Bag To School

• ADVANTAGES AND DISADVAGES OF OWNING VINTAGE BAGS
• HOW TO TELL A GOOD BAG
• STYLE CONSIDERATIONS
• HOW TO CHOOSE A FLATTERING PURSE
• WHAT YOUR BAG REVEALS ABOUT YOU
• BUILDING A BAG WARDROBE

The HISTORY of the HANDBAG

The very first handbags were literally crude pouches fashioned from leaves and animal hide. However, the first documented use of handbags is from the 14th century — Egyptian hieroglyphics which depict men carrying little sacks around the waist. Called "pockets", these handbags were hung by thongs at the back of the girdle, and were used mainly by men to carry flint or money.

By the 1400's both men and women were using handbags, which gradually became a status symbol. People would adorn their handbags with jewelry or embroidery to reflect their wealth, and use expensive materials such as silk.

Needless to say these fragile handbags were not very practical--although the mentality was that if you could afford those handbags, you could afford a servant to carry your things for you. Portraits of the most affluent and influential people of the time often depict what you could consider the first "designer handbags", prominently fastened to the dress with tasseled strings.

Then it became fashionable for women to wear their handbags under their skirts, and handbags literally disappeared for several decades with little development in design.

Embroidery and jeweled accents were abandoned for practical, everyday materials like leather. Men also abandoned using handbags because of development of built-in pockets in pants in the 1700s.

It was only in the 1800s that handbags "reemerged". It was no longer fashionable to wear puffed skirts, and the streamlined clothes made it impractical to wear bulky handbags.

This led to the development of the "real" handbags--held in the hand and seen as a complement to the clothes. Women had different handbags for different occasions, and used it to carry perfume, a fan, smelling salts and visiting cards. These handbags were called "reticules."

The term "handbags" actually only emerged in the 1900's, and was used to describe the luggage (similar to today's satchels or briefcases) that men would carry. Not to be outdone, designers of women's handbags made similar versions that would suit the feminine sensibility and needs, including tiny compartments for fans, gloves and makeup.

Then in the 1920's, handbags really came into its own. There was more variety in terms of designs, materials, accents and colors--in fact, some of the most popular handbags from that period reflected Egyptian art, a tribute to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

When the Second World War led to a shortage of metal and leather, manufacturers of handbags began using plastic and wood. It was the beginning of many, many decades of exploring non-conventional shapes and material.
In the 50's, certain designers gained reputation for creating bold, beautiful and elegant handbags. This signaled the emergence of important designer houses: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes. Up to this day, handbags carrying their labels command a premium price.

The last half of the century saw a leap in technology and the introduction of new materials and textiles for handbags (such as waterproof canvas, space age synthetics, faux reptile skin).

Improvement of manufacturing processes also meant that handbags could be produced at a lower cost, allowing people to buy beautiful handbags at affordable prices.

The history of handbags is a fascinating subject. At first, handbags were a men's accessory, which they abandoned until it became associated with women. At least they're a little sturdier than leaves.

ADVANTAGES and DISADVAGES of OWNING VINTAGE BAGS

Some Advantages:

• Usually a unique collectable from a specific era – 1800s, 1920s, 1940s, 1970s etc
• Exhibits distinct trends of those eras like social norms, economic history, fashion
• Shows craftsmanship
• Good for research opportunities on fashion, manufacturing and materials

Some Disadvantages:

• High Prices
• Fragile materials and delicate
• Condition
• Sizes in respect to today’s lifestyle

HOW to TELL a GOOD BAG

• Fabric and Workmanship
• Plush and lots pf padding inside and out
• The interior is as beautiful as the exterior
• Lined in silk
• Give away are cheap clasps
• Finer bags have magnets helping clasp grips
• Finest bags have feet on the underside
• Real leather takes a scratch and smells lovely
• Vinyl does not scratch and no smell.
• Straps should be stitched together not glued
• All stitching should be tiny and regular
• Straw bags should have all weaving right and bold pattern
• Beaded and sequined bags aim for perfection.
• Metallic mesh is sturdier
• Fabric bags should have same seaming like fine clothing

Is there anything more deadly than a zip that turns nasty on you? –
Agatha Christie - Tell Me How You Live

STYLE CONSIDERATIONS

• How do you wear your bag? Over the shoulder? Clutched in hand, sling over wrist?
• Are you happy to carry a bag all day? Or do you prefer hands free?
• If your wardrobe is along crisp lines, go for a geometric bag.
• If softer, a scrunchier bag is better.
• If you are a vintage queen then anything goes!
• The quickest way to downgrade a look is to overstuff a bag. Bag volume is smaller than it looks
• Ruchsacks kill the line of a good suit. Use stylish ones only at weekends
• Totebags downgrade a look instantly. So get a stylish carry all.
• Mothers of style carry designer looking nylon bags even men die to carry
• Designer initials can turn off people these days as many as they impress others
• Always buy originals. It says a lot about your character and integrity
• Handbags are major markers of personal style.

HOW to CHOOSE a FLATTERING PURSE

When it comes to choosing a flattering designer handbag shape – it’s all about contrast! Just as the perfect pair of pants can make your legs look longer or your butt look thinner so can the right designer handbag.

The key to choosing a flattering handbag is to choose one that’s the opposite shape of your body type. For example, if you are short choose a long designer handbag; if you are thin choose a short, plump designer handbag. However, size is a different story and your purse or handbag should be proportional to your figure.

If you are unsure about what type of figure you have, ensure you choose a purse that lies at the middle of your torso this purse length is universally flattering for most women.

The perfect shape of designer handbag for your body:

If you are short and round choose a tall, rectangular tote with long straps or a long sleek, structured clutch.

If you are pear shaped choose a structured cigar box purse or a sleek rectangular Kelly bag.

If you are large busted stir clear of close-fitting handbags, which rest under the arm (this will further enlarge your bust and feel cramped), instead opt for a purse with long shoulder straps.

If you are tall and thin choose a slouchy designer hobo bag, rounded bag or half-moon shaped purse.

If you are very petit Stay away from extremely large bags, but choose a long clutch or rectangular tote that hits your leg and give the appearance of elongation.

If you have a slim waist choose a designer purse with shoulder straps that allow the bottom of the bag to hit your waist.

If you are 6-feet tall avoid cute, miniature evening bags or mini handheld pouches that you overwhelm with your stature.

If you want to accentuate cleavage - pick a close fitting bag with short straps, which lie right under your armpit.
 

Tip: A purse or handbag accentuates whatever portion of the body it hits!

WHAT your BAG REVEALS about YOU

BUILDING a BAG WARDROBE

• 1 evening bag
• Work Bag – see what your lady boss is carrying. Get one similar
• Something fun for weekends
• Gym or baby changing bag if mum
• Shop with a trusted friend who can help you make a good bag investment

“Whenever I see someone carrying a vintage bag or wearing vintage,
I know she will be interesting and that I would have a good conversation with her” -
Lulu Guinness