Women today go to great lengths to carry a designer handbag inspired by their favourite celebrity. To be spotted with the same bag as their trendsetting favourites makes them feel unique and special. Plus, most women realize that the stars have it right when purchasing good designer handbags. They know that the quality of the bags and overall design will not only last longer, but will be a good investment. However, many women don’t feel they can afford an original designer handbag, thus, don’t even try to get one.

We are here to change that and to tell you that you absolutely can dress like the stars, on a budget you can afford. You just need to know how to do it. Here’s our tips for dressing like a star for less:

1. Buy a pre-owned bag. Here you get to own something expensive and original, but at a fraction of the price you would have to pay if it were new. Pre-owned means it’s an original design, however, it’s been owned before. And as most who purchase designer bags take excellent care of their handbags, this can be just like owning the original. The key to look for is that it’s an authentic pre-owned bag.

2. What does authentic mean? It means that the handbag you have purchased has been authenticated to be original. A professional has reviewed the handbag and made sure that it’s what it says it is.

3. You want pre-owned not fake. There is a huge difference. Watch for words such as replica, knockoff, etc. The price considerations will often alert you too. You will not be able to get an authentic Chanel handbag for $49.00. Not going to happen. Plus, even if it looks good, a fake will have obvious design flaws that shout out fake. Besides that, there’s nothing as good as carrying the real deal.

4. To get the celebrity bags you crave for less, do your research. Look through magazines & read up on the handbag you wish to purchase. Even when purchasing pre-owned, you want a handbag that will carry you through a few seasons and also has features that are right for you. Consider your personality and what you will be using the bags for. For an everyday bag, you will often want something that is larger with more features, such as cell phone holders, etc. A night out on the town handbag can be smaller, but still needs to have the requirements you need.

5. Notice what the stars are wearing with their handbags and consider that when making your purchases. For example, you’ll often notice stars carrying different Chanel handbags while wearing fashionable jeans. Yet, they are able to wear that same handbag for special occasions with a change in outfits. This helps you to find a versatile bag that can be used for many different occasions. Also, by knowing the type of occasions you routinely attend, and your general casual style, you can perfectly match the bag to you.

6. To get the best pre-owned bags, make sure to shop at reputable resellers. There the purses have been inspected, authenticated, and carry a guarantee that you will be satisfied. Learn to look over the site & check the photos of the bag you desire. Here you will be able to spot obvious signs that the bag is not authentic.

So the next time you see the bag of your dreams on one of the hottest celebrities, know that you too can dress like the rich and famous toting that authentic designer bag.

Chanel fashions are known for their style and timeless elegance. Stop by Chanel & More today at http://luxury.malleries.com/chanel-more-s-209.html and add to your collection of authentic designer handbags today. Diane Duckett is also available at chanelmore@yahoo.com to personally assist you.

It's time for full disclosure. I am writing this as guy who cannot understand women's fascination with handbags. Handbags are about as foreign to most of us men as it gets. Women pack them full of stuff they don't need and then lug them around wherever they go. The kind of bag they like seems to change from day to day. They are thrilled to find cheap handbags at half off, but then spend small fortunes on designer bags. If we buy them one as a gift, it'll inevitably be returned. And they seem to reject anything that's practical and actually works. Go figure.

Being the warm, sophisticated, caring male I am, this appalling lack of understanding of what handbags, purses, clutches, satchels and hobos are and why they are so vitally important really bothered me. So I poked around the web in the hope of educating myself and learning the secrets of handbags. Not so much the run of the mill stuff, but the designer purses and designer handbags women seem so crazy about. What I found is an amazing world of information and knowledge that I never knew existed. Yes, there are places as enthusiastic about designer bags as us guys are about important stuff like football, golf and video games.

From what I can tell,luxury handbags from famous designers are for women what things like titanium drivers, custom wheels or big screen TVs are for us. They discuss them endlessly and in great detail. They can make them look and feel good. They can boost morale or even help get a job. They can help them fit in or set themselves apart. And no woman would want to be caught dead with the wrong bag. It's that important. I found that there are designer brand names that women find hot and exciting, like Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dooney and Bourke, and Burberry. I can truly say that I never heard of them other than perhaps Gucci, and I thought those guys just made shoes.

As is, it's apparently hard work for women to keep up with all that designer stuff. If evening purses or leather handbags with designer labels on them can cost a small fortune, you want to know what's in and what's not. Or when it's acceptable to get replicas instead of the real thing (which is a good because I sure can't tell them apart). So there are websites that contain more information about handbags than I ever thought possible. There are about a million different styles and each style has its own rules. The designers apparently come out with new stuff very frequently, and women need to know what's cool and what you really, really need to stay away from.

Women, of course, communicate much better and much more eloquently than we do, and so there are handbag blogs and forums and discussion groups to analyse, critique, and describe absolutely everything about designer bags. That is vital information because they cost so much that women need to know where to go for the best deals and where they can safe some money.

I know I am writing this tongue in cheek, but I must say I was impressed with how much good information I found. As a guy I can relate to needing to know absolutely everything about things I care about, and if women are passionate about designer bags instead of power tools and mag wheels, that's what makes us different and special.

Designer bags are one of the most sought after accessories of the style-conscious. This is because they have become a fashion statement, as well as functional accessories. These go brilliantly with formal and casual look, and can be carried almost everywhere. Depending on their size, designer handbags can accommodate cell phone, wallet, make-up kit and a bottle of water. One can avail all these features in replica designer replica bags, at affordable prices.

What are the Hot Favourites?

Tote Bags: The name tote bags can be traced back to the 17th century, when tote meant 'to carry'. Besides being a fashion accessory, designer tote bags also help you carry your belongings. Some tote bags have zippers dividing the bag into compartments. Colours may vary from the conventional black and brown to a trendier burgundy or yellow. Vintage totes look extremely elegant. Replica designer totes are available for brands, such as Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Gucci, among others.

Graffiti Bags: Thanks to Madonna and Paris Hilton, graffiti bags are a huge hit. So, if you dare to be a little experimental, get yourself a graffiti bag. These come in outrageous colours, which enhance their appeal. These vibrant designer bags are also spacious enough to carry the most essential belongings. Get yourself a trendy Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 replica and keep up with the current fashion trend.

Organizer bags: If you always like your things in their assigned places, getting an organizer bag may just be the answer. An organizer bag is equipped with separate compartments for credit cards, business cards, change, tickets and important bills. A Louis Vuitton Monogram Groom Wallet replica is the perfect pick for an organizer bag.

Designer Bags: A Star among the 'Stars'

Any fashion accessory gains incredible importance, when exhibited by a celebrity. The same applies to designer bags, which become extremely popular when Hollywood stars flaunt these on the red carpet. Be it actor Salma Hayek's famous orange hobo style bag or Mischa Barton's metallic handbag, they are a rage.

Are you one of those women overwhelmed by the sheer, staggering number of handbag choices? Do you long for the simpler decisions of your grandma's day? For the days when her choice was the black leather frame handbag---think Golden Girls' Sophia's ever-present purse dangling from her forearm. Or would grandma pick her white patent leather summer purse? Or maybe a woven wicker number for the hazy, crazy summer days of the 1950s and 60s? Aaah the simple life.

Life in the twenty-first century is not short of choices, rigid rules, fashionista do's and don'ts, instant experts and armchair critics. Many women are unable to act because of decisional paralysis. We've grown to rely on the fashion industry stamp of approval to tell us what we like, what we want, and where to get it. Unless it's included in fashion magazine full page ads or top ten lists we're just not sure if it's right for us. If it bears a designer insignia or is favored by the hottest celebrities we want it. At the very least we crave the approval of family and friends. We've given up control.

In yet one more take on how to pick the perfect purse consider the following five tongue-in-cheek handbag design personality types. By pigeon-holing er defining your personality preferences you too will be able to take back control of your design destiny and buy just the right purse for you and live happily ever after. Honest. One. Are you a woman who appreciates fine lines, defined edges, art for the sake of art? Do you gravitate to sleek furniture and streamlined accessories? Aim for a "Sculptural Silhouette." Look for handbag designs that are structured, yet beautiful enough to display on a bookcase or table in your home. Designs that make you gasp in awe.

Two. If the words minimalist, uncontrived, and smart define your design sensibility in clothing and home decor think "Savvy Simplicity." You want to combine practicality and common sense with clean, simple designs. You don't want or need umpteen pockets in your purse. You frown at embellishments like tassels and grommets and pleating and buckles. Understated elegance is your watchword.

Three. Confident, refined, possessing worldly experience in matters of fashion and culture are words that define you. You know how to carry yourself and handle any situation that presents itself. You personify "Sleek Sophistication." You gravitate to those handbags constructed of luxury leathers, fine finishes and attention to detail. You understand that often less truly is more.

Four. You are the woman who's most likely to turn heads. You're well put together and not afraid to bend the rules. Your motto is: "it's better to ask forgiveness than request permission." Your style is "Stunningly Seductive." In the language of purse design that means sexy fabrics and finishes like lace, sequins and beads. Your handbag selection could reflect the rock chick vibe or the fun, funky exuberance of youth.

Five. You are the woman who expects good value for your dollar. You've earned everything you have and you will not settle for less than the best. You expect, no, demand reliability, functionality, enduring, affordable quality. And you're not willing to forgo fashion forward style to get it. This handbag design personality type is "Stylishly Substantial." Organizer purses with multiple pockets, attached key chains and coin purses are features you appreciate. With your hectic, multi-role life you need a handbag that works for you. Whether you need to pack some files or some baby wipes this purse will accommodate your wishes. You opt for classic designs.

Unless you're willing to go through life with one basic black bag it's time to have some fun with making your own fashion accessory decisions. Take note of what you love on others but trust your own good sense. Expect value for money and don't settle for less. Assess your needs---do you need a bag to take you from home to work and back again? Or do you want a glitzy little number for a hot night out? Or perhaps a fun and funky tote for the Saturday mall crawl? Take back your control and experience the power of purses.

by Hazel Anaka

Choosing the right designer handbags for an outfit is one of those things that many girls dream of. Not having the choice itself, but being able to choose between more than one designer handbag - this is many girls' dream, and it does not always come true. For those who can't quite afford real designer handbags, there is such a thing as a quality knock-off. No lady ever wants to be caught with a knock off designer handbag, but there is a way to go about obtaining some of these so called designer handbags without anybody ever knowing that what you've got is not the real deal.

Whether you are shopping for real designer handbags or just really good knockoffs of designer handbags, there are a few things that you should make sure to keep in mind at all times. Just to name a few, here are some considerations that you should make when shopping for the perfect purse to complement your outfit.

Consider the Designer Handbag's Color Scheme

The color scheme is an extremely important part of the shopping experience for any type of handbag, designer or otherwise. If it does not match more than one thing in your closet, it won't hardly get worn and a handbag that costs more than $100 should always be worn with at least two to three outfits (unless you are insanely rich). Take a look in your wardrobe and see which colors seem to dominate you clothing. These are the colors that you should look for in designer handbags, as well as colors that compliment the color scheme in your closet.

Consider the Price of the Handbags in Question

One of the things that many ladies fail to realize is that a real designer handbag is never going to cost $150; most of them actually cost in the neighborhood of $10,000 and upwards, so if you feel like the price is too good to be true on a new designer handbag, chances are that you are about right.

There is nothing wrong with a good knockoff, especially if you don't mind the difference, but getting ripped off when you are thinking what you are buying is authentic and it is really a knock off can be a whole different thing altogether. Don't get ripped—learn what the indications are of a knockoff bag and go with your gut feeling. If it feels too good to be true, that is because it probably is.

Know That Designer Handbags are an Investment

As you get more and more into the world of designer handbags, you will soon realize that a girl can never have too many purses. Designer handbags are an investment, and if you choose them right they can only get better over time and increase in value. Whether you have a Louis Vuitton or a Dolce & Gabbana, you have to know how to choose them, how to use them, and how to know if they are real, or just close to the real thing.

By: Craig Thornburrow