Certainly brand, design, and color are things to consider when you’re shopping for handbags. However, no matter which bag you’re considering to buy, it’s important that you examine it thoroughly — from the zipper and the smallest buttons to the strap, stitching, and surface.

Let’s assume you’re shopping for a new handbag and you see one with a gorgeous design. What’s your first impulse? If it’s to grab it and head straight to the counter — stop right there! First, you need to examine the color and brand. Then continue with the small things like the buttons, pockets, and latches. If the bag has buttons, check all of them; the buttons should be tightly tucked.

Next, check the zipper; it’s a very important part of the handbag. Try zipping the bag close and then opening it again. Do this 5 or 6 times. You want to make sure the zipper is good quality and that it zips open and close smoothly. If the zipper keeps snagging or won’t close properly, forget the handbag; it isn’t worth carrying since it won’t keep your stuff hidden from public view. Even more important, if your bag is going to carry something precious such as a notebook computer, you need a bag that will not have a zipper open exposing your computer to the prospect of falling out. For that reason alone, I recommend Lacoste messenger bags for their durable hardware such as zippers.

Handbags are typically constructed by stitching the parts together. Check a handbag’s stitching. The inside and outside of the bag will show threads but make sure the surface threads are clean and have been properly cut. Aside from stitching, manufacturers also use glue to put together some parts of the handbag. For instance, glue might be used to bind the strap with the bag. Gently pull the strap from the bag to check if it is glued well.

The strap is another important part of the handbag that you should check. The strap is what will allow you to carry the bag with ease. In addition, the strap is the part that will bear the burden of the weight of the bag. Check that the strap is not cracked. It should also have high quality thread stitching and a proper finish.

The interior of the handbag is another thing you need to thoroughly check. The lining needs to be in a color that compliments the main color. Also, the lining tends to have several seams so check to make sure that there are no loose stitches.

When you’re buying handbags, or any other item for that matter, the bottom line is to make sure you are getting value for your money. If you’re paying a good price, such as what you get with Juicy Couture wristlets the handbag should be of good quality. This is why you need to carefully check any product before you decide to take out your credit card.

You have probably seen a lot of quilted handbags, any of which are the specialty Vera Bradley bags that are very popular with young women. One of the popular types of Bradley bags is the front shoulder bag, which comes with a shoulder strap and has enough room for everything you need to carry with you. The bag zips closed so you don’t have to worry about losing any of your items. The chain link handbag is a stylish bag with a ball clasp on a silver chain. This is a great bag to take with you when you go out to town because of how elegant it looks.

Recently, the company has added Vera Bradley diaper bags to the collection. This handy bag has eleven compartments so mothers can have everything they need for their babies with them. All the pockets mean mothers won’t have to worry about where to put all the baby items. Another benefit of the baby bag is that it can be washed easily when it gets dirty. The ‘Oh Baby Bag’ is another set of bags meant for mothers with small babies, as well as mothers with toddlers. These bags let mothers carry everything they need while still looking stylish. There are pockets perfect for everything from bottles to toys. The bag weighs very little so when you fill it up it won’t be too heavy. It is large enough to hold things like changing pads.

Vera Bradley also offers a 26″ Expandable Vertical Pullman, which is a great bag for people who do a lot of traveling. The material used on this bag is a nylon that will hold up to the wear and tear of travel without getting damaged. There are several different compartments that zip so your items will be secure. This bag has a leather handle, which makes it look elegant and smart. You can roll this bag along with you during your travels, which is very convenient. The Vera Bradley bag collection offers many more classic and elegant bags that come in a variety of colors and patterns. You will be able to buy designer bags to match your outfits and for the different seasons. Vera Bradley bags are perfect for the modern women of today.

Bland also recommends Lacoste messenger bags when looking for a multi-utility bag that is great for carrying your notebook to work or your towel to the beach.

In 2006, the design team of Kathy Van Zeeland (KVZ) and her husband Bruce Makowsky introduced the handbag line, B. Makowsky handbags from their New York studios. They already were having success with their KVZ line and wanted to expand the availability of affordable-luxury leather handbags to discerning shoppers. By focusing first on sleek and stylish designs, the husband and wife team knew that their bags would elicit compliments for the women toting one of their bags. After the design has been approved by the couple, the handbag gets cut from fine drum-dyed leather. This produces a bag that had both a classic yet timeless look that was as attractive as it was functional.

In 2003, Monica Botkier launched her first collection of designer handbags that has defined her handbags ever since; a professional eye for detail and artistry combined with the best hardware. She began designing her own handbags in late 2000 and early 2001 because she wanted a bucket bag that she could carry her photography equipment in and still look stylish among the fashion-conscious crowd she had for clientele. Her first bag, the Trigger, impressed her friends, co-workers, and clientele so much that she was inspired to try her hand in the competitive world of designer handbags. Since her initial success, the Botkier label has grown and expanded to include such lines as Bianca, Black Rose, Bryant, and Cairo.

The leading designer of modern-vintage handbags the world over is Kooba which was started in California. The label was created by a mother and daughter team, Bonnie and Abbe Held in 1998. They felt that luxury designer handbags had all joined together in a ‘sea of sameness. The use of older designs with modern fabrics and hardware got Kooba bags noticed right away by fashion show co-ordinators. The handbags were featured in runway shoes beginning in 1999 and soon after, the orders for Kooba bags exceeded the supply. Nowadays, Kooba is regularly featured in magazines such as Glamour and In Style. Available in satchel, bucket, hobo styles and more, the line is noted for its designs which are stylish but not trendy; allowing Kooba bags to easily complement any outfit in a wardrobe.

With such a wide selection of luxury handbags to choose from, now is a great time to find the bag that is for you. Next time you are shopping for a bag, why not take a chance on something new. If you are interested in something a bit more unique, then try looking for a vintage alligator handbag by shopping online auctions or perusing local thrift shops and garage sales.