The origin of the handbag, or purse, is buried deeply in the onset of high fashion history and within the increase of global commerce. While it is now a standard item in most women’s and in some men wardrobe, it was originally designed for convenience rather than style.

The Origin of the Handbag

An early form of a purse or wallet was actually a small circular cut piece of fabric with a leather strap sew around its circumference. The drawstring was then pulled tight to form a small leather pouch. Men used this pouch to hold coins and other very small valuables.

The pouch could be tied to a belt for safekeeping, usually near the man’s sword so that he was able to properly protect his valuables. During this time, it was generally considered a man’s item and few women had need or cause to carry one.

Evolution of the Handbag into the Fashion World

The 16th century brought with it larger bags that hung diagonally across the body. Both male and female travelers used these to keep valuable articles nearby during traveling expeditions.

In the 17th century, the bags began to have more variety and very fashionable with men and women. These bags were generally smaller and often made in very complex shapes. As the talent of embroidery became more widespread, bags became more ornate with intricately woven artwork.

It was during the 18th century that the use of a purse, which attached round the body, became unfashionable; women began to carry their handbags, which at that time were called reticules. Suddenly, the reticules became a fashion statement rather than an important accessory. This era recognized the need for a different bag for different occasions, and fashion magazines began to comment on the proper handbag for a specific location or event.

The handbag was elevated to a fashion statement rather than a simple handheld suitcase. The smaller, more fashionable handbags of this era generally held a fan, scent bottle, smelling salts, rouge and face powder.

The Handbag Inspires Important Designer Houses

The actual term “handbag” did not become widespread until the 1900’s and this term was generally used to refer to the traveling bags that men carried. However, this term and the bags that earned the title became inspirational to women’s bags and the term handbag began to refer to a larger bag that became popular for women at the same time.

With the 1920’s can lighter clothing and hemlines that varied in lengths. It was no longer a necessity in fashion for the purse to match the outfit perfectly. The 1940’s brought with it a “war minded fashion phase”, many items used for creating purses were in short supply, such as metal (for the framing of the handbag). Leather, zips, mirrors and other such items.

It was during this time that handbags began to be made out of plastic and wood. The mid-1900’s saw the rise of many important designer houses and the handbag would reach its pinnacle of fashion with these designers.

Ever had a conversation with someone you just KNEW was from another planet?You know what I mean. The kind of conversation where that sound like you, but choose the one that best describes you. When you finish, add up the total for each column and whichever you score highest on is your dominant personality. Your second highest score indicates your secondary personality.Take a moment to complete it now and you’ll quickly discover some of the best-kept secrets to effective marketing!Yellow_______Red_________Blue_________White__Animated __Adventurous __Analytical __Adaptable__Persistent __Playful __Persuasive __Peaceful__Submissive __Sacrificing __Sociable __Stubborn__Considerate__Controlled __Competitive __Convincing__Refreshing __Respectful __Reserved __Resourceful__Satisfied __Sensitive __Self-reliant__Spirited__Planner __Patient __Positive __Promoter__Sure __Spontaneous __Scheduled __Shy__Orderly __Obliging __Outspoken __Optimistic__Friendly __Faithful __Funny __Forceful__Daring __Delightful __Diplomatic __Detailed__Cheerful __Consistent __Cultured __Confident__Idealistic __Independent __Inoffensive __Inspiring__Demonstrative __Decisive __Dry Humor __Deep__Mediator __Musical __Mover __Mixes well__Thoughtful __Tenacious __Talker __Tolerant__Listener __Loyal __Leader __Lively__Contented __Chief __Chartmaker __Cute__Picky __Permissive __Productive __Popular__Bouncy __Bold __Behaved __Balanced__Brassy __Bossy __Bashful __Blank__Unruly __Unfeeling __Unresponsive__Unpitying__Reluctant __Resentful __Resistant __Repetitive__Fussy __Fearful __Forgetful __Frank__Impatient __Insecure __Indecisive __Interrupts__Unpopular __Uninvolved __Unexpected __Unemotional__Headstrong __Haphazard __Hard to please__Hesitant__Plain __Pessimistic __Proud __Permissive__Anger easily__Aimless __Antagonist __Alienated__Naive __Negative __Nervy __Nonchalant__Worrier __Withdrawn __Workaholic __WantCredit__Touchy __Tactless __Timid __Talkative__Doubtful __Disorganized__Domineering __Depressed__Inconstant __Introvert __Intolerant __Impartial__Messy __Moody __Mumbles __Manipulate__Slow __Stubborn __Show-off __Skeptical__Loner __Lordly __Lazy __Loud__Sluggish __Suspicious __Short temper__Scatty__Revengeful __Restless __Reluctant __Rash__Compromising__Critical __Crafty __ChangeableTotal: _____ _____ _____ ____All finished? Great! Let’s dive right in. Listed below are brief descriptions of the four basic personality types. Locate yours and take 30 seconds to read through it.YellowYellows are typically high-energy, chatty personalities with bright eyes and loud voices. They need to be the life of the party, want to have fun, and are always looking for the next adventure. They thrive on community and social contact. Popular and well-liked, they rarely ruffle others’ feathers intentionally but can sometimes be overwhelming with their need for attention, approval, affection and acceptance.They are optimistic, have great senses of humor and love to tell stories. They are natural persuaders, motivators and entertainers. On the downside they are often disorganized, struggle to follow-through and often appear lackadaisical and naïve. Typical reactions to stress include disappearing, going shopping, blaming others, and making up excuses.Yellows are typically PTA leaders, volunteers, entertainers and fundraisers.RedReds live goal-oriented lives. They are the doers of the world and thrive on action. They are well-organized, outgoing, loyal, hard-workers. They tend to be unemotional in their decision-making, have a compulsive need for change, are confident, independent and good at delegating. Reds have a natural feel for being in charge and solid instincts about what will and won’t work in any given situation.On the downside they can sometimes be bossy, domineering, controlling and impatient. They typically react to stress by becoming more controlling, working harder and jettisoning anything that does not serve their higher purpose.Reds typically include executives, military leaders, entrepreneurs and politicians.BlueBlues are thoughtful, analytical, serious, purposeful people. They are also often creative, artistic, philosophical and poetic. The phrase “still waters run deep” comes to mind with this group. They are very sensitive to others, conscientious, appreciate beauty, have high standards and are idealistic.On the downside they can be perfectionists, get depressed easily, focus too much on details, are suspicious of others and take themselves too seriously. They tend to react to stress by withdrawing, getting lost in a book, giving up or recounting problems over and over.Blues typically include inspectors, analysts, counselors and artists.WhiteWhites are quiet, low-key, don’t rock the boat kind of people. They are patient, well-balanced, consistent, have a dry sense of humor, avoid conflict, are good under pressure, easygoing and have many friends. They are sympathetic and kind, keep their emotions hidden and could be called the “all purpose person.”On the downside they can be lazy, unmotivated, expect others to handle their problems, lack decisiveness and can be extremely stubborn. They tend to react to stress by hiding from it, watching TV, eating or just tuning out.Whites typically include doctors, mediators, psychologists and dentists.**Now, for those of you who are wondering…- No, this is not a complete description of each personality and the trigger words and phrases that appeal most to them.- Yes, it’s perfectly normal to see characteristics of yourself in 2 categories and a small smattering in the others. And while we are all individuals and cannot be completely classified as one thing or another, you will notice that you PRIMARILY fit into one category and exhibit secondary traits of another.So how does knowing your personality-type help? Because knowing how you communicate with others gives you a clue as to whom you will have the most success selling.Step #2: Identifying Your Prospect’s Personality (by the way, this works on your spouse too ;))Now it’s time to pin the tail on your prospects. Think of one or two prospects to start, then expand your vision to the whole lot. Which of the above personalities best fits?During this exercise, you may even find that your product or service naturally appeals to one personality type over another. For example the detail-oriented, conscientious, by-the-book Blue is more likely to buy and use dietary supplements than the fun-loving, foot-loose and fancy-free Yellow.On the other hand, pitching a designer handbag to the society conscious Yellow is way more effective than selling it to the down-to-earth, practical and pragmatic Red.Does this mean certain products and services can ONLY be sold to certain personalities? Sometimes yes, but mostly the answer is no. The trick is simply figuring out which personality you want to sell to, then creating copy that clearly targets that audience using key words, phrases, analogies, benefits and pains that resonate most with that personality.Step #3: Resonating With Your AudienceSo how do you put this to work in your copy? I’ve listed 2 examples below. See if you can guess which personality-type is being targeted before you read the answer.Example 1:”Did you know 43% of all children don’t get enough Calcium in their diets? And that this deficit is responsible for 64% of all broken bones, 53% of reported cases of poor concentration in school and 24% of premature aging? Are you doing all you should be doing for your child?”Who do you think we’re targeting? Blues! How can you tell? Well, for one, we have specific numbers and detailed information, which this audience loves. We also play on their sense of social and personal responsibility. Remember Blues are “deep” people and very sensitive to the needs of others. What’s more they have a powerful need to be right, which means doing the “right” things for their children.Example 2:”When you cruise up to the premier social event of the year in your sleek new red convertible, you’re sure to be the envy of all your friends. Don’t let bad credit keep you from living the life you deserve, call 800-888-8888 today to learn how you can get back to the fun, adventurous lifestyle you were born to live!”Who’s the audience? Yellows! How can you tell? Well, we know Yellows are very motivated by what others think of them, they are social butterflies, image is extremely important to them and they often believe having fun is their birthright! Every word in this small excerpt was chosen to specifically highlight those characteristics. And while it may sound like a perfectly ridiculous argument to a Blue or Red, it sounds just divine to a Yellow!There you have it, a down and dirty overview of The Secret Language Your Prospects Are Speaking. As I said before, this truly is a thumbnail sketch of the components and elements that go into targeting and writing to specific personality types. For complete access, go to www.mycopywritingplaybook.com.—Lina Penalosa, owner of The Write Solution LLC, is a marketing consultant, expert copywriter, published author and professional speaker who offers a marketing and copywriting coaching program for small and medium-sized businesses. For a free gift worth $80.00, go to KnowHow-Now.com Articles

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Shopping in Beverly Hills last week I strolled Wilshire
Boulevard popping in and out of fancy stores sizing up all the
new designer handbags. There are a number of new looks for
Fall 2005, and prices have a new look, too. Did you know
designer handbags have become the staple in most wardrobes?
It doesn’t take a genius to buy a pair of jeans and a T-shirt,
but to purchase the correct designer handbag to pull it all
together has become quite an art.

In conversations with many handbag salespeople, it was obvious
the upcoming season will offer a variety of wild colors,
exotic leathers, and metallic finished leathers. They will
appear in shoulder styles, clutches, slings and large totes.
Most designer bags remain consistent in size and function.
The variations from season to season come to color, hardware,
texture and price.

Prices are a difficult topic for handbag lovers to discuss, it
became the purpose of the Beverly Hills shopping trip. Which
designers will rise to the top? Which handbags will have the
highest price tags? These thoughts offered astonishing
observations wondering through the high-end boutiques and
department stores.

Doing a bit of mental gymnastics with a few designer handbag
price tags, it became obvious a calculator was needed! Prices
are competing with Los Angeles mortgage payments! One
designer bag, constructed of scratch resistant, pebble grain
calf leather, had a hefty $3500.00 price tag. Durability to
last a life time is a major characteristic of a quality
handbag, but let’s get real here, women change handbags as
often as they change their nail polish. Paying hefty prices
for a designer handbag a few times each month is fashionable,
but not healthy or wise.

Not mentioning any names, a lengthy conversation with a
handbag specialist in a very well-known department store shed
light on the day’s mission. We strolled the designer handbag
department with calculator in hand. Punching in numbers of
our favorite high-end designer, we came up with a hefty
five-figure total for 10 handbags. Then, with jaws dropped
open, the average price was uncovered! As expected, little
was left to shock and surprise. Based on a sampling of the
designer handbag prices, the price for a brand new, high-end
designer handbag this season averages an all-time high of
$2000.00 USD.

Oh my! What a price we pay to pull it all together with that
pair of denim jeans and T-shirt! We have become the hunters
in search of the best designer handbag we can find. And, when
we know it will coordinate with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt,
then we know we’ve selected the best bag. We want to look
good, and we want to feel good, too. It would be nice to know
we can purchase a bag from a new designer and still make a
mortgage payment this same month.

Here’s a solution. For those of us who know style and don’t
want to compromise quality, find a designer handbag expert to
coach and guide your investments. Lacking modesty, I’ll
volunteer recommendations on a variety of designer handbags
available at a fraction of what you’d expect to pay in a
retail store.

You can actually purchase several handbags for the average
cost of one designer handbag if you shop wisely. If you are a
true designer handbag addict, and you purchase a new handbag
whenever you get the urge, then you need a reliable source.
Shop carefully at sites specializing in designer handbags, and
you’ll find your favorite designers at as much as 50% less
than the average cost on Rodeo Drive!

Copyright ? September, 2005 http://eFashionHouse.com

Check out all the authentic, new designer handbags today at
http://www.eFashionHouse.com. You can purchase all three, a
Marc Jacobs, a Fendi and a Prada bag for about $1000.00. Yes,
three new, authentic, designer handbags for about half the
price of one in a retail store. Shop eFashionHouse.com for
your next designer handbag, two designer handbags, three
designer handbags or more! You?ll be very glad you did, and
so will your favorite jeans and T-shirt.

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