Handmade bags seem to be all the rage right now. Everywhere you look somebody has one slung over their shoulder or sitting on their laps. They're often colorful, sometimes quirky, and always deeply individual on a personal level. In short, handmade bags are just great.
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But what many people seem to be overlooking is that not every bag is a fashion accessory. People do use bags for other things like carting groceries, hording everything that just can't fit in their purses, and even storing knitting. So the next time you see people rocking handmade bags, think twice about how you could use such a thing. Not only are you helping the environment and cutting your dependence on nasty plastic bags, you're also showing your personality.
For instance, let us take a look at the versatility of handmade tote bags. Totes can be used for anything from bringing home the bacon to carrying all of your baby supplies-and who's not going to ask you about your handmade tote bag when you pop over for coffee to show off the baby? Most of the store bought bags you find are canvas, ugly, and bland. Handmade tote bags on the other hand are anything but. You can find them made from just about anything ranging from dyed canvas to plastic and even burlap!
You can even find recycled bags that will do the trick. They're usually made from industrial cast offs, reclaimed post-consumer product, or cloth but some are even made out of recycled bags-plastic ones like you'd find at the grocery store. Women's Quirky Clothes Sure plastic bags aren't exactly the greenest of the green but anything that keeps that plastic out of landfills is a step in the right direction. And if you're crafty, you can even make your own recycled bags. Just have a look around the Internet and you can find dozens of sites dedicated to do-it-yourself recycled crafting.
Natural fiber or fabric handmade handbags really are best. They are strong, colorful, and can hold a lot of weight. They're perfect for carrying all that extra "junk" that you can't live without (but somehow can't fit into a purse. Another advantage of fabric handmade bags is that they can be when they get grungy-and they will. You can also find them made from all sort of wild and fun fabric. In my opinion, handmade bags are really a necessity unless you want to shell out for a backpack.
There are some things every single one of us, male or female, just has to have in our wardrobe for summer. It's best to snap them up early so you're prepared for those sudden, surprisingly warm spring days as well. Thankfully the shops are flooded with new collections so lock away your heavy winter gear and go on a wee shopping spree. Dare to start baring some skin, but remember to douse yourself in sunscreen as those rays can be surprisingly harsh on pale skin that's been covered up and hidden indoors for the last few months.
Bottoms
Two types of garment really cry out to be worn by men and women over the summer months. These are shorts and chinos. The former comes in an array of different styles and lengths to satisfy pretty much any dress code, minus formal. Both ladies and gents can wear denim shorts on casual outings as these are a comfortable and practical choice. For work, knee-length, block-coloured shorts are appropriate to wear to most offices. Paired with classic, buttoned shirts, these can look stunning on a man, while ladies can team shorts with a fitted blouse or jersey shirt and accessorise with summery scarves or jewellery.
Chinos are a type of trousers that flatter most body shapes. The light material in which they are made allows skin to breathe and so makes the trousers perfect to wear in the heat. These days you can buy them in a plethora of colours, including brights that are just what most people look for in summer clothing.
Top Layers
Though many people don't like the idea of having to layer up in the summer months, sometimes jumpers and cardigans can be a godsend. It does tend to get chilly in the evening hours after all, and wind is unpredictable, particularly in open outdoor areas and at the seaside.
Stock up on some oversized cardigans that won't overheat you. As they hang loosely from your body, they provide just the right amount of warmth yet let your skin breathe. You can also wrap up in them if it gets really chilly. They're great because you can wear them open or buttoned up so you're comfortable in any temperature.
Accessories
Sunglasses are an absolute must-have. These are not only a fashionable accessory, but also provide good protection from damaging rays of sunshine. Choose retro-inspired pieces for timeless elegance.
A similarly timeless accessory is the straw (or fake straw) sun hat with varying widths of the brim. Choose what suits you best for a quirky and stylish look that can take you from the city to a festival field to the seaside.
Tops
You can never have enough classic T-shirts in your wardrobe, but one that is a must for everyone is the white tee. One of the most versatile pieces, it can be teamed with pretty much anything and suits any occasion. The colour looks fantastic set against tanned skin and really shows off the beauty of your skin in the summer.
A trendy piece to invest in is the graphic T-shirt. As these come in all sorts of colours and with all sorts of prints from photographic to just textual, there is something for everyone. Essentially, it's just a nice change from the traditional tee and adds a fashionable edge to your look. Many bloggers have been snapped wearing graphic T-shirts. It's an easy way to add a quirky element to an otherwise plain outfit.