

Choosing Graduation Invitations Theme - Whether for you or a friend, Graduation day is one of the most joyous and welcomed occasions in any student’s life. It marks the end of your educational journey that can sometimes seem to be an endless and intolerable journey. Graduation is a once in a lifetime event, so give this event the honor and prestige that it truly deserves. The very first ...

The Traditions of Graduation Cap & Black Color in Your Invitations - When it comes to graduation invitations or stationary there are some traditions that are still observed by most people. In the majority of samples that you look at while shopping you will find that there are graduation caps in the majority of them. This is simply an obvious choice of décor since it is an invitation for a graduation ...

Graduation Invitations Theme
Casual Graduation Party Ideas - If you want to throw a wonderful party for that special high school or college graduate in your life, don’t assume you have to spend a fortune and put together some very elegant get together. After all, your graduate has already worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment and now just needs some time to relax and unwind. That’s why sometimes a more casual ...

Throwing a Cocktail Theme Graduation Party - Graduating from college is a major accomplishment and is definitely one of the best reasons to have a celebration. However, too many graduation parties are all the same. If you want to throw an amazing party, then you’ll want to take a creative approach with your graduation celebration. One idea is to celebrate with a cocktail theme ...

Throwing a Party for Valedictorians and Summa Cum Laude Graduates - Graduating from high school or college is a huge achievement, but if your student is graduating with honors then that achievement is even more deserving of a special celebration. No ordinary graduation is going to be sufficient. Background on Graduation Honors - If you’re not familiar with all of the “honors” terminology, then ...

Black, Red, and Green for Graduation Invitations - Graduations are one of those major milestones in life that deserve not only to be recognized but also to be celebrated. Whether the student in your life has just earned a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or an even higher degree, you’ll want to find a way to show him or her just how proud you are of their hard work ...
Ideas for a Formal Graduation Party - When we think of graduation parties, sometimes we have the impression that all of them are just full of young people drinking too much and playing loud music. And sure some graduation parties would fit that description pretty well, but that isn’t your only option if you’re planning a celebration for a special student in your life ...

Feng Shui Graduation Party Ideas - Celebrating a graduation is a big deal. The family wants to show their pride at how well their student has succeeded. The student wants to know that he or she has done a good job by achieving this important life goal. When you’re planning something this special, then it only makes sense that you should take into consideration every possible way of ...

Creating Tassel as Embellishments For Your Invitations - If you want to create a graduation invitation that is sure to get the attention of those you invite you can do a lot of it yourself. It can be fun to add your own personal touch to it, even if you order the actual stationary and then create a tassel as an embellishment. Everyone associates a tassel with graduation, so this can be a fun addition! If you ...

Clip-Arts for Graduation Invitations - Do you want to add some fun and uniqueness to your graduation invitation but you aren’t sure what may or may not be appropriate? If so, you aren’t alone. The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of fun or original things that you can do; you simply need to infuse your own style into it and get creative. Anything that you can imagine can generally be created ...

Personalize Your Graduation Invitations with Special Inspirations - A graduation invitation can be just a graduation invite, but there are some great things that you can do to add your personal touch and make it interesting and even inspirational to those that you send them to. There is nothing better than sending out invites that have been infused with your own personal style, whatever that may be ...

Differentiating Masculine & Feminine Invitations Theme - Because both men and women graduate from high school as well as college there needs to be a way to differentiate between invitations that are more appropriate for men and those that are more appropriate for women. This is not to say that there aren’t invitations that are appropriate for both genders, but if you want something that ...

Seasonal Graduation Invitations
Show Your Patriotism with Patriotic Graduation Invitations Theme - Over the last couple years the patriotism in our country seems to have been renewed and this includes the young, the old, and everyone in between. If you are graduating from high school or college why not share your patriotism with others with a patriotic invitation theme? Why go drab when you can serve to inspire those that ...

Graduation Photo Christmas Cards - Are you graduating early? Many students that graduate early, graduate in the winter months, which is a great opportunity to do something different with your graduation invitation. You can not only send an invite to all those that you would like to attend your graduation ceremonies; you can send a Christmas greeting at the same time by enclosing a Christmas card with a photo ...

After The Graduation
Sending Graduation Thank You Cards - So, your graduation day has come and gone, the ceremonies were amazing, the graduation party was brilliant, and above all, the graduation gifts were super cool! The graduate is happy, the graduate’s guests are happy, everyone is happy. But, after the ceremony, party and gifts comes the most daunting part – sending out ...

Graduation Photo and your Scrapbooking Project - Honoring the graduate is one of the most important parts of the graduation ceremony. If you’ve organized your photo albums over the years, then everything should be up to date. But, if you are like most of us, then you’re family photos are probably piled up in boxes in the attic. Since you are going to be graduating pretty soon, now ...

Career Guide After Graduation - Transitioning out of college can be both, an exciting as well as a scary experience. There are newer and tougher challenges to face, unwritten laws to be followed, unexplored opportunities for progress – and humiliation – in every nook and cranny. While recent graduates and most other college students are preparing themselves to become experts ...

Reunion Graduate Party Planning - Once you graduate, you only get to see you friends every ten years at each reunion! So you want to have a fun reunion party this time and not a boring formal one? Planning for your reunion would mean coming up with a special plan or an idea for the party. From the decorations to the food and particularly the entertainment, your graduate reunion party ...

Celebrate Memorial Day with American Fashion Designers

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Use coupon code MDS08 for an extra 20% off. Click Here!

Celebrate Memorial Day in style and take an extra 20% off all the American Designers at eFashionHouse.com. We owe a lot to the European influence when it comes to fashion. Yet, the American Designers produce an image we call, "Home." People like Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Melie Bianco and Elaine Turner pave the way for upcoming American fashion influence.

Designers like Tano Bags, BCBG, Coach, Dooney & Bourke and Brighton bring a sense of American style and unique image to their collections. We honor all the American Designers this season and celebrate with them for Memorial Day 2008.

Whether you are looking for a new handbag, wallet, tote or leather shoulder bag, you can find a perfect American Designer Handbag for an unbeatable price. But don't lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day. We celebrate in honor of many people who have died in military service protecting our country. It's really about honoring our heros.

Yes, we are addicted to fashion, and we admire the creative design process. We are always seeking a bargain, and we shop online for the best deals we can find. So, get ready for Memorial Day with a celebration of American Designers at an additional 20% off, and remember our heros who lived their lives to make America our home.

MORE ABOUT Memorial Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. US Eastern time. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers place a U.S. flag upon each gravesite located in a National Cemetery.

Many politicians and community leaders give speeches at community gatherings on Memorial Day.In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, family gatherings, and sporting events. Some Americans also view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer and Labor Day as the unofficial end of the season. The national Click it or ticket campaign ramps up beginning Memorial Day weekend, noting the beginning of the most dangerous season for auto accidents and other safety related incidents. The USAF "101 Critical days of summer" begin on this day as well. Some Americans use Memorial Day to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen.

Flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day 2006.Memorial Day formerly occurred on May 30, and some, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), advocate returning to this fixed date, although the significance of the date is tenuous. The VFW stated in a 2002 Memorial Day Address, "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

Following the end of the Civil War, many communities set aside a day to mark the end of the war or as a memorial to those who had died. Some of the places creating an early memorial day include Charleston, South Carolina; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Columbus, Mississippi; many communities in Vermont; and some two dozen other cities and towns. These observances eventually coalesced around Decoration Day, honoring the Union dead, and the several Confederate Memorial Days.

Decoration Day, c. 1900. "You bet I'm goin' to be a soldier, too, like my Uncle David, when I grow up."According to Professor David Blight of the Yale University History Department, the first memorial day was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic race track in Charleston. The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who had died while captive. A parade with thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers was followed by patriotic singing and a picnic.

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the birthplace because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter, and because it is likely that the friendship of General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who led the call for the day to be observed each year and helped spread the event nationwide, was a key factor in its growth.

General Logan had been impressed by the way the South honored their dead with a special day and decided the Union needed a similar day. Reportedly, Logan said that it was most fitting; that the ancients, especially the Greeks, had honored their dead, particularly their heroes, by chaplets of laurel and flowers, and that he intended to issue an order designating a day for decorating the grave of every soldier in the land, and if he could he would have made it a holiday.

Logan had been the principal speaker in a citywide memorial observation on April 29, 1866, at a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois, an event that likely gave him the idea to make it a national holiday. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization, Logan issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle. The tombs of fallen Union soldiers were decorated in remembrance of this day.

Many of the states of the U.S. South refused to celebrate Decoration Day, due to lingering hostility towards the Union Army and also because there were very few veterans of the Union Army who lived in the South. A notable exception was Columbus, Mississippi, which on April 25, 1866 at its Decoration Day commemorated both the Union and Confederate casualties buried in its cemetery.

The alternative name of "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, but did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967 . On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend and for the first time recognized Columbus Day as a federal holiday. The holidays included Washington's Birthday (which evolved into Presidents' Day), Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971 . After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply at the state level, all fifty states adopted the measure within a few years, although Veterans Day was eventually changed back to its traditional date. Ironically, most corporate businesses no longer close on Columbus Day or Veterans Day, and an increasing number are staying open on President's Day as well. The holiday has endured as one where most businesses stay closed because it marks the beginning of the "summer vacation season" (similar to neighboring Canada's Victoria Day, which occurs on the prior Monday).

Designer Handbag Steals & Deals - Sale in progress now

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:43:00 +0000

Budget Shopping Online - Huge Designer Handbag Sale at eFashionHouse! In today's tight budgets, there's always hope for online bargain hunters. Click here to enjoy a huge Sale on all your favorite Designers like Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Coach, Tano bags, Murval, Melie Bianco, Elaine Turner handbags, Pietro Alessandro and many, many more! For more information.

Whether you love leather or just want a new purse to tote around town, you must see the sale currently in progress. The Sale Section is marked down plus use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off. The Clearance Section is as low as possible plus use coupon code OFF20 for an extra 20% off.

Enjoy designer handbags and accessories at unbeatable prices. Plus, guaranteed lowest prices for Tano, Elaine Turner, Murval and Melie Bianco. Click here for details.

How To Find The Perfect Handbag

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:35:00 +0000

PRADA handbags

By Mary Olaya

Let's be honest. These days there are hundreds of handbag styles to choose from. So as a consumer, where do you begin? Do you follow the fashion experts? Does the latest It handbag necessarily mean you must have that bag this season? Do you choose one that compliments your figure and works well with your wardrobe? Or do you choose quality with an affordable price tag?

Well, the answer is Yes - for all of the above. But there are also other factors to consider too.

Trying on a handbag is just as important as trying on clothes. Where your handbag rests will actually draw the most attention. If someone is glammed up, the first detail others will notice is accessories, most likely your handbag. A handbag can make or break your look.

The most important factor to consider when choosing the right handbag for your body type is Size and Shape. That choice is more difficult for tiny and shorter ladies.

Small and classic handbag shapes generally work best. Focus on smaller handbags that fit tightly and comfortably underneath your shoulder. It's all about proportion. Stay away from large, rectangular shapes. Small shoulder handbags are a great alternative. They work perfectly with figure proportions and add length to the body and arms. More defined round shapes, such as the gaucho & silverado styles, work too.

Also consider the handles and their positioning. The handle drop should not have too much. A handbag that sits below your hips will make you appear shorter. If you need a sling/messenger bag, be sure the shoulder strap is adjustable and let the bag rest near your hips and no lower. Avoid oversized, bulky bags unless you need an overnight or weekender. Big sizes will not flatter your shape.

Another perfect alternative is clutches. Go for different colours and styles. Clutches are versatile during the day and will carry all your necessities in the evening.

There are also limitations for taller ladies. Although they have a height advantage, some styles still won't work. If you're tall or slim, your long limbs work well for more rectangular and square structured shapes, such as motorcycle and paddington styles.

If you're not already a fan of oversized bags, get cracking. Oversized handbags are definitely - In. Fashion has embraced the oversized trend in handbags and clothing lately. What's the best tip? It's what our parents told us for years. Less is more. So consider a bag that's not too oversized. Don't go over the top. Go for box styles or rectangular shapes. The biggest blunder many make with these styles is practicality. Never carry an oversized bag empty. Oversized bags look flat and empty with just your wallet and keys inside. Use these bags as a useful shopping tote. Now, that's just plain easy.

Never let an oversized shoulder bag sit pass your hips. Straps should be short or adjustable. Not only will the handbag look better, but its weight won't put pressure on your lower back. It's important for you to move comfortably and easily.

Let the handbag speak for itself. Do the inside compartments hold all your necessary essentials? Do you like its style and overall look? In the end, you have to be happy. After all, a handbag should be a girl's best accessory, not a burden.

The Top 7 Designer Handbags For Rich Stuck-Up Snobs

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:39:00 +0000

by Monique E. from Gather

Starting from number 7 and ending at number 1 lets look at the top 7 designer handbags made for the richest, most stuck-up snobs.

Number 7: The Prada Frame Bag

This krucsa colored, structured crocodile bag made by Prada first appeared in 2006 on the runway in Milan. Being the most basic bag on the list, it gets spot number 7. You can own this bag for $15,090

Number 6: The Yves Saint Laurent Muse Bag

This spacious but refined bag is an imitation of a traditional bowling bag. However most bowling bags weren't made out of crocodile. Although this is a stunning bag, it only gets spot number 6 on our list. You can own this bag for $18,990

Number 5: Marc Jacobs Carolyn Crocodile Bag

This quilted purple crocodile skin bag is an eye catching bag from Marc Jacobs. However it's still just your basic snob worthy bag so it rests in spot number 5. You can own this bag for $30,000

Number 4: The Black Crocodile Fendi B Bag

This structured bag is one of Fendi's top bags. The Black Crocodile B Bag definitely deserves a spot on the top end of our list. With a hefty price tag of $27,700 you can see that this is only a stuck-up snobs bag.

Number 3: Chanel Crocodile Biarritz

Following with the crocodile skin theme, this Black Chanel bag has a very limited supply with only a few at each store, making spot number 3 on our list, this is a total snobs bag. You can own this bag for $43,150

Number 2: The Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag

Made of 15 different Louis Vuitton patterns cut up and reassembled, the 4 bags that were available in the U.S. are sold out leaving only 20 available in Asia and Europe. Having such a limited quantity gives this bag spot number 2 on our list. It is obviously owned only by rich, stuck-up snobs. You can own this bag for $42,000

Number 1: The Hermes Birkin In Croc Porosus Lisse

The Birkin, named after the 60's fashion icon Jane Birkin is the sign of ultimate luxury. This Croc Porosus Lisse Tote shines 9-carat diamonds with 1.86-carats of diamonds on the lock itself. This made to order bag is definitely at the top of our list, only the richest, most stuck-up snobs can get their hands on this bag. You can dream of owning it for $148,000

Casandra Brooks is a designer purse enthusiast, always willing to talk Designer Handbags or almost anything designer orientated. On her spare time Casandra researches Designer Purses.

Louis Vuitton 2008 handbag collection.

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:40:00 +0000

from designer handbags blog

Think Louis Vuitton is all about richy-rich classic monograms and tobacco hues? Think again. The purses that rolled down the runway at the Paris Fashion Week Louis Vuitton spring show revealed a dramatically funkier, and quite refreshing, spirit. Monogram prints were deconstructed, distressed, and emblazoned with quotations; purple, pink, and green ostrich leather added a vibrant punch; a funky blue handbag paired gold coil handles with a silk pastel monogram-meets-grafiti front; and logo-embroidered bags were splashed in technicolor shades and accented with large Flintstones-like stones. There were gorgeous peach ostrich satchels; laminated prints that recalled Mexican tablecloths; embroidered cartoonish illustrations; and multicolored snakeskin handles. It was an explosion of colors, prints, and textures. In other words, it was a dismantling of the old Louis Vuitton norm. This collection make luis vuitton change its image and make them more classy and stylish looking brand when it comes to designer handbags.

CHANEL NAKED BAG designer handbags

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:57:00 +0000

CHANEL NAKED BAG designer handbags clear Chanel classic designer purse black. An authentic Chanel Naked Bag priced just right. Comes with all the trimmings. Cards, sleeper bag and box. Ideal size for everyday or evening. Perfect bag for all year wear. Dress it up or carry it wearing your favorite jeans and a T-shirt. Clear body with black leather trim. Silver hardware and chain strap woven with black leather. It's a classic, it's CHANEL.

The Chanel Press release about this bag reads:

How many secrets can a woman’s bag hold? Having passed through the x-ray machine, CHANEL’s new Naked Bag will answer this enigma when travelling by plane or train. To travel with transparency, Karl Lagerfeld came up with a mini-collection of plastic and truly bare bags. Simultaneously elegant and practical, all have black, gray, golden or white piping, or are purposely left bare. Stylish and aesthetic, they come in three models in a range of four colors. Nothing to hide? Dare to bare it. Shimmery gold leather trims this clear Chanel classic bag, topped by a signature chain-wrapped leather strap and logo.

Features a single inside pocket drop handle. The Chanel Naked Bag in classic flap front design with a CC turn lock closure measures about 11"L x 7"W x 3" depth and has a long chain strap which can be carried over the shoulder doubled or made longer into a single shoulder strap. See photos for more details. eFashionHouse.com is recognized as the top online retailer of off-priced authentic CHANEL handbags & accessories by About.com.

For more information, please visit the eFashionHouse.com Press Page - Click Here.

CHANEL items are priced as marked and always below retail.

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother’s Day

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:23:00 +0000

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. EFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

Karl Lagerfeld turns DJ as he makes his videogame debut

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:33:00 +0000

DJ Karl promises to keep the "buzz of electronic music alive" and ensure "disco never dies"

Veteran Chanel designer to appear in Grand Theft Auto as DJ Karl

Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary designer at the helm of Chanel, is almost as renowned for his musical tastes as for his fashion nous. He has already released an album of his favourite electronica and dance tunes, and now he is poised to pop up in the latest version of the global gaming hit Grand Theft Auto as a virtual DJ.

It is the latest move in a career that has seen the designer repeatedly break out of the traditional world of fashion and create waves off the catwalk. And it again shows that, despite being a veteran of the style scene, he is at the cusp of new technology and trends.

Herr Lagerfeld, or Kaiser Karl to use his nickname, will become "DJ Karl" on the game's K109 The Studio station, which gamers can tune in to while wreaking havoc on the fantasy streets of Liberty City. DJ Karl promises to keep the "buzz of electronic music alive" and ensure "disco never dies", spinning tunes influenced by the famous sound stylist Michel Gaubert.

Lagerfeld has peppered his selection with his infamous rapid-fire commentary, telling gamers he is "keeping things moving with the music that liberated all of us, taught us we were all the same, showed us that computers were our friends".

A shock move from the man who keeps the ladies who lunch in chic suits, genteel pumps and quilted handbags? Or merely the latest volley from someone who hungers for novelty the way mere mortals might hunger for their supper?

This year Lagerfeld has been remodelled in lead as a 10cm Pixi figurine and is being sewn into a Steiff teddy bear, complete with his trademark dark glasses. Then there is his foray into the world of contemporary art and design with the Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion, a pop-up art gallery roaming the world that he devised with the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

"It seems like a contradiction to see someone as old as Lagerfeld [who is in his late 60s or early 70s depending on who you believe] in a computer game, but it isn't because he has that sense of innovation and need for a new outlet," said Tim Jackson, principal lecturer at the London College of Fashion. "Plus he seems young because of his personality."

As Lagerfeld himself recently said: "I may be mature, but I'm also childish." He also likes to see himself as allied more with the younger generation than with his contemporaries. "People of my generation, I don't have the best relationship with," he said in a recent interview.

Sarah Harris, a feature writer at Vogue, said: "In marketing terms, it's a great way to introduce him to a much younger generation of Chanel shoppers. I can see why something like this would appeal to someone like him; he is a visionary. Plus, from a video-gaming and illustration point of view, there is no better fashion designer to depict. With his steely hair, stiff collars, suits and Chrome Hearts rings, he is immediately recognisable and would translate beautifully in animation."

Lagerfeld has his friend Daphne Guinness to thank for his stint on Liberty City's airwaves; the fashion stylist and brewing heiress introduced the designer to Grand Theft Auto's makers.

Anya Hindmarch - Designer Handbags Extravanganza!

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:01:00 +0000

The famous designer who started many designer handbags trends is Anya Hindmarch. She alone produced the photo bags with montage images. She alone made "statements" on purses one of the most famous successes. Anya Hindmarch has left her mark! Her designer handbags are authentically hers. The designs are functional, versatile and made of the highest quality your money can buy. Moderately priced in today's designer handbag market, grab an Anya Hindmarch handbag whenever you can. They are collector's items.

Shown above. ANYA HINDMARCH designer handbags ossie metallic leather in bronze shoulder bag designer purses. Leather shoulder bag in bronze metallic with twin pocket sections and twin magnetic flap closure. Features AH gold lettering and the pale gold J shaped strap fitting. A durable printed calf hide. Measures approximately 14 W x 14 H with a 6 inch depth. The strap measures about 17 inches long with a 6 inch drop. Fully lined interior with the AH logo monogram. One back wall zippered pocket. One patch pocket and pen holder and key clasp. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. Click here for more details.

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:13:00 +0000

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Dooney & Bourke's 'duck' trades up

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:35:00 +0000

Dooney & Bourke Handbags

By Vivian G. Kelly
Special Correspondent

The $7 billion handbag market is the fastest-growing segment of the fashion industry. And there's a potential goldmine for a firm with a luxury bag that becomes a big hit. Norwalk-based Dooney & Bourke has been working on its brand image in an attempt to capture a bigger piece of this lucrative pie. The firm has been known for more than 30 years as a leather goods maker that offers well-made bags combining superior materials and craftsmanship. Until recently, it was best-known for classic and traditional design.

Dooney & Bourke is one of the most successful handbag brands in the U.S., second only to Coach. Since 2003, the company has taken on a challenge - it's making an effort to capture a piece of the teen and young adult market. Competition is fierce, particularly as consumer spending slows, even in the luxury brand sector. Said a highly placed industry source who requested anonymity, "Retail numbers came out on Jan. 10, and they were really horrible. Creating a winning handbag is a marketing exercise for a company. The competition is very steep in this area. Women have gravitated to expensive status handbags.

"Like anything though, it's cyclical, like this whole designer jean brand phenomenon, which has seen its peak a few years ago. Everyone's trying to slice and dice a different way. The reason why fashion companies love handbags is because you don't have to worry about sizes and seasonal styles. If a style gets some traction, they can keep rolling it out." These days, however, having a good product is not enough. Buzz and glamour are needed to get to the next level with your brand.

"I was impressed by their spring 2008 line," said Richard Spiegel, editorial director at thefashiontribune.com. "They are following their competition like never before, and they are right on trend. Current styles are metallic. They have gold and silver lines, a patent leather line, which is a huge (trend) and should perform well." The company has a good understanding of its customer and offers more reasonable prices, he said. Peter Dooney and Delta Bourke founded their handbag business in 1975. From the start, the company prided itself on producing what it calls "affordable luxury," meaning its products are priced within the reach of a modest budget.

In 1981, the duo opened The Company Store in Norwalk. They became known for their collection of well-made, functional women's handbags with the easily identifiable whimsical brass duck nameplate. Their all-weather pebbled leather satchels and totes were their most popular designs, making them a staple for working women throughout the 1980s.

Coach comparison
Like Coach, Dooney & Bourke is known for its mass availability and signature style. It also is closely related to Coach in its pricing structure. Most D&B bags range from $100 to $600, with most from $200 to $400. According to research from New York-based Coach, it's the U.S. leader with 31 percent market share in the "B+" handbag/leather goods league. Although Dooney & Bourke runs second to Coach in profits, it's rumored that it's not by much, and it appears to be closing in on the accessories giant.

Coach expects its total revenue from worldwide sales to increase 21 percent this year through June 28. That D&B is profiting almost as much as Coach, which has been in the business nearly 30 years longer, is making observers wonder where D&B will stand in the next decade. In Dooney & Bourke's case, a stronger, brand image could result in catching and surpassing Coach. There would be some trade-off for trading up, though. There are advantages to the consumer in buying a "B+" rather than A handbag. Similar to Coach, Dooney & Bourke bags are available, with no waiting lists to contend with as at Louis Vuitton and Hermes, big players in the A leagues.

D&B bags are available at department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Nordstrom's and Saks 5th Avenue. The higher-priced D&B designs are available in its free-standing stores. The reward for graduating to the "A" leagues is huge and worth taking on a branding shift. In an article on Feb. 15, 2007, on www.fashionunited.co.uk, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton reported a 30 percent surge in 2006 profits to $1.88 billion. Revenue jumped 10 percent to $15.31 billion.

"The excellent performance in 2006 illustrates the vitality of our major brands, which continue to strengthen and gain market share," Chairman Bernard Arnault said in a statement. "The year also confirmed the strong potential of our high growth rising star brands and the group's leading position in emerging markets."

Young Hollywood
D&B's success has been most recently driven by its celebrity endeavors, beginning with a successful bid for inclusion in the elite group of products selected for the "goodie bags" given to the presenters and performers at the 75th annual Academy Awards in 2003. Peter Dooney created a hand-stitched mini tassel bag, which got the company noticed in Hollywood, and added some sparkle to the previously "classic" brand. In 2003, Dooney built on his success at the Oscars, and took the next step - to launch the "It" Collection of purses that range from $65 to $225 and are aimed at teens.

The must-have phenomenon can be traced to 1997, when Fendi created the Baguette bag and found itself with a runaway success and huge waiting lists across the globe. Fendi had a hit on its hands especially after Sarah Jessica Parker carried the bag on television's "Sex and the City" and spurred sales. Successes such as these have followed at Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Chloe.

Dooney set about putting together a collection of handbags with the young female demographic in mind. He collaborated with Teen Vogue to create an "It" Team. Teen Vogue chose four "It" girls and teamed them with four senior accessory students from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

The teams were sent to Milan, Italy, to attend accessory trade shows, visit leather factories and have design meetings. Their mission: To create a hot "It" bag collection that would make magic at retail. Dooney's project is an ambitious one, most accessory houses content themselves with one must-have bag per season, if they're lucky.

Guest designers
Dooney then enlisted a collection of "It Girls," including actresses Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Emma Roberts and, most recently, Hayden Panettiere, to co-design bags that would be featured that season. Each starlet also starred in the season's ad campaign to promote her bag. With these efforts, the company hopes to raise brand level awareness. D&B's current "It Girl," Panettiere stars in NBC's hit show, "Heroes," and her bag is called "the Hayden." For spring 2008, Panettiere created her dream handbag with Dooney & Bourke.

After several revisions and with input from Panettiere, the limited edition Hayden Bag was finalized and is available for $500 at freestanding Dooney & Bourke boutiques, as well as department stores such as Lord & Taylor and on www.dooney.com. Advertisements showing Panettiere and her bag are featured in the winter and spring issues of fashion glossies, from Teen Vogue to Vogue.

"The strategy of teaming with young starlets has helped to bring new customers to the Dooney line," said Lavelle Olexa, senior vice president of advertising, sales promotion and public relations for Lord & Taylor. "Miley Cyrus (aka 'Hannah Montana') would be a great candidate for a future Dooney partnership because she encompasses classic style with a young freshness that is reflective of the Dooney line for spring."

The Hayden bag was presold, meaning there was a waiting list for it from the beginning. Its pricetag is a fraction of that of a limited edition Louis Vuitton Patchwork bag, which retails for $42,000, according to www.styledash.com. "Dooney's kind of like a sleeping giant that has woken up," said Paula Correri, accessories editor at Tobe. "They've built a strong core business; their business is much broader than just the teen market. The entire collection has evolved, and they've moved forward and pushed the fashion quotient, in a good way. The quality speaks for itself; the design is now catching up with the quality.

"D&B's just below Coach, they're both core brands for a lot of the major department stores," Correri said. "For the last three or four years, Dooney's partnered each season with that in-tween celebrity, going after the younger demographic. Thus far they've chosen the right person, but it's tricky. Lindsay Lohan (former Dooney It Girl) just had the Jill Stuart handbag ad, but it blew up when she went into rehab." But Marilyn Kirschner, editor-in-chief at thelookonline.com and former longtime fashion market editor at Harper's Bazaar, questioned the company's decision to use young starlets. "I don't know who they're trying to get (as a consumer), it's not like getting Angelina Jolie or Gwyneth Paltrow, and it's kind of getting the third-tier starlet," she said.

Industry perception
In the luxury sector, perception is huge. Dooney & Bourke differentiates itself from other leather goods companies by offering high quality leathers and a well-respected brand recognition, Olexa said. "This has developed brand loyalty," she said. "Dooney's target ranges from 12-to-20 year olds with their novelty prints to 25 to 55-plus with their classic signature and leather bodies." These middle- to upper-middle-class women understand and follow fashion, Spiegel said, and are willing to pay $400 to $600 for a well-constructed, stylish bag.

"They capitalize on the 'luxe' market, but D&B's not intimidating," Kirschner said. "It's for the Greenwich, Darien and Upper East (Side) crowd that are not overly adventurous and want the security of something that is acceptable but not too fashion forward." The company has a store at tony Westchester Mall in White Plains, N.Y. For lower Fairfield County, the shopping trip will soon be shortened with a Dooney & Bourke store set to open later this year at 250 Greenwich Ave. in Greenwich. "While the glamorous element eludes them at the department stores, the numbers they're making seem good, and the company is helping itself by putting more dollars into celebrity guest to help create more fashion forward designs and a more fashion forward image," Correri said.

- Vivian G. Kelly is the owner of the fashion blog, www.lyramag.com, and is an online instructor for San Francisco's Academy of Art Fashion Department

Buy Coach Handbags At A Discount

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:53:00 +0000

COACH designer handbag mini signature khaki and mahogany
colored flap bag F10926 designer purses.

By Ross Bassette

Coach handbags are a hot product these days. These handbags are fashionable, practical and oh so stylish. However, the best part is you can find the best Coach handbag styles like Bleecker and Carly for a fraction of what you would pay in department stores by shopping online.

Coach produces some of the most sought after handbags in the world. Its company began in 1941, as a small family run business in a small loft in Manhattan. The goal was to produce quality handbags with a reputable name standing behind them. These handbags have become synonymous with quality American craftsmanship and are an icon of great American design.

Coach handbags are large and roomy, yet still highly fashionable. Designs from fifty years ago are still in style and remain in great demand. Among the contemporary favorites are the Bleecker and Carly Handbag collections.

Carly
For starters, the Carly is soft and slouchy and comes in a variety of styles and colors that are sure to please any handbag enthusiast. Its made of soft materials with iconic lines. The Coach Carly handbag comes in styles such as the classic signature, leather, canvas, pouch, and the New Signature Cotton. With all of the newer styles emerging bi-annually it's no wonder the Carly is one of the most popular collections in the Coach line of handbags. With its sophisticated style and fashionable looks, it has become a bag that women of all ages will gladly carry around for all to see.

Bleecker
Chic Style has swept the nation with its latest look from Coach. These handbags have re-defined the look of sophistication. Classic duffles from the 1970s have been brought back and re-styled for today as the classic icons of the collection. Other Bleecker handbag styles feature the same unique details, soft, burnished leathers and signature fabrics that evoke a look that is truly modern and distinctively Coach.

The Bleecker handbag affordable luxury popular with women, the world over. These bags look more sophisticated with their more subtle and earthy tones. They are designed with the signature styles such as the hobo, duffles and flaps.

If you are looking for that perfect handbags and want to save some money, the best way to go for that is online. Just be sure to use common sense when shopping on eBay. Always check for authenticity and do not be afraid to email the seller with questions. There is good news for the price conscious that do not care to pay full price for these fabulous designer bags. You can save 50%-60% on Coach Handbags by shopping online. Remember, use your common sense and do not get in a bidding war.

Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:58:00 +0000

Elaine Turner Handbags

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

Designer Handbags

Service@i-GlobalMall.com (i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:46:00 +0000

We'll be back soon! Save this blog!