US $206.90
The History of the Purse and Handbag
In certain situations, the word ‘purse’ is used differently than the word ‘handbag’. It seems that the term ‘purse’ is used by more formal ladies, or sometimes by those of more advanced age. This semantic distinction may be evident because in the United States we do not really have a distinction between the purse and the handbag; we use the two words interchangeably. However, the British, consider the purse to be a much smaller in size. It is sometimes also called a ‘coin purse’, and is actually quite tiny. It is similar in size to a man’s wallet, often with a tiny metal clasp atop the leather and a small side compartment for coins. Not much can fit in these little bags!
A handbag, however, is a much bigger bag. While Americans call a handbag a ‘purse’ as well, the British consider a handbag the type of bag that is slung over the shoulder or held on the arm and used to carry all of one’s personal items and effects that may be necessary throughout the day, like lipstick and a cell phone and a wallet.
The history of the purse and the handbag is pretty interesting. It all started so many years ago it is difficult to imagine, as the first sights of a type of purse were seen on drawings in hieroglyphics with the Egyptians, and also later in Europe in the 1300’s when women of wealth would have them sewn onto their undergarments. Back then, both men and women wore purses and they did not resemble the modern woman’s handbag of today or even the man’s briefcase or carry-all. They were much smaller versions, and usually had a sentiment attached to them. They were really only for the wealthy, for instance, so they may have borne the wealthy family’s crest or a symbol or story of their family sewn onto the purse. They were handmade, and usually of fine and limited materials.
By the 1700s, purses were becoming more common among people who were not just of high social status. They were made from more common materials, and could be found carried by just about anyone of reasonable means. People were travelling more, so it became common also for men and women to wear large cloth bags strapped across their chest to hold their most dear and necessary personal belongings on them while they travelled. These bags were usually very plain looking and uncomplicated, merely functional, and similar to the ‘messenger bags’ of today.
It was also around this time that young ladies were beginning to take up embroidery and needlepoint, and men would be interested in a lady with a fine purse that she crafted herself. If a man did not have travel or luggage needs, it was becoming odd by this point to find a man who carried a purse. It was pretty much limited by then to a wallet or tiny coin purse for money-holding, or a large and strapped bag for travel.
Slightly later, in the 1800’s perhaps, women needed purses for similar reasons that they do today. They were ‘out and about’ more often, and needed small bags to keep their makeup, toiletries and perfumes with them. They were becoming more and more into fashion and dress and style, and would craft purses or buy purses crafted to match their outfits. They also used these purses to make sure that none of their powdery, new cosmetics ruined any of their new outfits! Today, we obviously still use handbags for these and similar other reasons.
During the 1900s various kinds of purses came into style, including small clutch bags unlike the satchel or the tote but not quite small enough to be considered a ‘purse’ like the coin purse. This is when the term ‘handbag’ came into fashion, especially in the United States. It is a much newer term than ‘purse’. It started out being specific to a man’s bag, interestingly enough, that was being used ‘by his hand’ to carry luggage. It is curious that both the terms “purse” and “handbag” actually started out referring something to quite specific, but they can now be interchanged to mean the same thing and a whole variety of different types of the same thing!
By the Roaring 1920s, when fashion was at a height, designing handbags became ever more popular and the handbag and purse industry started to grow. It slowed down a bit in the 1940s and during World War II, but picked up again once the war ended and the economy was not suffering as much. Ever since then, the popularity of a multitude of differently designed styles, colors, textures, materials has just continued to boom. Now, as we all know, the best handbag designers can command thousands of dollars for their finest goods and we can basically choose anything we want, anytime, to match any outfit, size, shape and occasion. The sky is the limit, and we are quite fortunate that the ‘purse’ no longer limits us to a little leather coin bag!
About the Author
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics including celebrities afashion, often discussing specific items for women such as designer handbags .
Cosmetic Bag Buying Do's And Don'ts
A make-up or cosmetic bag is essential for every woman who wants to look presentable all the time. If you shop at department stores or even online, there's a wide range of cosmetic bags available. The problem is you can't seem to pick one! That's what this guide is all about - to give you tips and tricks on how to pick that make-up kit that is suited to your lifestyle. There are factors you should consider before jumping to buy a cosmetic bag. Your personal style, durability and of course, functionality all come into play. Read on to know more.
DO
1. Keep with your own style
Get a cosmetic bag similar in design to the purses or bags you currently use. A cosmetic bag is a woman's ultimate accessory and needs to fit with your entire wardrobe, or a good majority of it, not just what you are wearing at the time when picking out your cosmetic bag at the store.
2. Size matters
If you already have a purse, get a cosmetic bag that is small, portable and can practically fit anywhere. Professional make-up artists and extremely fashion-minded women may need to pick size over style. The Allison Barrett Cosmetic Bag and Bloom Cosmetic Bag are brands that have enough room for most of your cosmetic items.
3. Get functional with special compartments
If the cosmetic bag you choose is equipped with compartments, it will be easier for you to store brushes, concealers and other tidbits orderly and shipshape. Inspect the bag for special compartments - these are usually tough and will keep your things from getting damaged.
4. Make a statement
Cosmetic bags let you travel in style since you can choose an array of designs, sizes and colors. Nylon bags are more popular because it is custom-made with three different appealing designs. You don't want to be seen with a dingy old purse, would you?
DON'T
1. Overpay!
You can buy a small cosmetic bag from $5.00 to $10.00 or designer bags that may cost up to a searing $100.00 or more. Some bags come free if you buy a whole set of make-up.
2. Choose style over durability.
Cosmetic bags need to be strong and sturdy especially when traveling. Durable types of bags include Europe/U.S. size Conversation and the Wisteria Cosmetic Bag, which is known for its water-resistant lining and vintage feel.
3. Underestimate black
If you don't have the time to take care of your bag, pick one that is easy to clean to make its shelf life last longer.
4. Put everything in your bag
Choose what things are essential to you. You don't have to bring a hundred pounds of make-up when going to a party, to work, a girlfriend's pajama party, or even traveling. Bring the basics - like a tube of lipstick, mirror, blush, a brush, foundation or powder, eye shadow, eye liner and mascara.
Here's a list of essentials every woman should have in their cosmetic bag.
- A tube of lipstick
It can serve as a blush on too that can make you look fabulous in seconds. If you still have space, throw in a lip gloss for that extra shine.
- A mirror, preferably flat and compact for your cosmetic bag
Double sided mirrors are available for $3.00 to $5.00. Its hard to apply make-up without seeing your face right?
- A set of brushes
These are always important for touch-ups. You can buy a complete kit filled with miniaturized brushes that costs anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00. Of course, it is mandatory that you bring eyeshadow palette that you use regularly - buy one with all the colors that you trust. Don't buy one that you haven't even tested on your skin. Mascara and eyeliners are also indispensable for those occasional touch-ups.
- Blush
Bringing this along might be quite tricky because most of them come in big sizes. Choose one that is light, flat and compact. This is a basic element for that natural-looking healthy glow.
Remember, your make-up kit is a miniature version of your make-up case. If your bottle of foundation is too big, transfer some to a smaller bottle that seals tightly. Choose compact style mirrors and flat brushes to save space. You can also bring a traveling toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and facial tissues.
About the Author
For more great cosmetic related articles and resources check out http://cosmeticbag.makeupplace.com
