A stylish handbag not only gives a woman a convenient place to tote her essential items, but it also adds to her overall look and can make a fashion statement. With so many different labels and style of womens handbags and purses to choose from it can be difficult to find just the right one. These tips will help make this decision easier for ladies shopping in Laurel, Maryland.

Purses are available with shoulder straps, cross-body straps, short handles, and in the case of clutches, no handles at all. This is largely a matter of personal preference and practicality. It depends how the user is most comfortable handling her purse and which carrying option provides the most ease of use.

The size of the handbag is another important factor when it comes to purse shopping. A good starting point is to first determine which items qualify as "must-haves" in one's purse and find something that will basically accommodate these essentials. Smaller sizes obviously won't provide sufficient space, but sometimes up-sizing too much can lead to things "getting lost" inside the bag, making it hard to keep organized.

Finding the best shape of handbag is usually best accomplished by choosing a style that complements the figure of the one wearing it. Bags of all shapes are available to flatter any body type. Generally, a style that is opposite to one's natural shape is the best choice, such as a round purse for a tall, slim woman, because the contrast creates balance.

When it comes to color choice, the bag should normally look good with most of the pieces in one's regular wardrobe, but it also depends whether the wearer wants it to blend in or stand out. A bold look can be achieved with a jewel tone handbag in red, emerald, or sapphire, or a softer more subtle look can be accomplished by a black, brown, or gray design.

Quality can go a long way, since it is ultimately what determines how many years of use one will get from a purse. Leather typically offers the most durability. Choosing recognized brands known for their fine quality and features such as strong zippers, seams, lining, and handles can all contribute to a purchase one can enjoy more use from. Protective metal "feet" on the bottom of the bag can also help prevent soiling and damage.

The structure needs to feature an easily accessible main compartment, and at least two side pockets, which provides optimal practicality. Personal preferences for closure type, zipper vs. Clasp, or whether the purse has a flexible or rigid design vary from one user to the next and mostly depend on where the bag will be worn and how it will be used.

Whenever possible, it's in the buyer's best interest to choose a well-constructed purse which may initially cost more, but will ultimately provide years of use. Besides physical stores, shoppers can also browse the vast assortment of quality bags for sale on the online marketplace as well, by frequently checking and comparing prices, usually a great deal will surface sooner or later.