American fashion consultant and corporate trainer Mary Sheehan Warren shares a few tips on coordinating bags and shoes, purchasing your first designer bag, and considering bags for investment purposes:
What are the basic bag colors to keep in your wardrobe?
Your handbags should be in the neutrals that you love! Black, tan, and white are the most versatile, but navy or even a periwinkle blue can work well with many color schemes. Of course, “pops” of color (red, pink, yellow) are nice to add with a handbag to an outfit that might be muted or neutral.
Since I can’t make up my own mind, I tend to choose black and tan or black and white in a single bag.
Are there new rules in matching bags and shoes?
There really aren’t any rules for matching bags to shoes but there are rules for coordination. For example, if a bag has a dressy feeling, the bag should be at least as dressy. If a bag has a lot of silver hardware, the shoes should either have no hardware or silver as well.
Are there particular personality types that match certain bag designs?
Yes! Relaxed fashion personalities tend to choose backpacks, cross body bags, and formless satchels and totes. Classics like bags with structure such as clutches and well-formed satchels. Romantics tend to choose bags with soft touches such as lace or quilting and Expressives often choose bags for their artistic qualities.
What do you think about the trend in mini designer bags?
It’s a predictable trend (after all fashion is a big business which must make profits) but I think a savvy consumer will avoid it. You need to choose a bag that works well for your lifestyle and leave the advertising of fashion labels to television and billboards.
Do you think designer bags are worth what you pay for?
It depends upon the designer. Generally,no.
Any advice for shoppers who are about to purchase their first designer bag?
On a real solid piece of paper, write down the amount of money you think you will need to spend. Then, look at the number a few times over a few days. If you honestly can afford the price and can’t come up with other things to spend this amount on, then go for the bag.
Choose a bag that you absolutely love and choose leather over fabric. Going for a neutral color is probably a good idea but you will, most likely, be tired of the bag before too long.
Some people purchase expensive bags for investment purposes, so they can re-sell later. Do you think bags are a wise investment?
No. I know several people who are very frustrated about unloading these kinds of bags. Buy stocks and bonds instead. Or, invest in an up and coming small company that has a great mission in the world.
Mary Sheehan Warren works as a fashion consultant and corporate trainer in the United States. She shows individuals, schools, and businesses how to use fashion to reflect their brands.
She is the author of the book "It's So You! Fitting Fashion to Your Life" available at the Amazon.com website.
