Most women don't think about trying on a purse. But you're going to "wear" it, so take a look in a full-length mirror even if you have to walk to a different area of the store to find one. (I guess retailers don't' think about trying on purses either, huh?)
Or take it one step further, like this reader cleverly did, and check a photo of yourself so you can evaluate more objectively. (If you don't have a buddy along to take pictures, you can take a photo of your own reflection in the mirror.) The snapshots make it obvious that none of these options were her best choice. Isn't it sweet of her to share them?
The cross-body bag on the left hits at a unflattering spot on her body, and the strap wrinkles her garment and creates more bustline focus than many women might prefer. No Sale!
The gold bag in the center picture is simply too big for her mid-size body so it visually takes over the whole look. No Sale!
The purple one on the right is an ideal size and hits at the waistline of her curvy figure -- but how many outfits will a purple purse work with? No Sale!
After our conversation, she settled on a style similar the the purple one, but in a color more like her hair so it will work with everything in her wardrobe. I wish I had a photo of that one to show you. At least you can see in the left photo how nicely her hair-color shoes relate to her overall look.
An interesting side-line about these photos: her choices above were based on the attempt to match bags to the various colors in her print dress. But because the print is small, its colors blend together and a big block of solid color -- even if it matches perfectly up close -- doesn't appear to match the blended look of the garment.
Two of my favorite sources for purses are direct-sale companies.
Beijo bags (www.beijobags.com) offers some great styles and amazing fashion colors Isee a sampling below) in a synthetic material that is easy-care and virtually indestructable. They are sold only through their representatives through in-home events or one-on-ones. Find a consultatnt by entering your location on their web site.
Miche bags (www.michebags.com) has a unique concept: a core bag with interchangeable magnetic outer layers. That means you can change the look in just moments when you change outfits -- without having to move your "stuff" from one bag to another.
The shells come in 4 sizes/styles, each with its own assortment of covers and interchangeable handles. The covers are affordable enough that I indulged in a goldenrod-color cover -- clearly not in my Color Fan -- to transform by black core bag to a black-and-gold purse to carry to my son's college's football games. Go Mizzou!
For a creative, customized look, I love these gorgeous one-of-a-kind bags crafted by Marcia Mayes, a reader from Texas. Embellished with beads, silk flowers, feathers and unique closures, they really are wearable works of art. They're practical too, with lots of inside pockets to keep the contents organized and accessible.
Because Marcia never makes the same design twice, you'll need to contact her for photos of her current inventory. She'll even make one customized for an outfit or color scheme of your choice. Check out the photos below ... then email her at sewlace1@msn.com . I know I have my first custom bag already in mind -- a little Ultrasuede clutch coordinated to a deep jade green raw silk suit with a jade and cobalt blue plaid blouse. What outfit in your closet could use its own special bag?
