Rachel's Handbags Blog

Every fashion obsessed woman wants to know what kind of arm candy the celebs are toting around the streets. The stars are where style inspiration often derives from, and they help put the latest designer bags on the map. From fun and trendy designs to timeless and classic, these starlets have the fashion beat covered. Miss Lindsay Lohan is one among the many that have enormous handbag collections we can only dream about. Check out the Dolce & Gabbana Coin-Purse Bowler that Lindsay has been spotted carrying quite often. Dolce & Gabbana are known for their luxurious, yet funky creations, and I love the quirky diamond pattern of this one. Funky and chic is always welcome in my book.

Image provided by baghaus.com

For every handbag you can care for and clean at home, there's always those you'll be better off taking to a professional. High-end designer bags, suedes and fancy silks really should be taken care of by an expert, as you most definitely don't want to run the risk of ruining something special or expensive just to save a little cash. The professionals have methods we don't have at home, so find a good one and try to put your trust in them. After all, why invest in a lovely bag if you're not willing to take the best possible care of it? Check out this example of an Hermes that was blood spattered in an accident and saved by the experts at Hallak Cleaners, and see that all is not lost when your beloved bag has a major mishap.

Images provided by hallakcleaners.com

If you're a handbag lover, I'm sure that you try to make time to take excellent care of your collection. Well, sadly, most of us don't have a ton of extra time to devote to the cleaning and care of our bags, but luckily, there are a few easy tips and tricks to take good care of them for years to come. The majority of women have bags that come in canvas, leather and the hot new patent leather trend. So, be sure to check out the best ways to take care of these bag materials to get the most life out of them. For example, this patent by Hurley is easier to clean than you can imagine...

Image provided by ebags.com

With Mother's Day being just around the corner, it's time for finding the perfect bag for your mom, wife or even one to treat yourself to, after all, you've earned the title! From glam clutches to chic day bags, these top picks will help put you on the fashion map as a truly trendy mom. Check out this classic and cool Burberry Cutout Demi tote, as well as the other hot picks for stylin mama's. Happy Mother's Day!

Image provided by neimanmarcus.com

Happy Cinco De Mayo! If you plan on celebrating today, it might be fun to get into the spirit of the holiday with a great Mexico inspired handbag. Rich leathers and gorgeous turquoise stones make this Charm & Luck bag full of handcrafted looking detail. You can carry it each Cinco De Mayo and any other time you feel like it, as it's just to pretty to only bring out once a year! Whether this is what you want or another great inspired bag, be sure to make the most of your style for the 5th of May celebration. While you browse, check out the Latin American History site to learn more about the holiday. Have fun!

Image provided by ebags.com

Be sure to check out this weeks issue of Us Magazine so you can find out how much two top designer bags will be worth in about twenty years. The first pick is the whimsical Prada Fairy bag designed by lovely jean designer, James Jean, that was seen on spring runways this season. This bag is so unique and I have never seen anything like it. The scenic artistry of it is bound to make you fall in love, even if the price comes in at $2,290! The other bag is the Louis Vuitton monogram Joke bag. This one is not quite my taste, yet it still has the immaculate design that all Louis' possess. The $2,850 price tag also leaves us well aware of the widely famous Vuitton quality. But, it may be worth looking into for a more funky take on the traditional. Be sure to check out tommorrows issue, that's April 5, so you can see just how much these fancy bags will be worth down the road. It's up to you to decide whether or not you think it's worth the investment.

Image provided by bagsnob.com

Here's a chance to step into spring and summer with mega designer style. I found this adorable little clutch by fashion-forward designer, Christian Dior. The natural wicker and petal pink leather give it a girlie appeal, while the pretty flower embroidery makes it absolutely perfect for spring. Delicate floral and wicker styles will most likely always be welcome in the warm seasons, so you don't have to worry about not having a time to carry it each year. The most amazing thing about this bag is definitely the price tag. Regularly $495, this feminine beauty is on sale for $178! That's over a 60 percent price drop, which is pretty great for an authentic Dior purse. You can bet that I will be looking into it further, and I hope you will give efashionhouse.com a visit as well. This is a deal that designer bag lovers would be nuts to pass up!

Image provided by efashionhouse.com

The hippie handbag genre seems to be one of the most popular styles lately, so I decided to bring some more great picks for all of you who have love for the flower power scene. I feel most certain that this style will never go out, and if it does, it will only be momentarily. There is such a laid back freedom in these types of bags, yet they can convey a subtle elegance too. The handmade quality gives off a vintage vibe and always adds a unique feel to your ensemble. The whole hippie outfit put together portrays such an effortless and carefree style, which goes back to the overall attitude of the era. Try mixing some modern design with hippie and boho inspiration to make your own individual fashion statement.

Image provided by freepeople.com

Major fashion house, Fendi, has created a new item called the Artist Baguette. The idea is to buy the bag and then personalize it yourself with the permanent markers they provide. Personally, I don't really love the idea of playing artist on a high end designer purse, I mean, what if you mess up? It's non-returnable after you've decorated it. The clutch is a simple canvas in basic white, so as to have a clean palette for your idea. It's great to be creative and get a personalized bag that no one else will have, but for the $1300 price tag, I kind of feel like they should keep to their own iconic visions. It could make you wonder if Fendi is possibly running thin on design ideas. Maybe it's a cool concept to some, but I'd rather invest that much dough on a classic one. I feel pretty certain that this one is a total miss, what do you think?

Designer handbags give a nod toward brilliant brights and are still the pathway to spring. Loads of color flooded the spring runways and the vibrant hues remain the talk of the town for the season. 2008 has been such a fresh take on the clothing, shoe and handbag trends, actually veering off of the much taken road of brown and black accessories. The pops of color are a very welcome attribute from our beloved designers. Spring flowers should, indeed, play into our style, and the seasons crop of bags just get better and better. Try this Fendi bag in a yummy burst of orange sherbet on for size. The patent leather and infamous Fendi detail will help draw you into the new trends as well as provide that signature detail, so that you will never miss out on truly innovative design.

Image provided by net-a-porter.com