The handbag can make the difference between fab and drab. The right one brightens up an otherwise boring outfit while the wrong one makes even the hottest ensemble look rather plain. The handbag has such a great impact on your overall look, so I've put together the following style tips as a reminder before buying your next handbag:

Tip # 1 BODY TYPE: Does it look good on me? A handbag whose shape is the opposite of your body type suits you best. If you're petite and curvy, get one that's long and slim. The contrast between your body type and the handbag's shape provides a balance in your look. If you get one that's the same shape as your body, you'll just put more emphasis on your problem areas. Your big parts will look bigger while your small parts will seem even smaller. That's definitely the last thing you need. If you're not sure if a handbag looks good on you, make use of all the mirrors found in the store. If you are ordering online, check for a money back guarantee. Only reputable online stores have one.

Tip # 2 COMFORT: Is it easy to use? Real style is effortless...or at least, appears to be. You need to look relaxed while looking glamorous to be a true fashionista. If you're handbag brings you discomfort, it will show, and you'll just look like you're trying too hard to be stylish. That's a fashion faux pas! The next time you go shopping, pay attention not only on the design but on the materials used. Online shops are great in this aspect because they provide a lot of pictures of their products from various angles. They also list the important details on a handbag like its dimensions and materials. Such practice is not commonly done in regular stores.

Tip # 3 TREND: How long will it be in style? Some styles of handbags come and go, while others stick around and become classics. It's great to be able to keep up with trends but your handbag collection should have more of the timeless designs than of fleeting fads. If classics bore you too much, you can prettify them with scarves or chains. Classics are usually more versatile because they can go from serious to sassy with just a few accents.

Tip #4 SPACE: Will my things fit in it? If a handbag is fit to burst when you put your knick-knacks in it, move on to the next bigger sizes. A handbag may have a gorgeous design but if its shape gets deformed because of its contents, its appeal will surely lose a lot of points. Just think of a duffel-style handbag that ends up looking like a sausage because it's crammed full. It's not going to look pretty. On the contrary, if you don't have too much stuff to carry, choose a small handbag. Some large ones look limp when they don't have enough filling to support their shapes.

Tip # 5 BUDGET: Can I afford it? Not everyone can afford authentic Louis Vuitton, but everyone can have a stylish handbag without blowing the budget. Just have a bit of patience to look in vintage stores, factory outlets, and department stores. If you want to stand out with a unique yet affordable handbag, check out an online shop like Siam Sensibilities (http://www.siamsensibilities.com). They sell beautiful handmade handbags made from Thailand’s indigenous materials at budget-friendly prices. You can’t easily find them in stores so you won’t have to worry about going to a party and seeing five other women toting the same handbag as yours. Of course, nothing beats the excellent quality that a hefty price tag can bring. If it's something you'll be using regularly, it's okay to splurge on a high-end designer handbag. Just make sure that you're really getting what you're paying for. Check to see if you still have enough money to pay this month's rent, too.