Top tips for buying a ladies handbag…

Buying a gift for a lady can be a difficult task – especially when it comes to clothing and accessories. Some men don’t have a clue what to buy and do the ultimate no-no, which is to ask the shop assistant what she likes – we are all different you know!

The best way to find out what kind of ladies handbags your girlfriend/mother or sister likes is to act like a detective and do a little groundwork.

Firstly, have a look at the type of ladies handbag that she is currently using. Is it plain or colourful? Large or small? Does she follow fashion trends? Is she a vegetarian or a vegan? This may sound like a silly question but if she’s a strict vegetarian or a vegan then she most probably won’t appreciate a genuine leather ladies handbag!

Canvas Button Handbag from Interesting Buys

Ok, so you’ve taken notes on the bag that she is using – what about the other ladies handbags that she owns? Take a look at her collection of handbags and try to see if there is a pattern. Does she seem to like a particular style of ladies handbag? If she doesn’t have a pattern then have a look at her wardrobe (this only really works if you live with her as otherwise this would be snooping, which we certaintly do not advocate!) does she have a definitive style? Does she like classic clothing or fashionable clothing? Is she shy with her style or does she like to be bold with her accessories?

From this information you should be able to build a picture of what she likes – the colours, fabrics and styles. In the fashion industry, designers create ‘mood boards’ where they create a board with cuttings, fabric swatches and other bits and pieces which are there to inspire a theme or design. Think of your notes as a type of mood board.

Brown Clutch from Interesting Buys

Ask her female friends what kind of ladies handbags she likes – women tend to be more observant with this kind of thing!

It should be easy from this point forward. For example: my wardrobe contains at least seven items of leopard print, lots of bold, brave designs and an abundance of bright colours. From this you should be able to tell that a) I have an unhealthy obsession with leopard print! and b) I am experimental with my style. If her wardrobe contains mainly plain items of clothing and classic designs, then it is safe to say that she will appreciate a ladies handbag that is simple and practical whilst still being fashionable and stylish.

Good luck!