Handbags in History

A woman’s purse is an intricate part of her life Anything and everything might be found within it.The history of the handbags we carry today dates back long ago. It may surprise you that women did not even carry the first handbags .

In Greek and Roman Civilizations men carried a small pouch to hold coins. In the middle ages, during the Crusades, men carried bags hung on girdles around their waists, filled with alms for the poor. At this point in time, women wore chatelaines, hook like clasps ant their waists attached with necessities such as scissors or keys.

The development of the pocket came in the Sixteenth Century. They were much different than the pockets of today. These early pockets were tied around the waist with long ribbon sashes. They were worn under clothing and accessed via slashes. It was not until later that pockets were sewn onto clothing.

Current fashions in the Eighteenth Century necessitated a new direction; reticules. Often made of luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk, and embellished with ribbons and tassels, these bags draped daintily at the wrists of the ladies who carried them.

The Industrial Revolution changed everything. With the onset of women’s rights, work and travel (trains, autos and airplanes) needs were rapidly changing. The precursor of our current handbags have their roots in the railroads. Luggage makers made leather bags with handles, similar to luggage, but designs to be hand carried. Fashion trends, necessity and our desires continue to dictate the handbags we carry today and into the future.

Your Perfect Handbag Will Find You

I was reading in a wonderful little book this morning, Life Lessons Learned While Shopping by Amanda Ford. It is a book I bought on a shim years ago, because the price was reduced and it seemed interesting. I have read it many times over. I reminded me something I've known to be true, but sometimes forget...Years ago, before I began making my own purses, there was a particular designer I loved. I could no bring myself to pay the high price tag; however, when I found one of his bags on sale (clearance with an additional 40% off was my favorite), I was overjoyed. Now the flaw with this thinking was that when I didn't find what I thought was a good price, a bought a cheaper purse. I was unhappy with the cheaper purse and bought another in a short time. The point is I ended up spending more money on inexpensive purses I was not happy with. Keep these points in mind:
Think quality over quantity
Wait for sales
Absolutely look in outlets, thrift or consignment stores, you might get lucky
Give yourself permission to dream of what you want
It's OK to take time to think about a large purchase-sleep on it
When I was younger, My Aunt was my shopping partner. We often went to lunch to think about a purchase. When we made up our minds we reminded ourselves it what we wanted was still there, it was meant to be. I've since learned that if it's not, there is something better waiting for me. Don't worry, your perfect bag will find you.

My First Bag

Handbag, Purse, Bag or Pocketbook. What do you call it? A woman carries a bag for most of her life. I can't remember how old I was when I first carried a handbag. I have memories of a white bag when I was six, but I think there was a red leather handbag before that.

What did I carry in my bag at such a young age; light pink nail polish, lip gloss and maybe a comb? I wish I could ask grandma.

I've watched my daughter start to carry her own bag over the last year (she is ten now). I have to wonder what is so important for her to take with her. I'll have to ask her and get back to you.

What did your first handbag look like? What necessities did it hold?