Winter 2012
The Next Bag Thing By Heather Johnson Durocher

Did You Know?

Sales of handbags in the U.S. for 2011 were expected to reach $10 billion.
Consumers age 35 to 54 accounted for 36 percent of all handbag sales in 2010, with the average unit price for this age group being about $28.
Younger consumers - those age18-34 - accounted for about a third of the sales, with their average unit price about $26.

Source: The 2010 Annual Census Report from Accessories magazine

Bag Basics

Brush up on your bag facts before you dive in. Here’s a rundown of the most popular options.

Tote

A large bag, with a handle centered atop each side and often no closures at the top. Traditionally made of canvas, totes now come in an array of fabric from leather to suede and even animal hairs like pony and calf. Perfect for work, weekend and even trips to the market, the tote is the ultimate versatile handbag.

Top handle

Possibly the oldest style of handbag, it has remained relevant since its inception. A structured, more demure option, its boxy shape has become popular with women of all ages. You  can find this pick in everything from raffia in the summer to mink in winter.

Clutch

A medium-to-small-sized handbag with no handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in the hand, it usually has a flap or fold-over closure. Clutches are mostly carried for evening and come in elegant silks, embroidery and stunning crystal embellishments. But over the years this style has been modernized and made more appropriate for day with longer shapes and in materials like leather and suede.

Wristlets

A large coin purse or wallet with a small strap to be worn on the wrist. The wristlet is a convenient option for hands-free operations but not one to go for when lots of items need to be carried around.

Satchel

Originally a bag carried on one shoulder by a long strap typically closed with a flap (other names include mail or messenger bags), the satchel has been redefined. Now smaller than a tote, with two short handles on either side, the satchel can be found in almost any fabric and texture. Most are adorned with various fittings including turn locks and buckles.

Editor’s Note: The examples shown are meant to illustrate the general concepts behind each style. One bag might be a combination of two or more styles.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman's Day, Parents and American Baby. Visit her website at HeatherDurocher.com