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Genuine leather is one of the oldest and most luxurious of all natural materials. Leather is the hide or skin of an animal after it has been treated through chemical processes. Leather "breathes" by allowing air and moisture out. Also, it protects against extreme temparature changes since it is a natural insulator. Leather has a flexibility that allows it to conform to the body and makes it very comfortable to wear.

Ask almost any woman what her dream handbag is and most will scream, "Give me leather!" Leather handbags are the most classic of all handbags. A designer leather handbag in a timeless design will be as fashionable in ten years as it is today! In fact, most fashion enthusiasts consider the leather handbag - like the crisp white blouse - that is a "must have" in every woman's wardrobe.

Although many women are turned off by the outrageous price of leather handbags, a leather bag will continue to outlast a handbag made with almost any other synthetic material. Calf skin leather, the most premium type of leather used to make handbags, only improves with age - both in the way it looks and the way it feels. The normal wear and tear that your handbag undergoes - the tossing, bumping and friction - will only add to your handbags lifespan by helping to soften the calfskin leather, so it's even more buttery to the touch and richer to the visual senses as well.

True, leather, especially premium leather such as calfskin, is extremely expensive; however, a leather handbag is only as good as the leather it's made from. For example, a low-end genuine leather handbag might cost anywhere from R500 to R1500, while a genuine leather Gucci, Prada or Kenneth Cole designer handbag can cost you upwards of R5000.

Interfacing is an essential component of a bag. The interfacing used depends on the fabric selected. Interfacing is a textile used on the unseen or "wrong" side of fabrics to make an area of a bag more rigid. Interfacings are also used to keep fabrics from stretching out of shape, particularly knit fabrics

Boning is used to strengthen the sides of the handbag to prevent the bag falling on itself. It's the same substance often found in corsets and bras.

Suede is a kind of leather with a smooth, velvet-like surface. Generally, suede is created from either the inner split or the flesh split of a piece of leather. Because it comes from a thinner piece of hide, suede is less durable than full-grain leather. The nappy texture of the material also makes it more susceptible to damage from water and stains.

A more durable and cheaper alternative to suede can be manufactured from synthetic materials. Unlike natural suede, the synthetic version is stain-resistant and not susceptible to water damage. Because of this, synthetic suede is frequently used for items that may need to sustain a lot of wear-and-tear.

Notions are all the items which you find on the handbag besides the material used. This would include items such as zippers, d-rings, o-rings etc.

• Minimal

  These women are the envy of others. Any woman who can make do with a small bag carrying only their necessities – wallet, keys, phone and glasses – has mastered the art of organization and never has to wade through a pile of sweet wrappers or old receipts to find their mobile phone.

• Prepared

  Not quite as clutter free, but still practical and focused, this woman is extremely well-organized and carries items which are sensible and practical. She likes to be prepared for every eventuality. Be it tissues or toothbrush, hair accessories or phone charger, every item in this bag has a purpose. Women who fit into this category very rarely swap bags, according to Eisman, and are likely to choose neutral colors and classic cuts which will never go out of style.

• Creative

  According to Eisman’s research the “creative” woman has a free spirit and “tends to rebel against conformity.” Their bag is most likely to be a treasure trove or a bottomless pit. However, the contents are still relatively organized – full but functional, even though it may appear chaotic to the casual observer. Household bills, medicines, food wrappers and other assortments of random items can be found lurking at the bottom of this purse. The Creative spirit likes handbags in bright colors, showing others that she is fun and approachable, says Eisman.

• Expressive

  The Florence Nightingale of personality types when it comes to the contents of their handbags. These women are caring and sensitive and carry a multitude of items which are useful to others. Medicines, band aids, mints, chewing gum, perfume, tissues, safety pins and other practical items. Expressive personalities also tend to carry sentimental trinkets, photos of loved ones and a book or magazine which they can lose themselves in. Often appearing shy, don’t be fooled by this woman’s exterior, according to Eisman, there is a wild side just waiting to be unleashed!

Not only do the contents of the purses reveal purse-onalities but the handbag styles chosen tell a lot about the individual too, says Kathryn Eisman, in her book. Also the color choice is also an indication. According to Eisman, women who go for bright colors tend to be fun loving, friendly and approachable. These are women who will happily strike up a conversation with a stranger, in an elevator or a train compartment.

Choosing neutral, classic colors such as black and brown means that the owner may be more reserved and appear less approachable. Sometimes coming across as shy, these women are confident and are often down-to-earth. However, it pays to remember that although the contents, style and color of your handbag may say a lot about you as a person, you should still accessorize your handbag with your outfit and body type.