What's in Your Bag?

I'm Asking: Have You Ever Canceled a Vacation?

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:01 -0800

After the oft-annoying planning and booking process, the last thing on my mind is canceling a vacation. However, I once preliminarily booked hotel rooms for a pal's birthday with a 24-hour-notice cancellation policy directly from the resort's website. I knew I'd secured something at a good price while I diligently monitored my favorite travel sites to see if a room at a more desirable hotel would significantly drop in price (it did) or if I changed my mind and decided to go a different weekend (did that, too.).

Sadly my parents have to cancel their planned Caribbean vacation next week - however, since the doctor won't let my father fly, he's faxed notes to the hotel and, thankfully, they'll be fully refunded and the card credited for their flights.

Whether intentional or not, have you ever backed out of a trip (and, if so, did you lose any money in the process)?

Got a cost-saving travel tip? Join our Savvy Travel Tips group and share your expertise!

OK, This isn't exactly "IN" my handbag.......LOL......

MOMto2Kitties — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:02:24 -0800

Here are pics of my new kitten, Lucky, getting in the middle of my HANDBAGS.......LOL

Now.........if i see any missing checks signed with a "pawprint"......sent to buy kitty treats, we are going to have a problem, LOL

All about buying a handbag or purse! Lots of info!

MOMto2Kitties — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:04:50 -0800

Many women know that buying handbags isn't as easy as it may seem. Other women have found that it's all too easy to buy lots of handbags, but it's not always as simple to buy handbags they want to use often. This handbag buying guide is for all the women who have wondered how to buy handbags that they'll love, that will go with their clothing and that will fit their lives.

Tote Bags And Shoppers

When you need to bring along many of your belongings, tote bags and shoppers are the large handbags for you because:

Tote bags and shoppers have a bigger capacity than other handbags. Most tote bags and shoppers have a heavy-duty design. Totes bags and shoppers are available in several types of materials, often in canvas twill and leather. Totes and shoppers usually have a functional square or rectangular shape and an open top. Some tote bags are wide open and ready for whatever you want to put in, while other totes have handy storage compartments for keys, cell phones, water bottles and anything else you may need. Tote bags always have some sort of handle, and occasionally the handles are long enough to use as a shoulder strap. Tote bags have one other special quality: the bigger the handbag you carry, the smaller you look--instant weight loss from your accessories!!!!!!!!

Where you'll be taking your tote bag or shopper

On an airplane as a carry-on
To the beach with all of your swimgear
To work when you need to bring along a full day's supplies, including gym clothes for after work
Out shopping so you won't have to use any plastic bags

Do's And Don'ts

Do: take advantage of the utilitarian design of tote bags and shoppers and use one of these handbags when you're wearing casual clothing, like jeans and a sweater or a tracksuit.
Do: choose a tote bag that can be taken to the office by selecting one in a neutral color, possibly out of leather, so it won't take away from your career look.
Don't: use a tote bag when you're wearing an evening gown, even if your tote bag is a designer handbag.

Shoulder Bags

Perfect for everyday, shoulder bags are the workhorses of a handbag wardrobe because:

With straps long enough to go over your shoulder (hence the name), shoulder bags will keep everything you need handy without taking up one of your hands.
The shoulder straps may allow the handbag to hang as low as your hips or up high by your waist.
Many shoulder bags have outside pockets as well as interior places to organize everything you need, from your cell phone to your keys.
Shoulder bags are available in many different styles, like the softly crescent-shaped hobo bag, the functional and necessary diaper bag and all manner of luxurious designer handbags.
With a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, closures and designs, there's sure to be a shoulder bag that you'll love to bring with you.

Where you'll be taking your shoulder bag

To the store, with your wallet, cell phone and keys tucked inside
To the movies with your friends (we won't tell if you sneak in your own candy!)
When you go out to eat at a casual restaurant or bar
To the office, but remember to choose a higher-quality material to maintain a professional look

Do's And Don'ts

Do: let your shoulder bag be a pop of color when you're wearing a neutral outfit.
Do: adjust the strap so your shoulder bag doesn't hang any lower than your hips.
Don't: wear your glamorous clothes with a shoulder bag unless it has a very delicate strap, like a chain; otherwise, the shoulder strap will interfere with the beauty of your eveningwear.

Satchels

Satchels are true handbags because the handles are short enough that you hold it in your hand. You'll want to use these luggage-inspired handbags because:

With their wide, flat interiors and double handles, satchels have a classic look that never looks inappropriate.
Available in a variety of sizes, satchels can be filled with most women's day-to-day necessities.
You can achieve the perfect laid-back cool look with jeans and a leather satchel.
When you need a hand, your satchel easily rests in the crook of your arm, or if you pull the straps over your shoulder, your satchel tucks into your underarm.

Where you'll be taking your satchel

On a date when you want a handbag with a ladylike look and plenty of storage
To a bar or club on girls' night out with your hottest party dress
To a party when you won't mind that all eyes will be on your handbag

Do's And Don'ts

Do: look for satchels with fun details like leather trim or fancy buckles on exterior pockets.
Do: choose brightly colored satchels in the spring and summer.
Don't: leave the detachable shoulder strap attached--if your satchel comes with one--when you plan to use the short handles; store it in a drawer for days when you want a change of pace.

Evening Bags

Evening bags, including clutch bags (which have no strap and you hold--or "clutch"--in your hand) and wristlets (which have a strap just long enough to hang over your wrist), are the handbags you'll want for a special night out because:

With lovely details like beads and sequins and fine fabrics like metallics and satins, evening bags will complement your evening wear perfectly.
You can choose between soft, leather evening bags or handbags with structured metal frames, depending on how formal your eveningwear is.
If your evening bag has a handle, you can tuck it inside to transform it into a clutch bag.
You can use a clutch bag as a wallet inside your larger handbag during the day, and then pull it out for evening.
Nothing says glamour and romance more than accessorizing with an evening bag.

Where you'll be taking your evening bag

To a holiday party when you're there to impress
To a fine restaurant when you're there with your special someone
To a wedding with a few tissues inside
To a cocktail party, where a cocktail ring-clad hand holding a clutch bag will be the perfect elegant look

Do's And Don'ts

Do: get dressed to the nines and take advantage of the style of evening bags.
Do: let a fun evening bag, clutch bag or wristlet take center stage when you're wearing a little black dress.
Don't: try to cram too much into your evening bag. Only bring along the essentials: cell phone, mints, a credit card, lipstick and cab fare.

Other Handbag Features

Closures

Think about the type of closures you would prefer as you are shopping for handbags. Do you need the security of a zipper or would you like an open top? Would snaps be a bother or are they just the right amount of closure? Do you prefer a flap with a magnet or would a drawstring be to your liking? Be sure to read the description of the closure and make sure it's one you'll like using.

Materials

From leather handbags to satin handbags, the materials available are seemingly endless. Evening bags work well in fine fabrics, but your everyday handbag should be made out of a more durable material. If you plan on using your new handbag often, be sure to notice if the fabric can handle the use, like leather, canvas twill or even a sturdy PVC material.

Function

Remember to consider how the shape of your handbag and the storage compartments will affect its functionality. Do you want easy access to your cell phone or a compartment just for your keys? Do you like to carry a north-south handbag (one that is tall and narrow) or an east-west handbag (one that is wide and short)? Be sure to read the handbag descriptions as you are online shopping so you'll love every detail when your handbag arrives.

Common Handbags Questions

How should I care for my handbags?

Most handbags can't go into the laundry, so prevent stains and dirt as much as possible, especially when you have designer handbags. Handle your handbags with clean hands, and think about using darker-colored handbags when you go places where there's food or other things that may stain your handbags. If you take your handbag to the movies or to a restaurant, place your handbag on a chair instead of on the floor. Keep items that could stain the interior--pens, makeup or snacks--zipped into another small bag that you put into your handbag.

Many handbags can be spot-cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Use leather cleaner on your leather handbags, but be sure to do a test patch in an inconspicuous area to check for color-fastness. For tricky spots or delicate fabrics, take your handbags to the dry cleaner.

Store your designer handbag in the dust bag it came with, in a pillowcase or in bubble wrap--not tissue paper which may attract moths. If there is a chain handle, then store it inside the handbag where it can't scratch the exterior. Unbuckle any buckles and loosen any straps to prevent marks from the metal.

Does my handbag need to match my other accessories?

If you like the classic look of matching your shoes and handbag, then go for it! Matching your handbag, shoes and even your belt can be an easy way to look quite smart. Mismatched--but coordinated--accessories can look very modern, so if you like that style, then you can make it work. Many women find this look to be fresher and less fussy. When your accessories aren't matching, be sure to maintain a similar feeling; for example, try carrying a tote bag with casual shoes but use a clutch bag when you're wearing pretty pumps.

Which handbags do I need to have a good handbag wardrobe?

Make sure you have a handbag that will suit everything you do and everywhere you go. You wouldn't want to carry a big shopper when you're wearing an evening gown just as you wouldn't want to carry everything you need for work in a little clutch bag. The basics are a large handbag, a medium-sized everyday handbag and an evening bag. Then fill in your handbag wardrobe based on what you do, where you go and what you wear.

The Perfect Gift

When you're online shopping for a woman for a birthday, a holiday or even Mother's Day, you'll want to look for a Authentic Handbag Boutique handbag. Every woman needs a handbag! When you give handbags as gifts, choose a handbag that tells her you think she's special--like a unique handmade bag--or a special handbag that she wouldn't normally splurge on for herself--like a beautiful designer handbag.

Build An Accessories Wardrobe

Handbags aren't the only accessories that finish off an outfit. From the handbag you carry to the shoes on your feet, you'll have a style all your own, thanks to the details of your accessories.

My Christmas tree

adhusia — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:29:26 -0800

I know that it isn't really fashion but I'm so proud of my tree that I wanted to show it to all of you. I'm fan of oryginal decorations so if you look closely you can see small fairy figurines hanging there. Here's my Midsummer Night's Dream Christmas tree. uff. I'm curious of your trees :)

what's in my bag?

kate27 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:15:35 -0700

This is my bagLet's see what inside it.-My umbrella if it rains.-My keys.-Cleanex.-A notebook.-My wallet.-A little bag with my make-up:(Tommy Hilfiger cologne,three glosses, one lipstick, little glass and hair stuff)-My D&G see-glasses-A magazine
-My cell-phone(Nokia 6555)

What's in My Bag

vcarlton — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:17:31 -0700

I am so glad I found this group! I am glad I am not the only one who likes seeing what other people have in their purses!

The purse is one of my faves for the fall/winter. I got it several months ago from Forever 21. I wear black all the time so this bag is perfect. I know its big, but I live in my bag! These are the main contents of the bag:

*makeup bag-which contain lip glosses, chap stick and mascara
*checkbook-which I have had for like 6 years and its still going strong
*pink pill box-(which came from target) and my medication
*a tin of mints
*Bobbi Brown pressed powder
*video ipod
*ipod shuffle for the gym
*black change purse-it came inside of another purse
*pens
*pink notepad for grocery lists, Sephora lists, etc.
*cell phone-this is the Sprint instinct-I love it!!
*Orbit and Stride gum-I always have gum on me!
*Kleenex
*red wallet from a local boutique
*Paste magazine-it is wonderful if you love music! I live in Music City and music is a passion of mine.
*Philosophy amazing grace hand cream
*Walgreens brand hand sanitizer
*Soap and Glory face stuff-I just haven't taken to my bathroom yet

This makeup bag came from Victoria's Secret, I made it my "lipgloss" bag because it had lips on it-I really like it!
It contains various lipglosses, lipsticks, and mascara. Touching up on my lips and my lashes are vital when I am going from work to out on the town.

whaT's in Wicked-Purple Bag =)

WiCkeD_LaDy — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:51:25 -0700

Hello, my Name is Layla and a few months ago I joined this group, I'm from Mexico, so its really interesting to see what other girls put in their purses, but at the same time, we all put the same stuff.
Well this is my Purple Bag that i got from AVON (yes, really from there, i love everything that AVON has), i really love the color, and It has a lot of space, but very comfortable to carry.

And here is what i carry normally inside my purse.

here you can see, that are very basics, well for me:
- my red wallet i got in Las Vegas.
- brown patent Lancome were i put my makeup.
- a little Lancome case, i put my always in there, hehe
- AVON hand creme, i love it leaves them feeling soo nice, haha
- my cell phone
- hair brush that i have since i was 10, but i clean it daily.
- my cool sunglasses
- a snack, haha
- vintage nano, it was from my brother, but now mine.
- usb for my camera, and my camera that i was taking the picture.
- some Kleenex, it allergy season for me.
- orbit gum, and some halls, i love all gum and mint candies.
- and some keys of my office.

But the most important thing that i can NOT live with out it, is my makeup, and believe me, i live always on the run, so i have to be prepare for all makeup-situations, LOL.

- brown patent makeup bag of Lancome witch i got at free purchase, who docent love free stuff?
- Lancome face powder
- really bright pink blush and brush, both from AVON
- soft peachy blush from Dior
- eye curler
- Lancome mascara
- bright copper pencil for eyes, from AVON
- soft brown eyeliner from AVON too
- Mary kay foundation
- Clinique all about eyes concealer
- AVON stick concealer.
- Lancome bright pink gloss
- shiny pale pink/brownish gloss, my aunt give it to me.
- AVON pink/fuschia lip gloss
- my faithful Carmex, cant live with out it
- and the gloss/eyeshadow, Mystere, From Lancome, i think it was last year when they came out, very useful little box.

Time to bring out my favorite bag

Brendelwoman — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:26:19 -0700

Fall is my favorite season and even though it is still summer and hot, I can't resist bringing out my favorite bag a little early.

I'm carrying the normal things like billfold, cell phone, etc. But I also decided to carry my DS so I can get in my brain exercise.

I bought this little card carrying case and I thought it would fit credit cards, but it's a really tight fit. Oh well, maybe I'll find another use for it. I think it's cute.

never forget umbrella

me n myself — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:13:03 -0700

i try not to forget carrying an umbrella in my bag, no matter what's the season.

What's In My Bag 072108

aoitenshi — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:10:58 -0700

This was my bag last Sunday. The bf and I had a pizza lunch at Sbarro, watched The Dark Knight, went shopping a bit, and then met up with our friend berrymix for coffee at Starbucks.

In my Harajuku Lovers bag:
- Teen Vogue magazine that I brought to show my friend Shevy
- Asul, my Sony Ericsson z610i and its sock
- my awesome wallet from Human
- coin purse
- Transformers Bumblebee keychain that I got that day
- dreadful credit card bill (paid)
- mini Joker (Heath Ledger) figure
- hanky
- orange Tic Tacs
- my lucky donut (Yummy Breakfast keychain from Kidrobot)
- .5 Pilot gel pen, my favorite pen in the world
- Maybelline lipstick in Sugar Berry
- Aishi Buru, my DS Lite and its case
- Clean and Clear face powder
- Think Pink body spray
- anti-frizz serum
- Alcogel hand sanitizer