How to buy a great handbag!
If you're investing a a day bag that you plan to use a lot, choose leather and the best quality you can afford. Beautiful leather looks good as it ages. You can smell high-quality leather, while cheap leather won't smell of anything. Only go for a fabric or suede style if you won't be using it every day, as these tend to be less hard-wearing.

If your bags tend to get a worn, opt for textured leather, which is good for disguising scratches. Hobo International has "pebbled" textures and Betsey Johnson's bags are great for textures.
What sets a high-quality bag apart from the rest is the way it looks inside. You can't fake an expensive interior. In general, this means a securely stitched suede or canvas lining and the more inside pockets it has, the better.

As well as being stylish, a brightly colored lining makes your possessions more visible than a dark interior does.

Make sure the opening of the bag is generous enough for you to fit your entire hand in easily. It should open wide enough for you to be able to see all the contents at a glance.

Store your handbags in a dust bag. Don't keep leather in plastic because it needs to breath. Store your handbags side by side on a shelf away from direct sunlight.

Don't ever use a shoe polish on leather bags and don't ever dry wet leather with a hairdryer or on a radiator as it will destroy its natural oils.

Need a handbag for work? Here's what to look for...

Look for a bag that is big enough to carry everything you need. Consider the way you travel to work and if you go by train or bus a bag that goes over your shoulder or a crossbody bag will be the most comfortable. If you drive to work you can go for a hand held design if tha is your choice.

Find a bag that fastens securely especially if you use public transportation. It should have a zip top with no openings. If you fall in love with somehting that doesnt close, make sure it has a zip compartment inside for your valuables. Remember the correct work bag will give your professional confidence a boost. Think about how it will look on your arm. A great looking bag will have you looking great and give you confidence.

Work dosen't have to equal a lack of style. If you have to dress in a uniform or in black your bag is a great way to express your fashion style. A bright color like burgandy or teal can look fabulous and make sure you choose a style you really have to have - after all you'll be using it everyday!

Here are some more ideas:

*If you tend to carry a lot of thing with you, look for straps that go all the way around and under the bag. These handbags provide the best support. Check our Betsey Johnsons crossbody designs.

*Don't think you have to stick to classic colors like balck and brown when you are buying that special handbag. A bright or strong color that doesn't match any of your clothes will work beter with a black coat than a dark, neutral bag that isn't exactly the same shade.

*Hand-stitching is a real indicator of quality. Look for a knot between every stitch. Betsey Johnson's Whip it Good bag has beautiful hand stitching!

*Shoulder straps need to be long enough to hand over your thickest winter coat, but make sure they're not too long or you won't be able to comfortably carry the bag by hand.

*Check for well-finished edges. Cut edges should be sealed properly so they won't fray. If they are folded make sure they are stitched together rather than glued.

*Look for weighty, quality hardware. Zips for example should be made of metal