Aniline leather: Leather that is colored all the way through with a transparent dye. The effect is applied by immersing the leather in a dye bath. Because the finish is transparent and shows the natural markings of the leather, only the best quality hides can be used. This produces a delicate, soft, supple leather.
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: is dyed with one color over another (usually darker over lighter) to create rich highlights and an artificial worn and aged appearance in which the natural characteristics of the hide such as healed scars, scratches, and wrinkles are considered a positive characteristic.
Ex. Click to see the Olivia Harris Croc Knot Flap Cross Body.
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.”
Embossed Leather: Leather that has been "stamped" with a design or artificial texture under very high pressure. Used, for example, to create imitation alligator hide.
Ex: Click to see Rebecca Minoff's Morning After Bag Mini in Brown Alligator.
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.
Full Grain Leather: Leather which has not been altered beyond hair removal. Full grain leather is the most genuine type of leather, as it retains all of the original texture and markings of the original hide.
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.
Glazed Leather: Aniline-dyed leather which has been polished to a high luster by passing through glass or steel rollers under great pressure. Ex: Click here to see the Adore in two beautiful colors, Glazed Classic Brown and Glazed Fine Wine.
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.
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.”
Nubuck: n. is top-grain rawhide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like surface. It is resistant to wear, and may be white or colored. Nubuck is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness along with a fine grain. It must be colored or dyed heavily to cover up the sanding and stamping process. Some of the identifying characteristics of nubuck are similar to aniline leather; it is very soft to the touch. Ex: Olivia Harris.
Perforated: Leather in which a pattern of small holes is stamped using a die. Ex: Click here to see the stylish Rebecca Minkoff's Lovers Clutch with Stary Perforation on Italian Leather.
Ponyhair a/k/a Haircalf: Cowhide or Buffalo pelt, Leather which has not been altered, hair trimmed and dyed not removed from leather. Ex: Click here to see Rebecca Minkoff's Pony Wallet.
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.
Suede: Split leather that has been buffed and brushed to create a fuzzy surface feel.
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.”