My Real Handbag

Back to School, Backpack to Discomfort

2007-10-11T10:49:00.000+08:00

From Chris Adams,
http://ergonomics.about.com

Backpack Misuse and the Pain it Inflicts on our Children

Backpacks are a common site in today’s schools. Almost every child seems to carry one in some form or another. And there is ample evidence to link backpack misuse or overloading to the back pain more and more children are reporting.

Recent studies have reported that up to 64% of children suffer from back pain (Negrini, 1999). That number may be alarming, but it does not really matter. What matters is if your child is one of them.

Studies from John Hopkins Children Center and many other places have shown that backpacks cause back and shoulder pain and poor posture in children. Here are the numbers:

The average student has a visual analog pain scale level of 4.3 with some reaching an 8-9, as reported by Northeastern University in June of 2001.
From a survey by the American Academy of Orthopedics: 71% of doctors feel backpacks are a clinical problem, 58% see patients with pain related to backpacks, and 52% think that this is a serious problem.
55% of students carry an overloaded backpack, as reported by Simmons College in February of 2001.
3,300 children aged 5-14 were treated in emergency rooms in 1997 for backpack related injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
An Auburn University study showed that 67% of children suffered muscle soreness, 51% back pain, 24% numbness and 15% shoulder pain.
65% of adolescents’ doctor visits are due to backpack injuries as reported by National Public Radio in October of 1998.

Here are some ways to find an appropriate backpack and the right way to use it.

Features to Look For

Lightweight: we don’t want to carry any more weight than we have to.
Wide Padded Straps: they distribute the load over the shoulders and make things more comfortable.
Padded Back: this makes things more comfy as well. A lumbar support in the padding will also help prevent slouching.
Separate Compartments keeps things neat and organized and keeps the load where you placed it.
Waist Strap: it helps transfer the load to the hips. A strap between the two shoulder straps is a good feature as well as it helps prevent slouching.
Size: the pack should not be larger than the child’s back. Learn how to size the child's back for a backpack. Also consider that the more room in the pack the more stuff will fit in it. That’s a bad thing.

Packing & Wearing

The acceptable load in a backpack is related to the child’s weight. Do not overload. Overloading is the chief culprit in backpack related injuries. The American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Chiropractic Association recommend these weight limits:

- A 60 lbs. child can carry a maximum backpack weight of 5 lbs.
- 60-75 lbs. can carry 10 lbs.
- 100 lbs. can carry 15 lbs.
- 125 lbs. can carry 18 lbs.
- 150 lbs. can carry 20 lbs.
- 200 lbs. can carry 25 lbs.

No one should carry more than 25 lbs. in a backpack.
Pack only what you need.
Pack heavier items at the bottom. The goal is to transfer the weight to the hips. A backpack with separate compartments helps keep the load where you place it.
Pack flat items where they will rest on the back keeping bulky or pointy items away from the back.
Use both shoulder straps. Always use both shoulder straps.
Tighten the shoulder straps so that the backpack hangs slightly below the shoulders with no more that 4 inches hanging below the waist line. Note: the waist line is where the belly button is, not the hips.
Use the waist and chest straps.
Wear the pack only when necessary.

Other Options

Keep a second set of heavy text books at home if possible. Or ask the teacher to use handouts instead of textbooks for homework.
Use separate packs for separate activities. You don’t need to carry athletic or after school gear while in class.
Try a different style of pack. A saddle bag design that goes over the head with a bag on both the front and back is a good option. Using a rolling back pack is good as well. Just ensure the handle on the roller bag is long enough so that your child does not need to stoop. Do NOT use a shoulder bag. It is all the weight with only half the support.

Reference: Negrini S, Carabalona R and Sibilla P (1999). Back pain as a daily load for school children. The Lancet 354: 1974.

Buying Guide for an Ergonomic Child's Book-bag

2007-10-11T10:39:00.000+08:00

From Chris Adams,
http://ergonomics.about.com

Recent studies have shown that 64% of children suffer from back pain. Most cases can be traced to overloaded or ill fitting backpacks or other school bags. Learning to load, wear and use a backpack properly is important and so is making sure the backpack distributes the load efficiently. If you have determined that the best book bag for your child is in fact an ergonomic backpack, then here are the key features to look for.

Two Straps

Make sure the bag has two straps. Single strapped bags, like satchels and duffel bags, should be avoided. A single strap places the entire load on one side of the body. Two straps balance the load on both shoulders.

A single strap bag is sufficient for carrying light loads, like a change of clothes, but should not be used to carry any real weight.

Size

The second most important thing is to have the right size bag. The bag should be no larger than the child's back. It should rest 1-2 inches below the shoulders and no more than 4 inches below the waistline (note: the waistline is level with the bellybutton).

Wide, Padded Straps

The bag should have wide shoulder straps. Wide straps distribute the load over more area of the shoulder. The wider the better, with a minimum of two inches.

The straps should also be padded. Padding spreads the load as well as alleviates any pressure points.

Padded Back

The back should be padded as well. It will alleviate any pressure points. And it will protect the back from being pocked and prodded by what is loaded in the bag.

Lightweight

The bag should be light. The lighter the better. The stress on the back is caused by the weight of the bag. Anything you can do to reduce that weight will reduce the stress.

Waist Strap

A waist strap is a wonderful thing. It dramatically helps direct the load away from the shoulders and onto the much stronger waist and hip muscle groups.

By lowering part of the load to this point you also remove it from the spine. Less stress on the back means less chance of back pain.

Compartments

Having a bag with several compartments helps in two ways.

First, it helps keep the load where you put it. A properly loaded backpack can go a long way to reducing the stress. Furthermore, a shifting load mean a shifting (dynamic) stress. Dynamic stresses are bad.

Second, it lets you put flat things next to the back and pointy things away from it.

Chest Strap

A strap across the chest from shoulder strap to shoulder strap is a small, but worthwhile improvement. It holds the shoulder straps securely on the main part of the shoulder eliminating slippage and load shifting. It also fights the urge to slouch.

Satchel

2007-06-18T11:12:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A satchel is a bag used by many people to carry books, and other objects in. It has a one, sometimes two, large straps that goes over one shoulder and across the body. Many students use them at universities and colleges. Many people claim it can affect the growth of the wearer, but this hasn't been proven. Like all bags, satchels are easily customised with patches and various other creative textiles.

The history of the satchel

It is unknown when the satchel was first invented. It is believed that it was invented as a small purse or "carry-sack" for women in the Middle Ages. The satchel type of bag has existed for centuries and outdates the backpack that is common nowadays. Some people still think a satchel is a ladies' bag, but it is generally considered to be more a unisex item.

Sporran

2007-06-18T10:59:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Sporran is a pouch (the word is simply the Scottish Gaelic for 'purse').

Now a decorative part of Highland dress, it was originally an everyday practical item. Made of leather or fur, it usually has more or less elaborate silver or other ornamentation, especially on the clasp or hanger. It is worn on a chain or belt around the waist, allowing the sporran to lie below the waist of the person wearing a kilt.

Since the traditional kilt does not have pockets, the sporran serves as a wallet and container for any other necessary personal items (such as a hip-flask). It is essentially a survival of the common European medieval belt-pouch, superseded elsewhere as clothing came to have pockets, but continuing in the Scottish Highlands because of the lack of these accessories in traditional dress.

The sporran also protects a person's decency. This was originally because the ancient 'great plaid' (Gaelic breacan an fhèilidh), formed of a long draped cloth, had a gap at the front, and in more modern times because the kilt is traditionally worn without undergarments. Historically, the sporran was used to carry a day's rations. Some believe it served as armour for a vulnerable area of the body.

"Day Sporrans" are usually simple brown or black leather pouches with little adornment. These "day" sporrans often have three leather tassels and some Celtic knots embossed in the leather. Traditionalists prefer brown or buff-colored sporrans, belts, and shoes for day wear.
"Dress Sporrans" are larger than the day variety, and are more ornate. Victorian examples were often ostentatious, and very different from the simple leather pouch of the 17th or 18th centuries. They usually have chrome or silver cantles trimming the top of the pouch and a fur-covered face with fur or hair tassels. The cantle may contain intricate filigree or etchings of Celtic knots. The top of the cantle may have a set stone, jewel, or emblems such as Saint Andrew, a thistle, Clan, or Masonic symbols.
"Military Sporrans" may be worn with regimental attire. Pipers will often wear the most flamboyant sporrans with long horsehair that swishes from side to side as the piper marches.

The sporran hangs just below the belt buckle; and much effort is made to match their style and design. The kilt belt buckle can be very ornate, and contain similar motifs to the sporran cantle and the Sgian Dubh.

When driving a car, dancing, playing drums, or engaging in any activity where a heavy pouch might encumber the wearer, the sporran can be turned around the waist to let it hang on the hip in a more casual position.

Forever Valentino

2007-06-15T14:52:00.000+08:00

We’re all guilty of a little label-lovin’ - who isn’t?

As unclassy as it may be to admit to, there’s certainly something decidedly sensual about carrying a super-label bag - and it has a lot less to do with money than you might think.

After all, Valentino purses are certainly not the most expensive you will ever come across. They ARE expensive - but after looking at a few Hermes or Fendi offerings, you become blase about a grand here and there.

But that’s why Valentino is so easy to worship. In terms of their product, of course it’s beautiful - beautifully designed, beautifully crafted, beautifully advertised, and beautifully named… Valentino.

It’s got that old-school glamour that all the money in the world can’t fake - and that’s what’s so special. It’s that little nod to past glory that makes Valentino more than just a purse.

The purse pictured is the Embroidered Flap Bag - sold as an evening purse but quite adaptable to daytime wear thanks to the lack of sparkly and/or glittery bits.
It’s made of embroidered brown suede with gold leather and turquoise gems all mixing to create an extremely striking purse - definitely not the sort of purse every woman can carry off, but for those who can - kudos.

Purses may come and purses may go, but a Valentino is for life.

Designer on the Rise: Vera Bradley

2007-06-13T08:59:00.000+08:00

Looking to be the trendsetter this year at school? Look no further than Vera Bradley. This up and comer company from Indiana designs attractive, yet functional cloth luggage, handbags and travel accessories. Vera Bradley has been all the buzz lately at college's across the country, including my own - Ball State University. Whether you want to stand out with bright colors or blend in with neutrals Vera Bradley has everything you need with a variety in colors and designs and a constant in all of their designs, functionality. You can even feel good about the splurge knowing that the company is a strong supporter in the fight against breast cancer. The Vera Bradley company created a foundation for breast cancer in 1998. They do a variety of things to raise money for the cause including the prints, New Hope and Hope Toile that are available for purchase. When you purchase one of these prints part of your money goes to breast cancer research.

When you first look at a Vera Bradley handbag, you may not see anything too special. Sure the designs are cute, but do these products really do more than just look pretty? That is what I'm about to tell you. Let me start off with two of my favorites, the Zip Around Wallet and the Maggie. Which, in my opinion make the perfect couple. You really cannot find a better wallet than this, with nine inside pockets, an outside change pocket and even a hideable wrist strap it is everything you could possibly need in a wallet. Though I have found that it is the perfect match for the Maggie the Zip Around can also fly solo. It is perfect for a night out. You can fit everything you need, but isn't a bulky purse you have to worry about carrying around all night.

Now for the Maggie. If you are looking for a mid-sized bag that is practical and ready for every day use then this is the bag for you. Smaller than the hobo Maggie is a crescent-shaped bag that fits a lot more than you think! This is one of those magic bags that fits all of the necesary items, but doesn't look oversized on your arm. Inside, the Maggie has two small slip in pockets for those small items that you don't want floating around in the large enclosure. It also has two end pockets that are very handy! These end pockets are the perfect size for a cell phone or any other small object that you want to keep close dibs on. With this bag you will never have to dig for a ringing cell phone again only to find that you have missed your call. As far as comfort and practicality go, I found this bag to be more comfortable than any other bag I have owned. Since they are fabric the strap is very comfortable, pretty and also easy to clean! All you have to do is remove the cardboard base from bottom and they are machine washable! I would recommend these pair to anyone who is looking for something very practical and useable and at the same time still very stylish.

The next Vera Bradley product that I have gotten to use is the Metro. This product is very functional while still upholding the attractive exterior. This bag holds everything you need when you are on the go. Whether it be for school or your career this bag holds your laptop, books whatever it is that you need.

Inside are a full zip compartment and three medium sized slip in pockets to keep your life organized. The full zip compartment works great for a laptop as long as it isn't too big. If your laptop doesn't fit in the zip pocket you can still put it in the bag and use the zip pocket for accessories. So even though there is the slight flaw of size on the zip pocket this bag is still highly funtional. This bag also has a double zip/slip-in pocket in the front. I found this pocket worked perfectly for last minute notes, lists or even your favorite MP3 Player.

Along with all of the features that I have already mentioned this bag also has the classic pros of all Vera Bradley bags. It is made entirely of fabric,except for the shoulder strap, which can be removed for washing. So not only does this have the comfort and style of any other Vera bag is also has the practicality.

The final and probably my favorite bag is the Vera. This bag is so versatile, you can practically use it for whatever you need. From bookbag to overnighter to beach bag, this bag is really everything you need. One of my favorite features of this bag is the SPACE. It is unbelievable the amount of space that you have. The bag itself is 19 1/2" X 15" X 6 1/4, which is pretty big for a bag. Then you get all the added space of the 6 inside pockets that line all around the inside of the bag. I found these pockets to be perfect for everything from hair products and make up to my planner, small books and other objects I didn't want to get lost in the space of the interior. The outside has a zip pocket and the main interior has a tortoise toggle closure.

I find myself using this bag all of the time because there are just so many uses for it. It also makes carrying heavy loads very comfortable and bearable. Even carry a full bag of books seems easier with this practical fabric bag. The straps at an 11" strap drop are the perfect length to keep the bag comfortable for carrying. Though it might be a little big for some situations, if you are looking for space and comfort then this is the bag for you!

Birkin Bag

2007-06-13T08:38:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Birkin is a handbag manufactured by the "high-end" leather goods and ready-to-wear manufacturer Hermès. It is named after British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, a longtime resident of France.

Origin

Birkin herself told the story of how she was traveling on an airplane, seated next to the President of Hermès, when she spilled the contents of her handbag. She sketched her ideal bag, thus providing the model for what became known as the "Birkin". In 2006, Birkin remarked that the fame of the bag had exceeded that of herself: "Now when my daughter [the actress Charlotte Gainsbourg] goes to America, they ask her if she is the daughter of the bag."

Exposure

Due to exposure of the bag on popular television shows such as Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls (season six, episode 6) and Will & Grace. In Gilmore Girls the bag was presented to Rory by her boyfriend Logan as a gift. In pop culture, the Birkin has become a symbol of ultimate luxury, although its ostentatious use by the wives and girlfriends ("WAGs") of British footballers during the 2006 World Cup in Germany caused some fashion writers to speculate as to its continued desirability. In Paris it has been associated with, among others, so-called BCBG (bon chic bon genre) women.

Availability

Generally, the cost of Birkin starts at about $6,000 and can easily make its way into 5- and sometimes 6-digit figures. The alleged waiting list for a Birkin is now over two years, although, in practice, a customer can walk into a Hermès shop and purchase one if the shop manager feels that she is a legitimate buyer and not a reseller. In Plum Sykes' novel Bergdorf Blondes (2004), set among New York's Park Avenue set, Julie Bergdorf stole a Birkin from her family's store, Bergdorf Goodman, so that she could avoid a three year wait. Sophie Albou, founder of the fashion house, Paul & Joe, claimed to have bought a Birkin each season for ten years, describing her collection as "an expensive addiction but ... part of my heritage as a French woman".

It is possible to acquire a used Birkin bag among several couture-consignment shops. As of May 2007, one particular shop off the Rue St. Honore, was offering a sky blue Birkin bag for roughly $4750.

Manufacture and materials

A Hermès Birkin handbag is completely handmade and its manufacture takes about 5 weeks. The interior lining is usually made of goatskin (called Chevre leather) matching the outside color. The metallic parts such as the lock, keys, and feet studs are usually made of palladium, though you can ask for gold, ruthenium (for a gun metal look) or any other metal available. The lock is usually covered with the bag's leather although you can ask for it to be metal only. Today, the bag's metallic parts can be covered with diamonds on request.[citation needed] The keys come inside a detachable tag tied to the bag. Because it is a special order-only item, one may personalise the bag: material, metal, color or colors, etc. Certain sites, such as creatursdeluxe.com or e-bay offer authentic Birkins, though they are usually overpriced. To spot an authentic bag one must look for:

even stitching
inside leather lining
metallic print in the front face under the tap (Hermès Paris, Made in France)
the letter in the sripe
only four feet underneath, one in each corner

Retail prices go from $10,000 for a leather Birkin, $55,000 for a crocodile one, up to $120,000 for a black crocodile and pavè diamonds hardware one. Store availability varies from store to store and at manager's discretion.

Note: The crocodile skin price depends on the size of the scales. Skin with smaller scales costs much more that those with larger scales. A gold and diamond Birkin may be cheaper than a small scale crocodile skin one.

Handbag Styles and which one to choose

2007-05-24T13:44:00.000+08:00

Handbag 101 - Handbag Styles and which one to chooseThere is always that woman; you know the one I am talking about. The one who seems to always look good, the one who can take an ordinary outfit and make it seem as if it was meant just for her, the one with that innate fashion sense. What is it that makes her outfit look so good? Chances are that it is that she pays as much attention to her accessories as her choice in clothing. One accessory that can make the difference between ordinary and fashion chic is a handbag.

Choosing a Handbag for Your Body Type

Choosing a handbag that will go with your body type, your outfit and still hold your essentials for going out is an interesting task. To help you in your search here are the basic types of handbags:

Tote – A bag with traps or handles and an open top.
Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag with little structure.
Duffle - Tall shoulder bag, often with a wider opening on top.
Field bag - A flap-top shoulder bag with some way of closing it (buckles, snaps, etc).
Clutch - A small, handheld bag (most often used for evening wear).
Satchel- A large, handheld bag.
Baguette - A bag that looks a lot like the bread; long and rounded.
Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
Cigar Box - A small, boxy, hard bag.
Pouch - A soft, small bag.
Kelly bag - A style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive closures.
Jelly Kelly - A bright rubber tote.

Short or Long - Huge or Small?

Here are a few tips that will help you understand when short handbags should be chosen over your normal handbag.

You should look for a bag that is opposite of your figure. If your tall and thin look for something rounded, if you’re a bit shorter and a little more round look for a squarer or more rectangular bag like a clutch. However, you also want to think about proportions. A very petite woman should not be carrying round a huge bag and a tiny bag next to a more curved woman will give the illusion that she is bigger than she really is.

Handbag Length Rules

Now, comes the rule for bag length. What parts of your body do you like and want to accentuate? Having a handbag at this part of your body will accentuate the feature. Generally short handbags will make your chest area look larger, so if this is not a part of your body you want looking bigger, I would suggest trying a bag with a little longer straps. With short handbags you will also want to try it on. Fashion may be important, but you also want comfort, and if the bag is too cramping around your arm or keeps hitting your chest the bag will be a waste of money no matter how fashionable.

Remember that the “in” style may not always be the best style for your figure, your outfit or your needs. So be sure not to just pick up whatever everyone else says is fashionable; take your time and find the bag that is perfect for you.

ONLINE COMMUNITY:

2007-05-23T13:02:00.000+08:00

A NEW WEB SITE BRINGS INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNERS TOGETHER.
(Emily Blumenthal's Handbagdesigner101.com)

Source: WWD
Publication Date: 03/29/2007
Author: Levs, Melanie Lasoff
COPYRIGHT 2007 Fairchild Publications, Inc.
Byline: Melanie Lasoff Levs

Independent handbag designers and handbag aficionados now have a new online resource to support their passion.

Handbagdesigner101.com, created by designer Emily Blumenthal and launched in October 2006, features information on a different independent designer each day. The site gives personal background and business history, as well as photographs of the bags and where to buy them. Visitors can search for specific bag types, write comments and read blogs such as "Celebrity Bag Watch" and "Bag Trends." Designers also can post events related to their lines in "Handbag Events."

"It's more accessible than glossy fashion Web sites where you don't even feel you can afford a pair of socks they're talking about," Blumenthal said, adding that she logs some 1,000 new visitors per day.

To be featured on the site, designers must make their own bags and/or be part of the business process. If they make that cut, they then answer questions "on how they got started, their greatest successes and biggest nightmares," said Blumenthal. "The essence is that this designer's unique bag is now humanized for the customer."

Blumenthal herself designs a line of wallet-wristlets called Yasmena and its lower-priced version, the Yazzy Bag, which retails for $12 at yasmena.net. While working toward her MBA at Fordham University in 2000, she was looking to put her business skills to the test. Rather than study an existing business, Blumenthal started her own. Guerilla marketing led to the Yasmena bag's appearance on HBO's "Sex and the City" and sightings on the wrists of celebrities including Edie Falco and Sarah Jessica Parker. Blumenthal also appeared on QVC three times.

Soon, aspiring designers contacted Blumenthal for help starting their own companies. "The more people I spoke to, the more it became obvious that there is no venue for handbag designers to truly be featured and appreciated for the time, effort and love that is put into developing and creating their lines," she said.

Jessica Weisblum, who worked in production development for a large cosmetics company, was a designer of the day in December 2006. She started creating her Jessica Jaye Italian leather bags in 2005 and learned of handbagdesigner101.com from a friend. "I've used the site to see what other new designers are creating," she said. "It's always great to see the many ways style and trend can be interpreted or even re-created."

Being on the site has widened exposure of her bags, which retail for $325 to $400 and are sold in one Connecticut boutique and in her online store (jessicajaye.com). "I've sold bags to customers from other states and I now have customers I wouldn't have been able to reach before," Weisblum said.

Handbagdesigner101.com also provides publicity for new designers who may not have money for their own publicist, she added. "Not only does the site offer us a chance to get our names out there, but it's also a sort of support team."

Blumenthal plans to grow handbagdesigner101.com into a membership-based organization for independent handbag designers within the next year, and include a job board and educational opportunities.

Costs of running the site are nominal. Currently, there are no ads and designers do not pay to be featured. But Blumenthal expects to generate income from the site by yearend through sales and advertising.

Currently, the Web site is generating income through a new venture - organizing the first Independent Handbag Designer Awards, which will be given out June 20 at the Museum of the City of New York. Paid sponsors include the Fashion Business Improvement District, M&J Trimming, Rosen and Chaddick Fabric, Global Leather, Parsons The New School for Design and Wells Fargo Century Factor.

The event will include awards for best student designer, most socially responsible handbag and best handmade bag, among others. Blumenthal hopes to hold the event annually.

FASHION SCOOPS:

2007-05-23T12:55:00.000+08:00

FROM LEGEND TO LEGEND...COCO JOVO...PUCCI'S RECRUIT.(Oprah Winfrey to present American Fashion Legend Award to Ralph Lauren)(Milla Jovovich to pose for Karl Lagerfeld's handbag and accessories campaign)(Delphine Arnault may join Pucci brand)

Source: WWD
Publication Date: 04/23/2007
COPYRIGHT 2007 Fairchild Publications, Inc.

FROM LEGEND TO LEGEND: Ralph Lauren, who's receiving an American Fashion Legend Award at this year's Council of Fashion Designers of America's 2007 Fashion Awards, will have the honor bestowed upon him by a legend in her own right. Oprah Winfrey will present the special award to the designer, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary in business this year. It will be Winfrey's first time at the event, which takes place June 4 at the New York Public Library. Winfrey, who has her own Legends Ball to honor African-American women, has featured designers on her show in recent seasons. Could an Oprah special on Ralph be far behind?

COCO JOVO: Karl Lagerfeld continues to populate Chanel campaigns with famous women. The designer has selected model-actress-designer Milla Jovovich to pose for the brand's fall-winter handbag and accessories campaign. Diane Kruger is featured in Chanel's current campaign.

PUCCI'S RECRUIT?: Could colorful swirls be in Delphine Arnault's future? Speculation is mounting that Bernard Arnault's daughter could join the LVMH-owned Pucci brand in a top position. A spokesman for LVMH declined to comment. This year marks Pucci's 60th anniversary and the company will celebrate on May 19 and 20 in Florence with a retrospective installation at Palazzo Pucci and a party. Last month, Didier Drouet was appointed chief executive at the fashion house, replacing Catherine Vautrin, who is expected to be back on the scene in September.

AZZARO'S NEW BAG: Azzaro designer Vanessa Seward, who arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday for her annual spring sojourn to the West Coast and a dinner party hosted by Cameron Silver at Sunset Tower Thursday, revealed that the French house, now owned by the Spanish private equity firm Reig Capital, has inked a deal to produce handbags with Judith Lieber for spring 2008. "They won't be your typical jeweled minaudire, though both Azzaro and Lieber are known for their sparkle," said Seward, decked out in a new copper silk jersey cocktail dress with twisted gold lam straps. "I think I have found a way to do a bag that is uniquely Azzaro." Though she remained coy, Seward dropped some clues about her next clothing collection: "I will be using some chiffon, and doing some minidresses and bohemian shapes. One of my inspirations is 'Sweet Charity,' with a bit of danger, of course." The evening was a typical Continental-meets-Hollywood affair: actresses Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Angie Harmon and stylists Tanya Gill and Tara Swennen sipped aperitifs and lounged on the terrace sofas overlooking the Los Angeles lights. "There is nothing subtle about me right now," joked Harmon, who wore a floor-length navy jeweled gown. "I am even wearing blue eye shadow to match my dress!"

JOYCE'S WAY: The invitation might have read "cocktail" dress, but nearly everyone turned up in Yohji Yamamoto. The event was a private dinner hosted by fashion maven Joyce Ma to kick off a series of celebrations marking the reopening and expansion of the Joyce flagship in Hong Kong, as well as the debut of Joyce in Shanghai. Fashion designer John Rocha, who flew in from Dublin with his wife and business partner, Odette Gleeson, put it best when he said: "It's Joyce. We're happy to come whenever she asks for anything."

Rocha wasn't the only name jetting to Hong Kong and on to Shanghai for the festivities. The biggest star was Yohji Yamamoto himself, who attended the dinner with his mother, Fumi. Also on hand were handbag designer and former model Celestina Ocampo; Korean makeup legend Kyung Min, whose Vidi Vici cosmetics are a hit in Asia; Santiago Gonzalez, whose mother, designer Nancy Gonzalez, flew in from Columbia for the openings, and senior management from more than 20 fashion houses, including those of John Galliano, Hugo Boss, Jil Sander, Oscar de la Renta and Dries Van Noten.

Ma's glamorous sister, Bonnie Gokson, orchestrated the dinner, including booking Grissini at the Grand Hyatt, and convincing chefs from two restaurants to collaborate on a unique East-meets-West menu, which featured Chinese roasted duck and red wine risotto. Gokson also was behind one of the highlights of the evening when opera singers disguised as waitstaff suddenly broke into song, serenading famous guests with famous arias.

Joyce's daughter, Adrienne Ma, who is president of the company, said she tried to keep her speech short, but the list of people to thank for traveling so far was overwhelming. She described the new stores as "our little splendors." Joyce Ma herself, glamorous in Yohji and diamonds, talked about the 37-year evolution her vision has undergone. "The store represents my passion and my curiosity. If nothing else, it is my way to say thank you to Hong Kong," she said.

LIM'S LONDON: "It's like a little fashion show!" said designer Phillip Lim, casting his eye around the dining room, where guests were wearing his delicately embellished dresses. Lim was the guest of honor at a dinner in London thrown by Natalie Massenet, the founder of Net-a-porter, to mark the third season of 3.1 Phillip Lim at the online store. Guests in the private dining room at Home House included Melissa Odabash, Elizabeth Saltzman and Kirsty Young, who dined on grilled fish, followed by sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Lim has just as loyal a following in London as he has in New York, which is why his business partner, Wen Zhou, said she was planning to scout for possible store locations in London. Lim's first stand-alone store is set to open in New York in July.

SNAP HAPPY: A fashion-heavy crowd showed up at Allure's party for photographer Patrick Demarchelier at the Gramercy Park Hotel, hosted by editor in chief Linda Wells. Among those in attendance were Diane von Furstenberg, Andr Leon Talley, Michael Kors, Amy Astley and Rachel Zoe, all of whom said they loved the photographer, even if they cannot understand half of what comes out of his mouth. "He speaks his own language," said Kors. Lowell called it "Franglish." "I understand every third word," said Wells. "The rule of the conversation is: Keep it simple," advised Astley.

Further down on Park Avenue, Arie and Coco Kopelman were honoring their daughter, Jill Kargman, and her new novel, "Momzillas." The scene was practically a chapter come to life, with Manhattan mummies Jennifer Creel, Celerie Kemble, Helen Schifter and Muffie Potter Aston in attendance.

Purse or Handbag

2007-05-18T13:51:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia

In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag. This term is more commonly used among people on the east coast.

In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger.

A purse or handbag is often fashionably-designed, and is used to hold a number of items such as a wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, feminine products, or other items.

Variations

The word purse is originally derived from the Latin bursa, from the Greek βυρσα, meaning oxhide.

Purses are usually carried by women, though men sometimes carry one as a smaller alternative to a backpack; such a purse is sometimes self-consciously termed a murse or manbag (portmanteaus "man" with "purse" and "handbag" respectively). It can also be called a man-purse. Such bags are often similar or identical to messenger bags.
Crocodile skin handbags in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England
Crocodile skin handbags in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England

Coin purses are small purses, just large enough to hold money and cards.

A medium-to-small-sized purse with a short handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in one's hand is often called a clutch.

A larger purse with two handles is often called a tote.

A pocketbook is similar to a purse (in the British English sense), but allows the carrying of sheets of paper as well.

A security bag protects the carrier from travel theft. The purse includes an invisible stainless steel strap sewn into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper.

Types of handbags

Clutch: Small, usually evening bag without a handle. Gayest of all purses, doubly so on Tony night.
Satchel: large bag with small handle that is carried on the arm rather than on the shoulder
Duffle: A large bag usually used for travel or sports
Tote: A medium to large bag with two straps
Butler Bag: Compartmentalized handbag