Leather handbags were first adorned by Roman men to carry coins, and have been chic ever since. Many innovations have occurred in the handbag industry over the centuries: a synthesis of function and form has created a home for edgy yet useful handbags in the boutiques of Beverly Hills and Miami.
In the early days of leather handbags function was king. The trendy Roman had only 3 colors to chose from: beige, brown or black, or what is known as leather’s natural color palette. These 3 basic colors have been a staple ever since the Roman era, for their classic elegance, however, today, leather handbags are available in every color imaginable: metallic and animal prints are all the rage this fall. Patent leather is experiencing a great deal of popularity. It is no longer the the dogma of function, but the liturgy of animal prints with fantastic form.
Though there are many wild colors and eccentric forms to chose from, it is still important to consider function when purchasing a leather handbag. The tote is back, and though your grandmother told you to “never carry a hand bag larger than your head,” these bags are practical for the working woman. Totes are large, they usually have a spacious central pocket, which is surrounded by smaller pockets – large enough to temporarily lose cell phones and change. Most are even large enough to carry a laptop or portfolio. If you have a hectic life and desire a handbag packed with functionality, a leather tote bag is for you.
Another popular leather handbag for fall 2009 is the hobo bag. The hobo bag is comprised of many small pockets. This bag is great for the organized woman. Most hobo bags come equipped with a place for a cell phone, wallet and other miscellaneous necessities. These bags may not be good a choice for a day at the office, hobo bags are much smaller than the tote and will not carry a portfolio or laptop, but they are an excellent choice for a night out on the town. Leather hobo bags are available in bright colors, patent leather and plaid. Plaid is back, even a little fringe adds style to these elegant bags. If you desire a beige that will set you apart from the crowd, a designer leather hobo bag is for you.
Why choose leather? Leather is timeless. many materials suffer cyclic trends in popularity, but leather is always fashionable – it is a classic chic. The strongest selling point for leather handbags is durability. A leather handbag is much more durable than a cloth bag. Leather handbags can handle the slings and arrows of everyday life.
When choosing a leather handbag there are many factors. Style is chief among this list, and with so many styles to choose from, purchasing a leather handbag can be a daunting experience. Choose a handbag that fits your own personal style. Price is another big issue, here is an old proverb that will answer any question you might have on this subject: ask thy handbag what thou shouldst spend.