Tips for Finding the Perfect Vintage Handbag

by Kim Allarie

Vintage handbags have made a comeback in a big way. In fact, it’s quite common to see celebrities carrying them at both special functions and for casual wear alike. Even if you’re not interested in imitating the stars, a funky vintage handbag will most certainly round out your collection of purses.

There is a huge assortment of vintage handbags to choose from. And frequently you can purchase one for a remarkably low price.

There are a number of things to look out for when purchasing this classic accessory. First, you should only deal with a reputable merchant that is known to sell authentic pieces and, at the same time, is fair and honest in its dealings.

You must also ensure that the item that you are thinking about purchasing is sturdy and is able to handle everyday use.

In addition, you must also determine if the bag is in good condition. If you notice stains or indications of deterioration on a prospective buy, you should pass it up. However, if the wear and tear is negligible, it might be possible to repair and restore it. Still, it is rarely a good move to purchase anything that needs a lot of effort to make it serviceable.

Another important consideration when it comes to purchasing a vintage handbag is to make sure that you are paying a suitable price for the bag. It should be priced according to its uniqueness, condition, rarity, and design. Make sure that you check out the level of workmanship that has gone into crafting the handbag.

Before you head to the checkout with your find, be sure that it actually qualifies as being vintage, and is not simply a used and discarded bag.

Another place to find out of the ordinary vintage handbags is on the internet. A Google search comes up with over 350,000 entries, so you’re sure to find something that will appeal to you. Of course, you’ll want to be sure the site is secure before handing over your credit card number.

With the vintage handbag’s classic design, it will always be in style, no matter what the era. If you love to adopt a traditional look in this contemporary age, and prefer wearing something that makes you stand out from the modern trends, a vintage handbag is for you. The vintage designs hold unfading popularity because of their classic and traditional approach.

About the Author:
So many handbags,so little time. Before you buy your next handbag, do your research and get shopping tips and advice from Shopping for Handbags to help you make your decision.

how to dress for respect

Image Consultant Sandy Dumont asks: Have you ever been treated with less respect than you feel you deserve? Have you ever been kept waiting unnecessarily? If you answered "Yes" to either of these questions, you may be surprised to learn that it may have something to do with the image you project.

Change your Image if you want to be treated like a V.I.P. Believe it or not, the problem may be that you don't look important. In today's "business casual" world, we often look more like we're ready for a weekend getaway than for a workday. Think about it-would you keep a distinguished-looking business professional waiting? Would you treat him or her in a disrespectful fashion? Chances are you wouldn't, because the person looks important. We treat important people respectfully, even preferentially.

As an Image Consultant of over 30 years, my clients report that changing their image results in dramatic, "overnight" differences in the way they are treated at the grocery store, the drugstore and the hardware store - not just at the office. They find that they are suddenly given deferential treatment and increased respect. In a sense, they are "noticed" instead of being treated like "everyone else." Want to test out my theory? Here are the basic ingredients: Look as polished and professional as possible - from head to toe. Messy hair, in particular, will prevent you from looking polished and professional. Wear authoritative clothing and colors.

Darker colors give more authority than pale colors; and stylish-looking suits immediately suggest clout. Women: wear bolder earrings and other accessories. But, remember, you want to look like you are going to a board meeting, not a bridge game.

Men: bring out the "power ties" - not the pink one or the one with little pictures of Mickey Mouse all over it.

Stand up straight and tall. Good posture implies that you are a person of "stature." Next time you're about to venture out to the grocery store, trade in your usual jeans and T-shirt for your best suit and tie - and see what happens. Going on a business trip? Avoid your usual comfy jogging attire. Instead, dress up as if you were going straight to an important business meeting, and see what happens. I find that I always get superb service when I'm "dressed," but am easily ignored when I dress for comfort. Here's a vivid example: on a recent overseas flight, I asked the flight attendant for a glass of champagne.

She advised me that it was not available in tourist class. Then, she looked at me again and immediately reconsidered. She said, "Wait just a minute. I'll get you some from first class." She then proceeded to bring me not one, but two, glasses of champagne! I can only assume she thought I looked important enough to have my request fulfilled! So give it a try. Your newfound status may surprise you! You may even score a free glass of champagne, at the very least.

About the Author:

Sandy Dumont, THE Image Architect is an image consultant and professional speaker based in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, with 30 years of international and national experience helping individuals and Fortune 500 companies improve their image. She conducts customized Branding for People T workshops on a regular basis. For more information, visit www.theimagearchitect.com or email sandy@theimagearchitect.com