Fashion Through The Ages: A Look At Era-Inspired Handbags (Sep 18, 2011)
There are always so many trends passing and recycling through the fashion industry at all times, it can be quite overwhelming to keep up with and incorporate these trends into your own personal style. Most people think that fashion and looking stylish is still structured by specific rules: your belt, shoes and handbag have to match, you can't wear white after Labor Day, or you can't wear stripes with florals. Since we are no longer living in 1985, and the concept of having style has changed drastically, you as a fashionista and bagista control how you wear fashion. One thing that I have personally learned about the fashion industry is to store everything you like, and wear everything you love. Of course toss out your ragged sneakers and musty shirts that you obvious hate now, but store things that you just wouldn't necessarily wear now because it is inevitable that these trends will be back. Backpacks were a popular hit during the 90's grunge era; don't you wish you still had yours? Crossbody bags have definitely made a strong comeback since the 70's flower power and hippie stages, too bad your mom left her's behind at 1979. Who is to say you can't carry a brightly colored handbag because it's no longer the 1980's power woman faze? Wear what makes you smile, carry what makes you feel special and love fashion trends for their comings and goings.Here are some era-inspired handbags to think about as you incorporate today's current trends into your own personal styles:1920's Flapper Fashion: When I see anything two-toned I think of two-toned shoes. Two-toned shoes have been dated back to the 1800's, but were widely prevalent in the 1920's with flapper style and underground nightclubs. This International Patent and Leather Tote by F + C by Anna Corinna is such a great representation of this style with it's two-toned look in "Patinum." Great with a mini dress and heels or just simply with a suit, this tote is perfect for work and play.1930's Dust Bowl Economy:TexStyle has great on-the-go designs that you can literally take while you're on-the-go! This fabric Green Ethnic Reversible Bag is a great example of a low key and low mantenience bag that every woman must have in her closet. The ethnic print on this bag modernizes it up just a bit since ethnic prints are all the rave lately. And in this economy, what a great find!1940's Women's Empowerment With War:Urban Expression designs vegan and eco-friendly handbags, and this Gold Frame Faux Snake Skin Satchel is a great representation of the 1940's woman. Taking back the home while the man of the house is out and away at war, this satchel is powerful yet feminine all at the same time. The cherry on top happens to be the fact that this handbag is eco-friendly and luxurious without the use of animal products! Powerful? Yes!1950's Conservatism and Structure:This Hudson Quilted Shoulder Bag by Gorjana is a great combination of 1950's conservatism andtoday's more modernembellishing. Structured in beautiful quilted leather and embellished with classic gold chain and stud-detailing, this bag will look great with a sun dress and sandals or a cocktail dress and pumps this summer. Regardless of where you are going, consider this bag on your arm if you love the prim and proper looks of the 1950's housewife.1960's Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll:Rebecca Minkoff has a very edgy and spunky signiture look, and this Easy Rider Studded Crossbody is a great 1960's-inspired accessory with its zippers, tassels, and studs in tack! Perfect with jeans and a tee, take this bag to watch your favorite bands play in concerts and shows or toss on a boyfriend blazer and wow your colleagues when you take it to work. Either way, this very 60's rock & roll handbag is perfect for mixing and matching and taking everywhere this summer.1970's Flower Power and One Love:Hobo International has been known for their beautiful leather handbagswith suchgreat design and structure. This Rima Crossbody in Summer Bloom is such a great 1970's inspired bag, it would be hard not to wear this bag all summer. Whether with a summer dress for brunch with your family or over a concert tee while shopping in one of the many great vintage stores in Los Angeles, this bag can and will go anywhere with you.1980's Power Suits and White Collars:Bright colors and shoulder pads define the 1980's power era, and this Actress Clutch by Gretchen is definitely 80's inspired with its bright color and brilliant architechural look. On the contrary, there's no need to pair this bag with leg warmers or spandex in order to feel the full 80's era effect. Great for a night in the city, you can take this clutch anywhere and look modern, fresh and powerful.1990's Grunge:Hilary Taymour for Collina Strada is a favorite no doubt. Beautiful detailing and lovely structure, this backpack is by far not your average backpack from the 90's. Luxurious, detailed, and eco-friendly, Collina Strada's backpack is great for everyday wear and tear, summer roadtrips,weekend concerts and festivals and beach days. Casual, cool and effortless, Hilary Taymour for Collina Strada wows us with her modern take on this 90's flashback.2000's Designer Labels:Louis Vuitton is inspirational all in itself. Although thisbrandhas literally developeditself into alifestyle of luxury and high class many years ago when it began in Paris as a luggage and trunk company in 1954, Louis Vuitton defined the the milenium decade of designer labels. This new Louis Vuitton Speedy is a modern take on the classic brown design with its metallic trim and attachable shoulder strap. Louis Vuitton has come a long way in design since its luggage debut, and they still seem to keep us on our toes.2010's Present and Now, Mixing and Matching Style:RO &CO is avegan label who prides itself on designing luxurious and eco-friendly handbags for the current bagista. This AdriannaClutch is by far my favorite from their Caiman Collection.A foldoverclutch that can be held by its pretty silver handle during the day and folded over and held as aclutch at night, the current woman of the twenty-first centurywill never need to carry an evening bag in her desk for after-the-office dinner. Look great, be smart, and stay current with this hot number.With so much fashion and style to inspire you to think outside the box, remember there are no longer any rules to regulate how to wear fashion. Regardless of era, wear what you love and store what you like.
Crocodile Flap-Top Clutch (Oct 10, 2011)
Nancy Gonzalez designed this clutch for both day and evening. Luxurious crocodile construction provides timeless appeal, while the fold-over shape creates modern versatility.Choose turquoise, gray, or white wash matte Caiman fuscus crocodile.Golden hardware; tonal topstitching.Fold-over top with zip closure.Softened envelope style.8Made in Colombia.DesignerAbout Nancy Gonzalez:Nancy Gonzalez designs are modern but inspired by classical elements. Featuring exotic skins, along with rare and unique materials, in bold colors, the extraordinary handbags in this collection are handcrafted in Colombia by local artisans.
* In cities drivers must give way to traffic from the right hand side, this is what's called 'priorite a droite'* Overtaking a stationary tram is not permitted whilst driving in France (Jan 01, 1970)
* Petrol cans in cars are permitted but aren't allowed by ferry operators, so be aware prior to deciding to board your vessel to go driving in France. * In cities drivers must give way to traffic from the right hand side, this is what's called 'priorite a droite'* Overtaking a stationary tram is not permitted whilst driving in France. * You can obtain a 'blue disc' for parking zones from Police Offices and Tourist Information Shops. * Using car horns in built up areas is not permitted unless there is an immediate danger when driving in France. * Visual in car entertainment must not be in the drivers eye line, DVD's and TV etc. GPS systems are allowed.
