Berries and chocolate, yum…

Michele Norsk is a visionary - that's the only way to put it. Michele came up with purple, chocolate, and glasses long before anyone else did. But what else is out there on the fall wardrobe scene? Michele says berry colors in dresses and skirts and high vamp shoes, add big blousy romantic tops, with lots of lace and frills and big sleeves, big slouch bags, and anything satin!

I certainly agree with that, but I'm thinking... grey, the anti-black, and black and white as well. I'm also thinking purses of all kinds... Something to add that touch of color.

The history of bags and purses is the history of an item that has increased in beauty and meaning over the centuries, that is used by individuals to carry their valuable possessions and keep them at hand for ready use. What a person possesses is important, and what that person possesses must be used to advantage. You gotta get everything you need into your purse. The content, and the vessel that contains it, of course, can vary considerably by individual and situation.

Were purses originally used to carry money? Prolly not. In what, for example, did Jack carry his beans? Purses and handbags have their origins in the early pouches used to carry seeds, religious objects, and medicine. Not money, but treasures, nevertheless, with value and meaning.

Eventually people began to mint coins, and what could be more convenient to carry money than a bag fastened to your belt by pins or cords. These bags were carried by both men and women, and the purse was used in various forms all over the world. During the Middle Ages, purses were hung down on cords attached to the belt (sometimes in somewhat private locations :-P). On the other hand, the purse was often impressive and exquisite, embroidered and decorated with jewels, its decoration dependent on the status of owner and intended to display that status for all to see.

When paper and leather money later appeared, it was carried in hats, boots, and pinned to clothing (in the early 20th century, with the help of a safety pin). For men, this eventually gave way to the use of the wallet, a small bagge, or purse, dating to the 16th century. And all that loose change found a place in the pocket, the introduction of which also dates to the 16th century.

In the 15th century, an elaborate love-purse was a wedding gift from a groom to his bride. But by the late 18th century, women’s clothing was more form fitting and pockets for girls were not an easy addition. Women began carrying small, embroidered drawstring bags or purses, often silk, called reticules. The Victorian period brought a large variety of bags. Bags often coordinated with an outfit and were made of many different fabrics. By the mid 1800’s, bags changed from simple drawstring styles, to a flat style, that could be made in either a circular or square shape and was often heavily decorated with beading and needlework.

Vogue saw the possibilities for coloring up with a handbag way back in 1919 (see the piccie above - but they lacked color presses :P).

At the present stage of purse history, the term "purse" is primarily associated with a female accessory. Men's wallets have not evolved in exactly the same way. Modern purses are largely, but not exclusively, the domain of ladies.

The traditional shades of color for purses have ranged from black to brown, and shades of white, winter grey, cognac, and sand to claret. Now almost any color can be had to complement any ensemble. But always of great importance is the quality of the materials used for the container itself. These materials reflect enormously, just as much as any other single aspect of the wardrobe, upon the carrier of the container and its contents. Apart from that, the handbag must carry all that is needed. Years ago, it was ladylike to carry as little as possible, and a small bag was typical. Today women are gone from home for longer periods of time, frequently working or if not, often with children along . The size of the typical bag has increased to meet the need.

How many handbags does one woman need? A handbag has fewer calories than chocolate and is a heck of a lot cheaper than therapy! Today, along with its obvious utilitarian functions, as Vogue pointed out so long ago in 1919, "A bag is just one more excuse for 'smartness.'"

Well, I will throw one of my own in here, cuz if I'm not "smart," no one is. btw, one of the best places I've found for bags, many styles, many colors, with a nice hang is BAIASTICE, New Fashion Main Store (152, 126, 25). And for a really nice leather travel case (not to mention shoes), try Lassitude & Ennui, Nouveau.