The Real Handbag Shop Blog

Fashion Bags and Purses for you to buy in our Online Store!

2012-01-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here’s the latest news on the fabulous fashion bags andpurses that we currently have to offer in our online store. We will tell youwhat’s new and what’s back in stock due to popular demand. We will give ourrecommendations on the best products as well as the best bargains.

BACK INSTOCK!

Catwalk Collection Gemma Purses £25.95. These quirky matinee purses are made fromwashed leather which gives them a super-soft touch. Each comes in a beautiful boxwith the brand name which makes them ideal as gifts for birthdays and anniversaries,or maybe a little treat for yourself?

BESTBARGAIN!

We love theJanuary Sales! How would you like to own a handbag worth £200 but pay less thanhalf that price? We have a Marta Ponti luxury leather handbag on offer at just£95! This is a big bag with lots of high quality leather which has asubstantial thickness and a luxurious weighty feel to it but retains a soft,supple demeanour. Eat your heart out Designer Outlet Stores!

MATCHINGHANDBAGS AND PURSES!

Catwalk Collection Jodie Messenger Bags £39.95 and Jodie Purses £19.95. The perfectlight-weight, neat sized, soft leather bags to wear hands-free cross-body. New fashioncolours for this year include the yummy Mauve/Black plus stylish Black/Tan. Toptip; these tend sell out very quickly and certain colours are only available inlimited numbers, so if you want your favourite colour we recommend you buysooner rather than later!

NOT TO BEMISSED!

Ri2k Gathered Detail Grab Bag – Ivy – Violet - £95.95.

Last one in stock! This is awonderful handbag which has received much praise for its soft suede andbeautiful design. Ri2k won’t be making this style again next season and we havealready run out of every other colour in the range, so if you love this handbag,this is your last opportunity to get one!

COMING SOON!

We can’twait for this one! Catwalk Collection has produced the most amazing saddle bagin gorgeous new leather; we saw the sample and fell in love. Watch for Georgiacoming soon!

All fashion bags and purses on sale, subject to availability, from www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Medieval Leather Bags

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

In the U.K. on Twelfth Night, January 6^th, it istraditional for all Christmas decorations to be taken down and carefully packedaway ready for next year. It is widely believed that leaving your Christmasdecorations up longer than twelve days following Christmas will court bad luck.

In the Middle Ages, however, it was much more common toexchange gifts on Twelfth Night than on Christmas Day itself and for a greatfeast to be held in celebration. Such a scene is shown beautifully illustratedin the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry; a medieval manuscript and calendar datingback to circa 1416, otherwise known as a book of hours and containing prayers. Thisillustration depicts the month of January.

The Duc de Berry himself is depicted on the right, in blue,seated at the lavishly-laden table. It’s fascinating to see how fashion stylesevolve over the centuries, or maybe they actually don’t. Look carefully at themedieval leather bags. Similar designs are still in fashion today. For example,Bolla Bags makes an excellent quality leather bag which evokes the medievalstyle of the day at £56.95. Available from realhandbagshop.co.uk

MERRY CHRISTMAS from THE REAL HANDBAG SHOP!

2011-12-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our valued customers a very Merry Christmas!

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

What Makes A Good Handbag Really Great?

2011-12-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

We asked afew ladies what separates a good handbag from a really great handbag and hereis what you said.

Colour.

Many womensited colour as being their number one priority for choosing a handbag withBlack being the most popular as it’s a colour that goes with any outfit and canbe used for many different occasions. If the budget is tight and you can onlyafford one handbag then it has to be black. For those who like to stand out andare not afraid of colour, the brighter and more eye-catching the better. Matching bags and shoes are a fashionfaux-pas.

Quality.

High qualityis next on the list of basic requirements. Words such as durable and longlasting were bandied about with craftsmanship. One lady intimated that sheneeded her handbag to stand up to lots of abuse. Most women agreed that leatherwas a hardier and more beautiful looking material for handbags than PU orfabric.

Gianni Conti Maremma Cross-Body Bags £95.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Price.

As qualityis generally linked to budget, it was agreed that in reality you should buy themost expensive handbag you can afford. However, if you saw a handbag to diefor, then by hook or by crook, you’d find the money to buy it whatever thecost.

Size.

Yes, size doesmatter! Many women want a large handbag with a roomy interior as they need tocarry lots of items. This goes hand in hand with bags which open wide for easyaccess. Equally, lots of women want small, neat bags that look cute and are notcumbersome or heavy to carry.

Pockets.

A number ofwomen cited pockets as being the most important factor. Handbags with greatorganisational features such as interior side zip pockets, pen holders,sections for credit/store cards and i-Phone holders were most prized. Outsidepockets also increased a handbag’s attractiveness as they are useful forstoring keys and items you want quick access to.

Smith and Canova Large Handbag - Venice - £99.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Zips.

A lot ofwomen like their handbag to fasten with a zip. If the handbag is accidentallydropped, embarrassing contents don’t fall out. Plus, there is an additionalfeeling of security when out and about in cities or on local transport wherepick pockets might be ready to take advantage.

Creativity.

This alsofeatured quite highly on the list of requirements. Women wanted their handbagto be noticed and admired. A stylish handbag with a fashionable design isviewed as a status symbol. The perfect handbag is one that can be lovinglygazed at time and time again, giving you that warm happy feeling.

Fashion.

Following onfrom Creativity, handbags made to showcase fashionable designer effects arehigh on the list of desirability. Distressed leather, washed leather, metallic,slouchy and crunch leather feature highly in the most wanted lists; anything thatis not plain and boring but with plenty of detail.

Marta Ponti Onion Bags £119.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

TimelessClassics.

A highproportion of women wanted their bags to be classically timeless. If they founda bag they adored, they wanted it to last forever. If they had to change theirhandbag due to wear and tear, then they wanted it to be exactly the same as theprevious one they had owned.

Bag Charms.

Ladies lovedangly bits. Big themes include animals, hearts, letters and gems. Fashionplays a big part in choice, too; shiny gold and silver for those who lovebling; feathers and beads for a touch of boho; dark and mysterious for gothic;vintage or antique for the preppy look.

Fittings.

Much thesame as for bag charms, personal preference is the overall decider as to whetherto opt for gold, silver or antique metal fittings on handbags. Interestingly, italso depends on what colour jewellery you normally wear.

Catwalk Collection Laptop Bags - Helena - £89.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Lining.

Interiorfabric was another important factor in the perfect handbag but for manydiffering reasons. Light coloured fabrics are revered as you can find contentsmore easily. However, as many women said they preferred dark coloured fabricsas they hide stains from leaky pens and perfumes. Signature linings where themaker’s brand name is imprinted into the weave are seen as the most elegant.Patterned linings or stripes are playful and fun-loving.

Straps.

Longcross-body straps or shoulder straps that can be adjusted to fit for personalsizing would be a nice option

Find your perfect handbag at realhandbagshop.co.uk

What gifts and presents will you be buying online during Cyber Monday?

2011-12-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

Thefirst Monday in December has become known as Cyber Monday when people rush totheir computers to order Christmas gifts for family and friends. CyberMonday is always the busiest day for internet purchases. The mix of December Salesand brand new products arriving online produces an exciting frenzy of Christmasshopping second to none.

ThisChristmaslooks set to be another record-breaker for many online sectors. It is forecast thatshoppers in the UK alone will spend around £19million per hour on the biggestonline shopping day of the year and online retailers are bracingthemselves for a record 85million visits today.

The bestsellingselling products in The Real Handbag Shop online are Catwalk Collection Handbags and staff at the warehouses are working flat out to deal with more ordersthis year than ever before. Also very popular are Gigi Handbags and at the luxury end of the market, Gianni Conti Leather Bags. Customers know there are big savings to be had on leather handbags, work bagsand purses when they buy online. Peak buying times will be at lunchtime and in the evening.

Buy Christmas Gifts and Presents from www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

The Accessories Gift Guide for Men! What Women Want!

2011-11-25T05:55:00.001-08:00

Yes, we all want to give surprise presents which are aninstant hit with the recipient. In our mind’s eye we rehearse their faceslighting up with joy when the wrapping is removed to reveal a gift just perfectfor them. After all, a well thought out present will delight and there’snothing more rewarding than seeing a genuine smile in return.

Oriano Purse and Keyring Gift Set £25.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

So how do we get the right gift? Just take your time, maybesit down with a cup of coffee and focus on the person you want to buy for. Itmay be handy to write a list of attributes associated with that person. Whatmusic do they like? Do they have hobbies or play sport? What job do they do?So, for example, the intended recipient may be femail with blond hair and greeneyes. She loves cooking but already has a whole library of cook books. Sheloves dressing up and going out on shopping expeditions with her friends. Herclothes are mainly mixes of blue. She wears silver based jewellery.

Gigi Matinee Purses £24.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Next you need to plan your budget and decide how much youwant to spend. It’s not always the biggest gift that is the best, sometimesit’s those little gifts that mean the most. For the femail who loves going out shoppinga new handbag or stylish purse is a clever idea. A dark navy blue handbag wouldlook absolutely fabulous with blue clothes and one with silver fittings would complementher jewellery. A purse can be any colour as it mainly stays out of sight but ifshe has green eyes, the chances are she’d love a green one. Most ladies willprefer leather over PU or plastic as not only is leather perceived to be ofgreater value, it looks better, feels nicer to handle and will last longer,too.

See a great selection of leather purses atrealhandbagshop.co.uk

Bolla Bags! Brand Spanking New Handbags!

2011-11-21T07:16:00.001-08:00

Bolla Bags first appeared on the British handbag market at the end of 2007 and is already very popular across the UK and Ireland. Making both classic and stylish bags from luxury leathers, the emphasis is on high-quality at an affordable price.

As a company based on the Dorset and Hampshire border and very close to the New Forest, it’s not surprising that the collection is hugely influenced and inspired by the countryside lifestyle. Soft fresh leathers, rich tones and exciting new shapes, highlight the classic and quintessentially English countrified styling for which Bolla is fondly known.

A limited collection of sixteen Bolla Bags will make a guest appearance at The Real Handbag Shop website this month. Please tell us what you think of them and if you would like to see us stock more styles of Bolla Bags in the future.

Available at realhandbagshop.co.uk

The Real Handbag Shop in the USA

2011-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

If you live in the USA you can now buy our gorgeous leather handbags andbags from Amazon.com. All the products we sell are made from genuineleather and will be shipped direct to your door from a warehouse based in America.

For the ladies, we offer a fabulous range of products from British brand CatwalkCollection and Italian makers Gianni Conti. Choose from laptop bags, tote bags,cross-body bags, messenger bags, saddle bags, shoppers, handbags, shoulder bags,grab bags and coin purses.

For gents we have a selected range of Visconti and Ashwood productsincluding briefcases, messenger bags, organiser bags, laptop bags, holdalls andwallets.

All standard Amazon shipping rates and policies apply, including FREE SuperSaver Delivery on eligible items. When you order from Amazon.com you can alsoarrange for gift wrapping.

What our American customers say about our products:

5 out of 5: "Extremelycompetitive price and rapid delivery." Chris Dell, October 25, 2011

5 out of 5: "Fantasticquality and price...love it. Service was awesome, just can't sayenough...." Michael D., October 24, 2011

5 out of 5: "goodwallet" Art2012, October 21, 2011

5 out of 5: "BEAUTIFULbag and the seller was great - no problems." Sean AZ, October 19, 2011

5 out of 5: "This bagis beautiful. The leather is just what I wanted;dark, dark brown anddistressed. The bag has more compartments than I expected. Lots of zipperedsections to keep and hide things. I have already had many compliments. Youwon't be disappointed if you buy. " Sarann F., October 9, 2011

See The Real Handbag Shop in Amazon USA

Leather Handbags for everyday use

2011-11-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

The RealHandbag Shop Team is often asked what constitutes a great handbag for daytimeuse. Naturally, this largely depends on your own personal lifestyle and whatyou like to carry round on a daily basis but it’s interesting to note whatDannii Minogue says in her book ‘My Style’ (published by Simon & Schuster)on the subject of her own handbags for daytime use: ‘I like a decent-sized bagso that I can throw everything in it. I joke that my handbag is a miniwardrobe. I choose bags with at least one zip pocket inside them where I cankeep the things that I can’t afford to lose – my keys, phone and lip balm.’

If yourold handbag is looking a bit dilapidated and you’re looking for a new one oryou’ve simply outgrown the last handbag and need to upgrade, here are some tipsto help you choose the perfect new handbag for everyday use.

Firstlyempty out the contents of your existing handbag and lay them out on the table;get rid of any objects superfluous to use and add anything you can’t live without.This will give you a good idea of the size required. Ideally, you don’t want a handbagwhich is too big or the contents will be swimming around, nor do you want anover-packed small bag bursting at the seams.

Handbagswith myriad pockets can be handy to keep all your items in a fixed locationfrom where they can be retrieved quickly and easily. Catwalk Collection makes anumber of Organiser Bags in every conceivable size and colour but for everydayuse we can highly recommend their Big Bellstone Tote Bag at £69.95 (photo left). Each bag ismade from Vegetable Tanned Crunch Leather and comes in the most gorgeouscolours of jet black, dark brown, navy blue, red and green. If this isn’t quitebig enough, The Kensington Tote Bag at £74.95 gives you that extra space.

If youwant an elegant luxury handbag which looks and feels expensive you can’t go farwrong with one made from Italian Leather. Again, there are plenty of styles tochoose from but if we had to pick just one, it would have to be the Mock CrocA4 Tote Bag by Gianni Conti at £149.95. This is a ladylike bag and absolutelyfabulous leather which is so heavenly it almost makes you go weak at the knees.

If youdon’t want a heavy leather handbag, look for lightweight leathers or handbagswith few or no metal fittings. The Gigi Collection of handbags is made fromhigh quality leather which is soft and comfortable and won’t weigh you down. Welove their Organiser Shoulder Bag at £64.95 which comes in soft AntiqueLeathers; check out delicious cream, honey, red, dark navy blue, dark brown andjet black.

Ifkeeping the contents of your handbag safe and secure whilst out-and-about is apriority, look for handbags which fasten with a zip. Kipling’s Charu Bag at £109.95 is anexcellent choice; this is a spacious shoulder bag made from fashionable VintageLeather with zips all round. We give this one 10/10 for Street Cred!

BucketBags tend to have one large compartment which is great for throwing everythingin and remains a popular choice for everyday bags. If you like to be on thereceiving end of seriously admiring glances opt for either Alex by CatwalkCollection at £79.95 or Caz at £84.95.

All these leather handbags and more can be found at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Last Order Dates for Christmas Delivery 2011

2011-10-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

A Guide to Christmas 2011 Online Ordering from The Real Handbag Shop Website

Last Order Dates for Christmas Delivery from the U.K. 2011:

Fri 2nd December – South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (incl. Japan), Australia and New Zealand.

Thu 8^th December – Eastern Europe, USA and Canada.

Fri 9^th December – Western Europe

Mon 19^th December – UK (Saver UK, 1^st Class Signed For and DHL/Yodel48)

Wed 21st December – UK FAST (Special Delivery)

We will be doing our very best to get all your Christmas orders to you as soon as we can. To help us achieve this, when placing your order online, please write your delivery address clearly. If you are unsure of the postcode you can check it at www.royalmail.com/postcodes.

For British Forces please visit www.bfpo.mod.uk and ensure your order is placed at least 24 hours in advance of the last posting dates.

Full details about our delivery services can be found on our website at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk.

There are so many great products at The Real Handbag Shop online, what will YOU buy? Select from hundreds of gorgeous leather handbags and bags online at the touch of a button. See our wide range of beautiful leather purses for ladies or take your time to browse through our fabulous collection of wallets for men. There are great gifts for everyone. Prices from £5.95 for an adorable Bag Charm to £189.95 for a Gianni Conti Luxury Italian Leather Briefcase.

If you need any assistance with Christmas ordering from The Real Handbag Shop website, please contact our Customer Service Desk on 0844 736 5855.

In celebration of the name Jane, some famous ladies and a leather handbag!

2011-10-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

The name Jane is a girl’s name of Hebrew origin andtranslates as meaning ‘God is Gracious’.

Some Famous Janes

Jane Birkin,Actress and Singer (photo)

JaneSeymour, 3^rd wife of Henry VIII

Jane Asher,Actress

Jane Austen,Author

JaneRussell, Actress

Jane Fonda, Actress

JaneSeymour, Actress

JaneMcDonald, Singer

Jane’sAddiction, Alternative Rock Band

JaneKrawowski, Actress and Singer

JaneHorrocks, Actress

Famous Songs AboutJane

Lady Jane,The Rolling Stones 1966 (photo)

Sweet Jane,Lou Reed 1970

ChantillyJane, Didi Zill 1977

Baby Jane,Rod Stewart 1983

Plain Jane,Sammy Hagar 1992

Oh Jane,Vanity Fair 1999

FamousPaintings of Jane

JaneAvril, Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec 1899 (photo)

TheExecution of Lady Jane Grey, Paul Delaroche 1833

JaneBurden as La Belle Iseult, William Morris

Well Known Characterscalled Jane

Jane Eyre, novelby Charlotte Brontë 1847

Jane,Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer 2005

Jane Porter, Tarzan’s wife

Jane Gay, Daily Mirror Comic Strip duringthe 2^nd WW

Calamity Jane, Wild West Film 1953

G.I. Jane, Action Film 1997

A Leather Handbagcalled Jane

Jane byCatwalk Collection Handbags £55 (photo)

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Luxury Leather Baby Changing Bags; great gifts for mums-to be!

2011-09-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Accordingto the government’s births statistics, most babies are born in September andNovember.

If you’re looking for a special gift around this time, you can’t gofar wrong with a luxury leather baby changing bag. Lin & Leo make colourfulbaby changing bags in aqua, chocolate, pink, red and tan with pretty patternedlinings from £149.95.

Alternatively,Catwalk Collection makes a classic baby changing bag in jet black which iscurrently on Special Offer in the Autumn Sales at just £89.95. Each luxuryleather baby bag comes with a changing mat and there are plenty of pockets andcompartments to store bottles, bibs, nappies and toys. A kitty cat patternedinner lining adds an adorable finishing touch.

Naming The Baby!

When it comes to the name game, it appears that fathers might as well keeptheir opinions to themselves, as according to a recent survey by BountyParenting Club, four out of ten mothers disregard the views of the fatherduring the process of choosing a name for their new born.

The survey also revealed that the average couple considers twelve differentnames before settling on a final choice. However, one in four couples won'tmake their final decision until after the baby is born. Despite the currenttrends, a quarter of parents pick a name they selected when they themselveswere children. A fifth of new parents named the baby after their favouritecolleague or friend, while 37 per cent included a family name. Four in tenpeople took into account names approved by grandparents and 52 per cent avoidednames of all their own friends and children.

Somewhat sadly, a third of couples actually fall out over their new baby’sname. As well as finding a name both partners like there are still loads ofother factors parents have to take into consideration when choosing a name suchas nicknames, what children may later be called in the playground and how firstname will sound against the surname. Fifteen per cent of mothers fell out witha friend from whom they copied or stole a name they liked.

Unbelievably, one in ten parents end up drawing names out of a hat and afurther 14 per cent toss a coin. For the babies of really indecisive parents,they remained nameless for an average of 11 days.

Even if a name is decided upon, the problems don’t end there. 17 per cent ofcouples fell out after one of them actually registered the baby with adifferent name to the one agreed or simply misspelt it on the birth register.

The Weird and The Wonderful in Baby Names!

Apple: Gwyneth Paltrow and ChrisMartin

Aurelius Cy: Elle Macpherson andArpad Busson

Blue Angel: U2's The Edge andAislinn O'Sullivan

Bluebell Madonna: Geri Halliwell

Buddy: Jamie and Jools Oliver

Calico: Alice and Sheryl Cooper

Camera: Arthur Ashe and JeanneMoutoussamy

Destry: Steven Spielberg and KateCapshaw

Fifi Trixibell: Bob Geldof andPaula Yates

Fuchsia: Sting and Frances Tomelty

Gulliver: Gary Oldman and DonyaFiorentino

Harper Seven: David and Victoria Beckham

Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily: PaulaYates and Michael Hutchence

Hopper: Sean Penn and Robin Wright

Princess Tiaamii: Jordan and PeterAndre

Saffron Sahara: Simon and Yasmin LeBon

Sage Moonblood: Sylvester Stalloneand Sasha Czack

Satchel: Spike Lee and Tonya LewisLee

Shiloh Nouvel: Brad Pitt andAngelina Jolie

Sparrow: Nicole Richie and JoelMadden

Suri: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Tallulah: Bruce Willis and DemiMoore

Zola Ivy: Eddie Murphy and NicoleMitchell

See luxury leather baby changing bags at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Lust for Blood Red Leather Handbags

2011-09-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

What women wear from one day to the next generally depends on what mood we wake up in. This is why most of us females find it so difficult to pack for a holiday; we just don’t know how we’ll feel on the day. Will we be bright and sunny, or dark and mysterious?

Catwalk Collection Cross-Body Bag Dispatch Red £44.95

If you fancy a little adrenalin rush, we suggest the colour red. Did you know that the colour red invokes intense emotions, stimulating the heart to beat faster and breathing to become more rapid? No wonder red is known as the colour of love. It’s well documented that red clothes and accessories attract more attention to the wearer and a recent survey suggests that one in five men actually prefer a woman wearing red lipstick.

Gigi Small Organiser Bag Red £34.95

Amongst accessories, red is quite often used as an accent to lift an outfit whether as jewellery, belt, shoes, scarf or handbag. In this way you can create an alluring flash of sensuality without going overboard. Just think about Christian Louboutin’s famous red soled shoes of which he states, “I selected the colour because it is engaging, flirtatious, memorable and the colour of passion.”

Buy red leather bags and handbags at realhandbagshop.co.uk

The Quilted Leather Look - Jackets and Handbags

2011-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

We think that Pippa Middleton looks fabulous in her quilted leather jacket (Whistles) and striped dress (BCBGMAXAZRIA ) which she wore on her way to work the other day. We’ve also seen her rock the look with a quilted leather jacket over a print tea dress, too. Indeed, quilted leather has never been more popular than it is right now and it's easy to see why; quilting adds under-stated elegance without being flamboyant. It introduces pattern to an otherwise plain surface. A quilted leather handbag, for instance, can totally lift a plain, block-colour suit, giving it a chic, stylish twist.

Quilted Leather Totes by Sienna Rose £69.95

realhandbagshop.co.uk

Vintage Fashion and Leather Handbags

2011-08-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Some clothes and accessories have that delightful vintage appeal which is currently so popular amongst the fashion pundits. Vintage isn’t a new idea; it’s been around for a while. Originally the term vintage applied to new fashion products which reflected a stylish era in the past but has since been adopted by the designers and morphed into meaning new products which have been purposefully aged to show antiquity.

All SaintsVintage Dress £75, Forte Forte My Shirt Blouse £125, 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Faded Jeans £104, Tie-Dye Print Dress & Distressed Jacket Milk & Honey, Alice Shabby-Chic Leather Shoulder Bag Catwalk Collection £59.95

Examples of this include ripped shorts or jeans as seen first on the catwalks of fashion houses Balmain, Burberry and Roberto Cavalli, followed closely by the majority of the high street brands including Firetrap, Warehouse, River Island and Mango. Whether you prefer skinny or kick flare, bootcut or straight-leg, boyfriend or roll-ups, vintage can be successfully applied to most of the current fashion styles in leg ware. For those who want to create the vintage look, switch your mind-set to flea-markets and car boot sales. The fashion trends this season include plenty of new dip-dye prints and tea dresses which will work perfectly with distressed or faded jackets.

Catwalk Collection Leather Cross-Body Bag - Dispatch - £44.95

Handbags, bags and accessories should be chosen to blend in naturally with this popular trend for the much loved, lived-in look. Leather products in particular lend themselves beautifully to the aging process; it’s one of those fantastic materials that can look better with a little age. Sure, brand new leather products do look nice but sometimes the old beat-up look or worn leather effect is just plain cooler. If you covet the look of old, comfortably worn-in leather and you don't want to have to wait the years it takes for the look to develop naturally, you can now buy a modern fashion bag which has been especially distressed in order that it takes on that much coveted fashionable vintage effect much more quickly

Catwalk Collection Laptop Bag - Antique Leather - Helena £79.95

Mulberry was one of the first handbag designers to adopt distressed leather which was used on their iconic Roxanne Bag as well as a whole host of other designs. Catwalk Collection Handbags continues to produce a good selection of vintage and antique leathers and has further developed new adorable leather which they call ‘shabby chic’ for their Alice Shoulder Bag. When selecting a handbag, look for antique brass or silver fittings as anything shiny and new will look out of place and spoil the effect.

Catwalk Collection Shoulder Bag - Washed Leather - Zara £59.95

Visconti has led the way for vintage fashion bags for men with their Hunter leather; distressed oiled leather which contains wrinkles, scars and scratches that are inherent characteristics and natural beauty of the hide. This is dark and sultry leather with plenty of attitude.

Visconti Distressed Hunter Leather Messenger Bag VT3 £79.95

See vintage leather handbags and bags at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Nude fashion handbags - soft neutral leathers

2011-07-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Soft colours in nude, sand, camel and stone are perfect for creating a sense of tranquillity and conjuring up the feeling of natural beauty. Long flowing dresses with flat gladiatorial sandals and wide brimmed sunhat will give you that dreamy, faraway look synonymous with those elusive beaches and exotic places you can only read about in books. The coolest girls will be accompanying this look with feathered accessories, handbags with bag charms and boho jewellery. In the photo Ri2k Leather Tote Cranley £66.00.

A serious pair of heels with a demure knee high wrap-dress or shift dress, on the other hand, will bring you into touch with the current fashion for 60s which reflects those chic and elegant days of style icons such as Jackie O. Two piece suits with bracelet sleeves, polo necks and miniskirts also fit the bill nicely. To avoid looking dated, however, focus on the latest accessories such as large handbags. Shown below Catwalk Collection Dannii Shoulder Bag £69.95 available from realhandbagshop.co.uk

The place to buy Ri2k London Leather Designer Handbags

2011-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Ri2k London has emerged in recent times as being leaders in classic, feminine and practical leather handbags. If you delve into the history of the brand, you will see that it once was in partnership with John Richmond, a designer who brought elements of creativity and the energy of youth with a nod to the music industry. However, Ri2k London needed to be seen as a luxury brand in its own right and it parted with the RICHMOND label in 2004, branching off to become a collection of well-designed handbags that capture what women really want.

The new driving force behind the next generation of Ri2k London handbags is British designer Isla Simpson, who brings cool sophistication and understated elegance to handbags that are created for every-day use in mind. Isla studied at Central St Martins, College of Art and Design in London, spending her weekends working at the legendary vintage shop Steinberg and Tolkein on the King’s Road. During the summer, Isla also completed internships working for handbag designers such as Billy Bag, Emily Jo Gibbs and Zandra Rhodes. Graduating with a degree in Textile Design, Isla began working amongst the High Street players such as Jigsaw, Ted Baker, Whistles & Aubin and Wills, as well as Anya Hindmarch and Oushka.

The wealth and influence of the rich tapestries of these environments can be seen reflected in Isla’s work today, allowing her to add her stamp to the brand, bringing an individuality and personality to each new Ri2k London collection.

Ri2k Leather Handbag £99.95

See the latest Ri2k London leather handbag collections at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Gift Ideas for People with June Birthdays...

2011-06-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and beloved husband of Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating his 90th birthday today. At ninety years of age he still looks every bit the picture of vitality and health and long may he continue to do so. A doting father and grandfather, he is perhaps one of the most affable and respected of all the Royals. His penchant for making embarrassing gaffs at inopportune moments, otherwise know as 'putting your foot in your mouth' makes him appear more human and therefore more endearing to the British public. From amongst the many gaffs; “You’ll go home with slitty eyes”, as spoken to a British student in China; “Do you still throw spears at each other?” to Aborigines in Queensland; and on the subject of women, ‘When a man opens the car door for his wife, it’s either a new car or a new wife.’

No doubt Prince Philip will be getting some lovely birthday presents this year but if you're wondering what to get someone with a June birthday, here are some June facts and gift ideas to help.

June Birthday Facts
Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
Flower: Rose

Star Sign: Gemini (the twins) May 21 to June 20
Star Sign: Cancer (the crab) June 21 to July 22

Gigi Leather Handbags from £29.95

Gigi Leather Purses from £24.95

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Famous People Born in June

Prince Philip Consort b. June 10, 1921

Marilyn Monroe Actress b. June 01, 1926

Tony Curtis Actor b. June 03, 1925

Mike Gatting Cricketer b. June 06, 1957

Johnny Depp Actor b. June 09, 1963

Anne Frank Holocaust Victim b. June 12, 1929

W.B. Yeats Poet b. June 13, 1965

Donald Trump Entrepreneur b. June 14, 1946

Venus Williams Tennis Player b. June 17, 1980

Paul McCartney Musician b. June 18, 1942

Ashwood Man Leather Messenger Bags from £59.95

Ashwood Man Leather Travel Bags from £119.95

Ashwood Man Leather Shaving/Wash Bags from £34.95

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

When is Father’s Day 2011?

2011-06-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

The guys and girls who work at The Real Handbag Shop love their dads and want to buy special gifts to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ for all the affection (and cash hand-outs) lavished upon us over the years so it’s important that we don’t forget the date!

Ashwood Man at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Travel Bag/ Weekend Holdall - Highbury - Leather £124.95

A4 Messenger Bag - Highbury - Leather £59.95

Shaving/Wash Bag - Highbury - Leather £35.95

For the majority of countries, including the UK, Father’s Day falls on the 19^th June this year (2011) but if you live elsewhere in the world the date will be different so here’s a handy list of Father’s Day dates for your own calendar.

February 23 – Russia

March 19 – Andorra, Antwerp, Bolivia, Honduras, Italy, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Spain.

March 30 – Oman

May 8 – Romania, South Korea

May 15 – Tonga

June 2 – Germany

June 5 – Denmark, Lithuania

June 12 – Austria, Belgium

June 16 – Iran, Pakistan

June 17 - El Salvador, Guatemala

June 19 – Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, People's Republic of China, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, UK, USA , Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

June 21 – Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uganda

June 23 – Nicaragua, Poland

July 10 – Uruguay

July 31 – Dominican Republic

August 8 –Taiwan

August 14 – Brazil, Samoa

August 23 - Nepal

September 4 - Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea

September 18 – Ukraine

October 2 – Luxembourg

November 12 – Indonesia

November 13 - Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

December 5 – Thailand

December 26 - Bulgaria

Ashwood Man at realhandbagshop.co.uk

A selection of leather wallets from just £10.95

Buy fabulous Father’s Day gifts from The Real Handbag Shop!

Leather Bags for Laptops and iPads

2011-05-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering what to carry your laptop or iPad in just take a look at the Hunter leather bag collection from Visconti. These handsome bags are made from strong, thick leather with a superb smooth oiled finish. Already available in black and brown, Visconti has developed entirely new Hunter leather in a wicked tan colour.

The bags come in a huge choice of shapes and sizes so no matter how big your laptop or how small your iPad, there is always a leather Visconti Hunter bag to suit. Just whip out your tape measure and check the size of your laptop or iPad against the measurements given on The Real Handbag Shop website.

Although these Visconti bags have a hard structure suitable for carrying the latest gadgets, the surface of the Hunter leather is so incredibly soft that it will pick up scratches and marks on its journey; these marks will blend over the lifetime of the bag adding depth and character.

Prices start from just £42. See dark and sultry Hunter leather bags with plenty of attitude at The Real Handbag Shop online website.

CATWALK COLLECTION LEATHER HANDBAGS; MOST WANTED!

2011-05-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

Catwalk Collection leather handbags with the adorable trinket Cat Logo Bag Charm are on most women’s wish lists. Their strap line says ‘If you love leather, you’ll love Catwalk Collection Handbags!’ and it’s perfectly true; designs are created for every mood using the most sensual leathers in a range of colours and textures that look, feel and smell absolutely gorgeous.

Catwalk Collection Jodie Messenger Bag £34.95 Purse £15.95

Unlike most handbag manufacturers that launch entirely new ranges each season, Catwalk Collection is happy to repeat the most popular designs, adding new colours to existing styles when fashion dictates. The Jodie messenger cross-body bag and matching purse is one such design; made from soft washed leather, the original bag came only in tan with dark brown trim as a nod towards the trend for bohemian fashion. However, enthused by the initial response, subsequent productions from the Catwalk Collection Handbags design team have seen the introduction of a vast range of fashionable colour combinations: black with ivory to compliment the trend for monochrome fashion, green with brown for all things military inspired, cream with brown for the neutral effect, blue with cream to blend in with the trend for denim and red with tan to emulate the autumn colours. We’re told that additions to this year’s collection will see colours to reflect the trend for Festival Fever but as this is top secret information, we’ll just have to wait patiently for the new release around mid-summer.

Catwalk Collection Big Shoulder Bag - Alex -£79.95

Another popular design which was only released late last year and sold out almost immediately, is the Alex shoulder bag made from beautiful drum dyed buff leather. If you blinked, you may have missed it. Originally this style was launched in just two colours; black and green but will reappear later this year with three new fashion colours added in dark red, dark brown and dark tan.

Catwalk Collection Shoulder/Cross-Body Bag - Kate - £79.95

And, if you missed out on the much coveted Kate handbag with cross-body strap, you’ll be pleased to hear that this design is also being repeated. Colours for 2011 will include black, red and tan. What makes this handbag so delectable is the soft shrunken leather which gives the surface a unique crinkly texture.

Catwalk Collection is our best selling range of fashion led, leather handbags so it’s advisable to grab your favourite right now before they sell out (again) realhandbagshop.co.uk

GIANNI CONTI FOR MEN; LUXURY LEATHER BRIEFCASES, MESSENGER BAGS AND WALLETS

2011-05-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

Treat yourself or a loved one to luxurious leather accessories from Gianni Conti which are made to last a lifetime. Men’s business briefcases, messenger bags, laptop bags, portfolio bags, attaché cases and wallets are made from sumptuous leather. Each magnificent product comes lovingly packed and boxed with Gianni Conti’s signature logo.

Gianni Conti Gents Briefcase Style 901829 £189.95

Designs from the latest Gianni Conti Collection retain all the classic charm that demonstrates typical Italian panache. From the first stitch to the final finishing touch, the care and attention lavished on each individual product is apparent in the high quality workmanship. Just opening the box and breathing in the heady aroma of top class leather will send your senses soaring.

If you need to dress to impress, the smart, traditional styles of Gianni Conti work bags will add that certain savoir-faire to your business suit. If you want a taste of what Gianni Conti has to offer, leather wallets are available from just £45. Once you’ve experienced the quality of a Gianni Conti product, you’re bound to be back for more.

To view the Gianni Conti Collection of handsome quality accessories for men and to order online, visit realhandbagshop.co.uk.

Fetish for Pink Leather Handbags!

2011-05-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

I don’t know what it is about pink but there’s a certain appeal that resides in every woman. Ask a small child what her favourite colours are and more often than not you’ll get the answers red and pink. As you grow older your tastes change and you find yourself avoiding the ‘childish’ colours you once loved. Then at some point in your journey through adult life, you see pink in a completely different light and it totally blows you away. It could be a blouse or a pair of new shoes, it could be a gorgeous leather handbag or even something as simple as a trendy new lipstick.

Catwalk Collection Caprice Handbag £49.95

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Toni & Guy have fabulously applied pink to hair. Written out in plain words the mind conjures up images of old ladies with pink rinses but in pictures, it paints an entirely different image altogether. This is one super cool look, using a pastel spectrum of candyfloss pink over vanilla sky blonde which is fresh, fashionable and bang on trend.

Just as you wouldn’t automatically select pink for your own hairstyle without having seen how stunning it can look, you probably wouldn’t actively go looking for a pink handbag but sometimes, you merely catch a glimpse of a heavenly one in the most perfect shade and it simply captures your heart.

Ri2k Alex Tote Bag £94.95

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Working with this season’s wardrobe, your handbag can clash or blend-in, depending on how much of a statement you want to make. Ultimately your handbag is like any accessory; reflective of your personality and completing your whole image.

Famous ladies who love pink handbags:

VICTORIA BECKHAM

KATE BECKINSALE

SARA JESSICA PARKER

CHRISTINA MILIAN

EVA LONGORIA

BRITNEY SPEARS – in photo

LINDSAY LOHAN

TARA PALMER-TOMKINSON

LEONA LEWIS

AMANDA HOLDEN

Appease your fetish for pink leather handbags at realhandbagshop.co.uk

The Queen sports Military Fashion with White Leather Handbag

2011-04-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

All eyes will be on Prince William’s bride Kate Middleton when they marry on the 29^th April this year but we can’t wait to see what the Queen will be wearing. On her recent trip to Oman, the Queen wore a stunning gold-braided military-style jacket in turquoise demonstrating a shrewd fashion sense. The crisp, clean white leather handbag complemented the Queen’s outfit to perfection as the gold fittings matched the gold braiding beautifully.

If you fancy re-creating a similar summery look, whilst military jackets are plentiful, coming across light coloured handbags with gold fittings is somewhat trickier. Smith & Canova make a gorgeously large off-white leather handbag called Venice at £119.95 or Ri2k have a splendid design in cream coloured leather called Rose at £74.95. Both are available from realhandbagshop.co.uk

Easter Fashion: Jackets and Accessories for Women

2011-04-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

No doubt the ladies will want to look their best for the Easter break but the British weather can still be temperamental at this time of year which makes it difficult to choose a suitable outfit. It’s therefore prudent to opt for layers which you can peel off if the weather heats up, topping your outfit with one of the latest jackets shrugged over the shoulders.

3.1 Phillip Lim Shrugged Jacket

Signature jackets are currently the ‘in thing’; go prim and proper with a neatly fitted jacket or flaunt it with a swing jacket. The advantage of these designs is that they will come in useful for the wedding season over the summer months. In times of recession, one carefully chosen jacket can go a long way.

Kate Middleton wears Issa Jackets

The tiny biker jacket can look sizzling hot over a block colour dress or uber-cool over a floral, fruity or hippy style maxi. Alternatively, if the relaxed, casual approach is more to your taste try a spot of boyfriend tailoring where women can look incredibly sexy in masculine shirts and jackets.

Boyfriend Jacket £45 laredoute.co.uk

The military fashion trend continues with no sign of abating. Originally inspired by the flamboyant costumes of the 18^th and 19^th centuries it has evolved to become more utilitarian with a touch of functionality. There are a number of different looks you can create using the military trend from rock chic to edgy-feminine to 70s bohemian.

Military Jacket £49 laredoute.co.uk
Messenger Cross-Body Bag £65 realhandbagshop.co.uk

Accessories

Jewellery: multiple bangles or bracelets and diamonds.

Shoes: court shoes with sculptured heels, wedges, bar strap Mary Janes, block heels and leather lace shoes.

Handbags: block and multi-colour leather, handbags with tassels, handbags with distinctive band trims or edgings that add pizzazz.

Milan Handbag £50 catwalkcollectionhandbags.co.uk

Leather Cross-Body Bags - the most popular handbag of the season!

2011-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

As handbag design goes, cross-body bags have never been more popular and it’s easy to see why. These versatile bags can be worn comfortably across the body leaving hands free for other duties such as dog walking, shopping or holding onto excitable children. They also come into their own at airports where you might have a suitcase in tow.

If you’ve ever dropped your handbag and all the embarrassing contents have fallen out, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to carry a cross-body bag without having to worry that it might slip off your shoulder or escape your grasp. It’s also less likely that you’ll put your handbag down and lose it. Another distinct advantage is that carrying your bag so close to your body deters any pickpockets; in fact some of the slim fitting cross-body bags can be worn beneath your coat and hidden away discretely.

Marta Ponti Leather Cross-Body Bags - Heide - £24.95

Brand new for Summer 2011, see the latest colourful collection of Marta Ponti leather cross-body bags at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Fashionable cross-body bags are also great for night-clubbing and going to discos as they eliminate the need for putting your handbag on the floor and dancing round it. A well chosen, neat cross-body bag can look really cool with party gear.

If you need a bag for the workplace, there are cross-body bags and messenger bags which can carry laptops and iPads. In today’s market, cross-body bags come in all shapes and sizes to suit.

Our handbags are an expression of who we are and what we feel at any given moment in time. More than just being functional hold-alls, the style of handbag that we choose to wear is an expression of our own personality. Therefore, it’s refreshing to see so many gorgeous designs in so many different colours and cross-body bags look equally great with jeans, shorts or dresses.

Catwalk Collection Courier Bag £69.95

So next time you have to run for a bus or jump down the escalators two steps at a time to catch the last train, you might want to consider the advantages of owning cross-body bag.

Celebrities who wear cross-body bags:

Christina Ricci

Lindsay Lohan

Reece Witherspoon

Sienna Miller

Rachel Bilson

Kate Moss

Katie Holmes

Cameron Diaz

Mischa Barton

Blake Lively - as shown in the photo

Luscious leather handbags by Ashwood Lady

2011-04-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

When the Ashwood factory had some leather left over from making their beautiful leather coats and jackets, it seemed a pity to waste such exquisite leather and so the designers got their heads together and created a few ladies handbags to use up the spare pieces. So popular were these delightful leather handbags that eventually extra leather was brought in to make even more handbags and Ashwood Lady was born. The leather is always top quality and the styling is always classic with space built in for the latest gadgets and modern technology that women of today wish to carry around. Each season the very latest fashion colours are launched in a limited collection of handbags by Ashwood Lady.

Ashwood Lady Cross-Body Bags - Baby Sally £39.95

Buy Ashwood Lady Handbags at The Real Handbag Shop Website

Gigi Leather Handbags & Keyrings

2011-04-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Gigi collection of leather handbags. This season brings you the best Gigi shapes in new, exciting colours including the innovative Othello, Sicily and Hamlet styles.

OTHELLO
OTHELLO FASHION
OTHELLO STRIPE
OTHELLO TWO-TONE
SICILY
HAMLET
LADIES PURSES

Watch out for the new Gigi leather heart shaped keyrings on selected styles, exclusive to The Real Handbag Shop!
www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Shown from top
Othello Small Cross-Body Bag £29.95
Othello Cross-Body Flap-Over Bag £49.95
Othello Fashion Shoulder Bag £54.95
Othello Organiser Shoulder Bag £64.95

Mother's Day Gifts

2011-03-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Mums are generally happy with any gift on Mother’s Day whether large or small as long as it is given with plenty of love and affection. However, most daughters and sons want to give something a bit more thoughtful than a last minute bunch of flowers or a standard box of chocolates from the supermarket shelf. Putting extra thought into a gift for Mum can really make the difference and brighten her special day.

Kipling Monkey Keyring – Barbara – £7.99

Whether you choose something deliciously expensive such as a designer handbag or something cheerfully cheap such as a dainty purse really depends on your own personal circumstances. If you are a poor student, Mum won’t expect you to spend a small fortune on her. Conversely, if you’ve got a top London job, then Mum might well expect a little bit more effort with the cash flow.

Oriano Boxed Gift Set – Ladies Leather Purse & Keyring – £26.95

Whilst perfumes and skincare products are all very well, we think mums would rather be given a longer lasting present which will remind her of you every time she uses it. With this in mind, here are a few more of our suggestions for gorgeous and unique gifts for Mum on Mother’s Day.

Catwalk Collection Messenger Bag – Apprentice - £65.00

Claudia Canova Wheeled Holdall – Bon Voyage Luggage - £79.95

Gianni Conti Soft Leather Briefcase – A4 - £119.95

Smith & Canova Leather Handbag – Monaco – £125.00

For more great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts visit realhandbagshop.co.uk

Visconti Leather Purses in Rainbow Colours for 2011

2011-03-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

On display in The Real Handbag Shop is the brand new 2011 collection of leather purses by Visconti including the beautiful Rainbow range which comes in myriad colours. Berry Mix is a delicious combination of pinks and purples whilst Lime Mix comes in leafy greens reminiscent of lazy summer days.

These leather purses have a wonderful selection of compartments and pockets to store contents and you can choose a size to suit your handbag in small, medium or large. Each leather purse comes in a candy striped gift box so they would make an ideal present for mum on Mother’s Day or as a special birthday gift for your daughter, sister, aunt or grandma. The only problem is that each Visconti Rainbow leather purse is so irresistible that you won’t want to part with it!

Prices from just £19.95

See the new Visconti Leather Rainbow Purses at realhandbagshop.co.uk

The Real Handbag Shop Dust Covers for the storage of Bags and Handbags

2011-02-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Many of our customers will have noticed that when they buy a bag or handbag from The Real Handbag Shop website, the item comes packed in a Real Handbag Shop Dust Cover. As well as being very handy to store bags and handbags, they are also reassuringly environmentally friendly.

The Real Handbag Shop is a company which actually does care about the environment. We endeavour to do our bit for the planet wherever possible and if we are taking a step in the right direction in packing your order with less plastic and more eco-friendly materials, then we will happily do so, even if it costs just that little bit more. Any cellophane we use is a cellulose product made from the farming of trees specifically grown for the purpose. Even our cardboard packing boxes are 100% recyclable and contain some recycled content.

The Real Handbag Shop Dust Covers are made from 100% recyclable NWPP –non woven polypropylene. These dust covers are manufactured in China, in an ethical factory, selected specifically for its production methods and regularly inspected. The factory is a co-operative and doesn’t employ anyone under age 16. In order to be as environmental as possible, the dust covers are shipped to the UK.

The Real Handbag Shop Dust Covers come in one size and are large enough to fit most bags and handbags including sizes up to A4 Messenger Bags. When you need to store a precious bag or handbag which is not currently in use, simply place inside the dust cover and pull the drawstring to close. It is recommended that you place the stored bag or handbag upright on a shelf in your wardrobe and stuffed with acid-free paper to keep its shape. This then keeps the dust, bugs and sunlight away whilst allowing the handbag to ‘breathe’; essential to prolong the life of leather products which can sweat and deteriorate if kept in plastic bags.

To get your free The Real Handbag Shop Dust Cover, simply order a bag or handbag from the website realhandbagshop.co.uk. The Real Handbag Shop Dust Covers are not available for general sale and are not available from any other website or online outlet.

Disclaimer: Please note that the eco-friendly products mentioned above are those used in the packing and dispatching of orders by our own warehouse and we cannot vouch for the materials used by bag and handbag manufacturers whose products we sell.

HOW TO LOOK GOOD PREGNANT- FASHION FOR NEW MUMS!

2011-02-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Apart from eating healthily and looking after your skin and hair, selecting the right clothes and accessories can go a long way to creating a cool, casual look when you’re tummy begins to take over your life. Some ladies seem to be able to achieve this somewhat refined look effortlessly, while the rest of us struggle hopelessly with the concept.

The trick is not to think too long and hard about it. Just go back to basics, add the right accessories and then wear confidently. You can look extremely elegant in a plain black maxi dress, colourful cardigan and flat pumps, for example, which is simply pared down style that is both fashionable yet comfortable. Fluid fabrics can be sharpened up with a neat coat or jacket to achieve a wonderfully stylish look. It goes without saying that you should avoid any type of clothing that makes you look off balance such as flared Fifties skirts or high dominatrix heels.

Black Maxi Dress Forever21, Flared Denim Jeans by M2b, Pink Cardigan by Phase Eight, Striped Bolero by Top Shop, Lacey Blouse by New Look, Pumps by Schuh, Leather Baby Bag by Catwalk Collection Handbags.

Use accessories to add your own unique personality; pearls over a shift dress will look effortlessly classy, whilst plenty of buckles and studs on handbags and shoes will give that urban rock and luxe vibe. Key fashion trends for this year include romantic layers of lace and over-sized military tassels. If you loved them first time round, you’ll love them again; those bell bottoms and flared jeans are back again. If you want to look smart and sophisticated, try nautical or black and white stripes. And yes, this year you can mix stripes and florals for a feminine and non conformist look; think modern hippy!

Baby publications to inspire:

Your Pregnancy Bible

Pregnancy Chic: The Fashion Survival Guide

Bloke's 100 Top Tips For Surviving Pregnancy

Baby films to inspire:

Baby Boom

Three Men And A Baby

Mr Mum

Pregnant mums to inspire:

Samantha Cameron

Victoria Beckham

Emma Bunton

Penelope Cruz

Christina Applegate

Mariah Carey

Penny Lancaster

Pink

Natalie Portman

VALENTINE FASHION AND LEATHER ACCESSORIES FOR WOMEN

2011-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

On the most romantic night of the year when you've been invited out by an extremely handsome fella, you’ll want to look your absolute best. Red is the colour we associate with passion and love, so why not indulge in some smouldering scarlets or luscious berry colours?

If you want a more feminine, softer look, think of colours in girlie pinks or pretty purples with delicate fabrics; add a warm coat and cosy scarf to combat those February chills. You can’t go far wrong with a silky dress in rich raspberry red or an embroidered full skirt worn with a camisole and cardigan.

If you choose a print keep the cut of the outfit simple; if it's a plain colour look out for interesting details which reflect your own personality such as asymmetric straps, corsages or a plunging neckline.

If you’re planning to wear jeans, keep them dark and smart and dress them up with a fabulous top which should include plenty of embroidery, frills, silk or chiffon. For a look that’s a little bit flirty, try teaming a fresh floral print dress with sexy heels and a trench coat. If you're wearing a plain outfit, lift the look with a statement handbag and accessories.

Red Trench Coat by Victoria's Secrets; Sleeveless Dress by Forever21; Black Leather Shoulder Bag Sara by Catwalk Collection Handbags; Very Hot Strappy Pumps by Emanuel Ungaro; True Love Key Ring by The Real Handbag Shop.

Lastly, if you've yet to meet your true love, give yourself a Valentine's present. The True Love Key Ring by The Real Handbag Shop isn't just for star-crossed lovers; it’s a to-die-for bag charm and the perfect affirmation to the world of how fabulous you are. Choose from silver or brass.

Romantic publications to inspire:

One Day by David Nicholls

Remix by Lexi Revellian

Her Last Letter by Nancy C. Johnson

The Bride’s Surprise by Jacqueline Diamond

Romantic films to inspire:

Love Actually

Valentine’s Day

Mamma Mia

Bridget Jones’s Diary

When Harry Met Sally

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The Notebook
Love Story

Romantic couples to inspire:

Prince William & Kate Middleton

David & Victoria Beckham

David Bowie & Iman

Sting & Trudy Styler

Ossie & Sharon Osbourne
Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

Don't forget Valentine's Day on the 14th February!

Leather Handbags at vastly reduced prices in the January Sales

2011-01-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

Just when you think there’s nothing to look forward to after all the excitement of Christmas, along comes the January Sales in the New Year and suddenly things are looking up again. Who can possibly resist a genuine bargain? Somehow, the realisation that you can make a purchase without paying the full price yields immense satisfaction.

The January Sales are the perfect remedy to beat the post Christmas blues. If that handbag you had your eye on was just a little beyond affordable, than by waiting for the January Sales you might find that it’s still there for the taking but with substantial money off. Or perhaps a little online shopping spree might be just what you need to rejuvenate you having returned to work after the Christmas holidays. Whatever the excuse, the excitement of finding that brilliant bargain is every savvy shopper’s dream.

The Real Handbag Shop January Sale is online now so you can make the most of these fantastic savings. Selected leather handbags have up to 63% off! If you normally like to buy expensive, luxury leather handbags, you’ll now find they are available at a fraction of the original cost. With huge savings on leather handbags you can update your wardrobe for the New Year and make some really great savings into the bargain.

With limited stock and a great range of products included in the sale, it’s worth getting online to see what’s on offer and take advantage of the huge savings. Go on, treat yourself!

All above leather handbags shown are currently for sale online at realhandbagshop.co.uk subject to availability - so hurry up and get your skates on!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from THE REAL HANDBAG SHOP

2010-12-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our Valued Customers a Very Merry Christmas!

www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

December Birthday Gift Ideas - Twin Sets

2010-12-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

When you need to buy gifts for someone who has a birthday so near to Christmas, it can be quite a challenge having to think about not just one present but two. Even if the birthday is on the 25th December, you still want to acknowledge that you’ve remembered both occasions and give a gift for each. Therefore it makes perfect sense to get twin presents which match such as a handbag and purse. Here are our suggestions for the perfect twin sets along with some December birthday facts to help you choose the perfect gifts.

Ashwood Travel / Weekend bag £124.95 and Wash Bag £34.95

December Birthday Facts

Birthstone: Turquoise, Blue Topaz
Flower: Narcissus

Star Sign: Sagittarius (the archer) November 22 to December 21
Star Sign: Capricorn (the goat) December 22 to January 19

Ri2k Large Jerri Drawstring Tote £129.95 and Purse £25.95

Famous Celebrities Born in December

Alyssa Milano Actress b. December 19, 1972

Bette Midler Actress b. December 1, 1945

Donny Osmond Pop Star b. December 9, 1957

Edith Piaf French Singer b. December 19, 1915

Ozzy Osbourne Rock Star b. December 3, 1948

Richard Hammond TV Presenter b. December 19, 1969

Woody Allen Actor b. December 1, 1935

Monica Selles Tennis Player b. December 2, 1973

Jim Morrison Rock Star b. December 8, 1943

Jane Austin Author b. December 16, 1775

Visconti Oil Brown Messenger Bag 18548 £58.45 and Wallet £15.49

Mid- December

Poem by Gerald England

A full moon shines
over the morning frost;
the lanes are full of late-fallen leaves;
walking across the mulch
is almost as tricky
as treading over ice.

In town the carol-singers are in
crowding the shopping-mall,
while a group of muffled musicians
play by the outside market.

This year but two robins
on the early Christmas cards;
the squirrel still runs along the fence
skirting our newly-erected shed.

Kipling Dark Olive Handbag £129.95 and River Purse £44.95

Gifts for the Ladies! Simply thebestpressies.com

2010-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

No lady can resist a truly beautiful leather handbag or a gorgeous leather purse so here is our guide to the best gift ideas for the women in your life from realhandbagshop.co.uk. Our buyers have selected a wide range of stunning leather products to choose from and have negotiated the best prices so that we can offer our valued customers some great deals.

Wife

Gianni Conti Organiser Tote Bag Maremma
£139.95 Was £210.00 Save £70.05!

Smith & Canova Large Handbag Venice
£119.95 Was £175.00 Save £55.05!

Mother

Catwalk Collection Sara Bag
£75.00 Was £90.00 Save £15.00!

Arcadia Handbag Italian Patent Leather
£89.95 Was £175.00 Save £15.00!

Grandmother

Gigi Cross-Body Flap-Over Bag
£49.95 Was £65.00 Save £15.05!

Catwalk Dust Bags for the storage of leather handbags Pack of 10
£22.50

Sister

Catwalk Over-sized Laptop Bag 17" Helena
£79.95 Was £125.00 Save £45.05!

Ri2k Across Body Bag Tracey
£74.95 Was £89.00 Save £14.05!

Daughter

Kipling Large Shoulder Bag Charu
£129.95 Was £191.50 Save £61.55!

Claudia Canova Bon Voyage Luggage
£89.95 Was £150.00 Save £60.05!

Best Friend

Visconti Midi Organiser Bag Atlantic 1603
£45.00 Was £70.00 Save £25.00!

Gianni Conti Multi-Coloured Purse
£29.95 Was £42.00 Save £12.05!

Mother-in-Law

Sienna Rose Big Tote Bag
£59.95 Was £85.00 Save £25.05!

Gigi Small Organiser Bag
£34.95 Was £45.00 Save £10.05!

Colleague

Catwalk Collection Grosvenor Work Bag
£69.95 Was £85.00 Save £15.05!

Visconti Purse RB53 £19.95 Was
£35.00 Save £15.05!

Daughter-in-Law

Catwalk Collection Carnaby St Handbag
£44.95 Was £50.00 Save £5.05!

Gigi Shoulder Bag Othello Fashion
£54.95 Was £70.00 Save £15.05!

Neice

M Collection Cross-Body Bag Anja
£25.00 Was £35.00 Save £10.00!

Catwalk Collection Purse Gemma & Gift Box
£24.95 Was £30.00 Save £5.05!

Neighbour / Children’s Teacher

Oriano Gift Set Ladies Purse & Key Ring
£28.95 Was £40.00 Save £11.05!

Catwalk Collection Jodie Purse
£15.95 Was £25.00 Save £9.05!

To buy these items and for more gift ideas, check out realhandbagshop.co.uk

Christmas Posting Dates for Online Shopping

2010-12-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

"I do most of my shopping online so I don’t have a mad rush. I can’t understand it when people leave it until Christmas Eve!"

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY

We can understand why Holly prefers to shop online and why numerous other people are now thinking the same thing. It’s just so much easier than trawling through the high street shops laden with heavy bags and getting sore, aching feet, not to mention the odd elbow in the ribs.

To make shopping online for leather bags and handbags as easy as possible for customers, the website realhandbagshop.co.uk has some excellent features.

The website is easy to navigate.
There are hundreds of top-end leather products to choose from for both men and women.
The website boasts big brand names like Kipling, Visconti and Ri2k at a fraction of their usual recommended retail price.
The website consistently beats other websites’ prices.
There are plenty of photographs of each item from every angle.
As well as the standard measurements and details you get a meticulous description of each product, too.
Customers can shop safely online with the secure payment facility. Purchasers have a choice of paying with Paypal plus all the major credit cards including Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Debit & Solo.
Delivery options include U.K. Europe and Worldwide destinations.
As an added bonus, each individual handbag or bag ordered comes with a free Real Handbag Shop dust bag/cover.

Other helpful features include the introduction of a specially extended returns period for the Christmas season. Items purchased from realhandbagshop.co.uk and dispatched during the period from December 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010 inclusive may be returned at any time before January 31st, 2011. The returns policy will revert to the standard 14 day period for items purchased after December 31st, 2010.

Last Order Dates for Christmas Delivery 2010:

5^th December – South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (incl. Japan), Australia & New Zealand.

9^th December – Eastern Europe, USA & Canada.

12^th December – Western Europe

19^th December – UK (Saver UK, 1^st Class Signed For and DHL48)

22nd December – UK FAST (Special Delivery)

It's as well to remember that adverse winter weather conditions such as snow might delay deliveries so take a tip from Holly Willoughby and don’t leave your Christmas shopping till the last minute!

Gifts for the Guys! Handsome Leather Bags and Wallets! Bargain Prices!

2010-11-27T05:57:00.000-08:00

Here are a few great gift ideas for the special man in your life from realhandbagshop.co.uk. As always, we've got the best prices online plus a really good range of handsome leather products to choose from.

Husband

Ashwood Travel/Weekend Bag Holdall
£124.95 Was £175.00 Save £50.05!

Gianni Conti Gents Briefcase
£189.95 Was £295.00 Save £105.05!

Father

Gianni Conti Gents Portfolio Briefcase A4
£127.95 Was £200.00 Save £72.05!

Ashwood Briefcase/Laptop Bag Windsor
£109.95 Was £155.00 Save £45.05!

Grandfather

Gianni Conti Wallet
£29.95 Was £40.00 Save 10.05!

Ashwood Wash Bag / Shaving Bag Chelsea
£34.95 Was £65.00 Save £30.05!

Brother

Ashwood Sports Holdall Duccani
£119.95 Was £170.00 Save £50.05!

Ashwood 17" Laptop Messenger Bag Windsor
£69.95 Was £115.00 Save £45.05!

Son

Ashwood Harrogate Bag Large Holdall
£115.00 Was £165.00 Save £50.00!

Visconti East/West A4 Messenger Bag 18516
£64.95 Was £95.00 Save £30.05!

Best Friend

Visconti East/West Messenger Bag 18548
£58.45 Was £75.00 Save £16.55!

Ashwood Bill Fold Wallet & Gift Box
£14.50 Was £18.00 Save £3.50 (0341)

Father-in-Law

Visconti XL Lockable Briefcase Apollo 16038
£89.95 Was £130.00 Save £40.05!

Ashwood Briefcase/Laptop Bag Gareth
£104.95 Was £200.00 Save £95.05!

Colleague

Ashwood Messenger Bag WLB200
£69.95 Was £105.00 Save £35.05!

Visconti Hunter Leather Wallet 708
£15.49

Son-in-Law

Ashwood Messenger Bag WLB500
£65.00 Was £95.00 Save £30.00!

Visconti Upright Messenger Bag 18563
£49.95 Was £65.00 Save £15.05!

Nephew

Ashwood Messenger Bag 2996
£59.95 Was £95.00 Save £35.05!

Visconti Hunter Leather Wallet 707
£14.49

Neighbour / Children’s Teacher

Oriano Gift Set Gents Leather Wallet & Pen
£27.95 Was £39.00 Save £11.05!

Ashwood Classic Card Wallet & Gift Box
£13.50 Was £16.00 Save £2.50!

To buy these items and to see more gift ideas, check out realhandbagshop.co.uk

November Birthday Gift Ideas

2010-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

November is a great time to have a birthday; the stores are all full of the latest gifts ready for Christmas and new stock for the autumn/winter fashion season has just arrived. With so much on offer, it’s difficult to know where to begin so here are some helpful tips to help.

Catwalk Collection Jane Bag £55.00 Was £65.00 Save £10!

November Birthday Facts

Birthstone: Citrine
Flower: Chrysanthemum

Star Sign: Scorpio (the scorpion) October 23 to November 21
Star Sign: Sagittarius (the archer) November 22 to December 21

Ashwood Messenger / Laptop Bag Pedro £79.95 Was £125.00 Save £45.05!

Famous Celebrities Born in November

Anna Nicole Smith Model b. November 28, 1967

Miley Cyrus Actress b. November 23, 1992
Liza Tarbuck Personality b. November 21, 1964
Nigel Havers Actor b. November 6, 1949
Leonardo DiCaprio Actor b. November 11, 1974
Demi Moore Actress b. November 11, 1962
Meg Ryan Actress b. November 19, 1961
Scarlett Johansson Actress b. November 22, 1984
Michael Jackson Singer b. November 8, 1970
Hedy Lamarr Actress b. November 9, 1914
Bruce Lee Actor b. November 27, 1940
Bo Derek Actress b. November 20, 1956
Tina Turner Singer b. November 26, 1939
Marie Curie Scientist b. November 7, 1867
Mark Twain Author b. November 30, 1835
Calvin Klein Designer b. November 19, 1942

Gianni Conti Tote Bag A4 Mock Croc £149.95 Was £225 Save £75.05!

November Poem by Thomas Hood

No sun--no moon!
No morn--no noon!
No dawn--no dusk--no proper time of day--
No sky--no earthly view--
No distance looking blue--

No road--no street--
No "t'other side the way"--
No end to any Row--
No indications where the Crescents go--

No top to any steeple--
No recognitions of familiar people--
No courtesies for showing 'em--
No knowing 'em!

No mail--no post--
No news from any foreign coast--
No park--no ring--no afternoon gentility--
No company--no nobility--

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member--
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds,
November!

Oriano Boxed Gift Set Ladies Purse and Key Ring £28.95 Was £40.00 Save £11.05!

All available from realhandbagshop.co.uk

Can a Leather Handbag be Better Than Sex?

2010-11-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

Here’s an interesting question. Can buying or receiving a gorgeous new leather handbag be better than sex? This was the topic of discussion amongst the girls in our office recently and it threw up some amusing revelations, not all of which, I might add, are printable! At the risk of sounding like the character Carrie Bradshaw from TVs ‘Sex And The City’, and actually, I bet she’d have plenty to say on the subject, I’ll elaborate further.

When you think about it, leather in itself is a very sexy product. If you’ve ever seen a hunky guy in a leather jacket or a pretty girl wearing leather trousers that look like they’ve been painted on, then you’ll know what I mean. Leather handbags and shoes have that same ‘WOW’ factor; the style, the shape, the feel, that wonderful heady leather aroma. It ignites most of the senses simultaneously.

It was no surprise, therefore, to find that one of our customers had penned the ultimate tribute to her new leather handbag as: "Meg Ryan moment!! Need I say more! Really fast delivery - many thanks!!" This simple, yet ingenious comment by Louise, U.K. refers to a particular scene in the film ‘When Harry Met Sally’, as Sally (Meg Ryan) vividly but still fully clothed, fakes an orgasm in the middle of a restaurant packed with diners in order to prove a point. It’s a heart-felt comment which relays perfectly the intense passion that a brand new leather handbag can generate. And I have to agree that there is a certain thrill and spine-tingling excitement when unwrapping layers of paper and tissue to behold the most sensational leather handbag, proving beyond a doubt that brand new leather handbags are truly orgasmic.

It’s not only great-looking leather handbags which bring out such fervent feelings in women; apparently expensive cars can have the same effect, too. Check out the video on You Tube created by Bandito Brothers entitled ‘BMW M3 Better Than Sex’ whereby the actress in the video gives Meg Ryan a run for her money!

Joking aside, whilst a beautiful leather handbag can never truly replace the man of your dreams, it sure can put you in the mood for love!

Shown in the photo: Catwalk Collection Leather Handbag £59.95 from www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Preppy Fashion & Leather Accessories for Men

2010-10-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

The preppy look for men has never been more popular at the moment; city gentlemen are embracing Ivy League style big time and not only is it an easy look to achieve but it looks effortlessly classy. If you want to create the ‘successful debonair university graduate makes good’ look for yourself firstly, get into the mind set then go shopping. Think Yale, Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge for the ultimate in campus fashion statements. You can keep the preppy look sleek and smart, or dishevelled and roguish, to suit your own personality.

Clockwise from left: Vintage Leather Messenger Bag by Visconti; Tennis Sweater by Tommy Hilfiger; Sports Blazer with Scarf by Brooks Brothers; Rugby Shirt by Ralph Lauren; Dark Blue Jeans by Brooks Brothers.

We recommend you start with something simple. Relaxed blue jeans can be worn with crisp white shirt and diagonally striped tie, overlaid with a cardigan, preferably in block colours to bring the preppy look bang up to date for this season. Pieces that are inspired by the academy such as chunky white tennis jumpers make good choices as do toggle coats worn over blazers. Another preppy inspired look is the oversized baseball-style jacket paired with roomy double breasted sports coat. It’s all about adding layers.

Take our word for it; girls can’t resist a guy in a rugby shirt. Once the shorts are swapped for a cool pair of denims, the rugby shirt becomes a little bit naughty and somewhat playful. And once you’ve got the hang of it, you can be even more daring. For a touch of anti-establishment, dark blazers with patch pockets and brass buttons over light coloured jeans can bring out the rebel in anyone.

Accessorise with cable knit scarves, leather brogues, ribbon belts and vintage leather messenger bags.

Preppy publications to inspire:
Take Ivy
The Preppy Handbook
True Prep; It’s a Whole New Old World

Preppy films to inspire:
Dead Poet’s Society
About A Boy
Brideshead Revisited
Twilight

Preppy people to inspire:
Robert Pattinson
Hugh Grant
Wil Schuester (pictured)
Vampire Weekend
Pooch Hall

Special Report on Hong Kong Fashion 2010 - Leather Hobo Shoulder Bags

2010-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

The team from The Real Handbag Shop took a trip to the fabulous neon city of Hong Kong to seek out the latest fashion trends for clothes and handbags where East meets West in a dynamic fusion of cultures. The recent history of Hong Kong is fairly well documented; the United Kingdom handed over Hong Kong to The People’s Republic of China after more than a century of British rule following the Opium Wars, excepting a brief period of Japanese occupation in the 1940s. The unique way in which Hong Kong has evolved has led it from being a modest fishing village, to a major trading ground, to a military port of strategic importance and finally to becoming an international finance centre.

It is no surprise therefore to see an eclectic mix of both western shops and eastern stores in the many of the vast shopping areas throughout the city. Canton Road houses the flagship stores of the world’s super brands. Here you’ll find Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Joyce, Boss, Emporio Armani, Lane Crawford, Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach and Shanghai Tang to name but a few. If you can’t resist high value luxury products which come with high value luxury prices to match, you might also want to take a stroll along the infamous Nathan Road, otherwise known as the Golden Mile of Asia.

In Hong Kong, the Military look with buttons and studs starts to take on a more modern army flavour with shades of green and khaki coming onto the fashion scene along with camouflage print tops. Three-quarter length jeans and skinny trousers are popular and show off the latest ankle boots. Leather accessories are green, black or brown to blend in.

Chiffon Dress HK$1,680 Religeon Olive Leather Jacket HK$4,990 Cecilia de Bucourt

Chiffon Shirt HK$2,690 Robert Rodriguez Sequin Dress HK$4,990 Robert Rodriguez

Silver Necklaces HK1,050 A’teen London Gold Jewel Cuff HK$2,990 Anton Heunis

Black Leather Ankle Boots HK$2,890 Ash Black Leather Ankle Boots HK$2,890 Ash

All available from SEIBU

Mini dresses or long shirts are being worn with bare legs and often decorative socks peep over the top of ankle boots. Delicate and feminine floral prints on dresses and blouses touch on the Victorian era. Shorts are still de rigueur and the shops are stocking up on tights ready for the onset of autumn. Boots come in all sizes from ankle to thigh; choose from solid leather biker buckle styles, high heeled suede with feminine laces or flat and snugly with sheep-skin lining.

Casual dressing in Hong Kong seems to have gone back in the past with the grungy vibe of the 1990s given a contemporary twist. Visualise chunky knits in camels and browns. For the younger generation denim jeans are dark blue and skinny; no other colour or shape will do. Printed vest t-shirts, often with slogans in English give a nod to the influence of rock music and checked shirts are overlaid as the weather gets colder. Leather jackets are a must-have.

Hobo shaped shoulder bags are all the rage from small and dainty to vastly oversize. Sadly, the range of handbags in Hong Kong is somewhat limited as the choice is either very expensive designer brand or conversely, very cheap knock-offs from the market stalls; there is very little if you want quality leather in a mid-range price. With this in mind, here are our suggestions for great looking hobo shoulder bags for the fashionistas of Hong Kong:

All available from THE REAL HANDBAG SHOP

NAVY LEATHER HANDBAGS / BLUE LEATHER HANDBAGS / LEATHER PURSES

2010-09-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

The hot list for blue colours on the current fashion scene for leather handbags and accessories includes MIDNIGHT BLUE, TURQUOISE, LAGOON, DEEP COBALT, KLEIN BLUE, AMPARO BLUE, CORNFLOWER BLUE and INKY SAPPHIRE. With a new range out this season of ladylike handbags, smart totes and utilitarian cross-body bags, there’s plenty of choice to fit any lifestyle.

Every girl should have a dark blue or navy coloured leather handbag in her wardrobe, simply because these colours go with most outfits. Work the look with red and white for chic French style, pair with denim for a cool vibe or contrast with camel for the latest catwalk fashion statement. For inexpensive, yet good quality leather bags, you can’t go far wrong with the new range of navy shoulder bags and handbags by Gigi which, incidentally, come highly recommended by Real Handbag Shop customers.

Turquoise is a colour that flatters virtually all skin tones and hair shades which is why it retains its popularity and keeps getting re-invented in a new fashion colour year on year. Blends of teals, marine blues and sea greens all fit into this category. With its colourful lining, Lin & Leo’s Leather Baby Changing Bag in turquoise is one of the best holdall designs around. We took this bag down to Manchester University to see what the students thought about it. Most agreed it was a colour to die for and as it looks more like a fashion bag than a baby bag, suggested it could easily be used as a weekend holdall for trips back to see the parents (or boyfriend) as well as a stylish sports bag for the gym and day outings. The Real Handbag Shop has always maintained that these baby bags can still be used by mum once baby has outgrown it but the students had a different take on the situation; they saw the bag as being handy to use as a holdall first and foremost, until it was time for them to start a family of their own later on.

See Navy, Teal and Blue leather handbags at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Hunter Leather Messenger Bags: Visconti Mud Brown v Visconti Oil Brown

2010-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

What is the colour difference between a Visconti Mud Brown Messenger Bag and a Visconti Oil Brown Messenger Bag? This is the question on everybody’s lips at the moment and it’s causing much angst and frustration not to mention confusion amongst life-long fans of Visconti products. Those who have already bought a Visconti Mud Brown Messenger Bag in the past and have loved it are searching for the same coloured Hunter leather again in a matching briefcase, laptop bag or wallet. To their utter dismay, they are finding similar products but in a seemingly different colour called Oil Brown. So what happened to Mud Brown? Why would such a popular colour be assigned to the trash can and where can you buy Mud Brown Bags now?

Visconti 18797 Mud Brown v Visconti 18797 Oil Brown

Spot The Difference!

There is actually no difference what-so-ever between a Visconti Mud Brown Bag and a Visconti Oil Brown Bag; it is exactly the same Hunter leather in exactly the same colour. Just the name has been changed. We asked Visconti what had prompted such a confusing name change. A spokesman for Visconti told us that as there was a new company trading under the brand name MUDD selling similar leather products, they had taken the decision to remove the name Mud Brown from their own collection as they did not want people to associate superior quality Visconti Hunter leather products with any other company. I can understand what they mean. A lot of manufacturers have tried to copy the Visconti look and feel of Hunter leather to cash in on their success but somehow, the leather is just not as wholesome as the original. If it ain’t got the Visconti label on, it’s just ain’t cricket!

Little did Visconti know what terrible consequences this name change would have on retailers as well as customers. For those retailers selling online and using fulfilment services, the name change has created hours of extra work changing online adverts and implementing software upgrades to enable the distribution warehouses to cope. The changeover from old stock to new stock means that there is still a mix of Mud Brown and Oil Brown products on the market at the same time, which continues to fuel the confusion.

So the good news is that Visconti Mud Brown is still available but under the new name of Oil Brown. Further news hot off the press indicates that Visconti are updating the interiors of all new Hunter leather messenger bags and future Mobile Phone pockets will be made larger to be able to hold the latest smart phones such as the blackberry, i-phones and other devices. There are also to be changes to some of the hardware and we will keep you notified of progress as it happens.

Buy original Visconti Hunter leather messenger bags, briefcases and wallets at realhandbagshop.co.uk

Red Leather Handbags and Red Leather Purses

2010-08-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Summer fashion on the catwalks has been all about the Scarlet Woman and these shades of red will intensify throughout Autumn in the run up to Winter. Warm tones have been hot colours for several years. If you’re not afraid of fashion, layer up your outfits with a blend of reds in varying tones; think Nancy Dell’Olio and use ‘The Lady in Red’ as your mantra. The trick is to be bold and juxtapose bright block colours like hot orange, tangerine, coral and tomato red, against fuchsia pink and magenta. If this all sounds too scary, either select a shift dress in a block colour or make your handbag do the job for you. Red leather handbags are the perfect accessory to brighten up an LBD (little black dress) or grey work suit.

It’s Red Alert for lips, too as colours go very full-bodied with delicious sounding names such as ‘cherry-soda’ and ‘ageing cabernet’. If loud and louche is your style, you’ll love the flaming Madonna reds of the 80s. For the dark and sultry vibe, opt for Missoni’s interpretation of ‘rouge noir’. For the lacquered finish, plump for a lipstick with uber-gloss; lips which look like they’ve been painted with nail polish are one of the hottest trends.

See a huge selection of red leather handbags, work bags, purses and gifts at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Ri2k Leather Handbags - Ivy, Baye Birkin, Tracey and Cici - 2010 Collection

2010-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

After 10 years of creating gorgeous leather handbags, the British born and bred brand has pulled out all the stops to make their 2010 collection their best yet! Renowned for their distinctive blend of luxurious quality leathers with a fashion forward edge, Ri2k are experts at creating accessible handbags. The Ci Ci range is made from beautifully soft leather with a large concealed front zip pocket. Both the large tote £119.95 and the medium grab bag £79.95 (shown below in chocolate brown) have a main zip opening and large front and back sections secured with magnetic snap fastenings. All items come with a dust bag.

And so enter Tracey, the brand new kid on the bag block guaranteed to cause a scene! This quilted leather lovely is available in a roomy tote, cool across body or shoulder bag. The attention to detail on this new addition instantly notches it up the handbag hierarchy with carefully placed hardware and tassel makes this a beautiful design. Shown below in black leather £79.95.

If it's suede that you’re into, then check out Ivy, last year’s most popular design back in new colours for this year and guaranteed to sharpen up your outfit. These ‘must-have’ bags are only made in limited numbers so it’s best to order yours early to avoid disappointment! Shown below, Ivy in black and violet £99.95.

An update on the ever stylish Baye Birkin, this season illustrates Ri2k's fresh approach to style. The grab handles, shape and padlock detail make this a handbag classic. With new colours and clever detailing, owning a Birkin has never seemed so fashion forward. Baye Birkin £124.95.

These Ri2k designs along with additional to die for styles can be found at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Bon Voyage Luggage by Claudia Canova

2010-07-13T08:18:00.001-07:00

Jet-set, GO! Ladies, if you want to make like an A-lister in arrivals, choose a handsome travelling companion...

Claudia Canova Wheeled Holdall - BonVoyage Luggage - £95.00 (RRP £150.00)
Colours: Cream/Brown or Brown/Tan

Bon Voyage Luggage by Claudia Canova is the smart and convenient option for jet-setting off to faraway places or escaping for a short trip away. Pair up stylish wheeled holdall with matching handbag for celebrity status and enjoy first class travel wherever you go with this range of high fashion synthetic luggage.

Smith & Canova Handbag - Ascot - £79.95 (RRP £95.00)
Colours: Cream/Brown or Brown/Tan

Please note that luggage may not conform to all airline carry-on restrictions so please check before travelling!

See Claudia Canova and Smith & Canova at The Real Handbag Shop!

Anyone for Tennis? Wimbledon Whites for 2010…

2010-06-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

As Wimbledon fever grabs the world’s attention, fashionistas take their inspiration from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and go all out for white. Whether it’s a dress, skirt, blouse, sunglasses, watch or handbag, it’s got to be white.

Catwalk Collection Martina Handbag – White £49.95

Serena Williams, the USA Number 1 seed is one of the hot favourites to win Wimbledon this year. This awesome athlete has tremendous power and an amazing serve. She competes so ferociously for every point that she exerts a loud grunt with every sweep of the racquet. On the subject of fashion, Serena has dubbed the outfit she wears on court "Strawberries and Cream", in honour of Wimbledon. Her Nike dress is white with red trim and she has red shoelaces and red strawberry pompoms on her socks. Even the knickers are bright red lycra cycling shorts.

Manzoni Large Tote Bag – White £74.95

Sam Stosur was Australia’s hope for Wimbledon 2010. Seeded Number 6 this athletic Aussie lass should have made a real impact but surprisingly fell to Kaia Kanepi from Estonia, a qualifier ranked just 80th in the world. Sam Stosur has also been ‘Grand Slammed’ on her fashion sense, sited as being too plain and dowdy in comparison to the other tennis celebrities. We suggest she cheers herself up with a stunning new handbag as this can instantly lift any outfit effortlessly.

Ri2k Lilly Drawstring Tote - White £129.95

It’s been a good tournament for the Russians with with Maria Kirilenko, Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova all looking strong contenders for the ultimate title of Wimbledon champion. Another really big noise in tennis is glamour girl Maria Sharapova who this year, is sporting a Nike Lawn Rose dress designed to resemble an upturned white rose and "Bridget Jones" style big knickers. She may have the grace and speed of a gazelle but her screeches on court are more ape-like.

Kipling Monkey Keyring - Eva - White £7.99

And who else do we love? Well, maybe Li Na from China who has been nick-named the "Quiet Assassin" because she doesn’t shriek or groan on court like some of her contemporaries but quietly gets on with the game. We also love British teen sensation Laura Robson who is battling her way through the junior's tournament with sheer determination.

See inspirational white leather handbags at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk

Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag v Gigi Motorcycle Bag...

2010-06-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

One of the most notorious and well known of all the IT bags must surely be the Motorcycle Bag by Balenciaga. The ingenious arrangement of metal zips, rivets, buckles and leather ties makes it immediately identifiable. This IT bag has been adopted by several famous Hollywood celebrities including Mary-Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Christina Aguilera to name but a few. English fashionistas would have also noticed Victoria Beckham parading around with one on her arm.

City by Balenciaga £895.00

Following the tremendous success of the original Motorcycle Bag, Balenciaga went on to make variations based on the same design in a variety of different colours and sizes which they have named City, Giant City, City Patchwork, Giant City Rose Gold, Covered Giant City, First, Giant First, Part-Time, Giant Part-Time, Work, Giant Work and Covered Giant Work.

And if that’s not enough choice, you can now also have Holiday City, Day, Giant Day, Holiday Work, Town, Holiday First and Giant Hip. A limited range of colours are released each season keeps individual pieces more exclusive.

Motorcycle Bag by Gigi £69.95

Whilst you can pay £895.00 for a basic City Bag from Balenciaga, Gigi makes a similar version for a mere fraction of the price at £69.95!

See this style and more Gigi handbags at The Real Handbag Shop!

Father's Day 20th June 2010 - Get great gifts for Dad!

2010-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day is the occasion to express your love, respect and care for one of the most significant people in your life and what better way to show dad just how much you love him than with a wonderfully thought out gift. To help you, we have some cool Father’s Day gift ideas for dads and these are all available to purchase over the internet so you don’t have to dash round the high street shops in a last minute mad panic trying to find a suitable present. Just sit down and relax in front of your computer screen and take your time to browse through a whole range of unique and clever gift ideas.

Visconti 15" Laptop Case - 18760 - £84.95

A gift in leather such as a wallet, credit card holder or wash bag is not only practical but being made from leather has that little bit of panache, too. Leather bags for work are also well received; why not add a matching wallet to make a complete gift set? We have 100s of man bags to choose from including messenger bags, laptop bags, briefcases, travel bags and luggage. Shown here is the Visconti 15" Laptop Case in Oil Brown (Mud) Hunter Leather at £84.95 and matching Visconti Wallet at £16.49.

Visconti Wallet - 709 - £16.49

Once you have chosen your Father’s Day gift and placed your order online, it can be sent straight to your home or, if you want to keep the present a surprise from dad, it can be sent to your place of work instead.

Ashwood Leather Messenger Bag - Camden - £59.95

If you’ve left selecting your gift for Father’s Day until the last minute, don’t despair, The Real Handbag Shop can send goods destined for the U.K. within 24-48 hours by either Royal Mail Special Delivery or City Link Courier.

Have a Happy Father’s Day!
Leather wallets, leather messenger bags, leather briefcases, leather work bags for men! Unbeatable prices! Quick delivery!
Visit The Real Handbag Shop for fabulous Father's Day gift ideas!

Smith & Canova Summer 2010 Handbag Collection

2010-05-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Smith & Canova have just released their new Summer 2010 Collection which includes the exciting Ascot, Aspen, Caymen, Hearts, Ladies Belts, Manhattan, Mocha, Monaco, Paris, Purses, Travel, Venice and Windsor ranges. This season sees chic fashionable styling in soft luxurious leathers which are reassuringly expensive as well as high quality PU with leather trim at a lower price bracket.

Worth a special mention (because we love it so) is the Venice Collection, crafted from premium quality milled leather which is fabulously squishy-soft and gorgeously supple with a fashionably slouchy accent and a subtle glossy sheen. Just divine!

Ascot is also very impressive, especially as this is not entirely a leather bag but made from premium quality PU with exquisite contrasting genuine leather trim. The enchanting stirrup and horse-bit pattern printed onto the surface is reminiscent of the French styling of Louis Vuitton handbags so you're getting all the quality and that 'je ne sais quoi' but without an excessive price tag.

See selected styles from the new Summer Smith & Canova Collection at http://www.realhandbagshop.co.uk/SmithAndCanova/?sck=6663120

Kipling Sale Now On! Leather Purses down to £44.95! Leather Handbags from just £89.95!

2010-05-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

THE ART OF BEING OUTSTANDING WITHOUT STANDING OUT

Yindi Vintage Leather Handbag by Kipling Sale Price £129.95 (RRP £174.00)
Save 25%

The Kipling story is one of great passion, creativity an entrepreneurial spirit. It all started in 1987 in a small flat in Antwerp, the city of fashion. Three keen enthusiasts decided to make their entrance into the fashion world with a trendy yet affordable collection of bags. Armed with a strong brand, a powerful image, and an extensive range of fashionable, practical and high quality bags, Kipling has been busy conquering the world over the last 20 years. Or as the British quality newspaper The Herald Tribune puts it: 'Kipling has taken the bag world by storm'.

Today, Kipling plays a part in the everyday life of more than 35 million women in more than 60 countries throughout the world. Their Kipling accompanies them on their way to work, on their shopping trips, whilst playing sports, at work and on their evenings out. No wonder because Kipling bags are simply unique . They are not only super trendy but they are also of high quality, practical and affordable.

Kipling is established in Antwerp (Belgium) and is part of the 'Outdoor’ group of the VF Corporation, a world player famous for its well-known brands, such as Eastpak, Jansport, Napapiiri, Reef, The North Face and Vans.

Narika Cross-Body Bag by Kipling £89.95 (RRP £139.25)
River Vintage Leather Purse £44.95 (RRP £60.75).

Sale and reductions on all Kipling products at realhandbagshop.co.uk. Find the latest reductions, discounts and special offers on our website. Shop and save today!

Lin&Leo Leather Baby Changing Bag just £125.00 in the May Sale! Free Delivery!

2010-05-12T04:09:00.000-07:00

Linda and Leonora, the designers behind the best loved Lin&Leo brand, have announced a special offer price for their best selling luxury leather baby changing bag in raspberry pink. For a limited period only, this gorgeous baby bag which normally sells at £159.00 is now available for just £125.00 including free delivery within the U.K. Delivery to Europe costs just £12.95 and for the Rest of the World £15.95.

With its pretty paisley pink lining and shiny silver fittings, this is a stunning leather baby bag which any new mum would be thrilled to own. Lin&Leo baby bags make ideal maternity leaving gifts for work colleagues and are the star of the party at baby showers.

Don't miss the Leather Handbag Sale online at realhandbagshop.co.uk. Clearance items, great discounts up to 80% off and top designer brands; shop today! These are limited offers only, so hurry while stocks last!

Atlantic Cross-Body Bag by Visconti - The Preferred Leather Handbag for Cabin Crew

2010-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Cabin crew ladies look effortlessly glamorous and perfectly groomed at all times, whether on board the aircraft or walking through the airport terminal. The brand image is essential for maintaining the integrity of an airline which is why as well as a smart uniform and elegant shoes, a stylish handbag completes the look.

If you’ve ever wondered which handbags are preferred by cabin crew ladies, I can let you into a little secret; the handbag of choice for Titan Airways is the Atlantic Cross-Body Bag in Jet Black by Visconti. This particularly soft, yet durable leather is beautifully smooth to the touch with a satin finish and has a chic, professional look about it. There are plenty of compartments and pockets to organise contents efficiently and the bag can accommodate note pads or diaries up to A5 size. Being a medium sized bag it will store away neatly in a locker during flights. Having a long strap enables the bag to be carried across the body allowing hands-free for other essential luggage such as over-night bag.

If you’d like more information about Titan Airways, you can visit their website at www.titan-airways.co.uk.

The Atlantic Cross-Body Bag in Jet Black, Brown, Dark Choc Brown, Navy Blue and Sand (Tan) by Visconti £49.95 (RRP £65.00) is available at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk. We always carry plenty in stock but if you need to place a larger order just contact us at cs@realhandbagshop.co.uk.

The Duffel Bag; this year’s most wanted leather handbag!

2010-04-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Bucket bags, duffel bags and drawstring bags are this year’s most wanted leather handbags and it’s easy to see why. Paraded up and down just about every catwalk from Milan to Melbourne, these adorable duffel bags come in a whole range of designs to fit the fashion trend of your dreams. Whip-stitching brings a flavour of the country and western style whilst slashed and slouchy gives an urban twist. Shiny metal zips and menacing studs take on a military appeal.

Current duffel bags are light and bright for a summery sensation. Watch out especially for white, nude and pastel colours. We love Ri2k’s Large Lilly Drawstring Tote which comes in Catkin, a fabulous summery shade of yellow at just £129.95 (RRP £165) or Ri2k’s Large Jerri Drawstring Tote in Teal Green at just £149.95 (RRP £165) which is great for summer holidays as you can stash all your everyday stuff in it and still have room to spare! For a sporty or nautical look, we recommend Manzoni’s Large Tote Bag in Red or White at £79.95 (RRP £140). Also worth a special mention is Marta Ponti's Drawstring Tote Bag in smart monochrome colours White with Black trim at just £114.95 (RRP £230).

All these bags are currently available online at realhandbagshop.co.uk

As the season’s change, expect colours to take on a darker hue. Dark greys and jet blacks will take a steer towards gothic fairytale. We predict that size will decrease as the duffel bag is taken onto the dancefloor for the party season. Photo: Attire Magazine.

How to Clean Leather Bags and Handbags

2010-04-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Leather bags and handbags will last a long time if looked after and nurtured. Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your leather products. It not only removes dirt and oils (which can, over time, break down the leathers protective coating) but will also help to maintain the moisture balance in the leather and keeps the leather supple. However, as leather now comes in a variety of fashion effects such as Polished, Distressed, Washed, Cracked, Antiqued, Matte, Crushed and Crinkly it’s difficult to know the best way to care for your bag or handbag without causing irreparable damage. So here are some handy tips to help you.

Firstly, check to see if there is a care label with your leather product. Some leather products require specialist cleaning only. You can look up specialist cleaning companies on the internet or try asking your local dry cleaners if they can recommend one which deals with leather products. Suede and Nubuck leathers are best left to a specialist for cleaning although general dust and dirt can be gently and safely removed with a soft-bristled baby brush for day-to-day care.

When using a cleaning product, always test a small unnoticeable area prior to use to check for colourfastness of the leather. During the cleaning process keep a careful eye on what is coming off on your sponge and what is happening to the surface being cleaned.

For Finished Leather (Polished) use Antiquax Leather Cream which is a blend of natural lanoline and waxes. It will protect and preserve your fine leather furniture and is also ideal for use on other leather goods such as handbags, briefcases, shoes etc. The oils in Antiquax Leather Cream feed the grain keeping the fibres supple and restoring the natural oils lost due to the drying effects of central heating and exposure to sunlight. Antiquax Leather Cream is suitable for antique and modern leather. This is sold online at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk.

For Hunter Leather (Visconti Oil Bags) use Timberland Waxed Leather Protector. This is sold in shoe shops which sell Timberland products. This easy-to-apply waterproof treatment contains oils and waxes to soften and protect oiled and waxed leathers.

For Unfinished Leathers (designer effect leather such as Washed, Cracked, Crushed and Matte may fall into this category) use a moist but not excessively wet, sponge to remove surface dirt and dust. Do not apply cleaning products containing oils as this will soak in and stain the hide. In most cases you are only able to clean dirt off the surface of leather, not out of it. Some foam cleaners may be used to give a deeper clean but check out the instructions prior to use and test a small, unnoticeable area before applying to the whole bag. It’s also best not to scrub spots or localised areas or you may end up with an unsightly colour difference.

Gianni Conti Leather Handbags, Ladies Work Bags and Purses…

2010-04-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

For work, business or leisure Gianni Conti leather handbags, shoulder bags, work bags, briefcases, cross-body bags and purses come highly recommended. The Italian pedigree ensures beautiful styling and exceptionally high quality of workmanship. A good quality accessory has the power to upgrade any outfit.

Ladies Who Lunch…
The trick to looking like the successful and confident lady you actually are is to ensure your clothes are smartly tailored, your shoes polished, nails manicured and hair immaculately groomed. Key accessories from Gianni Conti’s new Spring/Summer 2010 luxury collection which will help accomplish the look include their new designer Cross-Body Bag available in either green or red £95.95; Organiser Bag in traditional brown £89.95; Tote Bag A4 Mock Croc in classic black, burgundy red or delicious dark brown £149.95; Purse and Gift Box in Vivace Multi-Coloured or Brown Multi-Coloured £29.95.

Ladies Who Work…
For added impetus in the office and to cut an impressive figure in the boardroom, you should complete your smart, sophisticated look with an executive styled work bag or briefcase. Leather is by far the best option as it will withstand the daily rigours of life in the workplace much better than any synthetic product. It goes without saying that you should really buy the most expensive item you can afford as quality and price go hand-in-hand. Business is mostly about selling; selling a product, selling yourself. If you don’t look successful, then how can you expect others to buy into your ideas? Gianni Conti has a bag to suit every personality; select from traditional, classic or fashion design.

See Gianni Conti Leather Handbags, Ladies Work Bags and Purses at www.realhandbagshop.co.uk