Designer builds empire on exotic handbags

By Kathryn Wexler
MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

MIAMI -- There is a universe in a single scale of a crocodile, if it's one of Nancy Gonzalez's.
It ripples and glistens, melting into tiny slivers of gold, silver, salmon or scarlet.

The Colombian designer can work wonders with a reptile. It's not for nothing that they call her the Queen of Croc.

"Croc became my signature," she said slowly, at Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbour, Fla., her gaze faraway, almost as though this were just occurring to her now, nine years after she launched her high-end handbags, which have become wardrobe fixtures among the moneyed.

Gonzalez was sitting at a table by her handbag display, greeting customers and gingerly signing the suede interiors of their newly purchased bags in an uneven cursive with a black Bic pen.
She'd brought along a pink satchel of her own label. "It's a very old one," she said, "and I love it."

Marjorie Kovens, visiting from Baltimore, was standing within earshot and clutching a big orange Gonzalez shoulder bag she had just bought. "And I love the red ones of yours. I've got a lot of bags."

Gonzalez smiled. "I love to have collectors," she said.

In the overstocked handbag business, seasonal trends and It Bags still rule. But Gonzalez has earned a solid following by hewing closely to her winning formula: high-quality bags at moderately high prices that take their direction from small advances in processing skins, rather than from fads.

Her pieces speak to a woman who wants a vibrant accessory, one noted for its mild exoticism more than its logo. At Bergdorf Goodman, her white croc clutch costs $820, and her large red tote is priced at $4,400. But when Bottega Veneta is offering a dainty patent crocodile envelope bag for $5,900, Gonzalez's creations seem like a bargain.

The designer has carved her niche mainly from the hides of crocodiles, but she also works with mink, sable, chinchilla and astrakhan (a breed of lamb from Russia). What she doesn't use is leather, on which so many designers in the industry rely.

"My challenge is how to offer something different," said Gonzalez, 54, wearing a black suit by Comme des Garcons, Bulgari watch and a clunky antique ring from India.

"I really think luxury is having something different."

From her croc farm in Colombia, Gonzalez is able to produce 32,000 bags a year for customers across the world. Her line offers as many as 150 styles per season in a range of colors and finishes. Gonzalez begins working on a collection 18 months before production. Skins are tanned in France, Italy or Singapore.

"The details are so difficult," she said, adding that new styles "have to be in development for a very long time."

Raised in Cali, Gonzalez was one of five children. She married at 17, went to college and quickly had two children of her own. She joined the family insurance business at first. It didn't fulfill her.

"I was looking for something that came from inside me, and I found it," she said. "I started (designing) belts, and my friends asked, 'What about handbags?' "

Gonzalez is hands-on with the business. She studies all facets of production and ferrets out new methods worldwide for treating hides. Her son, Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, is president of her company and lives in New York City.

But Gonzalez pegs her success to more than hard work.

"Do you know what The Secret is?" she said. "The attraction law: You attract what you feel."

She educates her employees on her philosophy. "I do lectures on 'The Secret' (in my factory). I'm totally convinced that we need to transmit energy through the product, and people who make bags need to feel the same way."

There is one aspect of fashioning a handbag, however, that Gonzalez can't stomach: the crocs themselves.

"I don't like to see them alive," she said. "It makes me very sad."

Two Chanel designer handbags for the price of one purse

At 40% off retail, how can you go wrong. Want a Chanel quilted lamb leather shoulder bag and don't want to pay full price? Just in time for pastel weather, here's two Chanel purses for the price of one.

Online shopping find: CHANEL designer handbags light green medium camera case designer purse. Zip top closure with metal chain pull tab. Polished silver hardware. Metal CC logo on chain measures about 4 inches long. Open slit pockets on both the front and back of purse. Fully lined interior with one zippered pocket and cell phone pocket. Comes with a separate clutch bag with one expandable pocket. The clutch is a metallic silver and matches the interior of the purse. The interlocking CC logo in silver is attached to the clutch. The purse measures approximately 8.5 W x 7 H with a 3.5 inch depth. The smaller clutch measures about 7 W x 5 H. The metal and leather chain straps measure about 20 inches long with an 8 inch drop. Comes in a black Chanel box with sleeper bag. Guaranteed authentic and at 40% off it's a steal.

Living on a budget? But want that Chanel bag you saw online? Put it on LAYAWAY TODAY! Interested in a Layaway Plan? You can put anything on layaway. Read about a Layaway here: eFashionHouse.com Layaway Program

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother’s Day

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.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 Magazine StyleWatch 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 & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

The queen of Croc - Designer builds empire on exotic handbags

By KATHRYN WEXLER
McClatchy Newspapers

MIAMI --There is a universe in a single scale of a crocodile, if it's one of Nancy Gonzalez's. It ripples and glistens, melting into tiny slivers of gold, silver, salmon or scarlet. The Colombian designer can work wonders with a reptile. It's not for nothing that they call her the Queen of Croc. "Croc became my signature," she said slowly, at Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbour, Fla., her gaze faraway, almost as though this were just occurring to her now, nine years after she launched her high-end handbags, which have become wardrobe fixtures among the moneyed.

Gonzalez was sitting at a table by her handbag display, greeting customers and gingerly signing the suede interiors of their newly purchased bags in an uneven cursive with a black Bic pen. he'd brought along a pink satchel of her own label. "It's a very old one," she said, "and I love it." Marjorie Kovens, visiting from Baltimore, was standing within earshot and clutching a big orange Gonzalez shoulder bag she'd just bought. "And I love the red ones of yours. I've got a lot of bags."

Gonzalez smiled. "I love to have collectors," she said. In the overstocked handbag business, seasonal trends and It Bags still rule. But Gonzalez has earned a solid following by hewing closely to her winning formula: high-quality bags at moderately high prices that take their direction from small advances in processing skins, rather than from fads. Her pieces speak to a woman who wants a vibrant accessory, one noted for its mild exoticism more than its logo. At Bergdorf Goodman, her white croc clutch costs $820 and her large red tote is priced at $4,400. But when Bottega Veneta is offering a dainty patent crocodile envelope bag for $5,900, Gonzalez's creations seem like a bargain.

The designer has carved her niche mainly from the hides of crocodiles, but she also works with mink, sable, chinchilla and astrakhan (a breed of lamb from Russia). What she doesn't use is leather, on which so many designers in the industry rely. "My challenge is how to offer something different," said Gonzalez, 54, wearing a black suit by Comme des Garcons, Bulgari watch and a clunky antique ring from India. "I really think luxury is having something different."

From her croc farm in Colombia, Gonzalez is able to produce 32,000 bags a year for customers across the world. Her line offers as many as 150 styles per season in a range of colors and finishes. Gonzalez begins working on a collection 18 months before production. Skins are tanned in France, Italy or Singapore. "The details are so difficult," she said, adding that new styles "have to be in development for a very long time." Raised in Cali, Gonzalez was one of five children. She married at 17, went to college and quickly had two children of her own. She joined the family insurance business at first. It didn't fulfill her.

"I was looking for something that came from inside me, and I found it," she said. `I started (designing) belts, and my friends asked, `What about handbags?'" Gonzalez is hands-on with the business. She studies all facets of production and ferrets out new methods worldwide for treating hides. Her son, Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, is president of her company and lives in New York City. But Gonzalez pegs her success to more than hard work. "Do you know what The Secret is?" she said. "The attraction law: You attract what you feel." She educates her employees on her philosophy. "I do lectures on `The Secret' (in my factory). I'm totally convinced that we need to transmit energy through the product, and people who make bags need to feel the same way."

There is one aspect of fashioning a handbag, however, that Gonzalez can't stomach: the crocs themselves. "I don't like to see them alive," she said. "It makes me very sad."

Shopping Online for a Designer Handbag

by The Bag Lady

Fashionistas are constantly keeping up with the up-to-the-minute trends, especially having "owning" their own designer handbags, one, two, three, -- actually hundreds! If you’re a fashion admirer on a budget, it might be somewhat challenging to find handbags that you can afford. Here are some sites and stores you’ll want to investigate, as well as some tips for shopping if you are hoping to find the best deals.

The internet destination eFashionHouse has an excellent selection for you to select from if you’re looking for any type of designer handbag brands, prices, sizes and styles. You’ll find designs from Versace, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dior, as well as an excellent pre-owned store called LuxuryVintage. The site has everything you require in order to stand out in a crowd and produce your own personal fashion statement.

Online Handbag Blog Resources
If you’re looking for a large designer handbag selection, you’ll also want to check out these Google Blogs: ValueBags.com, LuxuryVintage.com, TanoBag.net, MelieBiancoHandbags.com, MurvalHandbags.net, PietroAlessandro.net, ElaineTurnerHandbags.com, and DesuignersLA.com. Brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, and Fendi are featured, and you will probably save money by shopping through the blogs because the prices are more affordable than in most department stores with additional discount codes posted daily.

You will find Prada messenger bags to use for work or school, and the designer book bags from Prada are fashionable and convenient as well.

Pricing and Style
When you’re trying to locate a designer handbag, it’s best to buy one that will go with just about everything in your closet. Elaine Turner handbags, Murval handbags and Melie Bianco handbags come in a variety of low to moderate prices in black or brown neutral seasonless colors and you can wear them with anything from a business suit, to a t-shirt and jeans. In addition, you want to make sure that you buy a bag that is large enough to fit all the items in it that you will need for the day. Small bags are generally used to carry inside a large day bag or for evening wear, so you want to make sure that it will work for you and your lifestyle.

We don't like using or suggesting online shoppers to use eBay auctions anymore. We've heard too many horror stories about fakes, defective and horrible merchandise being shipped through the auction sites. Some of the stores have handbags and make sure you purchase from a reputable seller. Brands like Isabella Fiore and Chanel are featured at some online stores, and the prices are high. You would probably be better off shopping at a reputable site like eFashionHouse.com where everything is reduced to sell. Write to the site and ask for an additional discount. They will usually send you an extra percent off your purchase when you are ready to place the order. For example, if you send them an email, you may be able to get an extra 5% off Chanel, Chloe, Hermes and other high end items excluded from their Sale sections. Otherwise, if you browse their Sale and Final Clearance sections you can find a huge amount of designer handbags and accessories at an additonal 10% to 20% off using coupon codes OFF 10 and OFF20.

Let's face it. Women love a new purse, and even in economic times where the budgets are tighter, they can afford an Elaine Turner bag, a Murval bag or a Melie Bianco bag. They are all priced just right and very high end fashion designed. Happy online shopping!

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Google "I'm Feeling Lucky" - We love you!

Christian Dior Handbags available at discount prices

How did you ever survive in life before Google? Every time I login, logon, or surf, it begins with Google. Google, we love you!

We were browsing on Google last night and found the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button on the Google Search Home Page. We typed into the search box "discount designer handbags." Then, hit "I'm Feeling Lucky."

Yippee! We were really happy to see eFashionHouse.com listed on Google as the "lucky" website. Then we tried other search terms like "designer purses" and eFashionHouse.com popped open again. The I'm Feeling Lucky button really works. Google, we love you!

So, the next time you are looking for a new designer purse or discount designer handbag, just type into Google search and hit the I'm Feeling Lucky button. It will take you directly to the right place to shop without having to filter through all the unrelated criteria.

Here's information from Google about the I'm Feeling Lucky button:

After you've entered your search terms, you might want to try the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, which takes you straight to the most relevant website that Google found for your query. You won't see the search results page at all, but if you did, the "I'm Feeling Lucky" site would be listed on top.

For example, if you're looking for the Stanford University homepage, just enter Stanford and click "I'm Feeling Lucky" instead of the Google Search button. Google will take you directly to "www.stanford.edu."

Designer Purses Prices - How You Should Explain It to Your Husband

Discount Designer Purses
Authentic Designer Handbags

from PurseCilla

It is very tough to convince guys about spending money on designer purses. They’ll think it is a waste of money or it isn’t worth thousands of dollars on a ‘simple’ fashion accessory such as a designer purse. They might even say that you could get a purse for a lower price, no matter even if its quality is on the lower side. So, skip any idea of brainwashing them if you have some thoughts along those lines.

But, there is still some hope left to sweet talk your way to his heart, while explaining your motive in apparently sensible terms. If you could get him thinking, half the battle is won. For example, you can present him the pathetic condition of your purse, and how humiliating it is for you to carry it around. You can also describe the poor quality of cheaper bags at this point to raise your point. If you want quality designer purses, you should be prepared to spend more.

this should be the core point on which your argument is based. If your husband is sensible, he’ll start to find reason in your words (My husband always do). You could also tell him how important it is for your job to be dressed well, day in and day out, and a designer purse would help you to do just that. It won’t take long for your hubby to realize that a designer purse could go down well with t-shirts as much as it does with flip flops. He might had seen pretty ladies on the street carrying designer purses in a variety of dresses even if he may not agree with you.

Finally, put your budget within the affordable limit. It’ll be difficult to convince anybody to buy a $3000 bag when you earn just over that, and have a couple of loans to pay off. So, be sensible in your explanations as well - Don’t raise unreasonable arguments.

So, you probably want to ask me - “PurseCilla, as the king of designer purses, did you manage to explain their price to your husband. The answer is simple - No, I didn’t even try…”

Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

Purses Online - Under Construction

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Purses Online

A world filled with fashion. We love it. We can't live without it. We dream about it. We talk about it. We shop until our feet ache. It's not going to stop or fade away. Women's addiction to purses, handbags, totes, whatever you want to call it, is not going to go away. We need purses, we want purses, and we don't want to pay full price. Surprise! We'll find all the best prices for purses and post them here. We'll show you pictures and write about all the famous purses we can find. And, we hope you enjoy what we post. This blog is for you -- the purse fanatic. Purses Online Blog. A place to learn all about the "purse."