Fall is Here - What to Wear? 

Well, whether we like it or not, fall is right around the corner.  Fall colors this year are bold brights such as pink, garnet red, coral, gold or orange with the biggest color of the season being purple - any tone, shade or variation.

Don't despair if those bright colors don't work with your coloring.  Neutrals such as grey, brown, creams and black and white are also high on this season's color palette.  Choose outfits of these colors and use your accessories to add the bright colors in to your look!

For your accessories choose a bright, shiny belt or purse to finish an outfit.  Metallics are still strong this season so show your shine with a fantastic metallic belt or bag!  Belts are a huge accessory this season - this is the time to show that waist (if you are so lucky to have one and if you are not then use that belt to create one!).  High waisted trousers, skirts, and tunic dresses are here so stock up on a few choices of belts to accentuate your waist and give that eye catching touch to your look!

What Size to Order??

Spring & Summer Trends at a Glance

•  Large totes are the spring item – it seems designers want us to have room for it all!  Of course they are also coming out with smaller clutches and wallet purses to carry IN your totes……  Smaller bags are still a popular choice though so don’t despair if your shoulders and back can’t handle the large bags.
• and how about colors?  Animal prints – leopard is huge, snakeskin and croco textures are big as well as the comeback of the patent leather and the bright colors so don’t hold back, let your purses command attention!  Metallics are continuing to be popular from last year and will be around for most of 2007.
• As well as the prints and shiny colors for this season the trend of embellishment is gaining popularity.  Such touches as ruching, fringes and tassels are a few that you will notice.  There’s also studs, plaiting, ruffles, chains that are adding a unique look to many of the purses.
• You’ll also notice that handles are becoming a bigger part of the look than they have in the past.  There are woven handles, chain handles and bamboo handles as well as quite a few other variations to pick from.

I remember when I used to believe that a purse was just a container to make it easier for women to carry all those necessities we feel we must have with us at all times – you know what I mean, the obvious items – wallet, checkbook, comb, brush……then there’s the add-ons – the make-up bag (just the essential items needed for quick touch-ups – foundation, cover-up, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, eye lash curlers, tweezers, 15 shades of eye shadow…..the necessities), the travel size hair spray, 5 containers of creams, curling iron, Kleenex, washcloth, spare pair of panty hose, cell phone, organizer……. I could go on I’m sure but I think most of you women are nodding your heads and laughing along with me at this point.

Recently I was enlightened to the fact that a purse is meant to be so much more!  Did you know a purse cannot only enhance your outfit, but can also flatter your body?  I know!!  I couldn’t believe it either!

Here are some of the tips I have come across on how to pick a bag that is going to flatter your body: You can flatter you body by choosing a bag with a shape that is the opposite of your body type.  If you are of the tall and thin variety a larger rounded, slouchy bag would best complement your look.  If you are short and curvy a taller or rectangular shaped bag would be a great choice.

The general tips are that the rounder your body type, the more structured shape bag would be the best complement to your figure.  This does not suggest that you carry a perfectly square, hard box style of bag – just think along the lines of a more structured shape.

Now, when it comes to the size of your bag, you should pick one more on proportion to your body rather than the opposite.  If you are on the petite side you don’t want to be overshadowed by your bag, so stay on the small to medium size rather than the large slouchy style of bags.

Purses come in so many sizes and shapes now that you will have no problem finding one that suits not only your needs, but complements your figure and style.

At Bagz Beltz and Beyond we carry a huge selection of bags, purses, handbags and totes.  We have small, structured clutches, medium sized structured handbags and hobos, as well as a great selection of large hobo, tote and messenger bags.  You will have no problem finding the perfect shape and size for you!  Your only problem will be which one to choose and what color.  Remember, bags do not have to match your shoes!