Lifestyle Choices

While you may lose it with shoes and handbags, the smart minx learns how to care for million dollars in accessories she already owns as well as how to get her designer kicks and clutches for a few dollars less.

A true aficionado never ever calls a bag a pocketbook. Pocketbook as a term is déclassé and passe. And a pocket book is what you read. A handbag, well, that’s a bag. Now that you know what to call it, here are some guidelines for purchasing a good handbag. If you’re going for a leather bag, look at the bag and make sure that there are no imperfections in the skin and that the color is even throughout. Do the same with vinyl and look closely for holes. Check the construction. Is the stitching even? Sloppy? Are there any hanging threads? Check the stress point—where the handles are attached to the bag—and make sure that the handles are secured properly.

Examine the lining of the bag to guard against puckers and ripples. Of course, handle the hard^ware—clasps, zippers, locks—and make sure that they’re put on properly and, hell, that they work with ease. Leaning toward vintage? Make sure that the handle is secure, the frame is intact, and the fabric is of go_od quality. If the fabric is beaded, give it the once-over to be s_ure the beads aren’t falling off. Lovely tapestry bags should be examined for moth holes.

HANDLE WITH CARE

• When you’re finished with a bag for the season, wrap it up in a pillowcase, towel, or sheet and put it away, to avoid scratches and nicks (this also includes canvas bags). That’s why the designers give you a cotton drawstring pouch with your bag. It’s meant to protect your purchase.
• Stuff all bags with newspaper or plastic to keep the shape.
• Clean your L.L. Bean bag or any canvas bag with a touch of Ivory Liquid. Of course, do a patch test in a small, discreet area first.
• Remove the stains of rainy days and bouts of the dropsies with saddle soap.

WHAT’S IN THE BEAUTYLICIOUS BABE’S BAG?

• Wallet
• Mints
• Your business cards
• Pen (a slim Tiffany’s number or Montblanc)
• Lip balm
• Lipstick
• Cell phone
• Cute notepad
• Palm Pilot
• Comb

• Compact (pressed powder)
• Vitamins and/or aspirin in a cute tin Keys
• Tissues

Special assignations: Pull out the Vuitton Speedy satchel and fill with the above, plus:

• Toothbrush
• Clean panties Condoms
• Scarf
• Hair essentials Vial of perfume

Black-tie shindigs: Carry an evening clutch. The fab girl generally totes a lovely rectangular bag in Chinese brocade, sequins, or beads that match her dress, or in shades of silver, gold, ivory, or black satin. Inside she carries only:

• Credit card
• Twenty-dollar bill
• Lipstick
• Compact
• Mints
• ID, such as a driver’s license
• Cell phone

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