Barrel: n. a handbag with a long cylinder shape that resembles a barrel.
Belt Bag: n. a purse that hangs around your waist, like a belt. The bag of a belt bag may or may not be detachable.
Clutch: n. a handbag without straps or handles that must be held – or “clutched” – by you. Clutches are usually small evening bags, and were popularized during the 1950’s.
Ex: Click to see contemporary clutches by Treesje & flirty Rebecca Minkoff clutches.
Computer Bag: n. a purse – usually a tote or shoulder bag – specially designed to carry a laptop and its accessories. See also “shoulder bag” and “tote.”
Convertible: adj. describes a bag that can be converted from one function or shape to another. For example, some belt bags have detachable bags, so that the bag may be carried alone as a clutch. See also “belt bag.”
Ex: Click to see Foley + Corinna & Katherine Kwei Convertibles.
Distressed Leather: distressed leather is aniline dyed leather with an articially worn and aged appearance in which the natural characteristics of the hide such as healed scars, scratches, and wrinkles are considered a positive characteristic.
Duffel: n. a large bag made of cloth. Duffel bags are typically used to carry atheletic equipment or as casual luggage.
East/West: adj. describes a bag that is longer than it is tall. See also “north/south.”
Ex: Click to see www.stefanibags.com/rebecca-minkoff-morning-after-bag-1 Collection.
Evening: adj. describes a bag designed to be carried during the evening to formal dress events.
Ex: Click to see the Whiting & Davis & Inge Christopher Collections.
Frame: adj. describes a handbag with strong, inflexible structure. Frame handbags were popular during the 1950’s and currently!
Ex: Click to see the Rebecca Minkoff & Treesje Collections.
Hobo: n. a slouchy, crescent-shaped bag. Hobos are usually also shoulder bags, and were popularized during the 1960’s.
Ex: Click to see the Kooba & Olivia Harris Collections and the entire StefaniBags Hobo Selection here www.stefanibags.com/leather-hobo-handbags-hobo-purses
Messenger Bag: n. a unisex shoulder bag designed to be worn across the shoulders. Messenger bags are usually made of cloth and, while a now a fashion accessory, designed to have the functionality of a back-pack. Messenger bags are named after bags originally used by couriers and the post office.
Minaudiere: n. an evening clutch purse with a hard case. Minaudieres are usually covered in Swarovski crystals. See also “clutch” and “evening.”
Muff: n. a handbag designed to keep hands warm. Muffs are usually cylinder in shape and covered in fur. See also “cylinder.”
North/South: adj. describes a bag that is taller than it is wide. See also “east/west.”
Satchel: n. a bag with a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel was inspired by the shape and utility of luggage and comes in a wide variety of sizes.
Ex: Click here to see the pretty Botkier Satchels.
Shopper: n. a bag designed as a carryall for shopping. Shoppers are usually rectangular.
Shoulder: adj. describes a bag designed to be worn hanging from your shoulders. A shoulder bag is usually a day bag.
Ex: Click here to see a bevy of chic shoulder bags.
Top Handle: n. a handle that is attached to the top of a bag and designed to be carried in your hands. Top handles are often paired with frame bags. See also “frame.”
Ex: Click here to see the stunning Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bags
Top Zip: adj. describes a bag with a main opening that can be zipped shut.
Tote: n. a bag designed as a carryall. Totes are usually sturdy and rectangular in shape, with shoulder straps and a wide top opening. Totes are similar to shoppers. See also “shopper.”
Ex: Click to see Linea Pelle Totes!
Vegan Leather: n. an artificial alternative to traditional leather. It may be chosen for ethical reasons or as a designed material which may have different properties but a similar look to the natural material.
Wristlet: n. a clutch with a bracelet-like strap so that the bag can be carried hanging from your wrist. See also “clutch.”
Yoga Mat Bag: n. a bag specially designed to carry a yoga mat. Yoga mat bags are usually tote or shoulder bags. See also “shoulder bag” and “tote.”