Leather Handbags - A History

Leather handbags have been a consistent feature in fashion for generations.

by Maxwell Scott


Leather handbags through the ages
If you thought leather handbags were a relatively recent phenomenon to cater for the vast supplies of cosmetics, gadgets, hankies and chewing gum the modern woman carries around with her daily, you should look more closely at history. The Egyptians were known for their amazing intelligence, and scientists and historians today still ponder on the miracle of the pyramids. It’s fitting then that the first leather handbags were thought to be carried by the Egyptians. It was the Egyptian men however who are depicted through hieroglyphics as wearing leather pouches or handbags, to store the essential bits and pieces needed in daily life.

Handbags and the sexes
Today, modern men still carry leather handbags, commonly known as ‘man bags’ to carry laptops, gadgets and other masculine bits and bobs – with the occasional tub of lip balm! But apart from the trendy men about town touting their manbags, leather handbags soon became synonymous with femininity.

Leather – the material of choice
In the 16th Century, women would carry ‘sweet bags’ with perfume and herbs to help cope with the foul smells of the times, whereas men began to wear garments with small pouches – or pockets – sewn in. Leather handbags were the material of choice for travellers looking for more practical ways of carrying their belongings.

Purses, pouches, pockets and handbags
By the 17th Century, purses and pouches had definitely developed into the handbag – leather handbags were carried by both sexes and women’s bags were often decorated and hand-stitched as embroidery was a common hobby of the era.

Pockets also became more common, but in the 18th Century the trend for big pockets began to wane as the weight of carrying items in garments began to ruin the line of the clothes. Bulging pockets could be unseemly, and ruin the outline of the outfit.

Leather handbags re-established
And so leather handbags and embroidered handbags became big in fashion and by the 19th Century, the handbag really came into its own. Leather handbags and fabric handbags were decorated to fit fashion in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fashion magazines began to feature the styles in trend.

Can’t leave home without it
By the 1900s, women couldn’t leave home without their leather handbags, although handbags were made from a wide range of fabrics including metal and plastics. As well as a practical way to carry essential items around, handbags, especially leather handbags became associated with style and elegance.

Tano Bags or The Beatles - You decide!

Right around the same time "I Want to Hold Your Hand" hit the radio, I purchased my first TANO Handbag. Believe it or not, if you had asked me then if I thought Tano was better than the Beatles' music, I would've chosen Tano.

Yes, it's true. My favorite handbag designer in 1964 was TANO. I was 14 and already addicted to style and fashion. In those days, we sewed much of our clothing, traded, borrowed from each other, and saved our money to buy Gloria Vanderbuilt designer jeans! Buying a new purse was the most important task of all because back then, you had only one purse.

I remember my first Tano bag purchase as though it was yesterday. My school friend and I saved our money for a Tano barrel bag. It was cool! All the girls were carrying them. At least the cool ones -- so we thought.

Our little Midwest hometown wasn't much when it came to fashion as it's stated nowadays. Nonetheless, we had a few really cool clothing stores downtown and a handbag store -- Hollebs, Garbs and Elliots! The handbag store, Garbs, sold all the best bags available -- Coach was probably one of the highest styles at that time. And, there was Tano.

We loved the Tano styles because they were cool, affordable and made well. Nice to know not much has changed when it comes to Tano quality. We saved our babysitting money and bought our Tano bags, and it made us feel cool.

I wish I had a picture of my first Tano bag! The bag was a barrle shape, had double straps to carry over the arm. The body of the bag was partially covered with a heavy woven burlap style twill cloth, and it had complimentary black leather trim. The front of the purse closed with a flap front and a turnlock closure.

I'm telling you, this Tano barrel bag became one of the icons of the mid-60's. Gee, I wish I could remember the price, and I wish I still had that bag, or just a photo of it now. But, the memories still live on. The images I remember of those days include a teased, bubble hair style, white sneakers with nylon panty hose stockings and a very cool, black Tano handbag.

I have Tano to thank for creating fond fashion memories.

________________

Beautiful Authentic Designer Handbags

TANO designer handbag 3724 obama mama large leather shoulder bag tote designer purse brown

Published by vivbag

Imagine buying your dream bag, the purse you have wanted for so long, now you want to show off this beauty to your friends. They are all excited and a bit jealous, however someone notes that your handbag is not the real deal. Now all your friends are walking around with authentic designer handbags and you are stuck with a cheap replica and worst of all you paid a lot of money for it. These days you have to be careful and make sure you get the accessories you paid for.

The easiest and safest would be to buy the handbag from an authorized dealer. If these places would not sell authentic designer handbags a lot of people would be complaining and problems would follow, you have to remember these companies have to maintain their reputation and good ethics.

You can always visit the retail outlets, but lets be honest it is easier and much more convenient to visit a website which carries a large number of designer goods, than the exhausting ordeal of you running through all these stores, hunting down the perfect bag that is in fashion. The same rule applies to the websites; just make sure they have a good reputation.

There are a lot of woman who visit eBay to find a good deal on that special authentic designer handbag. The problem is that you cannot decide authenticity from a picture and why would someone sell a designers handbag for less than retail price, wouldn’t they be making a loss?

If you are new to shopping for designer handbags rather stay away from eBay, because this is where a lot of uninformed women get shammed. There are some good and honest deals; however determining authenticity is difficult, because some of the replicas are very similar to the authentic bags, sometimes even for the more informed ladies.

In general you should inspect the handbag and have a look inside and outside for any flaws, like uneven stitching, a residue of glue, irregular spacing of the designer logo, if it is leather smell the bag and if you sense a chemical smell its fake, authentication cards are also replicated so this offers no proof.

At the end it would be best avoiding situations where you are not hundred percent sure and only buy from reputable places. It is wonderful having real authentic designer handbags which are in fashion, thus take your time and make an informed decision, because you want what you pay for.

Who will you be wearing? At Handbags Boutique we have a range of Designers Handbags which will add luxury and style to your wardrobe. We know what an important role Authentic Designer Handbags play in a woman’s life.

Women's Fashion - Trendy Handbags For Your Spring Wardrobe

By Jennifer Wasilewski

Every woman knows that no wardrobe is complete without the perfect purse. Shopping for a purse can be exhausting. Going from store to store in search of the perfect one to carry your important possessions around can be time consuming and frustrating. From the simple to the outrageous there is a bag out there to please even the pickiest of purse buyers. If you're planning on hitting the stores in search of the the handbag to complete your spring wardrobe here is a look at what's hot this this season.

Exotic Reptiles: If you're a fan of fashion inspired by snakes and crocodiles you're in luck. This season's exotic reptile skin purses are extremely popular. Ranging from classic snake skins to iridescent crocodile hides you should be able to find a hobo or a clutch in a bold pattern that reflects your love for the wild side.

Bright and Bold: This spring's collection of purses have been referred to as candy. This sweet title comes from the bold and bright colors that are filling stores everywhere. Gone are the muted colors of winter, replaced by the bright hues that make spring so fun. Pick your spirits up while you brighten up your wardrobe with a flashy orange or multi-colored handbag. The bright colors turn your purse into a terrific arm accessory bring flair to simple outfits.

Heavy Metal: While fashion as a whole has seemed to make a quick stop in the 70's, purses are taking a that approach to a new level. Rock N' Roll is a great way to describe the latest purses. This seasons handbags are into heavy metal with large gold, silver, and black chains and other loud embellishments. Look for purses made using patent leather and metallic materials.

Super Sized: Tired of trying to balance between a clutch and bags resembling luggage all the while staying fashionable? This season over sized is in especially when it comes to the hobo. The trend in purses this season make it possible to bring everything you need without carrying a duffel bag on your shoulder or worrying about whether your zipper is going to break under pressure. For an added bonus look for a over sized handbag inspired by 60's and 70's vintage wear.

Simple Sophistication: While a large majority of the purses out there this season will leave your head spinning there are a few that use simplicity as their claim fame. If sophistication is a must for your purse of choice, then you will definitely be able to find one that fits your requirements. Spring is full of simple yet stylish purses in timeless color combinations like black and white or brown and tan. Details are kept to a minimum and there is a return to feminine chic that hasn't been seen in awhile.

TANO handbags - FREE Shipping & NO Sales Tax

TANO handbags - FREE Shipping & NO Sales Tax

Starting today through the end of March, 2008, get free shipping on any Tano Handbag purchase plus pay NO sales tax! Free shipping applies to the lower USA States and it's Fedex ground delivery method. No sales tax is worldwide. Use coupon code TANOFREE during checkout.

This offer applies to ANY Tano handbag purchase made from today through the end of March. Use coupon code TANOFREE during checkout. Click here to place an order.

This offer can't be used in conjunction with any other offer. It can't be combined or used on a layaway plan. The order form must include the coupon code. No adjustments will be made on a prior purchase, on a pre order, or after the order has been placed. Use coupon code TANOFREE during checkout.

Tano handbags are one of the best selling leather handbags ever made. They are made to be used everyday. Tano bags are designed with multi-functional capabilities. They are slick, edgey, cool, and every other adjective you can think of to describe a really great handbag. The prices of Tano handbags range from $99 to $200 each. You really get your money's worth with Tano because it's a bag you will carry everyday. If you have more questions, send an email to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com. Use coupon code TANOFREE during checkout.

eFashionHouse guarantees the lowest prices online for Tano Handbags, and now through March you can get free shipping and pay no sales tax on any Tano Bag purchase. Use coupon code TANOFREE during checkout.

We love Tano Handbags! Spring '08 is here!

The Tano Handbags for Spring '08 are arriving daily! We are so excited to see all the new colors for Spring '08. One of the most versatire Tano Handbag styles is called "Cooped Up." The bag is big and roomy and it has several different straps to use it as a shoulder bag or longer strap bag. We love it! We spotted someone carrying this bag the other day and it really looks great. The slouchy leather design combined with the strap style really makes the bag versatile and fun to wear. Here's more information about the Tano handbag Cooped Up 3703 in new Spring '08 colors.

TANO handbags cooped up 3703 designer handbags carafe brown leather designer purses. The Tano handbag designer purse measures approximately 15 x 14 x 5 with handles and a shoulder strap. Can be carried in hand or over the shoulder. Extra straps are detachable. Very slouchy unconstructed design in a rich color. Silver hardware. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Full zip top closure. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

A New Tano Handbag Coming Right Up!

New stock is arriving daily, and you can be the first to see all the latest styles and designs by Tano Handbags! The new Spring 2008 colors are fun, bright and yet have the traditional Tano appeal....classic style, chic design and unique functionality!

See for yourself.

Feast your eyes upon these adorable affordable all leather & fabric designer handbags in light Spring and Summer fabrications to go with your shorts and flirty dresses!

Tano Handbag style 3941

Tano Handbag style 3761

Tano Handbag style 3812

To get on the waiting list for the new Tano bag Spring styles send an email to CustomerCare@eFashionHouse.com. The lowest prices online guaranteed!

eFashionHouse offers online shoppers unlimited designer handbag purchases

Unlike other online stores, eFashionHouse.com offers online shoppers freedom to purchase an unlimited amount of designer handbags. Many large department stores limit online designer handbag purchases to one item per customer.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB) January 21, 2008 – eFashionHouse announced today they have no limits when it comes to online shoppers. They do not limit the amount of items one customer can purchase. Unlike the department stores who announced on January 10, 2008, a worldwide purchase control of designer handbags, eFashionHouse proclaims the opposite.

“Our Internet business moto is ‘Shopping without Boundaries.’ We are in business to cater to the world,” said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse.com’s owner. Online shoppers can purchase as many items as they want when placing an online order at eFashionHouse.com.

eFashionHouse was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch and recognized by About.com as the top online retailer of Chanel.

eFashionHouse ships worldwide, offers deep discounts off retail, charges no sales tax and provides free USA FedEx delivery for orders over $200. Selling online for over twelve years, eFashionHouse lists high end brands like Chanel, Prada, YSL, Gucci, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Tods, Coach, Tano, Marc Jacobs, Ferragamo, Dior and more.

Unlike many of the other online stores selling the same products, eFashionHouse allows online shoppers to purchase as many designer fashion accessories they want. There’s no limit to the items online shoppers can purchase and the money they can save. eFashionHouse is known for deep discounts on their entire product line.

Aboute FashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. eFashionHouse.com was named BEST OF THE WEB by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. eFashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and has been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s.

TANO Handbags & Purses are the rage!

Our new addiction is "Tano Handbags and Purses" and expressed by this blog, it's no secret. We love Tano leather bags. In today's handbag world, prices are out of this world! But, Tano remains affordable and very desirable. The average cost of a high-end designer purse these days is about $3000. The average cost of a Tano Italian leather handbag is about $170. Compare apples to oranges and all you are paying for in a $3000 bag is the name. Of course quality and workmanship are somewhat better, but in the long run, the price you pay for a Tano handbag is well worth the investment.

TANO handbag 3682 "matters most" leather shoulder bag metallic trim tote bag

Tano handbag measures about 20 x 10 x 6 inches with double handle straps about 16 inches each. This is a brand new Tano bag style this season. It's gorgeous all leather. Complimentary metallic distressed leather trim. Fully lined. Extra storage pockets. Full zip top closures.

TANO designer handbag 3698 sealed with a kiss metallic leather clutch bag bronze.

Distressed metallic leather. A very modern look and contemporary style and design. Opens wide from the front and neatly closes or seals with a secure snap button closure. The Tano handbag designer purse measures approximately 12 W x 5.75 H with a 1 inch depth. Zippered pocket and slots for 8 credit cards. Fully lined interior.

The 2008 dinosaur: A discount designer handbag

Shop eFashionHouse.com for the best selection of Tano Handbags online.

by Anna Miller

It used to be available at the click of a mouse. Logon to your favorite search engine, type in the words discount designer handbag and become thrilled with an endless list of online resources for authentic designer fashion at discount prices. Discount designer handbags are becoming a thing of the past. That is, authentic high end designer purses are costing more and more every year. You may still be able to pay a few hundred dollars for a good fake bag, but authentic designer handbags are no longer a bargain.

Names like Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Dior, Tods, etc. are considered the fashion bag icons, and in 2005, the average cost of one of these high end fashion bags was $2000 each. Since that time, the average cost has increased to about $3000 or more each. Fashionistas worldwide ask, "When is this going to stop?" Is it really fair to charge such a high price for a purse? Is it smart for the Designers to do price their items at unobtainable costs? The average woman, working an average job, making an average salary, supporting an average family can't pay $3000 for a new purse! But, nonetheless, she dreams about it, and probably even sheds a tear or two because she can't get the designer purse she wants.

The department stores are getting smarter, too. They don't overstock high end designer handbags making them a demand item vs. leftovers after the season ends. Sales are far and few in between. In 2006 and 2007 many stores had sales before December 25th with NO leftovers during the true Sale Season. Consumers are paying premium prices for leather, a logo, monogram and a designer name. They fear not getting what they want if they wait for a Sale!

Most people hate fakes and counterfeit merchandise, but the business is booming because the authentic merchandise is too expensive. Stores like Target and a few others are smart. They are featuring Designers to produce low-cost fashion merchandise to help circumvent counterfeiting. Let us hope this works. Counterfeiting is bad. More stores should follow in the footsteps of Target and offer low cost designer products.

The manufacturing costs and the increased value of the Euro have definitely influenced the cost of designer fashion handbags. If an item is made from Italian leather and manufactured in Italy, the cost is high. If the same item is made of Italian leather and manufactured (or assembled) in another country the final cost is lower. When we look at the items we want and compare prices we need to take the manufacturing process into consideration. Many people do not want a Burberry bag assembled in China. They want the same bag assembled (or made) in England. They don't realize the cost of the bag made in England has a much higher price tag than the exact same bag made in China.

Get ready for 2008. If you are a designer handbag addict like many of us are proud to proclaim, get ready to pay a higher price for a new purse in 2008. You may still be able to find the purse of your dreams at an off-retail price, but the price won't be as low as you have paid in the past.

If you purchase only authentic merchandise, there are online resources to fulfill your needs. When shopping online, look for a website with longevity and fast replies to emails. Ask questions before you buy. Many of the lower priced items are scarce or limited in availability. When you see something you want, don't wait too long to make a purchase or it may not be available the next time you visit the website.

Be careful not to fall prey to websites selling counterfeit designer handbags. Many of the sites say they are authentic, but they aren't. If you see a site selling current collection items at half price, please be careful. There is no way anyone (even the Designer) can sell their designer bags at half price.

If you are looking for a good price and need guidance, ask for help. If you are planning to purchase authentic designer handbags in 2008, plan to shop around for below retail prices. They will still be available, but not as easy to find as they were in the past.

Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. (IGM). She owns and operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/. IGM has had online presence since 1996 and sells authentic designer handbags and accessories at below retail prices. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for off-retail priced designer handbags and was recognized by About.com as the top of online retailers selling Chanel handbags. Visit eFashionHouse.com for more information.

Tano Handbags - The leather clutch bag

The clutch bag is a fashion statement -- it's been around for a long time and it's here to stay. Tano introduced several new clutch bag styles this season. Above is the TANO designer handbag 3698 sealed with a kiss metallic leather clutch bag designer purse bronze. It is made of distressed metallic leather. A very modern look and contemporary style and design. Opens wide from the front and neatly closes or seals with a secure snap button closure. The Tano handbag designer purse measures approximately 12 W x 5.75 H with a 1 inch depth. Zippered pocket and slots for 8 credit cards. Fully lined interior. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag for storage. The Sealed with a Kiss envelope style clutch bag by Tano Handbags is available in gold, silver or bronze metallic distressed leather. It's absolutely the nicest little bag to keep around for Saturday night, a party, or to carry inside a larger bag. Click here for more information about the Tano handbag sealed with a kiss 3698.

The Tano clutch bag shown above is versatile and can go from day to evening without any problem. TANO designer handbag 3512 anita de beers clutch bag is a wristlet and is available in many other colors. The black has a very dark brown trim making this contemporary clutch bag pop with design. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Secure magnetic snap closure straps over a secure flap front. Wristlet strap is detachable. Silver hardware. All leather. The Tano handbag, designer purse measures about 12 x 6 with a 16 inch strap. Full zip pocket on the back exterior of the bag. A season staple for all year round style, and it comes with sleeper bag for storage. For more information about the Tano handbag anita de beers clutch style 3512, click here.

Designer Handbags: A Woman's Best Friend

Tano Handbag style 3539

by Remoov

A woman is never alone. She always has her handbag with her. In fact, a woman shouldn’t be without her handbag, ever. The handbag has a long and interesting story to tell. It might have started off as a convenient way of carrying things around, but it is now one of the most important elements of a woman’s attire. A handbag dignifies a lady. It is usually her signature. Something she can easily flaunt. And obviously the best handbags to shoe-off are designer handbags.

Designer handbags come in all shapes and sizes. They may be the weirdest looking or maybe the cutest, but they are always stylish. Prada handbags are considered to be something without which a modern stylish lady is incomplete. It’s something not for the faint-hearted. They portray a very dynamic and bold image.

On the other hand Gucci handbags are usually considered very graceful and they compliment a mature and elegant look. But don’t mistakenly think that its for old ladies only. Charm is not restricted by age. So Gucci handbags are for everyone. They are timeless in their own right.

But its not always when everyone has to be elegant, or bold. There should be something for the sporty types. And for all such people, Prada sport bags are the best choice. Trend, glamour, dynamism it’s all there.

Blog Editor's Comment: Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and all the high-end designer handbags come with a hefty price tag, too. If you want to be in style and still stay within budget, look at the Tano Handbags available at ValueBags and BrandsBoutique. Tano handbags are affordable and made of Italian leathers. They range in price, style, size and color. A picture of one of the latest Tano Handbag designs is photographed above. Price? Under $200.

Our love for Tano Handbags

Tano handbags have been around for a very long time. If you want to read the history of the Tano company visit http://www.i-GlobalMall.com. There are many articles and details posted there with pictures of Tano's beginnings. It's an exciting evolution. Many of us witness the growth and transformation the Tano company has made over the past 20-30 years.

We love Tano handbags because they are versatile, multi-functional, made extremely well and affordable. Aside from all the obvious practical reasons we love Tano purses, a Tano bag is made of Italian leather and available in a variety of sizes and colors.

The photo above is a perfect example of style, design, functionality and affordability. Tano makes their designer handbags from a variety of Italian leather styles. The above bag is made from a distressed light weight leather. It is characteristic of many of the Tano bags available, roomy, fully lined and lots of extra pockets for storage.

Tano makes most of their handbags with shoulder length straps for everyone to carry. They also make them with handles or extra straps to carry the bag in a variety of different ways. The bag photographed has two removable and adjustable straps making it easy to carry on the shoulder, across the body or in hand.

The designers at Tano keep the active woman in mind. Each collection features purses of all styles, sizes, shapes and colors. If you's like to see more Tano Handbags at very affordable prices click here.

Tano 3724 Obama Mama Designer Handbag

TANO designer handbag 3724 obama mama large leather shoulder bag tote designer purse brown. Tano handbag measures about 20 x 12 inches with a base of about 6 inches in diameter. The base is a circular shape giving this new design a bubble effect. See photo for more details. Fully lined. Inside pockets. Double handle straps about 16 inches each. Laced top stitching details at the opening of the Tano handbag. Brass hardware. Rivet details. Tano handbag snaps at each side to expand the bags size. The top has a full zip closure. Constructed of soft light weight crunch leather. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

Obama Mama is a very roomy stylish large hobo style designer purse. And, if it's all in the name, you can't go wrong! This roomy minimalist design makes it look like it cost a fortune without the high cost. See the lace details on the opening and seams. Very nice! The Obama Mama available in brown or black. Click here for more details.