Animal Print Handbags-Fleeting Fad or Fashion Statement?

Bring on the Animal Print Handbags!

In my never ending search for the perfect handbag, I have decided to emerse myself head first into the trend of today and strongly consider an animal print handbag. But, before I shell out hundreds of dollars for such a lavish purchase, I have to ask: are animal print bags just a fleeting fad, or will I be able to wear it for many seasons to come? How do I select the right handbag?

During my quest, I discovered that not all animal print bags are created equal. What I mean is, there are animal print bags traditionally known in the form of leopard and zebra. And there are exotic skin handbags, such as reptile and ostrich. Additionally, not all animal print - or exotic skin - purses are made of leather. Some are made of synthetic materials to resemble leather and some are designed in canvas. I also learned that many bags are actually embossed, or stamped, with the animal print - the material is not actually the true animal skin, but rather a mechanical finishing process to resemble the real thing.

So, what options do I have as far as animal print, and lets not forget exotic skin, purses are concerned? Well...there's the print itself, the style of the bag, the size, how it will look on my body type, the color, the number of compartments, the designer...Ah...so much to consider.

I decided to break it down by several condiserations. After all, this is a luxury item and I really want to get my money's worth.

Are animal pring handbags a fad that will fade within a few seasons?

I honestly don't think so. Animal print is found everywhere, from bedding, to rugs, to wallpaper (not the tacky 70's wallpaper - computer and cell phone wallpaper). Handbags of animal print and exotic skin will be around for a long time; they offer so much versatility, classic style, and whimsy.

Animal Prints and exotic skins...Which one to choose?

There are so many options as far as the print is concerned. Not only can I select from leopard, cheetah and zebra print handbags, but I can also select other, not quite as common, prints such as giraffe and tiger. Lets's not forget the always classy alligator and crocodile, which are not your Grandma's bag.

Giraffe and Tiger print handbags are gaining in popularity, and they look like the real thing. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the orange-brown color of the print acted as a neutral color. This opens a world of possibilities as far as wearing a giraffe print purse with so many different outfir colors.

I recently discovered beautiful exotic skin handbags of stingray, ostrich and snakeskin.

The stingray skin handbags I have seen are very luxurious in both look and feel, and they seem to be easy to be low maintenance and very durable. In my research, I learned that the armor that protected the brave Samurai warriors was made with stingray leather. Stingray leather was very popular in the 1920's, covering everything from furniture to jewelry boxes. I was actually surprised to discover the exotic skin of stingray used for handbags.

In one of my shopping ventures, I came upon a pimply-textured handbag in a very delightful shade of green. I had never seen this texture before, and later learned it was Ostrich. The ostrich skin handbag I found was very supple and flexible, given the texture. I refer to it as being pimply, assuming the raised bumps once held feathers. But, I later learned, this is the actual texture of the ostrich's skin.

I have always loved the look and feel of a fine snake skin handbag, and now more and more famous designers are creating handbags with this type of skin. Not a slimy skin, snake is actually quite soft. And a snake skin purse is equally supple. I have found many synthetic snakeskin bags that resemble the real thing quite well.

Which style of handbag should I choose?

There are so many styles it makes a girl dizzy. Throw in a crazy animal print and you're asking for trouble.

The TOTE style handbag is typically large enough to carry just about anything. Quite often, this style of bag does not have a top closure. However, I am seeing more and more designers incorporate more security in the form of a simple snap or a full zipper closure. An animal pring tote bag is definately on my list of must haves.

A HOBO handbag is characterized by the slouchy, crescent shape although there are more structured, crescent shaped hobo bags available. This style of bag is usually quite large. I came across a beautiful zebra print hobo bag by Gucci. So nice a bag it is on the top of my list.

The SATCHEL and DR.'s style handbags are great for adding a bit of formal sophistication. With either one or two short handles, many satchel and dr. bags also have a long shoulder strap. This style can be found in either a flexible material, or a more structured body. I have found virtually any type of animal print or exotic skin in the form of a satchel handbag.

Finding an animal print bag in the CROSS BODY and MESSENGER style was a bit hard to accomplish, but I did find a few that suited my taste. I especially like to carry a cross body or messenger bag while traveling; I have the added security of having my personal items close to my body. I can be hands free knowing the purse strap sits firmly across by body.

How does the handbag compliment my body type?

Similar to that of selecting clothing, trying on a handbag can be a daunting task. Here are my tips for selecting the bag to suit a particular body type:

• Take into consideration where the bag falls when carried. With shoulder bags making a come-back, consider where it hangs as this will be where a person's eyes "land" when they first notice you.
• If you are short, consider a vertical rectangular bag, such as a messenger bag. This will give the illusion of height.
• If you are tall and thin, then a slouchy hobo style is perfect for you. This will add bulk to your frame

• If your hips are larger than your upper body, consider a bag that tucks neatly under your arm. This will provide balance between your upper and lower body.

What do I wear with an animal print bag?

Animal prints have a range of colors within the actual print, making them a perfect accessory to nearly any outfit. A leopard print bag sports colors in hues of browns, oranges, and soft yellows; classy neutral colors with a sassy pattern to liven any outfit.

The black and white coloring of a zebra print purse compliment today's trend of a black/white outfit. I really like the look of a zebra print bag with a dark gray pinstripe pant suit.

With the many colors available in ostrich, stingray, crocodile and alligator, these skins will add immediate style and pizzaz no matter what outfit I wear. The handbag will make the statement - even if I dress down.

Giraffe print bags are another great choice to liven up a dull look. The strong brown with an orange hue, mixed with the cream color between the "spots" tend to draw attention from everyone.

Who are the designer names of animal print and exotic skin handbags?

I know for a fact that Dooney and Bourke makes, in my opinion, beautiful giraffe print handbags. Nina Raye is well known for her ostrich and stingray bags, offering a lot of luxury for the dollar. Dolce and Gabbana has a beautiful selection of animal prints and skins. From leopard to crocodile, D & G handbags are stunning!

There is a designer that I am just starting to hear more about, Fontanelli, who makes awesome ostrich skin bags. Lets see...Valentino, Coach, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs...you get the idea. It seems like all the big designers, and some of the smaller ones, make animal print handbags.