Guest Blogger | Handbag Blog from HandbagHeaven.com

February 24th, 2010

Ten Fabulous Handbags for Spring!

Lori from Shortcuts to Fabulous makes it her mission to help her readers live fabulous lives, whether it’s finding the perfect outfit or planning the ultimate vacation. Here she shares her expertise on handbags that will keep you looking fresh and fabulous this spring.

Even though there is still a chill in the air, spring is right around the corner. A fabulous handbag is the perfect way to pull together a great spring look. Luckily for women everywhere, Handbag Heaven has some amazing options that will take you from drab to fab without breaking the bank!

Here are my picks for ten fabulous bags for spring:

1. April Patent Flap Clutch- This clutch is perfect to stash in your office drawer and have on hand for after-work mingling. Pair this bag with a little black dress (LBD), some sparkly earrings, and strappy stilettos, and you have a polished look that is sizzling for spring!

2. Bryce Studded- This bag says hip, chic, and a little dangerous like no other. Create a celebrity inspired look with some skinny jeans, black heels and oversized sunglasses.

3. Allison Messenger Tote- This tote screams weekend chic! Any smart girl will make this bag her go-to weekend purse. Perfect for running errands and brunching it with the girls. You could use this bag with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a fresh, casual summer dress.

4. Darcie Zipper Hobo- This bag will look perfect with the pastels of spring. Wear this fun hobo in the office with a pencil skirt and a cardigan and then use it for your weekend wardrobe with some khaki cargos and a pastel, jewel-encrusted top for a casual but pulled-together look.

5. Alisha Colorblock Satchel- This fun bag will add some mod punch to your wardrobe. Imagine this bag with a sweet little dress and some Mary Jane heels.

6. New York Pebbled Shopper-Add a punch of color to your spring wardrobe with this fun tote. This bag will take you all around town in style and fully prepared and stocked to meet the needs of your busy lifestyle. Pair it with dark wash jeans, ballet flats, and a chunky sweaters in one of spring’s nude shades that is forecasted to be the “It” color this spring.

7. Melie Bianco Flat Zipper Tote- This bag is the bag to have when you need to make a good impression. Try a simple dress, nude shoes, and some demure pearls with this tote for a polished look.

8. Jessa Patent Satchel- The ultra-glossy finish of this bag will add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit. I like it paired with a comfy wrap sweater and leggings to make a comfy outfit look sleek and sophisticated.

9. Bermuda Satchel- This fashionable, timeless plaid satchel will add a touch of preppy, ladylike sophistication to any outfit. This bag is perfect to add some interest to an outfit that would normally be a bit plain. Imagine looking pulled together even on the days when you’re feeling “blah.” Well, you can with this bag!

10. Broad Ripple Satchel- Get some extra attention and some extra compliments with this bag! I love the gold stud details and buckles are perfect for the office or out on the town! Make this bag your everyday bag for spring.

By Haley in Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion, Guest Blogger, Uncategorized | Permalink | No Comments »

February 17th, 2010

How to Wear a Clutch

Milana from the ever-so-useful Fashion Style Advice is back, this time to give us her expert insight on that most feminine of handbags: the clutch. Read on for reasons why you should make this fashion element a staple in your wardrobe.

Handbags are to me what shoes are to Carrie Bradshaw; something you just can’t get enough of! When it comes to wardrobe, handbags are probably a girl’s best friend. They look good, can dress us up and can dress us down, and most importantly, they are the carrier of all of our essentials when we leave the house. They come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors and that’s exactly what makes them fun – they are a feminine item that is both practical and pretty at the same time.

One of my favorite types of bags is a clutch. Why? They are very feminine and very edgy at the same time. They can be worn in many different ways; under your arm, in your hand, around your wrist, or just held with your fingers. You can look very feminine by holding it up in the palm of your hand with your arm stretched out, or very edgy and cool just holding the edge of the clutch in your fingers or under your arm.

The Alisha Distressed Clutch is perfect for both night and day. What I like about this clutch is its functionality – it’s not too small and not too big, either. There’s room for all your must-have beauty items like mascara, lip gloss, and blush, and it also has small pockets for your phone and other things you want to be able to find quickly.

The color of this clutch is very easy to mix with other colors, especially neutral colors like grey, black and white. It can make any neutral outfit look a lot more exciting and fun and a lot more feminine too.

What’s great about this clutch is that is looks great and is practical at the same, and this is not the case with many clutches. They’re all pretty and can make any outfit just a little more feminine, but usually they’re not practical and you can’t have a lot of things in them.

I would wear this clutch to a lunch, a movie or a night out. It’s not practical for going shopping because you have to hold it in your hand, but it’s perfect for a date! You don’t want to look too bulky going out – you want to look relaxed – and this clutch is great for that!

By Haley in Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion, Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

February 10th, 2010

Wednesday Q&A: Milana of Fashion Style Advice

Meet Milana, the lovely editor of Fashion Style Advice. In her corner of the web, Miss M, delivers everything from celeb look how-tos and trend reports, to essential guides, including “7 Items You Should Not Save Money On” and “How to Find the Perfect Bra.” This lady’s sartorial tips are not to me missed, so read on for Milana’s take on our favorite accessory.

Q: Tell us a little about current handbag trends.

A: Handbags are definitely going to be very colorful this year. We are also going to see the handbag as a statement and very unconventional bags like the ones depicting animals.

Q: What is your personal purse style?

A: I like classic handbags that can be worn ten years from now, but I like them to be a bit edgy at the same time. I try to find bags that mix that classic look with a bit of a modern twist like ruffles for instance.

Q: What’s in your purse, always?

A: I always have a little first-aid kit with a concealer, a mascara and a lipgloss. I also usually have a mini perfume so that I can freshen up. I actually do not have a lot in my purse.

Q: What advice would you give someone struggling with which handbag to choose?

A: It all depends on how many bags you have. If you like to stick to one bag for a long time go for a bag that has room for many things and a classic look. Choose a color that suits the rest of your wardrobe or maybe even freshens your wardrobe up a bit. If you mostly wear black and grey clothing, choose a dark purple bag. But make sure to choose a bag that you can stand to look at and won’t get tired of.

Q: Tell us about your blog. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

A: FashionStyleAdvice is about fashion tips for everyday women. The mission of the blog is to get all sorts of fashion advice centered in one place. There are so many blogs out there about fashion, but most of them are fulfilling the purpose of being inspirational. I wanted to create a blog where women could find advice on how to wear what, when and where.

Q: Is there anything else you’re dying to share?

A: Wear your favorite clothes every day!

By Bridget in Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

February 3rd, 2010

Going Bold: Incorporating Bright Handbags into Your Wardrobe

There’s nothing like a brightly colored handbag to make a bold statement or to add some flash and pizazz to a dull outfit. The problem is that many of us – let’s admit it – are scared of bold colors. It’s much easier to fall back on the “safe” neutrals – a nice grey, black, or brown – than to worry about insulting the fashion gods with a badly-chosen handbag/outfit combo. The downside of that? It’s boring!

When the stylish and sassy Misty from Handbags & Handguns (check out her hilarious “Talk of Tinseltown” posts) received a Handbag Heaven purse as a gift over the holidays, we asked for her take on incorporating the bright blue Chloe Tote into her wardrobe. She was kind enough to send us some pictures of her favorite ways to wear her new bag.

Hello! My name is Misty, but you can call me hotpants™. I’m a firefighter wife, mother of two, bookkeeper, and aspiring photographer. Most importantly, I love handbags. I received my first Handbag Heaven bag for Christmas. (Thanks, Mom!) My gorgeous turquoise Chloe Tote is my new best friend. She’s well-made, holds everything I could ever need, and is the center of attention when I go out. I’m not kidding. I’ve had numerous women ask me where I got her, including a preacher’s wife at the tire store. Hallelujah!

I’ve been carrying Chloe around since Christmas. One of the best things about the bag… you can pair it with almost anything. Here are a few of my favorite combinations.

As you can see, the bag works with black or brown, which is a huge plus in my book. My staple colors this winter have been black and grey, so the Chloe Tote has been the perfect accessory to add some color to my wardrobe.

I love this bag and can’t wait to add more Handbag Heaven bags to my collection.

Thanks, Misty! It looks great! Now all of you fashion superstars, take a hint and jump out of your comfort zone. Go for that fantastic purple or sunny yellow you’ve been eyeing. You won’t regret it!

By Haley in Guest Blogger, Uncategorized | Permalink | 7 Comments »

January 27th, 2010

Wednesday Q&A: N+S of Stuff Under Twenty

N+S are back this week to give us some insight on styling in a statement piece. Here, they focus on the ever elusive blue handbag. Best friends and co-founders of the fantastically frugal website, Stuff Under Twenty, these ladies know their stuff, so listen closely.

When we first got the Addison bowler bag, we relegated it to the awesome!-but-not-so-much-for-every-day corner of the closet (there’s a big pile there!). However, as time passed, we were surprised how frequently we reached passed the supposed dailywear bags to the bright blue of the Addison again! It’s definitely a statement piece, but its distinctly classic shape makes it just conservative enough to blend in with any outfit. Here are some of our favorite ways to wear it, and in keeping with the mission statement of our blog Stuff Under Twenty, each item is twenty bucks or less!

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Outfit One: Super Casual

Everyone has those days they automatically reach for the gray in their closet (right? not just us?). There’s something comforting about slipping into shades of neutral on those Mondays and Wednesdays and sometimes those rainy Saturdays. Here’s an outfit for you to dress gray but look bright! Pair skinny cords (Delias.com, $19.99) with an adorable striped sweater (AE.com, $19.95) over a plain black long-sleeve tee (OldNavy.com, $12). Throw on a fun pair of earrings (OldNavy.com, $8.50), grab your bowler bag, and go.

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Outfit Two: Ultra Glam

After a bunch of those Mondays and Wednesday and Saturdays, you’re gonna be itching to go glamorous (at least we are). Here’s an outfit for one of those days when you can pull off anything. A fantastic dress (VictoriasSecret.com, $19.99) cinched with a big belt (Forever21.com, $7.80) and paired with amazing tights (Forever21.com, $5.80) should do it. Go overboard by adding a bib necklace (CharlotteRusse.com, $15.50). Don’t forget your bag!

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Outfit Three: Business Casual

And there are the betweens, right? The ones that most days end up being? Go with simple colors and soft fabrics. A pair of cozy flared brown pants (NYandCompany.com, $19.97) and a white rib knit sweater (Gap.com, $17.99) is a sure bet. Add a funky pair of sunglasses (Alloy.com, $5.99) and your bag and you look like you spent a heck of a lot more time putting yourself together than you actually did!

Hope you’ve been inspired, one way or another. Visit us at Stuff Under Twenty for more affordable goodies!

By Bridget in Blogosphere, Guest Blogger | Permalink | 1 Comment »

January 20th, 2010

Wednesday Q&A: N+S of Stuff Under Twenty

Handbag Heaven would like to offer a warm welcome to our guest bloggers for the week, the stylish (and slightly mysterious) duo known only as N+S. Best friends and co-founders of the fantastically frugal website, Stuff Under Twenty, these ladies make it their mission to collect great deals to share with their readers. I dare you to visit their website and NOT find something you love! Here the ladies give us their take on the world of handbags.

1. Tell us a little about current handbag trends.

S: I love the move to smaller purses right now. It’s definitely time we moved past those shapeless sacks two times as wide as the person carrying them. I’m drawn a little bit to the great new cross-body bags that are on the upswing in terms of trendiness. It’s nice to see simple, classic no-hands bags with a built-in “stop putting stuff in me!” sign.

N: I agree with S and definitely like the no-hands bag idea – but I gotta say, I love the ruffles look, too! It’s usually not my style, but a big ruffly clutch can be just what you need to make a sophisticated outfit pop just a little. Also, I’m loving the red bags that seem to be emerging everywhere – a big dark red leather tote? I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

2. What is your personal purse style?

S: I have two purs-onalities (groan!). My work purse style is very large and structured, with endless pockets and clippy things on the inside, but streamlined and goes-with-anything on the outside. Maybe to combat that, my play purse style leans toward very, very small clutch. I’ve had phases where I’ve just carried a hinge wallet that can pass for a clutch!

N: I love big briefcase-meets-tote bags. Just one big zipper and two handles that you carry around – those are fantastic to me, and hold just about anything I could need or want. But of course, all our Stuff Under Twenty readers know we’re both big clutch fans. A small simple clutch with a snap lock top but also a space for credit cards gets me through just about any event or day of the week.

3. What’s in your purse, always?

S: Oh man. The big purse holds my laptop, a notepad, 4 pencils and 2 pens (can you tell I’m a little anal about this?), a phone charger, a laptop charger, iPod shuffle and headphones, lip balm, fix-it supplies for daily emergencies, my wallet, my phone, my keys, and always, always, a bar of dark chocolate. The little one holds cash, my cards, and that’s it!

N: My wallet, phone, keys, iPod and lip balm!

4. What advice would you give someone struggling with which handbag to choose?

S: I think a lot of people think a handbag doesn’t have to coordinate with their outfits. And while I’m not advocating for matchy-matchy style, you’re just going to end up using it less if you find it doesn’t go with anything. Maybe this advice is extreme, but I’d say either go to the blends-in side or the stands-out side of the spectrum. On the blends-in side, look for neutral colors (black or brown, but sometimes a good metallic), structured, medium-sized purses without too much extra details. Then let your outfits do the talking. On the stands-out side, go for a statement color (I love yellow and red), an unusual shape, and lots of details (exposed zippers, studs, whatever floats your boat). Your outfits will take a back seat but your purse will shine!

N: Go with a classic. Imagine opening your closet and viewing everything in it, and then pick one bag that goes with maybe 10 of the things you wear the most. Go with a classic style as well as color – a structured tote, a simple over the shoulder bag in leather that holds the essentials plus a little something. You definitely need classic handbags in your wardrobe if you don’t have them already!

5. Tell us about your blog. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

Stuff Under Twenty is a shopping blog for the rest of us. We hunt down the stuff – from the big retailers to the tiny independents – that you don’t need to delay gratification for. We feature everything from apparel to art to housewares, we host frequent giveaways, and we love, love, love hearing from our readers! And best of all: everything we post is under $20! Here’s some more background on us!

6. Is there anything else you’re dying to share?

Thanks for the opportunity to share and be sure to check out our site!

By Haley in Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

January 6th, 2010

Wednesday Q&A: Lisa of Fantabulously Frugal

Attention ladies and gents, it is my pleasure to introduce this week’s guest, Lisa, the mastermind behind Fatabulously Frugal. We were so excited when she agreed to join our guest blogging family, as this lovely lady is truly the queen of the online deal hunt. Read on for some fun insight on her blog, readers and necessary handbag contents.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: Well, first off, hello! My name is Lisa and I hang out at my little website that could, Fantabulously Frugal. I’ve been living in Chicago for the past 6 years or so, and while I work in education, have recently realized that bargain shopping is my true love. (Go figure – shopping is more fun than school!)

Q: Tell us about your blog. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

A: When I started Fantabulously Frugal it was in response to all of the “mom” blogs I was reading. About a year ago I decided I should start saving money on groceries by using coupons, so I began reading a slew of mom blogs that taught me how to do just that. While learning about couponing was fab, I was also spending a lot of time reading about things like diaper coupons and ways to score free baby formula. Totally not my cup of tea considering my lack of children. I started thinking that maybe there were more people like me – gals who enjoy bargain shopping but aren’t necessarily moms. Girls who want to have fun shopping without breaking the bank. Thus Fantabulously Frugal was formed.

Ideally I’d like it to be a bargain shopping forum for any and all women. I don’t discriminate on FF – there are deals for all types of women, regardless of size, interests, etc. It’s a bargain shopping hodgepodge. (And just for good measure I like to throw in lots of freebies and giveaways!)

In short, shopping = Fab. Paying full price = Yuck.

Q: Why do you think it has become so popular?

A: I think I’ve gained a great group of readers because my original hunch was correct – there are plenty of women out there who adore shopping for themselves, and like that they can feel less guilty doing so when they’re buying things at incredible discounts. There are lots of websites out there that will tell you what’s on sale everyday. Fantabulously Frugal is different because I personalize every deal. I don’t just post free shipping codes or deals that are sub par. If I don’t *truly* think it’s a good deal, I won’t post about it.

Plus, seriously, when it comes right down to it – who doesn’t love bargains and free goodies? Even ultra-rich celebs love going to parties or award shows and walking out with swag bags filled with free stuff. Cheap stuff is awesome. Free stuff is fantabulous.

Q: How in the world do you find so many amazing freebies and deals?

A: I have been extremely fortunate that not only has FF been embraced by readers, but also by retailers! Retailers will often send me emails about upcoming sales they’re having, which I absolutely love because otherwise I spend hours upon hours on the internet searching for the best deals I can find. And this also means that my readers get some deals you won’t see anywhere else on the internet!

But because writing about the same old stores having sales day after day is boring not only to write about, but also to read about, I spend my weekends scouring fashion magazines looking for new retailers to write about. I love discovering and sharing small and totally random shops, boutiques, online sample sale sites, Etsy sellers, etc.

Q: Switching gears (to our fav topic!), what is your personal purse style?

A: Is “the roomier the better” a purse style? Because that’s totally what I’m about. I’m a short gal so I can’t carry a bag that’s HUGE, but I pretty much carry my life with me everyday. On the weekends I’ll sometimes switch it up and just carry a clutch or wallet, but generally I like my bags to be large enough to carry anything! (And currently I’m carrying Handbag Heaven’s New York Pebbled Shopper. We’re in love.)

Q: What’s in your purse, always?

A: My computer! I cannot be without my computer and it is always in my bag, hence why I need a fairly large bag. Additionally I always have my sunglasses, wallet, Blackberry, keys, hair band, pen, granola bar, the latest copy of Lucky Magazine, and Sugar Rose Lip Treatment. That’s kind of boring, isn’t it? There’s also a few pieces of gum floating around in there somewhere.

Visit Lisa at Fantabulously Frugal for your daily dose of frugal fashion fun!

Do you want to be a guest on the blog? We’d love to have you! Get the info here.

By Bridget in Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

December 16th, 2009

Wednesday Q&A: Michelle of Cool Mama Style

Meet Michelle, a style expert and editor of Cool Mama Style, a site dedicated to keeping budget-conscious mamas stylin’. With spot-on trend reports and savvy deal finds, Michelle and her lovely partner, Kristen, together aim to avenge momjeansitous. Not only do these ladies have keen fashion senses, but they relay their wisdom with an admirable quality of writing and manage to sprinkle in some hilarity. We got the chance to pick Michelle’s handbag-loving brain. Check out what we learned.

Q: Tell us a little about current handbag trends.

A: In one word, COLOR! We no longer have to live with just black and brown. Plum, Red, Yellow, Teal, and Orange are all fantastic colors for any time of the year. I have recently been carrying a purple hobo bag that I carry every day and its goes with anything I wear. It’s a special pop of color added to my outfit and I get a number of compliments on the color.

Q: What is your personal purse style?

A: As a mom, I need to have a fairly sizable bag to carry snacks and a million other little kid things that end up in my bag. That being said, any bag I choose has to have built in organization so that I can find my keys and my cell phone. I recently moved away from a bucket bag that I really loved, but often found myself frustrated that I could not find anything in the bag.

Q: What’s in your purse, always?

A: Aside from the normal wallet and checkbook, I always carry my camera with me in my bag because you just never know when you need to capture that special moment. I also have a number of different lip glosses, my blackberry and MINTS! Oh, and coupons for various stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Ann Taylor, etc.

Q: What advice would you give someone struggling with which handbag to choose?

A: It’s really easy to get caught up into a color or a particular style from an appearance stand point, but you have to remember, that a handbag is supposed to be functional. If you are someone that commutes by train or light rail to work, you probably need a bag that offers a lot of storage for your water bottle, snacks, a book and maybe even a pair of shoes. I personally like a bag that offers the following elements to make my life a little easier; One, a built in clip for your keys. It can be irritating to search the bottom of your bag for 10 minutes when its 10 degrees outside and you need to get in your car or house. Two, I look for multiple built in pockets to store smaller items like my blackberry and lip gloss. Lastly, I find it useful when a bag has a few separating compartments to organize items you use frequently and items that you don’t.

Q: Tell us about your blog. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

A: CoolMamaStyle.com was developed out of our love for fashionable clothing and accessories. We hope to offer advice and tips to bring fashion back into the lives of many moms without spending a fortune. We have a reoccurring feature on our site, Binge or Bargain in which we featured an expensive “inspiration” piece for your closet and follow it up with a more affordable option. It’s been a great feature for many of our readers.

Q: Is there anything else you’re dying to share?

A: Being fashionable and developing your own style doesn’t have to be a chore, it should be fun! Don’t be afraid to try something new like buying a yellow handbag when you normally would choose black.

By Bridget in Blogosphere, Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

November 24th, 2009

5 Tips for How to Dress for Black Friday

As promised, Miss Charissa is back to give us some pointers on Black Friday dressing. I, myself, would have suggested accoutrements more along the lines of a helmet, a bullet proof vest, a numchuck worn scarf-style and so on, but these ideas are a tiny bit more practical. To each their own…

It probably seems like such a silly thing to plan out what to wear based on the events of Black Friday - but I can assure you that you need to plan your shopping attire on a few key points. (And I’m not saying that just because I am a fashion-loving gal, although that does have a little to do with it.)

If you are serious about jumping into the Black Friday craziness, then you need to be prepared from head to toe!

So here we go!

A few things to think about Friday morning, as you get dressed:

1. Be Comfortable – You need to make sure what you choose to wear is super comfortable! You are going to be moving fast to get as much shopping done as possible so a dress is probably not the best choice. Suggestions: Track Suit, Jeans, Comfortable Sweater or Top.

2. Be Cool – Remember that you are going to be doing a lot of walking and a lot of moving. Even if it’s cold outside, be sure you wear lightweight clothing so you don’t get too hot. Suggestions: Layer your clothing so you can take off jackets, or sweaters if you get hot.

3. Step Light – It is imperative that you wear comfortable shoes! Now, I am a shoe freak and love my stilettos and boots, even for shopping, but not, I repeat NOT for Black Friday shopping! Suggestions: Tennis Shoes, Comfortable Flats, Flip Flops, Crocs, Uggs.

4. Feel Good – Now, while you are dressing comfy I still want you to feel great about yourself! If you find a good deal on something for you I want you to get it! And we all know that we are more likely to buy for ourselves when we feel good about ourselves. Suggestions: Wear your Jewelry, Fix up your hair and makeup like you normally would. Just because you might be in a Track Suit doesn’t mean you can’t look great.

5. Learn to use your Bag - Check out my last post on ways to use your handbag to help you out on Black Friday.

Now do you agree that you need to be comfortable when shopping this Black Friday?

(If you’re the type of person who would rather sit around in your PJs than brave the crazed shoppers, there’s a solution for you! Black Friday: Online Shopping and Cyber Monday!)

When you’ve decided what to wear on the big day – leave us a comment and let us know!! I might even blog about you over at Fashion Trend Spotting.

Next Post: Top Ten Best Deals to Look for on Black Friday

By Bridget in Blogosphere, Fashion Fun, Guest Blogger | Permalink | 3 Comments »

November 18th, 2009

Top 3 Ways to use your Handbag on Black Friday

The lovely Charissa of Fashion Trend Spotting was kind enough to deliver two fantastic posts worth of Black Friday shopping wisdom. This week, Miss Charissa tackles the topic of just how to best use your handbag on a post-Turkey Day shopping adventure (aside from its obvious function as weaponry).

Black Friday is only days away and if you’re like most Americans, you are either stoked and waiting at your computer for the Black Friday deals to be leaked, or you’re already planning to sleep in and avoid it at all costs.

Hopefully you plan to put on your shoppin’ shoes (that’s what us Southerners call them) and grab your handbag that has the most room inside and head to the malls!

**Note to men: If you are in the dating or engaged stage and this is your first time to visit her side of the family for Thanksgiving. Yes, it would woo her to no end (and her mother, sister, and aunts) if you offered to tag along and carry bags. However, you might get beat up by dad, brother, and uncles. You see, Black Friday isn’t a typical stroll through the mall. It’s more like a shopping mall wrestling match and the only way to win, is to shed a little blood. Just trust me on this one…spend time with the guys (instead you can take part in Black Friday by buying her something online – check out these great Black Friday deals For Her from eBillme), let her do her Black Friday thing, and don’t ask how much she spent

Ok ladies back to YOU! As I said above, there are two important things you need for Black Friday – Shoppin’ Shoes and a Good Handbag with a lot of room!

I want to focus on the Handbag in this post. (Check my next post for picking out good Shoppin’ Shoes).

Here’s how your roomy handbag can work for you this Black Friday:

1. Stock it with Snacks.

You will need snacks like peanut butter crackers, mini bottles of water, or beef jerky packed away in your bag.

When you are shopping and fighting through the crowds it will take a lot of energy out of you and you won’t realize it.
And if you get to the mall at 4 a.m. (as you should), by 8 a.m. you’ll be sniffing out lunch! Grab and open spot on a bench and eat a quick snack, take a swig of water, and you’re off for phase 2!

2. Categorize your Coupons

Spend time the night before clipping those coupons! Even if you are like me, and hate to keep up with coupons, Black Friday is the day to use them!
Divide them into category, alphabetical, by store, whatever works for you.
Put each grouping in a separate envelope and label the envelope.
Keep them in order in your bag so you can search through them easily.

3. Stuff your Bag.

As you’re shopping, you can easily drop your smaller purchases into your bag to help keep your hands free for coupon pulling!
Of course, the bigger bags will need to be taken out to the car as you get overloaded with bag after bag.

I recommend these fabulous bags that I think are perfect for Black Friday shopping from Handbag Heaven - Zebra Print X-Large Shopper, Rachael Oversized Rhinestone Bag, Large Burlap Polka Dot Tote, and Alessandra Boat Tote.

The most important thing is to HAVE FUN and realize that you are saving a TON by taking part in Black Friday.

Next week: How to dress for the big day!

By Bridget in Blogosphere, Fashion Fun, Guest Blogger | Permalink | 3 Comments »

- Pleased to announce one of our best selling wallets is back in business (i.e. back in stock-that just sounded cooler) http://bit.ly/c5zWtL 5 hours ago
- Awesome post, people. Great graphic! RT @TheLooksForLess: check out my @rzrachelzoe not so basics guide http://tiny.cc/tlfl 5 hours ago
- Anyone catch the new episode of Gossip Girl? Check Jenny Humphrey aka Taylor Momsen purse style on the blog! http://bit.ly/a1cG6u ~J 6 hours ago
- Amy Winehouse has plans to launch a clothing line. Wonder if it will be wig-inclusive. http://bit.ly/augX9O ~B 7 hours ago
- How much would you bid for Robert Pattinson's Birkenstocks? RPatz is auctioning off his "Remember Me" wardrobe. http://bit.ly/c25dMJ ~B 8 hours ago
- Alright kiddies, we know we've said it before, but this best seller is going faster than ever - Snatch her up quick! http://bit.ly/bXeuqs 2010/03/10
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