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Famous fashion designers have long loved using Italian leather for their high quality, top of the range fashion accessories. The most successful, such as the design houses of Prada and Gucci will often use Italian leather to make their highly sought after handbags. Although it is a status symbol of the rich and famous to wear accessories made from Italian leather, because of its hardwearing and long lasting attributes, it makes a perfect investment for any consumer. If you only want the best in life, then the only leather that you should choose is Italian.

Just what makes Italian leather so popular? It is considered to be the finest leather in all the world. Secondly, because it is buttery soft and delectable. Next, the reason that it lasts well even with lots of use. The leather is light, but still scratch resistant. It is a fact that as an Italian bag ages, it even gets better, evolving into a soft sheen as the leather softens even more.

What are the different types of Italian leather? The majority of Italian leather comes from cow hide. There are, however, variations of leather. For example – ostrich leathers and crocodile hides are two of them. However, we get full grain leather from the best of raw hides. You won’t find any imperfections such as cracks or marks on Italian leather hides. The result is that the leather is extremely durable and very tough and looks better as it gets older. Italian leather handbags, therefore, just like george clooney and fine wine, get better with age

What can be made from Italian leather? What can’t be made from Italian leather – since just about everything can. Examples are leather gloves for both men and women, designer shoulder handbags or clutch bags also:

• watch straps
• purses
• suitcases
• wallets
• leather jackets and coats
• sofas and chairs.

I’m sure there are a few items I’ve missed, but you get the idea.

How to spot a good quality Italian leather The softness of the leather is one way to find quality. As far as softness is concerned, the softer the better. There are variations in the feel of each piece. Consider also whether or not the leather is resistant to scratching. If it is you have your answer. The weight is also an indication of the quality. Italian leather has a feeling of lightness and is not heavy in weight which is another indication of the leather’s quality. With Italian leather handbags there will be no imperfections in the leather. The bag will be soft and pliable to the touch and light in weight.

The Italian leather bags will also develop superbly as they age. Their softness only increases and the sheen they develop will only add to its beauty. They are durable and last a long time. You may even become tired of the bag before it wears out – if it wears out that is.

If you want a big bang for your fashion buck, splurge on some new accessories this season. You can get a fresh new look with many of your old wardrobe pieces, just by adding some trendy new shoes or a hot new handbag. Here’s a quick guide to what’s in style for Winter 2009 and 2010.

Shoe Trends for Winter 2009/2010

In previous years, the runways were full of shoes with odd shapes, strange colors and huge design elements. In a complete 180, this season, the shoes are more understated and sleek. If you want to stay on trend with your shoes, make sure that they are timeless designs – classic pumps, plain boots or contemporary loafers. Think updated styles of what women used to wear in the 1940s and 1950s.

Everything goes when it comes to toe shapes. We’re seeing anything from very pointy to square toe to rounded toe. Boots are hot, too. This season, the super hot trends for boots are ankle-boots and over-the-knee boots.

The colors you’ll find this season are black, near-black, navy blue, dark green and dark violet. Cognac (a burgundy brown) and asphalt (a dark grey) are the on-trend colors for this season. In addition, you’ll find lots of light neutral colors and leather tones to offset the darkness.

Handbag Trends for Winter 2009/2010

In contrast to the understated and dark shoe trends of this winter, handbags are bold and beautiful. The top designers have all been showcasing handbags that have sparkle, pizzazz and lots of embellishments.

Nearly every size of handbag is available this season. Clutches, small bags, hobo bags and totes are all available in these flashy styles.

Some of the most interesting features this season come from a rock influence. Chains and studs are being used in new and exciting ways. Chains are used in chained straps and there are studs and rivets being used on pockets and as extra details on purses.

Another big trend, if you’re not into the whole metal thing, is blended fabrics and colors. You can find purses that use contrasts of suede and leather, dark and light colors and different patterns. These designs go great with an understated outfit that has solid colors.

Size wise, the trend toward big is still going strong in handbags. Although clutches and smaller bags can still be found, in order to stay on trend you should get a large tote. This is good news for those of you who like to carry a lot of things with them.

You really can keep your wardrobe fresh this season by investing in just a few new accessories. You’ll stay fashionable without breaking the bank.

About the Author: Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Coupons.com, where you can find the latest online coupons for stylish shoes and accessories. Get the latest $5 off $50 coupons here and Overstock.com coupons here.

With next season’s fashion weeks in full swing it is time for us to work out what we will be wearing over the all-important winter months. There are two key reasons why the trends in autumn are so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. Secondly, it covers the biggest and most important date on any fashionista’s calendar – the Christmas party season.If you’re planning on turning heads at the end of 2009, you’ll need to look out for these key trends.

Considering the financial meltdown of the past year, it is not surprising that the old saying “Make Do and Mend” has made a comeback. The fact that most of us are becoming a lot more conservative about our spending habits has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers’/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you fell in love with the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. The chain handle was slung carelessly over our shoulders in Spring and Summer. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Whimsical and effortless, and now really up to the minute.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Fashion designers are loving English Heritage looks at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season’s must-have cosy, knitted styles.

All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. For me, there is one trend that is certain to spice up eveningwear more than any other… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Liberate the animal within and show off your stripes with a handbag in this key look. Of course, we’re only going to be wearing skins of the faux variety.

Any girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don’t let your whiskers get in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season’s collections of designer handbags. More good news – you’ll find them on the High Street too. The arts and crafts style is securely at the top of our must-haves with the help of beading and buttons. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. And in perfect time for Halloween!