Wednesday 29 June 2011

What do customers think of H for Handbag?

As I have said in previous blog posts I LOVE feedback. It enables me to solve any design issues and provide a better service for my customers. I recently approached some of my fantastic 'H for Handbag wearers' and these are some of the things they said about the bags they purchased...

Lisa from Melbourne
What H for Handbag style do you own? 
Ladybugs Tote & Milly in Khaki colour
What are the best features of the bags?
Ladybug - Size. This bag is a workhorse. If only grabbing a few things at the supermarket, they can generally fit in my handbag.
Milly - This is still my everyday bag and a real favourite. It's washable, very comfortable to use (doesn't slip off my shoulder) and goes with just about every casual outfit. Not too big, not too small, just the right number of pockets … it's just right! I love the extra little clip-on purses too. Just the right size for coins or a lipstick : )
Have you seen others wearing a H for Handbag? If so where?
Melbourne. I know of folk with the Sausage Dogs, Kitties and another Ladybugs. Everyone loves them.    

Penny from Watson, ACT
What H for Handbag style do you own?
Milly in crimson, Grace in white & Crush in red 
What are the best features of the bags?
Plenty of space, nice wide straps
Would you recommend H for Handbag to other women?
Most definitely and I have done.
Anything extra to say about H for Handbag?
I think Clare is a great designer - she thinks of all the little things. I particularly love the lining of H for Handbag bags - funky and original.



Johanna from Gordon, ACT
What H for Handbag style do you own? I have the pink ‘love me do’ bag, Tropicana in blue and Fleur in pink
What are the best features of the bags?
Best features of the bags are the bright colours! Also the internal zipped pocket and the pen holder.
Would you recommend H for Handbag to others?
I have recommended them to friends. My mum has one : )
Do you have a H for Handbag wish list?
I would love one of the new tote bags with prints.


So there you have it, some very happy customers - Thank you Lisa, Penny and Jo! If you are interested in 'bagging' a H for Handbag of your very own I would LOVE to hear from you. Our contact details are on the website www.hforhandbag.com this site is currently being updated with our new range, but I would be very happy to send you out a catalogue.
All H for Handbag designs are chic, unique and a little bit wicked!

With love Clare x

Monday 27 June 2011

Why is H for Handbag different from other Handbag businesses?

You guys!

I have designed for the big High Street businesses both in the UK and Australia and all they do is copy the high fashion brands such a Gucci and Prada, changing very little. The designers have little or no contact with the consumer (you guys) and the end result is 'fast fashion' bags, that go out of date quickly and tend to have design issues because they are not wear trialed for long enough. These problems all arise as the lead times from design to store are so tight. Giving little thought to the bags comfort and design faults, all companies striving to get the 'copies' on the shelves first.

The range here at H for Handbag, is constantly being tweaked, re-designed and tweaked again, striving to bring to you the ‘perfect handbag’.  I listen to what you all have to say about the handbags that you will eventually carry round with you as little wearable friends. Every comment is valuable to me.

H for Handbag is a 'fashion forward' brand, which means we don’t follow the fickle fashion trends, we research elements with longevity, so that they are more classic and can be worn season after season without looking tired or dated. I recently took a H for Handbag poll as to how long a bag should expect to last, everyone replied longer than a year. Fashion changes from season to season new trends emerging constantly but large shifts are seen every season. A handbag fashion life is relatively small, about 3 months, before it looks 'so last season'.
This is why H for Handbag is different as your bags will always look chic, unique and a little bit wicked. All the bags are designed in a practical way, I am able to lock-in small production runs, so they are limited edition styles and they all have a little element of surprise, like bright linings and quirky colour combinations. All the bags are designed for it's end use - work, fun and party, and all are designed to be practical and comfortable taking a little bit of stress off your shoulders, so you can get on with your busy lives.
These styles are also not in the high street shops, which is a good thing for you guys too, as shops always add a minimum of 100% to the price, to cover over heads. I don’t need to do this, so the prices can be kept as low as possible also making them very affordable.
Designer brands at affordable prices.
Our website is currently being updated with all our new exciting styles, but if you are keen to see them book a 'Girls Night in Party' today. Where we bring the bags to you and hostesses receive HUGE discounts and free gifts!


Tuesday 21 June 2011

When Handbags become Hell!


There is a HUGE trend at the moment which could be affecting your health – Over sized bags. There is nothing wrong with them as a fashion trend, I think they fab, but they are not an opportunity to use the extra space to carry a whole plethora of objects that you really don’t need everyday.
I remember once my cousin was searching in her bag for something and she pulled out a lightblub (yes Nicola!), I was actually shocked that she had such a obscure item in her bag, but this sort of thing is quite common. I even caught my mother 'breaking the rules', she had filled up her bag with sorted change for the bank, but kept forgetting to exchange it, and as a result, she was lugging Kg’s of coins around for weeks! Maybe you put things in your bag just in case and never use, these little things, although small and harmless, can all add up to a very heavy weight which you are lugging around everywhere you go.

Try this: Put your handbag on the scale and weigh it. You could be asking for trouble if it weighs over 3kg. You wouldn’t carry around a 3kg dumbbell from the gym. So why would you sling a bag weighing the equivalent over your shoulder and walk around with it?
That kind of weight can leave a lasting impression. If you think about how you carry a bag, it’s usually on one side and you pull your neck to one side and lift your shoulder. It’s a very unnatural position. It creates strain along the neck and into the nerves down the shoulder, so it can be very painful later on leaving you with back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and possibly even arthritis.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT PROBLEMS
·Downsizing -Try minimising your wallet. Carry only the credit cards and cash you need, leave the over sized makeup bags at home. Take out those extra non essentials

·Balance yourself - By carrying a bag on one shoulder and a short-handled tote in the other hand

·Best type- The best are bags that are fairly flat and of soft, lightweight material that moulds to the body—soft PVC or canvas mix are ideal

·Structure- Slouchy bags are a no no. When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable and outside pockets for frequently needed essentials
·Easy Access- If you have to do a major expedition to find your phone, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure—a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps. Inner pockets are a must

·The Test-Drive- You wouldn't buy a dress without trying it on; follow that rule with your handbag choices
·Chiropractor approved –The 3 approved positions for a short-handled bag: over your shoulder and tucked under your arm; over your forearm (or in the crook of your elbow); or held in your hand. When worn over the shoulder, your bag should fall as close to your centre of gravity as possible. Very busty women should avoid carrying anything on the shoulder: They're already being pulled forward by the weight of their breasts, and this aggravates the misalignment
·Handles-Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap Avoid chains too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble)
GOOD NEWS

With all the do's and dont's there is good news for you at last! All H for Handbag styles are designed with the 8 tips mentioned above. Straps are designed to distribute the weight of your bag evenly over your shoulder. Large top openings and inner pockets are standard - matching clip on purses are ideal for your phone. All bags are made out of soft PVC’s or a mixture of fabrics to mould to your body. AND the best bit is you can book a handbag party and have all the styles brought to the relaxing comfort of your own home. Clare, the designer, will explain all the features and benefits inbuilt in the bags. You could even take one away with you on the night and if you are the Hostess you can benefit from all the special deals available - you might even walk away with a free handbag!

So now all you need to do is choose your favourite. Check out our current range on our website www.hforhandbag.com ... bag one today. Go on be wicked!

When Handbags become Hell!

There is a HUGE trend at the moment which could be affecting your health – Over sized bags. There is nothing wrong with them as a fashion trend, I think they fab, but they are not an opportunity to use the extra space to carry a whole plethora of objects that you really don’t need everyday.

I remember once my cousin was searching in her bag for something and she pulled out a lightblub (yes Nicola!), I was actually shocked that she had such a obscure item in her bag, but this sort of thing is quite common. I even caught my mother 'breaking the rules', she had filled up her bag with sorted change for the bank, but kept forgetting to exchange it, and as a result, she was lugging Kg’s of coins around for weeks! Maybe you put things in your bag just in case and never use, these little things, although small and harmless, can all add up to a very heavy weight which you are lugging around everywhere you go.
Try this: Put your handbag on the scale and weigh it. You could be asking for trouble if it weighs over 3kg. You wouldn’t carry around a 3kg dumbbell from the gym. So why would you sling a bag weighing the equivalent over your shoulder and walk around with it?
That kind of weight can leave a lasting impression. If you think about how you carry a bag, it’s usually on one side and you pull your neck to one side and lift your shoulder. It’s a very unnatural position. It creates strain along the neck and into the nerves down the shoulder, so it can be very painful later on leaving you with back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and possibly even arthritis.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT PROBLEMS
· Downsizing -Try minimising your wallet. Carry only the credit cards and cash you need, leave the over sized makeup bags at home. Take out those extra non essentials

· Balance yourself - By carrying a bag on one shoulder and a short-handled tote in the other hand

· Best type - The best are bags that are fairly flat and of soft, lightweight material that moulds to the body—soft PVC or canvas mix are ideal

· Structure - Slouchy bags are a no no. When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable and outside pockets for frequently needed essentials
· Easy Access - If you have to do a major expedition to find your phone, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure—a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps. Inner pockets are a must

· The Test-Drive - You wouldn't buy a dress without trying it on; follow that rule with your handbag choices
· Chiropractor approved –The 3 approved positions for a short-handled bag: over your shoulder and tucked under your arm; over your forearm (or in the crook of your elbow); or held in your hand. When worn over the shoulder, your bag should fall as close to your centre of gravity as possible. Very busty women should avoid carrying anything on the shoulder: They're already being pulled forward by the weight of their breasts, and this aggravates the misalignment
· Handles- Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap Avoid chains too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble)
GOOD NEWS

With all the do's and dont's there is good news for you at last! All H for Handbag styles are designed with the 8 tips mentioned above. Straps are designed to distribute the weight of your bag evenly over your shoulder. Large top openings and inner pockets are standard - matching clip on purses are ideal for your phone. All bags are made out of soft PVC’s or a mixture of fabrics to mould to your body. AND the best bit is you can book a handbag party and have all the styles brought to the relaxing comfort of your own home. Clare, the designer, will explain all the features and benefits inbuilt in the bags. You could even take one away with you on the night and if you are the Hostess you can benefit from all the special deals available - you might even walk away with a free handbag!

So now all you need to do is choose your favourite. Check out our current range on our website www.hforhandbag.com ... bag one today. Go on be wicked!

When Handbags become hell!

There is a HUGE trend at the moment which could be affecting your health – Over sized bags. There is nothing wrong with them as a fashion trend, I think they fab, but they are not an opportunity to use the extra space to carry a whole plethora of objects that you really don’t need everyday.

I remember once my cousin was searching in her bag for something and she pulled out a lightblub (yes Nicola!), I was actually shocked that she had such a obscure item in her bag, but this sort of thing is quite common. I even caught my mother 'breaking the rules', she had filled up her bag with sorted change for the bank, but kept forgetting to exchange it, and as a result, she was lugging Kg’s of coins around for weeks! Maybe you put things in your bag just in case and never use, these little things, although small and harmless, can all add up to a very heavy weight which you are lugging around everywhere you go.
Try this: Put your handbag on the scale and weigh it. You could be asking for trouble if it weighs over 3kg. You wouldn’t carry around a 3kg dumbbell from the gym. So why would you sling a bag weighing the equivalent over your shoulder and walk around with it?
That kind of weight can leave a lasting impression. If you think about how you carry a bag, it’s usually on one side and you pull your neck to one side and lift your shoulder. It’s a very unnatural position. It creates strain along the neck and into the nerves down the shoulder, so it can be very painful later on leaving you with back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and possibly even arthritis.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT PROBLEMS

·         Downsizing -Try minimising your wallet. Carry only the credit cards and cash you need, leave the over sized makeup bags at home. Take out those extra non essentials.
·         Balance yourself - By carrying a bag on one shoulder and a short-handled tote in the other hand.
·         Best type - The best are bags that are fairly flat and of soft, lightweight material that molds to the body - soft PVC or canvas mix are ideal.

·         Structure - Slouchy bags are a no no. When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable and outside pockets for frequently needed essentials

·         Easy Access - If you have to do a major expedition to find your phone, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure—a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps. Inner pockets are a must.

·         The Test-Drive - You wouldn't buy a dress without trying it on; follow that rule with your handbag choices.

·         Chiropractor approved –The 3 approved positions for a short-handled bag: over your shoulder and tucked under your arm; over your forearm (or in the crook of your elbow); or held in your hand. When worn over the shoulder, your bag should fall as close to your centre of gravity as possible. Very busty women should avoid carrying anything on the shoulder: They're already being pulled forward by the weight of their breasts, and this aggravates the misalignment.

·         Handles- Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with it bumping below your hip. Avoid chains too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble).



GOOD NEWS

With all the do's and dont's there is good news for you at last! All H for Handbag styles are designed with the 8 tips mentioned above. Straps are designed to distribute the weight of your bag evenly over your shoulder. Large top openings and inner pockets are standard - matching clip on purses are ideal for your phone. All bags are made out of soft PVC’s or a mixture of fabrics to mould to your body. AND the best bit is you can book a handbag party and have all the styles brought to the relaxing comfort of your own home. Clare, the designer, will explain all the features and benefits inbuilt in the bags. You could even take one away with you on the night and if you are the Hostess you can benefit from all the special deals available - you might even walk away with a free handbag!

So now all you need to do is choose your favourite. Check out our current range on our website www.hforhandbag.com ... bag one today. Go on be wicked!

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Finding the right bag to fit your body type

With so many handbag styles available, it’s important to know the differences between each design, so you can choose the shape that fits you best.

Finding the right fit!

  • Your handbag should be the opposite shape of your body type
  • For maximum flattery, your handbag size should be proportionate to your figure. As tempting as it might be, don’t be fooled by a trendy new style that doesn’t fit your figure....there are lots of wonderful alternatives.



Tall and Slim - a shopper is not the best choice for you. A chic satchel would be more suitable because it’s wider than it is high. It takes the emphasis away from your height, and puts it where it belongs ....on you!





Short and Thin - look fabulous carrying a barrel handbag. Its round design makes a nice contrast to your slender build.



 




Slimming - shoppers and bucket-style handbags can actually give you a slimming appearance, which is perfect if you have a larger body frame.



 




Everyone - the classic hobo is a basic bag that can be found in big or small designs, and complements nearly all figures.




Special Occasions - a stunning clutch will add the finishing touch to any woman’s evening gown!






All featured styles are original designs by Clare from H for Handbag. Check out our current range on our website www.hforhandbag.com ... bag one today. Go on be wicked!




Tuesday 7 June 2011

H for Handbag - Just like starting over

I have just sat down to write my first ever blog for my new & improved, re-vamped & re-launched business, and you know what I cant get out of my head? The lyrics from John Lennon's song (Just like) starting over...

It's been too long since we took the time
No-one's to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It's like we both are falling in love again
It'll be just like starting over, starting over


starting over... that's exactly what I am doing. I have taken time out from my business to devote time and energy to my lovely little bambinos and now they are old enough for Mummy to get back on her little horsey, take hold of the reigns and trot off into handbag heaven again. Although, this time I am grasping the reigns with all my might and riding that pony to town!

What I mean to say is, after time away from my business, I can now look objectively at it. I have an instant re-newed enthusiasm that I am finding quite frankly invigorating. One of my friends mentioned today that my face has changed and I look happier and more determined than I have done for months... and I can feel it too. I have energy that was lacking before and ideas popping out of my head so often that I carry a note pad around. I am sending e-mails here there everywhere reacquainting with old contacts, web designers, researching competitors and generally feeling this surge of creativity through my soul. 

I started this business in 2006 and by 2009 it had meandered haphazardly on it's own, down a path I didn't originally intended it to pursue, and eventually I hit a brick wall. I was trying to troubleshoot where, I can see now, I should have been leading it. Most of this was due to the recession, but I remember in my business course, that so many people fail with their businesses within the first 3 years and there I had it, after exactly 3 years, not a failing business, but one that was running by itself. I remember also, I was told to 'work on' my business not just 'work in' it. These things are so clear to me now, after having my 'break', I know where this baby is going and if you wanna come for the rollercoaster ride watch this space. This b*tch is back!