Many people come in the store looking for a particular size and or shape but don’t know exactly how to explain it.  We are here to help you with that.  This blog post is all about learning the language of purses.

First up is the satchel: What makes it a satchel is the handles and the shape of the purse.  The handles are smaller and is typically worn by the elbow, the shape of the purse is a typically shallower with rounded edges.  However, a true ‘satchel’ has an additional shoulder strap.

Crossbody purse aka the messenger bag:  Both names basically describe the same style.  The only difference is a messenger purse is normally a larger size, large enough for a legal pad, and a crossbody purse is smaller sized and just for the essentials.  This style has become a huge trend and no thanks to the movie, The Hangover, it is now misspoken as a satchel purse.

The Tote: The tote purse is one of the most classic and practical shapes for a purse.  The handle(s) are generally long enough to go over your shoulder and has enough room to keep your wallet, phone, a little makeup and planner all inside of it. Perfection

And last but not least the hobo purse: The hobo purse has a circle feel to it.  It is typically one handle and is a sloucher styled purse.

Hopefully this new knowledge will help you on your next purse shopping trip!

Yesterday I had a customer come into the store looking for a new purse.  To my assumption she was looking for a new spring purse, but I was mistaken. The customer informed me that her purse had been stolen out of her vehicle.

She was taking her daughter to dance class and when she arrived she put her car in park, locked it and went in to help her daughter get situated. The customer went back out to her car to read her book as her daughter started class, a typical routine for the family.

In the five minutes she was gone her car had gotten broken into and her purse was gone! A few weeks prior the customer was given advice to take every thing out of her wallet and make  photo copies of both sides so in the case that it was stolen she would have all of the numbers right there for her.  Good thing she took that advice!  The customer used a friends cell phone to call home to tell her husband to go into the ‘purse file’ and call and cancel all the cards inside her purse.

Within minutes everything was canceled and re-ordered. Most importantly her identity was not stolen.

Moral of the story…take 3o minutes and photocopy everything in your wallet, place it in a safe place and hope that you’ll never have to use it.

What tips and tricks do you have ensuring your identity remains in your possession?

Jess and I recently discovered two items that we are thrilled about carrying!  The first one is called, ‘Twist & Pout’.  It’s a cute little key chain that has a ball that you ‘twist’ open to find a peachy shimmery lip balm for your ‘pout.’ The lip balm smells and tastes great plus it has SPF-20 in it!  The Twist & Pout is priced at only $12.99.

The second discovery is called ‘Footzy Rolls.’ You may have seen them on celebs, featured in Oprah magazine, or on the Today Show! This clever creation has really made a big impression.  They are ballet flats that roll up into a pouch where you conveniently keep in your purse. So when do you use them?  When you just can’t stand the pain from your heels! They are great for that long walk into your office, through the airport, or best yet…during a wedding reception! They come in all sizes and three different patterns to pick from.  They are priced at $29.99

Do you need you need a great gift for your special someone? Look no further your answer is here.

Men here are some things that will appeal to your valentine.

-  the trendy rubber rhinestone watch for $22.99

- purse or Miche shell, remember a purse is a one size fits all!

- pick her favorite color for a great earring and necklace set

- Purse ~n~ality gift card

Ladies here are some ideas for your valentine.

- Watch

- Best buy gift card

- Doc Kit

- Money clip with their initials engraved

Hope this guides you to your perfect gift!

Hollywood’s award season is here in full swing.  I have to admit I don’t usually watch the actual award ceremony itself, but I do watch the red carpet fashion and the fashion police the day after. However, this year I am kind of into the Oscar’s.  I think it helps that I’ve seen a number of movies that are up for an award.  Here are a few of my favorite categories and predictions.  Feel free to leave your predictions as well! (my picks are in purple)

Actor in a Leading Role

• Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
• Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
• Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
• Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”
• James Franco in “127 Hours”

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
• John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone”
• Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
• Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
• Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”

Actress in a Leading Role (tough pick!)

• Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
• Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
• Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”
• Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
• Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
• Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech”
• Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
• Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
• Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”

Animated Feature Film

• “How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
• “The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
• “Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich

There you have it, the Oscar winners according to me!

Both Purse-N-ality locations are teaming up to bring our customers a two-day SALE event that is sure to cure the winter blues!!  Join us this Friday AND Saturday (January 28 & 29).  We will be collecting your gently used handbags, which will be donated to local women’s shelters.  In exchange for your donation, you will receive 15% off your entire purchase that day!

The 15% promotion is good on all items in the store (excluding Miche products).  We’ve got lots of new spring merchandise arriving daily, PLUS both shops have a large selection of winter clearance, so an extra 15% off will make for some unbelievable bargains!

Come on girls…dig through those closets and find some GENTLY used bags that we can donate to a good cause & let the savings begin!  We’re excited to see you this Friday & Saturday!

**This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is not valid on Miche products**

Today I dressed in a plain black top with a necklace and an amazing headband made by Ribbon RIOT.  On Monday mornings the only thing on my mind, is coffee.  Not getting ready, not going to the gym and definitely not doing my hair, so a headband is a great alternative to a lazy day.

Ribbon RIOT from Marion Iowa is created by Jess Denton who was born and raised in the area.  “I love art, and I love seeing my products complete and add spice to an ordinary look. I am very inspired by vintage fashion and classic art.  I hope that my custom made collections help others express themselves, and explore their individual style.  Thank you baby Riot for being such an inspiration in my life, and my muse in more than one way.”~ Jess Denton.

Below are just a few from Jess’s RibbonRIOT Collection.

Detailed Headband

Vintage Headband

Baby Headband

Peace purse

red inside with divider

Tuesday’s Pick:  I browsed the store to find a cute, unique purse and this is the one I came up with…

The peace sign purse comes in pink or black with gold accents.  The colored inside helps to find what it is you’re looking for. It also has a divider which many people are a fan of!  I also like how the peace sign is a flap to a front pocket.  I love a front and/or back pocket, perfect for my lip gloss and cell phone.  But most importantly the price is right, only $42.99.  For these reasons and more is why the peace purse is Tuesday’s pick.

As we say good-bye to 2010 we take a moment to look back to some of our greatest  trends.

#1. Miche bag! As I like to say, “It’s like ‘Build-A-Bear’ but it’s ‘Build-A-Purse’”.  With three different sizes to choose from, new outer shells arriving every month, and changeable handles, it’s no wonder it’s our #1 handbag!

#2. Zebra print purse. I’m sure we all either have one ourselves or know someone who does.  Just to let you know, the zebra look isn’t going anywhere.  Designers have taken the zebra pattern and jazzed it up with glitter, patch work and other fun ways.    It’s one trend that is here to stay.

#3. They may be new, but they made quit an impact; ear warmers! They are cute, practical and are all the latest rage!

#4. It may not be able to hold a ton but sure has been popular.  The purse shaped lipstick cases! Every0ne that sees one has to giggle because they are just so darn cute!

#5. One of my personal favorites; messenger bags (also known as a cross-body bag).  This trend is great for school, attending events, shopping and or everyday use!  We have really increased our variety and styles to choose from.

#6. Handbag accessories, know what it is? Key finders and a purse hooks. Every time I pull my purse hook out at a restaurant women and men walk by very intrigued by the strong little tool. As for my key finder…I find myself very annoyed if I don’t use it!  You gotta love trendy, affordable, and useful items like this!

#7 Many people are drawn to the ‘Big Flower’ purse trend, making it number seven on our list.  A big flower purse is a fun way to make a statement without being over done.  A purse can really dress up a black coat or a simple outfit. Adding a feminine touch of a flower purse can be just what an outfit needs.

#8.  One that I wear probably every weekend whether it goes with my outfit or not; an over-the-top cocktail ring! Accessories are a great and affordable way to change a look of an outfit.  Adding a ring, throwing on a scarf, and/or adding a belt is a great way to spice up a look.

#9. ‘The classic bag’ is taking the number nine spot. This bag is one we will always carry.  Why?  Because it’s the perfect go-to-purse, it never goes out of style, and looks appropriate for every kind of occasion.

#10. Taking the number ten spot is the flat wallet. They are sleek and handy.  A flat wallet also reminds us to rid the unnecessary receipts we are all guilty of holding onto.

And there you have it, our top 10 list of hot items of the year 2010!

What do you think the trends will be for 2011?